Swoon  by Prefab Sprout

Swoon, released in 1984, is the debut album from Prefab Sprout, which laid the groundwork for their reputation as one of the most sophisticated British pop bands. It is characterized as an album that balances between indie pop, sophisti-pop, and art rock. Generally, it is a "difficult" and complex album, filled with unusual chords, Paddy McAloon's literary lyrics, and influences ranging from jazz to post-punk.

Prefab Sprout recorded their first album at Palladium Studios in Edinburgh in just 18 days with a very low budget (around £5,000). The production was done by David Brewis (member of Kane Gang) along with the band. In contrast to Thomas Dolby's later "polished" productions, Swoon has a drier and more direct sound. The only single from the album was Don't Sing, for which a video clip was made, and it reached No.62 on the UK charts. Other well-known tracks include "Couldn't Bear To Be Special" and Cruel.

Despite its alternative nature, Swoon reached No.22 on the UK Albums Chart, an impressive achievement for the debut of a group with no prior hit singles. Swoon is now considered a classic example of 80s sophisti-pop, paving the way for the masterpiece Steve McQueen that followed. In fact, without Swoon, the mid-80s British scene would be much poorer (!)