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ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN STUDIO ALBUMS
Crocodiles
Released: July 18, 1980
Crocodiles is the debut studio album by Echo and the Bunnymen, marking their entrance into the post-punk scene with its atmospheric and melancholic sound. The album quickly became a critical success and established the band as one of the pioneering acts of the post-punk movement.
The band consisted of Ian McCulloch (vocals), Will Sergeant (guitar), Les Pattinson (bass), and Pete de Freitas (drums). The album was produced by Bill Drummond and David Balfe, with additional production by Ian Broudie. It was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales, during late 1979 and early 1980.
CD Track Listings:
- “Going Up” – 3:56
- “Stars Are Stars” – 2:47
- “Pride” – 2:41
- “Monkeys” – 2:49
- “Crocodiles” – 2:40
- “Rescue” – 4:26
- “Villiers Terrace” – 2:44
- “Pictures on My Wall” – 2:53
- “All That Jazz” – 2:48
- “Happy Death Men” – 4:58
Heaven Up Here
Released: May 30, 1981
Heaven Up Here, the second album by Echo and the Bunnymen, continued to build on the dark, swirling post-punk sound of their debut. This album delved deeper into the atmospheric and brooding textures that defined their music, receiving widespread acclaim and solidifying their reputation in the UK and abroad.
Produced by Hugh Jones, the album showcased a more polished sound and was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales, in early 1981. It charted in the UK, reaching number 10 on the Albums Chart, signifying the band’s rising popularity.
CD Track Listings:
- “Show of Strength” – 4:50
- “With a Hip” – 3:16
- “Over the Wall” – 5:59
- “It Was a Pleasure” – 3:14
- “A Promise” – 4:08
- “Heaven Up Here” – 3:45
- “The Disease” – 2:28
- “All My Colours” – 4:06
- “No Dark Things” – 4:27
- “Turquoise Days” – 3:51
- “All I Want” – 4:09
Porcupine
Released: February 4, 1983
Porcupine is the third studio album by Echo and the Bunnymen. The album features a more expansive approach with string arrangements and a somewhat more upbeat sound, though still deeply rooted in the band’s atmospheric signature style. The album includes the hit single “The Cutter” which helped boost the band’s profile significantly.
Produced by Ian Broudie and the band, Porcupine was recorded at Trident Studios in London, England, in late 1982. The album reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart, marking their highest position to date.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Cutter” – 3:54
- “The Back of Love” – 3:16
- “My White Devil” – 4:40
- “Clay” – 4:15
- “Porcupine” – 6:00
- “Heads Will Roll” – 3:33
- “Ripeness” – 4:50
- “Higher Hell” – 5:00
- “Gods Will Be Gods” – 5:24
- “In Bluer Skies” – 4:32
Ocean Rain
Released: May 4, 1984
Ocean Rain is often considered the masterpiece of Echo and the Bunnymen, featuring lush orchestration combined with their trademark haunting melodies. The album includes the iconic track “The Killing Moon,” which remains one of their most celebrated songs. Ocean Rain showcased a maturation of the band’s sound and lyrical depth.
Produced by Ian Broudie, the album was recorded at Les Studios des Dames in Paris, France, and at Crescent Studio in Bath, England, during late 1983 and early 1984. The album reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and has been widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of the 1980s.
CD Track Listings:
- “Silver” – 3:22
- “Nocturnal Me” – 4:58
- “Crystal Days” – 2:24
- “The Yo Yo Man” – 3:11
- “Thorn of Crowns” – 4:52
- “The Killing Moon” – 5:46
- “Seven Seas” – 3:20
- “My Kingdom” – 4:06
- “Ocean Rain” – 5:18
Echo & the Bunnymen
Released: July 6, 1987
Echo & the Bunnymen, often referred to as the self-titled album, marked a significant point in the band’s career, blending a mix of melancholy and mainstream pop sensibilities. This album includes popular tracks like “Lips Like Sugar” and “The Game,” which helped maintain the band’s presence in the charts during a period of transition.
