Description
Flowers in the Rain is the sophomore album by the American synth-rock band Mad at the World, released on Frontline Records in 1988. The album was recorded and mixed at MATW Studios in Irvine, California; with band member Roger Rose producing. All songs written and arranged by Roger Rose.
Mad at the World is: Roger Rose (vocals, keyboards, guitars, and drum programming), Randy Rose (vocals, drum programming, and electric bass on track A5), and Mike Pendleton (keyboards and electric guitar on track B1). (Acoustic guitar and electric bass on track B1 played by Ray Rose.)
There must be a radio station that plays only music fromt the recent British invasions in Roger Rose’s head. Rose, Mad at the World’s central visionary, vocalist and composer, gave last year’s eponymously-titled debut a decidedly DePeche Mode sound, complete with an artificial English accent. While ‘Flowers In The Rain’ fails to define a sound that you think of as unique to MATW, there’s still throwbacks to ABC, the Smiths and any number of pop metal extractions. The bolder band sound and broadened use of pop and rock sounds adds an aggressive edge to their appealing dance tracks.
Percussionist and younger brother Randy Rose as well as guitarist and keyboardist Mike Pendleton were present on ‘Mad at the World‘, but here there is greater interaction and symbiosis present in the arrangements. «Dancing on Your Grave» brings it all together in a way that bodes well for MATW as a creative entity. It’s a suitably hot dance rhythm with a fuzzed out guitar line over a synth-pop core. The younger Rose’s deep voice harmonizes with the higher-pitched older Rose in a melodic hook so catchy you’ll remember it in your sleep. «Fearfully & Wonderfully», expounding the value of God’s creation of each one in a unique and beautiful fashion, stretches the music base of their debut and adds enough humor to make you want to take them seriously.
While Roger Rose has improved in practically every level, there’s still that lasting sense that he’s singing like the voices on that radio in his head. Still ‘Flowers in the Rain’ (in itself too similar to The Choir’s ‘Diamonds and Rain‘ to win points for originality) breaks new ground and has fun doing it. Okay, so they cop the Smiths, but listen to the pop metal groove of the title track and tell me you expected that. ‘Flowers’ succeeds sonically, putting MATW one step closer to a sound of their own. But, hey, it’s a lot of fun waiting with this band. [Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, April 1988]
Flowers in the Rain (Legends Remastered), Retroactive Records 2019, Promo Note
On their fantastic, 2nd album release Flowers In The Rain, Mad At The World prove that these two brothers (Roger and Randy Rose) still have incredible staying power. Mad At The World continues to pay homage to some of the best artists and bands to come out of the 80’s. On Flowers In The Rain, the band once again combine elements of Pet Shop Boys, The Cult, New Order, Human League, Depeche Mode, The Smiths and a cluster of different elements from some of the best of 80’s new wave. Roger Rose’s unmistakable, gothic-esque voice strongly resembles Wayne Hussey (Mission UK). Though, not as exclusively synth driven as their debut album (expect a few tracks with some gnarly, mean guitars), Flowers In The Rain strikes back with strong melodic and danceable songs while still delivering their thought provoking and powerful message. Flowers in the Rain allows you to relive that wonderful experience of listening to an album from start to finish, with no filler and nor missing a single beat. Flowers in the Rain (Legends Remastered) is must have for any serious synthpop and 80’s fan’s collection. The 2019 limited edition (500 Units) reissue on Retroactive Records features a complete digital remaster by Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound) allowing the warmth, pop, and classic 80’s sound to breathe like never before. All this is packaged in a 12 page booklet with lyrics and band pictures inside a quality jewel case. In addition the band provided us with an exclusive rare demo track which is a early version of the song, «Flowers in the Rain» simply called «Flowers». You won’t want to miss it!
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/flowers-in-the-rain-remastered/388539070)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Fearfully And Wonderfully” – 3:52
A2. “Flowers In The Rain” – 4:17
A3. “Why” – 4:33
A4. “Puppet Strings” – 4:13
A5. “No Mistakes” – 3:18
A6. “Wait” – 3:29
Side Two
B1. “I Don’t Wanna Go There” – 3:16
B2. “Faith Is A Perfect Road” – 3:36
B3. “In My Dream” – 3:51
B4. “Lovelight In The Midnight” – 5:08
B5. “This Lie” – 3:30
B6. “Dancing On Your Grave” – 5:58
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Frontline Records. Flowers in the Rain and Boomerang were later re-issued on one CD as a part of KMG’s Classic Archives Music Value Pak series. Remastered by Rob Colwell and re-issued by Retroactive Records in 2019 entitled Flowers in the Rain (Legends Remastered), featuring 12 page insert and one exclusive bonus track (“Flowers”).
“Dancing on Your Grave” (MUSIC VIDEO)
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