Prefab Sprout – Andromeda Heights (1997) (Music Review)

Prefab Sprout – Andromeda Heights (1997) Today, I’m going to set the record straight on something that’s been bothering me for the past 27 years! Yes, this year 2024, it’s been twenty-four years since this album came out. On 05.05.1997 to be exact!

What’s been sticking in my throat all this time?At the time, a pseudo-music journalist slammed the album. He said that time had passed, but that Prefab Sprout hadn’t noticed a thing. According to this idiot, the band hadn’t changed, and therefore hadn’t evolved. I could hide the name of the Swiss magazine in which I’d read that, but why should I? The magazine, which could easily be described as a rag, was called ‘Live’ and, fortunately, it disappeared a long time ago. You can’t imagine how good it feels to set the record straight, at least here!

Just like Rolling Stones, Madness, Human League, The Bangles, Wire, Tears for Fears, Nik Kershaw, Adam Ant, Morrissey and so on, everyone has evolved in their own way. Just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean it’s bad, or that it’s the same thing all the time. These bands are true to themselves first and foremost and to their unique genres. Their aim is not to be commercial.

Yes, there are people who don’t like Prefab Sprout and never will.But what do they know? Just ‘King of Rock’n’Roll’??? Pfffffff! If that’s the case, people don’t understand the humour of this song and have no open mind. But there are also people who appreciate them as much as I do.

One of them wrote: “All time favourite! One of my favourite Prefab Sprout albums. It really takes me to new heights…”.

Another said: “A Summit of CreativityUntil now, creativityculmination of what is probablymost singular andmost underrated pop group in the world.”

And, finally, a third opinion complementary to mine: “Perfect! One of the most perfect pop albums ever! Absolutely timeless and perfectly produced.”

Now there are people who have taken the trouble to listen to Prefab Sprout. Special mention for the song “Steal Your Thunder’” which I can listen to over and over again, but I love “The Fifth Horseman” too! The next track, “Avenue Of Stars”, features a magnificent one-and-a-half minute musical intro. It’s a bit the same for the last one, “Andromeda Heights”- a splendid title track.

No, really: the album’s intro, its release, all those instrumental moments that feel like interludes… it’s all there. An exceptional voice, so pleasant to listen to, delivering brilliant, ultra-poetic lyrics.

Musically, there are few limits. There’s saxophone and piano that go perfectly with the trio of guitar, bass and drums. Well… I say that, but it’s extremely simplified! I couldn’t possibly list all the instruments on this album. There’s mandolin, synthesiser, percussion, flute and so on.

Neil Conti, the band’s basic drummer, is already gone, alas. But the band holds its own with all their guests. As for Wendy Smith, yes, she’ll be missing from the next album, but it’s definitely the last one she was involved in. We’ll never know if the whole team reunites one day.

This English pop/rock band formed in the early 1980s in Durham. Although critically acclaimed, the band never found widespread popular success, although they did have a certain impact in the UK. It’s a real scandal! Such intense pleasure every time. And I’m looking forward to the eleventh, which will come out one day. You should know that this album is doing well, despite the negative reviews. It’s been remastered and is also out on vinyl. Thank you Prefab Sprout! Forever!!!

My Rating