Towards the end of 1984, Thompson Twins released the single, Lay Your Hands On Me would peak at number thirteen on the UK charts. However, before returning to the studio to record the album which it would be featured on, they'd part ways with previous producer, Alex Sadkin.
The Twins next stop was Live Aid, where they would be impacted by technical difficulties of the rotating stage, having to start performing Hold Me Now behind a curtain because the stage wasn't ready. They'd then be joined by Steve Stevens, Nile Rodgers, and Madonna to perform a cover of the Beatles Revolution.
Heading back to the studio, they initially began work with Tom Bailey taking in the role of producer for their new album. Though, things became too much, and he would be diagnosed with nervous exhaustion. Postponement would occur, which would give the band time to rethink more on their decision, opting to instead bring in producer Nile Rodgers.
Upon its release, Here's To Future Days became another successful album for the band, peaking at number five on the UK charts, as well as breaking the top twenty in the USA. However, overall, it failed by a long shot to move as many units as the previously released Into The Gap.
Thompson Twins released the single Don't Mess With Doctor Dream, which would peak at number fifteen in the UK, but fail to chart in the US. It was followed by King For A Day which peaked at twenty-two in the UK, and eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA. A new mix of Lay Your Hands On Me was also released in the USA and peaked at number six. Their final single, the aforementioned Beatles cover would be a minor hit in the UK but fail to chart elsewhere.
Here's To Future Days marks a return for the band to guitars. Quote, Bailey, "I knew before we went into the studio for this album that we'd avoided guitars for long enough, and that now was the time to use them. It was almost as if I wanted to make something that was more of a rock album and less of an electronic pop one."
It's a nice return to a more fleshed out sound from previous synth driven albums. Unfortunately, at this point, the band simply lacks the material to utilize the additional instrumentation.
Mind you, it's not a total bust. Tracks like Don't Mess With Doctor Dream, King For A Day, and my favorite from the band, Lay Your Hands On Me are all exceptional, and make the purchase of the album absolutely worthy. Initially, I felt there was going to be no sleeper hits, or hidden gems. However, the last two tracks, Tokyo, and Breakaway, finally delivered some mild charm.
By 1986, Joe Leeway had reached a point where he'd had enough. Problems with Bailey, Alannah Currie, and management, led him to leave the band. If I could say something positive about his decision, he did at least wait for the world tour to finish, and while negotiations for renewal with Arista were occurring. It's not like he left folks hanging with obligations to fulfill on his behalf.
Now a duo, Currie and Bailey would resign with Arista for one more album. However, already in a steady decline, things wouldn't seem to get any better, and though they continued forward, major success was quickly waving at them in the rearview mirror.
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