Their biggest commercial and critical success came with 1990's Jordan: The Comeback (one of two albums produced by Thomas Dolby), which was a hit in the UK and nominated for a BRIT award. The band also had a UK Top 10 hit with their 1988 song The King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Perhaps their finest album, Steve McQueen (originally released in June 1985) was re-released in August 2007 as a 2-CD deluxe edition, with a bonus disc of eight acoustic reinterpretations of some of the original tracks. Of the release, the record company said: "Digitally remastered by original producer Thomas Dolby, the album is sounding even better than ever. As if that weren't enough it is complemented here with a second disc containing eight sublime acoustic versions, which have been specially re-recorded for this release by Paddy McAloon."
Steve McQueen was released in the US under the title Two Wheels Good following pressure from the late actor's estate.
Prefab Sprout released Let's Change the World With Music - The Blueprint in 2009 on the Kitchenware Records label (website). See also Sprout Trivia below.
Discography:
Lions In My Own Garden (Exit Someone) / Radio Love - Feb 25, 1982 (their first record, released on their own label Candle)
The Devil Has All the Best Tunes / Walk On - Oct 1983 (Kitchenware) (feat. Wendy Smith and Fiona Attwood)
Swoon - Mar 1984
Steve McQueen aka Two Wheels Good (US) - Jun 1985
From Langley Park to Memphis - Mar 1988
Protest Songs - Jun 1989
Jordan: The Comeback - Aug 1990
The Best of Prefab Sprout: A Life of Surprises - Jul 1992 (compilation; exit Conti hereafter)
Andromeda Heights - May 1997
38 Carat Collection (disc 1) - Oct 1999 (compilation)
38 Carat Collection (disc 2) - Oct 1999 (compilation)
The Gunman And Other Stories - Jun 18, 2001 (sans Smith)
Chronology of Bandmembers:
Paddy McAloon (born Patrick Joseph McAloon, Jun 7, 1957, Durham); vocals / guitars / keyboards
Martin McAloon (born Jan 4, 1962, Durham); bass guitar
Michael Salmon; drums / percussion
Wendy Smith (born May 31, 1963, Middlesbrough); vocals / guitars / keyboards
Neil Conti (born Feb 12, 1959, Luton); drums / percussion
Fiona Attwood (Chester-le-Street); backing vocals
Sprout Trivia:
Paddy conceived the name "Prefab Sprout" when he was just 14 back in 1972, he revealed in an interview with French magazine BEST. It was his attempt at creating an unusual name like groups that were popular at the time (eg Tyrannosaurus Rex, Moby Grape, Grand Funk Railroad, etc.).
The band has had as many as 11 drummers (including Paddy McAloon himself on programmed percussion!) in its lineup. Of these, Conti was the most closely identified with the group. (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sproutfacts.html)
Paddy had apparently conceived of an album named Let's Change The World With Music (the working title of the band's forthcoming album, due February 2009) as far back as the early 1990's:
"I actually wrote a Gulf War album called Let's Change The World With Music, and I've got a couple of beauties, but there are right and wrong times to do things, and it came after another album I wrote which is much lighter... it's called Billy Midnight, very romantic. So the Gulf War album was a more serious response to that. I keep junking things all the time." - NME June 20, 1992 (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sprout_misc.html)
"And I have an album called Let's Change The World With Music; lots of songs about music, playing on that horrible thing where you listen to a song like "We Are The World" and the sentiment is great but it's such a cliché that it sticks in your throat. It plays on that edge between that kind of thing and real sincerity." - NME April 15, 1995 (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sprout_misc.html)
"Look, since 1990 I've written what I think of as my best music. You can hear some of it on Andromeda Heights. But I have also - in detailed demo form - an album called Let's Change The World With Music. It was written as the follow up to Jordan." - BEST magazine (France) July 1997 (source: http://www.browningmcintosh.com/plocktonwest/sprout_misc.html)
Where The Heart Is
Prefab Sprout Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Than these narrow streets I know
Still you find here, ties that bind here
Where the heart is
Maybe other lights are brighter
Than these streetlights row by row
All I know is, this is home it's
Maybe other grass is greener
And what if it is
I belong here, right or wrong here's
Where the heart is
Maybe other grass is greener
And what if it is
We'll get by here, laugh and cry here
Where the heart is
We'll fly here, it's so high here
Where the heart is
The lyrics to Prefab Sprout's song Where The Heart Is is an ode to the concept of home and the attachment we have to our roots. The lead singer muses about other places being wider, brighter, and seemingly greener, but here, in the familiar and narrow streets he knows, is where he truly feels a sense of belonging. He talks about the ties that bind us to our home and the comfort that comes from being in the place where our heart is. He acknowledges that there may be other places and people we might think are better, but he chooses to remain in his home and let the heart guide him.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe other streets are wider
There may be other options and opportunities available that are more enticing
Than these narrow streets I know
Compared to what I'm used to, the options available to me may be limited
Still you find here, ties that bind here, Where the heart is
Despite the limitations in my community, there are still strong emotional connections and reasons to stay
Maybe other lights are brighter
Other places may be more vibrant and exciting
Than these streetlights row by row
My current surroundings may lack excitement and stimulation
All I know is, this is home it's,Where the heart is
Despite the lack of excitement, my current community feels like home and is where my emotions are invested
Maybe other grass is greener
Opportunities and experiences in other places may seem superior
And what if it is
Even if opportunities in other places seem better, there may still be reasons to stay where I am
I belong here, right or wrong here's,Where the heart is
Despite any issues with my community or personal doubts, I still feel a sense of belonging and connection here
Maybe other grass is greener
Again acknowledging that other places may seem better
And what if it is
Even if opportunities in other places seem better, there may still be reasons to stay where I am
We'll get by here, laugh and cry here,Where the heart is
No matter the struggles or hardships, this community is where we will support each other and find joy
We'll fly here, it's so high here,Where the heart is
Even if other places seem more glamorous or exciting, the emotional connection and sense of belonging in my community make it feel like the best place to be
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PADDY MC ALOON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
BluetheFortune
It's a shame how ITV cancelled Where the Heart Is without a true, exact finale, this song is very charming to hear and the show itself really needs to get more attention to celebrate a anniversary.
Harry Nikander
This small but emotionally stunning piece is one of the greatest from Paddy McAloon's songbook.
Carmelo
One of my favorite bands ever. I have been listening to their music since the 1980s. Paddy you are my hero.
Dr. Anne
I can't think of a Prefab Sprout song that I don't love. It might not seem a very obvious choice, but when my brother-in-law passed away some years ago, we all stood in Church listening to Prefab's "Life's A Miracle". That song in particular meant more to him (and means more to us) than anyone can imagine. I urge people to give it another listen, paying particular attention to the lyrics x.
Nick Draper
I listened to "Life's A Miracle" based on what you said. Youre absolutely right, it's a beautiful track. Thank you :)
Yesled Raw TUM
I listen to this double album 3 to 5 times a week 😍 amazing
Wish paddy could film an acoustic show or something with some of his hits... even if it's only for YouTube
Jim Morrison
Brilliant song.
Paddy is a legend!!
And i loved Where the heart is on itv on a sunday great memories.
Emma Constantinides
Me too, Jim. It’s such a great series and I am watching it again from the beginning, on U.K. tv catchup. Series like these never grow old, and the theme song is beautiful, I had no idea that Prefab Sprout sang it! 😁🤩
A
I love this song. I didn't know who sang it. Such a beautiful song, from my Teenage years till now. It never gets old. 👏👏🏽
Ths
I'm so glad Prefab Sprout it's making an comeback!!!