Search - Proclaimers :: Sunshine on Leith

Music With Life In It

Reviewer | 08/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A rousing and at times poignant album of rock ballads that deal with life and love, "Sunshine On Leith" is one terrific collection of songs from beginning to end. Twin brothers from Scotland, Craig and Charlie Reid deliver a dozen cuts with plenty of heart and soul, with lyrics that say a lot in a short span of time. The infectious rhythm of "I'm Gonna Be," featured prominently in the 1993 movie "Benny and Joon," catapulted the Proclaimers into the limelight, and what a treat to discover that the rest of their album is equally deserving of praise. With the exception of "My Old Friend The Blues," all of the songs were written by the brothers Reid and feature Craig on lead vocals and Charlie on vocals and acoustic guitar. I defy anyone to try and sit still while listening to "Cap In Hand," "Sean," "Come On Nature," "I'm On My Way," "What Do You Do," or "Oh Jean." Two more that will grab hold of you are "It's Saturday Night," and "Teardrops." But the ballad "Sunshine On Leith," a pensive, reflective piece, is absolutely transporting and is clearly the highlight of the album. The more you listen to this album the more it gets into your blood; these are songs you can listen to over and over again and they never get old. Listening to "Sunshine On Leith" makes you want to go outside, close your eyes and take a deep breath of fresh air, or maybe even let the rain hit you in the face; either way, you'll feel alive, and that's the magic of this offering from the Proclaimers. All you have to do is open the door and let the music in."

R-O-C-K in the U.K.

Westley | Stuck in my head | 10/11/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Proclaimers are twin brothers - Craig and Charlie Reid from Edinburgh, Scotland. "Sunshine on Leith," their second record, was originally released in 1988. At that time, "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" was a moderate hit on college rock stations, peaking at #21 on the Modern Rock chart. The song also did well in their native U.K. - going to #11. Five years later, the song was resurrected in the Johnny Depp film, "Benny & Joon," and shot all the way to #3 on the Top 100. In addition, the song and CD went gold. Most people who bought the record in 1993 probably listened mostly to that hit; however, they really missed out on some great music.



"Sunshine on Leith" is often dismissed as a CD that contains one hit and nothing else. I'm reminded of CDs such as "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba or "How Bizarre" by OMC. The danger of becoming a one-hit wonder is that everybody wants the full-length CD to sound exactly like the hit. "Sunshine on Leith" doesn't just contain 11 variations on "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," which is fortunate for the discriminating listener. Only "I'm on My Way" has a similar, sing-a-long feel. Some of the other highlights include: "Cap in Hand" - a good old-fashioned song about fighting; "Sean" - an engaging Irish ditty ("I'll tell you now that grown men cry and Irish girls are pretty"); and "Come on Nature" - a surprisingly boppy song. They also include several extremely beautiful ballads here, particularly the country-tinged "My Old Friend the Blues" and the gorgeous, melancholy "Sunshine on Leith."



The Proclaimers' music is basically rock, although it incorporates fair amounts of folk and UK-sounding influences. As a result, the CD is quite varied, with some good rockers and beautiful ballads. Their music is relatively stripped, and it reminds me of 50s rock in some ways - solid rock music with straight-forward lyrics. Overall, this CD has been decidedly overlooked and worthy of greater attention - highly recommended.





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Came for the song - Stayed for the album

David C. Roller | United States | 07/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I generally shy away from buying an entire album when I am crazy about 1 song. Because historically when I do I end up with one song I like and 9 or more that I can barely tolerate. So, when I bought "Sunshine on Leith" at a used CD store for "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" I had no idea that I would come to regard the album in its entirety far more than the catchy up tempo number that I purchased it for.Sunshine on Leith begins with the aforementioned I'm Gonna Be which I never tire of. It is at once impetuous and well thought out. Cap in Hand follows, an interesting polemic on Scotland's relationship with England. I find the strange juxtaposition of the following lyrics both humorous and intriguing:"I can say Saskatchewan without starting to stutter but I can't understand why we let someone else rule our land."A strange juxtaposition occurs again in the next song "Then I Met You." It takes a song about new found faith and it turns it into a rollicking pub song. During certain hearings I like this song better than I'm Gonna Be.The strange juxtapositions keep on coming with "My Old Friend the Blues". A love song for the blues?! As preposterous as it first seems, they really pull it off. In strong part that in reality loneliness can often seem like a friend.I love the song "Sean." I don't understand it, but I love it. The harmonies are tremendous and I totally agree with these lyrics:"Sean, I sat awhile on clouds to ask God if he's living. I should have spent time on knees in thanks for what he's given." Of the remaining songs I found 3 worthy of special mention:
The titular "Sunshine on Leith" a hauntingly beautiful love song
"Come on Nature" refreshingly Simon-and-Garfunkelesque lament
and "Oh Jean" a strange juxtaposition (of course) of crudeness and reverence for sexual love.

The Proclaimers with "Sunshine on Leith" have reminded me that one good song can be the doorway to an excellent album"