Summary
Step into the lush, art-pop sounds of 1980 with Roxy Music’s “Flesh+Blood”, a vinyl gem that glimmers with sophistication and a dash of late-night drama. Released through Polydor and EG, “Flesh+Blood” finds Bryan Ferry and company steering their trademark glam rock into smooth, synth-laden waters—just in time for a new decade. Hailed by critics and adored by dedicated fans, this album serves up a cocktail of romance, intrigue, and style that’s lost none of its punch over forty years later.

About the Artist
By the time “Flesh+Blood” hit the shelves, Roxy Music had already cemented their place as genre-bending pioneers. Fronted by the suave and serpentine Bryan Ferry, with Phil Manzanera on guitar and Andy Mackay on sax, the band were forerunners of glam, art rock, and what would become New Wave. Their earlier releases, dripping in eccentric visuals and boundary-pushing soundscapes, drew influence from everything—vintage Hollywood, European cinema, pop art, and even proto-punk. The band shaped not just music, but also the very idea of style and sophistication in rock.

About the Record
“Flesh+Blood” sees Roxy Music leaping boldly into a sonic new era. While their 1979 return with “Manifesto” explored disco and dance influences, “Flesh+Blood” doubled down on sleek production, sophisticated songwriting, and a mature, radio-ready polish.

Musically, the album glides between synth-driven pop, shimmering romantic ballads, and sharp-edged rock. The band’s trademark glamour is ever-present, but there’s also a sense of vulnerability and longing threading through Bryan Ferry’s lyrics, making the record relatable and emotionally rich.

Did you know? “Flesh+Blood” shot to the top of the UK Albums Chart, spending no less than 60 weeks there, and generated three hit singles: “Over You”, “Oh Yeah”, and a striking cover of Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour”. This was Roxy Music at their most accessible, yet still utterly unique. The record has an original inner sleeve.

About the Cover
Let’s talk covers—because Roxy Music covers are always iconic! “Flesh+Blood” features three models (Ashley, Aimee, and Rachel) in tennis whites. It’s athletic, enigmatic, and a little bit surreal. The Dutch photographer Neil Kirk captured this strange blend of Grecian sport and high fashion, and the cover’s icy palette reflects the shimmering coolness of the music inside.

About the Lyrics & Music
Musically, “Flesh+Blood” serves as both a continuation and an evolution: opulent, elegant, and occasionally heart-wrenching. Standout tracks? Absolutely.

“Over You”: This top 5 UK single is pure pop magic, blending chiming guitars and silky synths with wistful lyrics about love lost and memories lingering.
“Oh Yeah”: a sunset slow-burner radiating nostalgia, with Bryan Ferry’s velvety croon at its heart.
“Same Old Scene”: A true New Wave masterstroke, shimmering with arpeggiated synths and bittersweet observations on life and love.
“In the Midnight Hour”: Roxy’s cover of the classic soul number injects cool detachment and gorgeous harmonies, turning soul into shimmering art-pop.
Lyrically, the album is drenched in romantic imagery and sophisticated melancholy. Ferry’s voice, as ever, is both polished and haunted; subtle production tricks—like the gated drums and glimmering synth textures—give “Flesh+Blood” its unique early-80s atmosphere.

Conclusion
“Flesh+Blood” captures Roxy Music at a fascinating crossroads—polished, poignant, and primed for pop glory. This is an album that rewards deep listening, its surface beauty revealing greater complexity with every spin. Whether you’re a long-time Roxy devotee or just beginning to explore the band’s catalog, “Flesh+Blood” is an essential addition to any vinyl collection.

Other Recommendations
Hungry for more Roxy magic? Try these vinyl treasures:

Roxy Music – “Avalon” (1982): If you love “Flesh + Blood”, Avalon’s dreamy sophistication and romantic grooves are a perfect next step.
Roxy Music – “For Your Pleasure” (1973): Want to glimpse their edgier, art-rock origins? “For Your Pleasure” is a must-hear.
Bryan Ferry – “Boys and Girls” (1985): Solo Ferry in peak form, channelling sleek 80s style with a crooner’s heart.
Japan – “Gentlemen Take Polaroids” (1980): A fellow art-pop classic, blending lush arrangements and stylish cool.
Talking Heads – “Remain in Light” (1980): For those who crave boundary-pushing art-rock with a danceable twist.
So queue up “Flesh+Blood”, lower the stylus, and let Roxy Music wash over you—sophisticated, glittering, and always a little mysterious.