| Crimson/Red | |
| Type: | Studio album |
| Artist: | Prefab Sprout |
| Cover: | File:CrimsonRedAlbum.jpg |
| Recorded: | Autumn 2012 |
| Studio: | Andromeda Heights Studio |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Prev Title: | Let's Change the World with Music |
| Prev Year: | 2009 |
Crimson/Red is the tenth studio album by English pop band Prefab Sprout, although for this album "Prefab Sprout" consists entirely of singer/songwriter Paddy McAloon, who writes, sings and plays every note on the album. Crimson/Red was released in the United Kingdom by Icebreaker Records and Kitchenware Records on 7 October 2013.[1] The album title is a reference to artist Mark Rothko.[2]
In Mojo magazine, critic Danny Eccleston called Crimson/Red "the welcome return of Durham's song-craftsman supreme". The Observers Phil Mongredien praised the album as "charming, articulate and urbane" (a lyric from "Devil Came a Calling"). Four-star ratings appeared in both The Independent and The Times, with the former describing Crimson/Red as a "lovely album from a true one-off".
David Jeffries of AllMusic said, "The music throughout is just as beautiful and bold as the lyrics", with "immaculate production and an overall classic album flow".
Crimson/Red was a chart success for Prefab Sprout. The album debuted at No. 15 in the UK Albums Chart, giving the band their highest-charting record since Andromeda Heights in 1997.
Crimson/Red debuted at No. 10 in Sweden and No. 21 in Norway, giving the band their second-highest chart positions ever in both countries. In its second week on the Norwegian charts, "Crimson/Red" climbed to No. 7, an all-time high for the band in Norway.
In Ireland, the album debuted at No. 40 (and No. 9 on the indie chart). In Germany, the album debuted at No. 42, making it Prefab Sprout's highest-charting album there.
Crimson/Red also charted in the Flanders region of Belgium (No. 83) and in Switzerland (No. 92).
All songs written by Paddy McAloon.