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
The Proclaimers (Main Performer), Jerry Donahue (Guitar (Acoustic)), Jerry Donahue (Guitar), Jerry Donahue (Guitar (Electric)), Chris Birkett (Engineer), Phil Cranham (Bass), Barry Hammond (Engineer), Gerry Hogan (Guitar (Steel)), Judd Lander (Harmonica), Dave Mattacks (Drums), Stuart Nisbet (Guitar), Stuart Nisbet (Mandolin), Stuart Nisbet (Pedal Steel), Stuart Nisbet (Penny Whistle), Nico Ramsden (Guitar (Electric)), Charlie Reid (Guitar (Acoustic)), Charlie Reid (Guitar), Charlie Reid (Vocals), Craig Reid (Tambourine), Craig Reid (Vocals), Paul Robinson (Drums), Dave Whetstone (Melodion), Dave Whetstone (Melodeon), Pete Wingfield (Organ), Pete Wingfield (Piano), Pete Wingfield (Keyboards), Pete Wingfield (Producer), Pete Wingfield (Synthesizer Bass), Beeg Al (Engineer), Steve Shaw (Fiddle), Steve Shaw (Mandolin), Steve Shaw (Piano), Steve Shaw (Assistant Arranger), Keith Burns (Drums), Richard Haughton (Photography), Gavin Evans (Photography), Gavin Evans (Cover Photo), Richard Hollywood (Engineer)
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.
