University of Sussex Students' Newspaper

Album Review – The Lightning Seeds Release ‘See You in the Stars’

Dylan Bryant

ByDylan Bryant

Oct 16, 2022

By Dylan Bryant (Music Editor)

Most likely known amongst the masses for composing Three Lions as the official England song for Euro 96, The Lightning Seeds have released an intoxicating new album, See You in the Stars.

Although I’m sure it’ll be hard to escape the huge anthem (Three Lions) when the World Cup kicks off next month, the song is only a slither of what frontman Ian Broudie has to offer.

In thirty-three years as a recording artist, Ian Broudie, the man who is The Lightning Seeds, has enjoyed an abundance of success. This includes selling over a million copies of Jollification, the 1994 album that’s platinum success was spearheaded by the era-capturing single Change.

The positive new album serves up a healthy dose of pop songs that are both musically and emotionally uplifting.

The record kicks off with Loosing You. Drenched in hope and armed with a catchy pop hook, this track has everything you’d expect, with Ian Broudie doing what he does best, creating brilliant pop anthems.

The album then moves on to single Emily Smiles. Co-written with Terry Hall of The Specials, this track is effortlessly reminiscent of fan favourite Lucky You.  The glorious introduction is wonderfully received with chants of “yeah” matching the pounding drumbeat. Again, the track then establishes itself as yet another kind of perfect pop rock song that Ian Broudie tends to deliver.

This album highlights Ian’s incredible ability as a songwriter and cements him up there with some of Brit Pops best. 

Personal highlights include the first two singles Sunshine and Walk Another Mile. There’s an element of feel good warmth to these tracks with Ian’s iconic voice powering through the positive instrumentals.

It’s with the release of See You in the Stars that The Lightning seeds embark on a 14 date UK tour which includes a huge show at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire as well as Brighton’s CHALK on the 17th November. 

Tickets available from: https://lightningseeds.co.uk/live/

Overall, yet another brilliant record from a man whose catalogue of music is nothing short of exceptional.

See You in the Stars Released 14th October via BMG.

SEE YOU IN THE STARS TRACK LIST:

Losing You

Emily Smiles

Green Eyes

Great To Be Alive

Sunshine

Fit For Purpose

Live To Love You

Permanent Danger

Walk Another Mile

See You In The Stars

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