Produced by Laurie Latham, the album was recorded at Conny’s Studio in Cologne, Germany, and ICP Studios in Brussels, Belgium in early 1987. It reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and solidified their status in the alternative rock scene.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Game” – 3:50
- “Over You” – 4:01
- “Bedbugs and Ballyhoo” – 3:28
- “All in Your Mind” – 4:32
- “Bombers Bay” – 4:22
- “Lips Like Sugar” – 4:52
- “Lost and Found” – 3:37
- “New Direction” – 4:44
- “Blue Blue Ocean” – 5:07
- “Satellite” – 3:03
- “All My Life” – 4:07
Reverberation
Released: December 10, 1990
Reverberation is the sixth studio album by Echo and the Bunnymen and the first without founding member Ian McCulloch. This album, featuring Noel Burke as the new vocalist, took a different direction with its sound and was met with mixed reviews. It represents a transitional period in the band’s history, experimenting with new vocal styles and musical arrangements.
The album was produced by Geoff Emerick and recorded at The Workhouse, London, and Amazon Studios, Liverpool, in 1990. While it did not achieve the same commercial success as previous albums, it reached number 11 on the UK Albums Chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Gone, Gone, Gone” – 4:16
- “Enlighten Me” – 5:01
- “Cut and Dried” – 4:05
- “King of Your Castle” – 4:23
- “Devilment” – 5:13
- “Thick Skinned World” – 4:21
- “Freaks Dwell” – 4:46
- “Senseless” – 5:05
- “Flaming Red” – 5:40
- “False Goodbyes” – 4:35
Evergreen
Released: July 14, 1997
Evergreen marked the return of Ian McCulloch and the revitalization of the band’s classic sound, blending their traditional post-punk roots with contemporary influences. The album was well-received, signifying a successful comeback with singles like “Nothing Lasts Forever” resonating with both old and new fans alike.
Produced by Echo and the Bunnymen with additional production by Jon Kelly, Evergreen was recorded at Doghouse Studios, Henley-on-Thames and Abbey Road, London in early 1997. The album reached number 8 on the UK Albums Chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Don’t Let It Get You Down” – 3:50
- “In My Time” – 3:24
- “I Want to Be There (When You Come)” – 3:39
- “Evergreen” – 4:05
- “I’ll Fly Tonight” – 4:23
- “Nothing Lasts Forever” – 3:56
- “Baseball Bill” – 4:04
- “Altamont” – 3:47
- “Just a Touch Away” – 5:07
- “Empire State Halo” – 3:58
- “Too Young to Kneel” – 3:39
- “Forgiven” – 5:47
What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?
Released: April 16, 1999
What Are You Going to Do with Your Life? continued the more introspective and mature sound introduced in Evergreen. This album features orchestral arrangements and thoughtful lyrics, focusing on themes of reflection and existential questioning. The subdued and melodic approach contrasted with their earlier, more energetic work.
This album was recorded at various locations including AIR Studios in London and was produced by Echo and the Bunnymen with additional input from Pete Coleman. It reached number 21 on the UK Albums Chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?” – 5:11
- “Rust” – 5:24
- “Get in the Car” – 4:20
- “Baby Rain” – 4:17
- “History Chimes” – 3:25
- “Lost on You” – 4:49
- “Morning Sun” – 4:06
- “When It All Blows Over” – 3:17
- “Fools Like Us” – 4:02
Flowers
Released: May 14, 2001
Flowers marked another phase in the band’s evolving sound, mixing their iconic atmospheric elements with modern rock influences. This album contains a collection of melancholic songs that showcase the band’s ability to blend moody lyrics with vibrant musical arrangements.
Recorded at the Elevator Studios in Liverpool and produced by Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant, Flowers reached number 56 on the UK Albums Chart, illustrating the band’s sustained ability to engage their audience despite the ever-changing musical landscape.
