Summary:

Slip into the past and soak up the magical ethereal sounds of “This is the Sea,” a classic masterpiece from the brilliant minds of The Waterboys. Since its release in 1986, this vinyl record has remained an iconic fixture in the world of music, embodying the artist’s celestial breed of rock and folk.

About the Artist:

The Waterboys, an acclaimed group from the British Irish, have a storied career that’s as diverse as their eclectic sound. Bound by their love for lyrical poetry and rock music, the band embarked on their musical journey in the 1980s. Their experimental nature led to a reputation for unpredictability, oscillating effortlessly between folk, Celtic rock, and post-punk genres. The release of “This is the Sea” marked a turning point in their sound, ushering in their big music period.

About the Record:

“This is the Sea” is the third album by The Waterboys, launched on 16 September 1985 by Island Records.
“This is the Sea” swims in an ocean of synth-driven rock combined with the ethereal poetry of their lyrics. It is a departure from The Waterboys’ previous folk-rock offerings, stepping boldly into what critics call ‘The Big Music’ genre – a mix of rock with spiritual and romantic influences. The most famous track, “The Whole of the Moon,” strikes with its passionate energy, encapsulating listeners in a tangle of powerful instrumentals and heartfelt lyrics. Boasting an innovative blend of sonic textures, “This is the Sea” solidifies The Waterboys’ status as pioneers of their discography.

About the Cover:

The allure of this vinyl doesn’t end with the music. This depiction reinforces the album’s thematic exploration of emotional depths and nature’s might, indicating an intimate relationship between the album’s content and its visual presentation.

About the Lyrics & Music:

“This is the Sea” is a lyrical pilgrimage, taking listeners through an imaginative landscape of emotion, spirituality, and romanticism. The record’s standout track, “The Whole of the Moon,” is a stirring symphony of piano, saxophone, and drums, with its profound lyrics painting vivid pictures in the minds of its listeners. The songwriting on the album is deeply emotive, portraying profound truths about love, dreams, and the human spirit through metaphoric language.

Conclusion:

The Waterboys’ “This is the Sea” is more than just a vinyl record – it is a rousing musical experience that explores the human essence. Its enchanting melodies, passionate lyrics, and compelling themes continue to resonate decades after its release.

Other Recommendations:

If you enjoyed “This is the Sea,” you may want to dive deeper into The Waterboys‘ back catalog. Their debut self-titled album showcases the band’s early leanings towards post-punk, while “Fisherman’s Blues” demonstrates their foray into Irish folk influences.

Alternatively, for listeners who relish the grandeur and emotive lyricism of “This is the Sea,” the albums “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen or “The Joshua Tree” by U2 are strongly recommended. Both records echo the anthemic rock and stirring songwriting that are the hallmarks of “This is the Sea” and are certain to resonate with fans of The Waterboys’ magnum opus.