The band's fifth release, Rain Dances is Camel at its best, offering the most consistent and representative package in their saga. The addition of Caravan-cofounder Richard Sinclair proves profitable, as do a few colorist touches by Brian Eno on "Elke." Mel Collins' woodwinds are among the highlights, especially on "Tell Me" and the title track. From beginning to end, this project flows gracefully. ~ Matthew Plichta, All Music Guide
Pete Bardens (Organ), Richard Sinclair (Bass), Andy Latimer (Synthesizer Strings), Eno (Bells), Toots Hibbert (Harp), Andy Latimer (Glockenspiel), Andy Ward (Vocals (Background)), Andy Ward (Percussion), Brian Eno (Synthesizer), Dave Hutchins (Assistant Engineer), Andy Latimer (Guitar (Acoustic)), Andy Ward (Drums), Andy Latimer (Fretless Bass), Rhett Davies (Producer), Bernie Grundman (Remastering), Malcolm Griffiths (Trombone), Andy Latimer (Pan Pipes), Pete Bardens (Keyboards), Eno (Notes Editing), Andy Latimer (Guitar), Andy Latimer (Flute), Pete Bardens (Clavinet), Anthony Hawkins (Remastering), Martin Drover (Flugelhorn), Andy Latimer (Treated Piano), Andy Latimer (Vocals), Brian Eno (Keyboards), Camel (Producer), Andy Latimer (Feedback), Paul Henry (Cover Design), Richard Sinclair (Vocals), Andy Latimer (Guitar (Electric)), Eno (Mini Moog), Andy Latimer (Mini Moog), Trevor Rogers (Photography), Martin Drover (Trumpet)
Rain Dances possesses a more jazzy sound than the previous albums. That is mostly thanks to Sinclair's appearance, but also because of the band's aim to change their musical direction and moulding the music into a more commercial smoothness. Another distinguishing point is the reduced amount of Latimer's flute and Bardens' organ tunes, which were the trademark of all four previous albums of Camel. Most of the songs are radio-friendly, yet they bear a mark of Camel's earlier work.
