Erasure’s 2020 album ‘The Neon’ saw the group return to the UK Top 5 and earn their highest chart placement in over 25 years.
Their 18th collection was a critical and commercial triumph and quickly became a fan favourite, along with a radio staple with a string of hit singles.
As the duo prepares to release ‘The Neon Remixed’, we look back at the LP with a track-by-track countdown of all 10 songs.
Careful What I Try to Do
Maybe the one we come back to the least, Careful What I Try to Do is fine… if slightly forgettable. It doesn’t quite hit the mark, but that’s more down to the strength of the rest of the album.
Kid You’re Not Alone
It could have been one of our favourites, but a song’s only as good as its production and we can’t help feeling Kid You’re Not Alone was shortchanged. Still, Andy Bell’s vocals are outstanding.
Fallen Angel
An instant hit lacking in depth, it’s easy to see why Fallen Angel was picked as a single – the radio appeal is undeniable – but for longtime fans, it’s slightly simplistic.
New Horizons
Now things start getting tough; New Horizons is brilliant, but slightly out of context on ‘The Neon’. Great track, but the piano stands out a little too much in a sea of synths.
Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling)
Lead single Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling) set the tone for ‘The Neon’ with a brash celebration of Vince Clarke synths and Andy Bell melodies. Not their best, but bloody good fun all the same.
No Point in Tripping
A slightly more refined version of Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling), No Point in Tripping is similar in sound but structurally superior. The handclaps are an added bonus.
Tower of Love
Tower of Love signposts a shift in ‘The Neon’ from the synthpop of Side A to the mysterious Side B. And when we talk about the production on Kid You’re Not Alone, this is what we’re looking for.
Diamond Lies
Here’s another early favourite and one that almost edged its way to the top of our list. But there’s something about that chorus that needs a bit more oomph – you know what we’re saying?
Nerves of Steel
A dark, sultry slice of synth pop that’s as irresistible today as it was the first time round. Plus some standout belts… bravo, Andy Bell!
Shot a Satellite
The perfect pop track and everything we love about Erasure; shimmering synths, great vocals and a chorus that slaps. Oh, and the Initial Talk remix is stellar. We can’t wait to see this one done live!
