East of Eden (Big Country song) explained

East of Eden
Cover:Big Country East of Eden 1984 Single Cover.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Big Country
Album:Steeltown
Released:21 September 1984 (UK)[1]
Length:4:10
Label:Mercury
Producer:Steve Lillywhite
Prev Title:Wonderland
Prev Year:1984
Next Title:Where the Rose Is Sown
Next Year:1984

"East of Eden" is a song by Scottish rock band Big Country, which was released in 1984 as the lead single from their second studio album Steeltown. It was written by Big Country and produced by Steve Lillywhite.[2] [1] "East of Eden" reached No. 17 in the UK,[3] and No. 12 in Ireland.[4]

Background

Speaking to Number One in 1984, Adamson said of the song: "It's a questioning song, a song about always having to look for any hope or inspiration."[5] A music video was filmed in Glasgow to promote the single, directed by Mike Brady.[5] The single's B-side, "Prairie Rose", is a cover of the 1974 song by Roxy Music.[1]

Critical reception

Upon release, Karen Swayne of Number One said: ""East of Eden" is as powerful and majestic as anything they've done."[6] Vici MacDonald of Smash Hits commented: "The production on this record is truly awful. The instruments blur into one muddy, thrashing mass, completely submerging any hapless tune which might be struggling to escape."[1]

Track listing

7" single
  1. "East of Eden" - 4:10
  2. "Prairie Rose" - 4:50
12" single
  1. "East of Eden (Extended Version)" - 6:22
  2. "East of Eden" - 4:24
  3. "Prairie Rose" - 4:44
12" single (US promo)
  1. "East of Eden" - 4:09
  2. "East of Eden" - 4:09

Chart performance

Chart (1984)Peak
position
Irish Singles Chart12
New Zealand Singles Chart[7] 41
UK Singles Chart17

Personnel

Big Country
Production
Other

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Big Country - East Of Eden / Prairie Rose - Mercury - UK - MER 175 . 45cat . 2018-04-04.
  2. Web site: William Ruhlmann . Steeltown - Big Country | Songs, Reviews, Credits . AllMusic . 2018-04-04.
  3. Web site: BIG COUNTRY | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company . Officialcharts.com . 2018-04-04.
  4. Web site: The Irish Charts - All there is to know . The Irish Charts . 2018-04-04.
  5. Web site: Big Country Interviews 1984 – 1986 . Stuart Adamson . 2012-01-19 . 2018-04-04.
  6. Number One magazine - Singles - Karen Swayne - 22 September 1984 - page 52
  7. Web site: Steffen Hung . Big Country - East Of Eden . charts.nz . 2018-04-04.