Review: SIMPLE MINDS - "Sparkle in the Rain"

Discostory essential: interviews and reviews to reread… IMPERATIVE

Released on February 6, 1984, i.e. forty years ago, Sparkle in the Rain is the sixth studio album by the Scottish band Simple Minds.

“Sparkle in the Rain” marked a turning point in Simple Minds’ sound. A generally rock-oriented album, a departure from the new wave aesthetic of its acclaimed predecessor New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) and undoubtedly a transition album towards the pop-rock of the subsequent album “Once Upon a Time ” of 1985.

THE CURIOSITY’

Production: The album was produced by Steve Lillywhite, known for his work with bands such as U2 and Big Country. His influence can be heard in the powerful and dynamic sound of the album.
Hit Singles: The album featured hit singles such as “Waterfront,” “Speed Your Love to Me” and “Up on the Catwalk,” which helped solidify the band’s popularity.
Cultural influence: The song “Waterfront” has become a real anthem, so much so that it has been used in several television and film productions.
Recorded: In September 1983, Simple Minds went to Monnow Valley Studio in Rockfield, near Monmouth in Wales, for three weeks to work on new material.
The Release: Due to a desire to release the album worldwide simultaneously, Simple Minds decided not to put the record on sale before Christmas 1983, instead releasing Sparkle in the Rain on February 6, 1984.
Ranking: The album reached number one in the UK album chart, selling over 300,000 copies and was positioned at number forty-six in the year-end chart.
In Italy: the album reached number ten, positioning itself at number 41 in the 1984 albums.

SCORE: 8.50

TRACKLIST

Up on the Catwalk – 4:45
Book of Brilliant Things – 4:20
Speed Your Love to Me – 4:25
Waterfront – 4:49
East at Easter – 3.30am
Street Hassle – 5:15 (Reed)
White Hot Day – 4:33
“C” Moon Cry Like a Baby – 4:21
The Kick Inside of Me – 4:45
Shake Off the Ghosts – 3:58

1979 – Life in a Day
1979 – Real to Real Cacophony
1980 – Empires and Dance
1981 – Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call
1982 – New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)
1984 – Sparkle in the Rain
1985 – Once Upon a Time
1989 – Street Fighting Years
1991 – Real Life
1995 – Good News from the Next World
1998 – Néapolis
1999 – Our Secrets Are The Same
2001 – Neon Lights
2002 – Cry
2005 – Black & White 050505
2009 – Graffiti Soul
2014 – Big Music
2018 – Walk Between Worlds
2022 – Direction Of The Heart