We’ve by no means began a narrative with a quote from Robert Louis Stevenson earlier than, however that is the second. In Virginibus Puerisque, and Different Papers, revealed in 1881, the Scottish author noticed: “Little do ye know your own blessedness; for to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labour.” In 1987, that notion can be tailored for the title of Swing Out Sister’s debut album It’s Higher To Journey.
The delicate, jazzy pop sound of frontwoman and vocalist Corinne Drewery, keyboard participant Andy Connell, and drummer Martin Jackson (who left after this primary LP) had first appeared on the unsuccessful 1985 single “Blue Mood.” However within the autumn of the next yr, the group launched “Breakout,” and it lived as much as its identify.
The irresistibly upbeat music, written by all three group members, grew to become a world chart sensation. It not solely reached No.4 within the UK however gave Swing Out Sister a US pop No.6 and an Grownup Modern chart No.1. Within the new yr of 1987, “Surrender” adopted it into the UK High 10. Though the following single “Twilight World” was a extra modest High 40 hit there, the stage, and their sound, have been set for It’s Higher To Journey.
Traditional and trendy pop
Produced by Paul Staveley O’Duffy, the album was a assured, full-length exposition of Swing Out Sister’s uncommon mixture of basic and trendy pop. What’s extra, the label they’d signed to, Mercury, have been on a exceptional roll.
One other of their new pop acts, Curiosity Killed The Cat, launched their debut album Hold Your Distance in April 1987 and noticed it race to No.1. It’s Higher To Journey adopted it there every week later. Early in 1988, one other ingenue Mercury act, Moist Moist Moist, would do the identical with their first album, Popped In Souled Out.
Swing Out Sister and their first album grew to become a part of the defining sound of British pop of 1987. A fifth single, “Fooled By A Smile,” adopted the LP launch, so that each one however 4 tracks from the vinyl model grew to become singles. In addition to Drewery’s stylish vocals and the group’s admirable songcraft, their instrumental prowess was summed up by the closing “Theme (From ‘It’s Better To Travel’).” The CD version added 4 remixes of tracks from the album.
Hearken to the 80s Traditional Hits playlist, that includes 50 of the best moments from a particular decade.
On the UK chart of Could 23, 1987, It’s Higher To Journey entered at No.1, its first of two weeks there, and 7 within the High 10. Within the US, the album reached No.40 throughout a formidable 43-week chart run, and was licensed gold in April 1988.
Purchase or stream It’s Higher To Journey.