CD Track Listings:
- “King of Kings” – 4:24
- “SuperMellow Man” – 4:58
- “Hide & Seek” – 4:06
- “Make Me Shine” – 3:52
- “It’s Alright” – 3:27
- “Buried Alive” – 3:57
- “Flowers” – 4:15
- “Everybody Knows” – 4:37
- “Life Goes On” – 3:52
- “An Eternity Turns” – 3:51
- “Burn for Me” – 3:38
Siberia
Released: September 20, 2005
Siberia is a return to form for Echo and the Bunnymen, featuring a robust blend of haunting melodies and sharp, engaging lyrics that recall the band’s early successes. The album was critically acclaimed for its energetic delivery and classic sound, reinforcing the band’s place in the post-punk and alternative rock pantheon.
Produced by Hugh Jones, who had previously worked on Heaven Up Here, the album was recorded at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool. Siberia peaked at number 83 on the UK Albums Chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Stormy Weather” – 3:03
- “All Because of You Days” – 3:36
- “Parthenon Drive” – 3:36
- “In the Margins” – 3:49
- “Of a Life” – 3:38
- “Make Us Blind” – 3:58
- “Everything Kills You” – 4:17
- “Siberia” – 4:55
- “Sideways Eight” – 3:03
- “Scissors in the Sand” – 3:17
- “What If We Are?” – 5:05
The Fountain
Released: October 12, 2009
The Fountain showcases a continued evolution in the band’s sound, characterized by more upbeat and accessible songs that feature catchy hooks and optimistic lyrics. The album’s vibrant energy and melodic strengths highlighted a band that remained creatively active and willing to explore new directions.
Produced by John McLaughlin, the album was recorded at the Motor Museum in Liverpool. The Fountain reached number 48 on the UK Albums Chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Think I Need It Too” – 3:38
- “Forgotten Fields” – 3:42
- “Do You Know Who I Am?” – 2:52
- “Shroud of Turin” – 3:55
- “Life of a Thousand Crimes” – 3:21
- “The Idolness of Gods” – 4:22
- “The Fountain” – 4:01
- “Everlasting Neverendless” – 3:09
- “Proxy” – 3:07
- “Drivetime” – 3:52
- “The Idolness of Gods” – 4:22
Meteorites
Released: May 26, 2014
Meteorites, the twelfth studio album by Echo and the Bunnymen, delivers a collection of introspective and emotionally charged songs, reaffirming the band’s mastery of blending atmospheric soundscapes with lyrical depth. The album was seen as a continuation of their reflective and mature phase.
Produced by Youth, known for his work with numerous successful bands, the album was recorded at various locations including London and Liverpool. Meteorites peaked at number 37 on the UK Albums Chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Meteorites” – 5:12
- “Holy Moses” – 4:14
- “Constantinople” – 4:53
- “Is This a Breakdown?” – 3:45
- “Grapes Upon the Vine” – 4:10
- “Falling” – 5:03
- “Explosions” – 4:39
- “Icarus” – 4:23
- “I Loved the Devil” – 4:43
- “Market Town” – 7:05
- “New Horizons” – 5:25
Read More: Top 10 Echo & The Bunnymen Songs
The Stars, the Oceans & the Moon
Released: October 5, 2018
The Stars, the Oceans & the Moon is an album that features new perspectives on the band’s classic songs, alongside a few new tracks. This project was an opportunity for the band to revisit their extensive catalog with fresh arrangements and updated production, often incorporating orchestral and acoustic elements.
Produced by Echo and the Bunnymen, the album was recorded at the Doghouse Studios in Henley-on-Thames and Vale Studios in Worcestershire. It achieved a peak position of number 11 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing the enduring appeal of the band’s music.
CD Track Listings:
- “Bring on the Dancing Horses” – 3:58
- “The Somnambulist” – 3:51
- “Nothing Lasts Forever” – 3:53
- “Lips Like Sugar” – 4:52
- “Rescue” – 4:25
- “Rust” – 4:04
- “Angels and Devils” – 4:24
- “Bedbugs and Ballyhoo” – 3:25
- “Zimbo” – 3:40
- “Stars Are Stars” – 2:47
- “Seven Seas” – 3:20
- “Ocean Rain” – 5:18
- “The Cutter” – 4:07
- “How Far?” – 3:46
- “The Killing Moon” – 5:55
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