The Proclaimers ‎– Sunshine On Leith VG+/VG+

The Proclaimers’ sophomore effort, Sunshine on Leith, marked a shift from the acoustic rawness of their debut. This 1988 album embraces a full-band rock sound, weaving folk and pop influences with a strong Scottish undercurrent. The Reid twins’ signature twin vocals take center stage, harmonizing on themes of domestic joy (“Then I Met You,” “Sunshine on Leith”) and the wide-eyed wonder of youth (“Sean”). While not every track reaches the infectious energy of their future mega-hit “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” Sunshine on Leith remains a thoroughly engaging listen. There’s a thread of optimism that runs through most of the songs, occasionally interrupted by glimpses of working-class struggles (“What Do You Do”) and the band’s unwavering support for Scottish independence (“Cap in Hand”). This record would later inspire a successful stage musical of the same name, solidifying Sunshine on Leith’s place as a landmark album in the Proclaimers’ career.