A Flock of Seagulls Albums (5)
'Light at the End of the World'
Release Date 3/14/1995
Tracks 12
Label Big Shot
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
A Flock of Seagulls stuck around longer than many critics figured, but by 1986 things looked bad for the group who had become synonymous with the term "haircut band." Synth pop from the U.K. was out, guitars were back in, and Flock of Seagulls' stalwart six-stringer, Paul Reynolds, had quit. Undaunted, the remaining trio relocated to Philadelphia and attempted a more poppier, soulful, and American sound for their fourth album. Unfortunately, the result ended up finishing off the floundering Flock, as the new direction was a critical and commercial bomb. With frontman Mike Score as the primary songwriter and producer (along with veteran boardman Wayne Braithwaite, who'd worked with acts like Kenny G. and Billy Ocean), the group did manage one memorable single; "Heartbeat Like a Drum," with its chattering sequencers and colorful production tricks, seemed like an endearing attempt to re-create Scritti Politti's bubblegum electro-funk. But the rest of the album -- featuring already-lifeless songs drowned in Fairlights, female backing vocals, and clumsy attempts to groove -- confirmed that the group whose chart odyssey began in earnest with "I Ran" had finally run out of steam. Reaching a career nadir with the faux-R&B of "Love on Your Knees," which combined a nursery rhyme melody with a self-explanatory sexual sentiment, Flock of Seagulls likely drove away any remaining fans attracted by the otherworldly new wave of past hits like "Space Age Love Song" and Wishing." That accomplished, the band had little else to do but split up, although Mike Score would make two subsequent attempts to revive it with a different supporting cast. ~ Dan LeRoy, All Music Guide
'The Story of a Young Heart'
Release Date 1/1/1984
Tracks 9
Label Jive/Arista
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
A Flock of Seagulls retooled a bit for their third album, The Story of a Young Heart, as Steve Lovell stepped into the producer's role and the band eased up on its heavily synthesized approach for more of a Europop feel. "The More You Live, the More You Love" is as good as anything they've done and gave the band one final chart hit. Otherwise, the best stuff is near the end and sounds most reminiscent of their debut. "Over My Head" and "Heart of Steel" bound along despite sounding thin, and they almost recapture their hyperkinetic glory with "Remember David." ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Alternately OK and disappointing, Listen is mainly notable for the presence of "Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)" and the Bill Nelson-produced "(It's Not Me) Talking." Much of the rest is tiring and tiresome. ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Liverpool quintet A Flock of Seagulls first gained attention in the dance clubs with "Telecommunication," included on this debut release. The band benefited from heavy play on MTV and quickly became known for their outrageous fashion and lead singer Mike Score's waterfall-like haircut. However, their self-titled debut is an enjoyable romp that was set apart from other synth-heavy acts of the time by Paul Reynolds' unique guitar style. The kinetic "I Ran (So Far Away)" became a video staple and a Top Ten radio hit. "A Space Age Love Song," with its synthesizer washes and echo-laden guitar, also managed to score at radio. The rest of the album consists of hyperactive melodies, synthesizer noodlings, and electronic drumming. The lyrics are forgettable. In fact, they rarely expand on the song titles, but its all great fun and a wonderful collection of new wave ear candy. ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide
