In 1985 they enjoyed their first UK hit single, "Lean On me (Ah-Li-Ayo)", an anthemic song which was promoted with an unusual video in which a British sign language interpreter provided a translation of the song's lyrics. The following year, Red Box (with the help of numerous guest musicians) released the album The Circle and the Square.
Toulson-Clarke responded to WEA's request for something to appeal to American radio with the sardonic "For America", which lambasted what he saw as the style-over-content approach of the American media, as well as alluding to American military involvement in Grenada and Nicaragua. Unsurprisingly, the song was not a hit in the USA, though it did reach the top ten in several countries including the UK.
In 1990 they scored a club hit with Enjoy which was essentially a remix of an old B-side by Paul Oakenfold under the Solid Gold Easy Amex name. This record charted at Number 75 on Independent Radio's Network Chart (also used by Number One Magazine) but missed the Gallup UK Singles Chart as used by the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles. By now the 'group' was essentially just Simon Toulson-Clarke with the following Train single and Motive album more akin to solo releases. The Train single was pulled from shelves for reasons unknown to even the band, Motive got very little press, and Red Box ended up going on a hiatus. Toulson-Clarke continued to work in the music industry. In 1997, Toulon-Clarke, Alistair Gavin (who worked on Motive), and Phill Brown formed SPA and released an eponymous album, which itself was a concept album dedicated to deceased American comedian Bill Hicks.
In 2010, the current incarnation of Red Box is still headed up by the group’s original protagonist, Simon Toulson-Clarke who has gathered together a group of musicians for their new album "Plenty".
As well as Toulson-Clarke on vocals, the group includes Derek Adams (formerly of Dream Academy and The Act) and the young singer-songwriter, Emily Maguire. Unlike the early, frenetic days of the 1980s, Red Box had the relative luxury of time and space to work on "Plenty". As Simon explains, they 'were able to apply a fine filter to the whole process; selecting the material and working through the best possible arrangements that they could find for each song'.
In 2019, their fourth studio album Chase the Setting Sun was released.
Discography - Singles:
* Chenko (Cherry Red Records CHERRY 73 - Jan 1984)
* Saskatchewan (Sire Records W9157)
* Lean On Me (Ah-Li-Ayo) (Sire Records W 8926 - Aug 1985) UK #3 (Gallup)
* Chenko (WEA YX 59 - Jan 1986)
* For America (WEA YZ 84 - Oct 1986) UK #10 (Gallup)
* Heart Of The Sun (WEA YZ 100 1987) UK #71 (Gallup)
* Chenko (Tenka-Io) (WEA YX 125 - Jan 1986) UK #77 (Gallup)
* Enjoy - with Solid Gold Easy Amex (Eastwest Records YZ 466 - May 1990) UK #75 (Network Chart)
* Train (Eastwest Records YZ 531) - Oct 90
Discography - Albums
* The Circle & The Square (WEA), 1986
* Motive (EastWest), 1990
* Plenty (Cherry Red Records) 2010
* Chase the Setting Sun, 2019
Brighter Blue
Red Box Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something old, something new
Once my love had no name
But still our hearts beat the sam
I've been waiting such a long and lonely time
I've been dreaming such a long cold lonely night
Than under it with you
And every night I pray for one more day
Right there where we lay
When I was lost, I found you
Something old, something new
When blood runs dry and bones remain
Still our hearts beat the same
I've been waiting such a long and lonely time
I've been dreaming such a long cold lonely night
The sky has never been a brighter blue
Than under it with you
And every night I pray for one more day
Right there where we lay
The lyrics to "Brighter Blue" by Red Box express a feeling of finding true love after a long and lonely search. The singer notes that they once had no name for their love, but now they have found someone who shares their beating heart. The song emphasizes the importance of love and the happiness that comes with finding it.
The first two lines, "When I was lost, I found you / Something old, something new," suggests that the singer had been searching for love for a long time, but eventually found it with the person they are singing to. The line "Once my love had no name / But still our hearts beat the same" suggests that even though they didn't have a name for their love, their hearts were still connected.
The chorus has a hopeful tone, with the singer expressing happiness in their relationship. The image of the sky being a "brighter blue" with their partner suggests that everything feels more vibrant and colorful when they are together. The repeated line "And every night I pray for one more day / Right there where we lay" expresses the desire to be with their partner forever.
Overall, the lyrics to "Brighter Blue" emphasize the happiness that comes from finding true love after a long search. It conveys the idea that true love can bring color and vibrancy to life, as well as a sense of security and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was lost, I found you
I came across you when I was feeling confused and uncertain in life.
Something old, something new
Our relationship consists of aspects that are both classic and modern.
Once my love had no name
I used to feel love but didn't label it as such.
But still our hearts beat the same
Our emotions were in sync, despite my inability to identify my love.
I've been waiting such a long and lonely time
I spent a significant duration waiting for the right person.
I've been dreaming such a long cold lonely night
I felt isolated and struggling even in my dreams without the presence of the right person.
The sky has never been a brighter blue
I have never felt happier and more positive about the world than when I am with you.
Than under it with you
Your presence heightens my experience and emotions.
And every night I pray for one more day
I am grateful for each moment with you and hope to have more opportunities in the future.
Right there where we lay
In the place where we are together in peace and happiness.
When blood runs dry and bones remain
Even when our physical bodies are aged, our love will still be steadfast.
Still our hearts beat the same
Our common emotions bind us together for eternity.
Contributed by Adalyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
peejay67
It's just such a beautiful song, backed by such an uplifting video. The violin solo is so melancholy but compliments the track perfectly. A work of perfection. This video should be played in doctors waiting rooms, a&e departments, and bus stops to lift the gloom spreading this nation....... and cue New England!!!!! Well done guys!
jacquie powell
I've just discovered this, and love it. Such a beautiful sweet song. xx
G Allan
Amazing song, I have loved this band and his voice for years, heart of the sun has been one of my favorite songs for decades now.. Even played it at my wedding
Joanna M.
Piękny utwór! Red Box to mój ulubiony zespół sprzed lat, teraz też.🤗🤗🤗
Mark Edwards
Really lovely tune Simon. Looking forward to seeing you with us on Nov 20th
hatmanphilly
Great song, great video, great album
Andrzej Nowak
przepiękna piosenka :-) pozdrowienia dla Red Box z Polski
TheBanjomandolin
Wow, really beautiful tune man. Evocative lyrics. Brought back the pretty memories that denudes reality of the moment
Red Box
Glad that it comes across in the video - We are just a bunch of friends making music and having fun!
Sith Mahatta
A beautiful song, a beautiful video indeed.