Barely causing a ripple upon its 1988 release, Sunshine on Leith, the second album by Edinburgh's the Proclaimers, received new life five years down the road when the infectious "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" became a fluke hit following its inclusion on the soundtrack to Benny & Joon. Although nothing else on the album quite matches that Top Ten's energy or quirky charm, the duo's (twin brothers Charlie and Craig Reid) sophomore effort still manages to be a highly listenable and thoroughly engaging blend of folk and pop with several nods to their Scottish heritage. Many of the lyrics touch upon the subject of domestic and familial bliss as on "Then I Met You"; the jaunty, wide-eyed wonder of "Sean"; and the lovely, waltz-like title track (featuring some gorgeous harmonies). There's a thread of optimism that runs through most of the album only broken on the few occasions when the two stray from the comforts of home and hearth (as on "What Do You Do"). Other standout tracks include the upbeat swagger of "I'm On My Way" and the steel-guitar twang of their cover of Steve Earle's "My Old Friend the Blues." ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide
Steve Shaw (Assistant Arranger), Pete Wingfield (Keyboards), Steve Shaw (Mandolin), Steve Shaw (Piano), Charlie Reid (Vocals), Barry Hammond (Engineer), Beeg Al (Engineer), Jerry Donahue (Guitar), Gerry Hogan (Guitar (Steel)), Dave Whetstone (Melodeon), Stuart Nisbet (Guitar), Charlie Reid (Guitar), Gavin Evans (Cover Photo), Gavin Evans (Photography), Jerry Donahue (Guitar (Acoustic)), Judd Lander (Harmonica), Jerry Donahue (Guitar (Electric)), Stuart Nisbet (Penny Whistle), Paul Robinson (Drums), Phil Cranham (Bass), Pete Wingfield (Organ), Stuart Nisbet (Mandolin), Pete Wingfield (Producer), Craig Reid (Vocals), Charlie Reid (Guitar (Acoustic)), Chris Birkett (Engineer), Keith Burns (Drums), Dave Mattacks (Drums), Richard Hollywood (Engineer), Richard Haughton (Photography), Craig Reid (Tambourine), Dave Whetstone (Melodion), Stuart Nisbet (Pedal Steel), Steve Shaw (Fiddle), Nico Ramsden (Guitar (Electric)), Pete Wingfield (Piano), Pete Wingfield (Synthesizer Bass)
Sunshine on Leith is The Proclaimers' second and most well known album, released in August 1988. The album had three singles, including the title track, "I'm On My Way," and "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," which also became a hit following its inclusion on the soundtrack to Benny & Joon five years later in 1993. It is about their birthplace, Leith, and the titular track Sunshine on Leith is played by Hibernian F.C. at the beginning of matches.
