![Mike + The Mechanics – Mike + The Mechanics (Self-Titled) [Album Review]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/565c1ab5e4b05079e4bfa169/1734932674407-CULOIQLS6ZD1ZYWMUHP1/Mike+%2B+The+Mechanics+%28Self-Titled%29+Album+Cover.jpg)
Released in 1985, the self-titled debut album by Mike + The Mechanics marks a standout moment in the 80s pop-rock scene with a series of songs that blend new wave with soft rock. The result is a timeless record that is not only an essential listen but a landmark release. With its innovative production and evocative lyrics, Mike + The Mechanics captured the era’s spirit while continuing to resonate with new generations of listeners.
Formed by Mike Rutherford, co-founder, lead guitarist, bassist, and songwriter for Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics was an ideal creative funnel for Rutherford while not actively recording or touring with Genesis. Despite initially being a side project, Mike + The Mechanics has achieved more than enough accolades over the years to consider the band a juggernaut, in their own right, with album sales exceeding 10 million units worldwide.
Correlations with Genesis aside, Mike + The Mechanics has an interesting band lineup as Rutherford enlisted three incredible lead vocalists (Paul Carrack, Paul Young and John Kirby) who not only complemented each other perfectly but set the band apart from all others. No, they didn’t do duets, although Carrack and Young also provided backing vocals on the songs where they weren’t the lead. Kirby, unfortunately, often gets overlooked for his inclusion is only on Par Avion and You Are The One. It would also be his only appearance on a Mike + The Mechanics studio release. A shame, yes, as those songs are amongst the very best the band ever recorded.
While it’s all about the music, and we’ll get to that shortly, the album artwork for this debut is legendary. This is one release that would be visually most appealing on the larger vinyl canvas. Alas, I only currently have access to the Lossless Apple Music stream. That shouldn’t be seen as a negative, however, for the sonic presentation provided by the stream is noteworthy in its own right and what I’d considered to be flawless.
Most interesting, however, is the fact that this legendary release hasn’t been reissued on vinyl, despite a resurgence of interest in the format in recent years. There was a CD edition reissued in 2017 but aside from that it’s an album that’s somewhat lost to history; outside of those who already know and appreciate it. Still, when streaming sounds this good, it’s best to not lament what isn’t available and appreciate what is.
Silent Running was the album’s lead single and a chart-topping success. The slow build ethereal atmosphere offers the perfect launchpad for this haunting synth-driven number that sees Carrack at his masterful best with an emotive delivery that is highly compelling and unforgettable; especially throughout the song’s chorus.
All I Need Is A Miracle, as the album’s second single, also achieved a Top 10 placing in the United States and Australia and there’s little wonder why as it leans into the era’s styling and ultimately becomes a pop-rock anthem. Shifting vocalists, as is the case throughout the album, doesn’t deliver a shock to the senses as the chosen vocalists are all complementary, rather than being radically different to each other. The result is a level of cohesion that works and allows the song’s infectious melody, energetic rhythm, and Young’s vocal performance to take centre stage.
Par Avion is sung by the album’s third (and somewhat overlooked) vocalist, John Kirby. This melancholic ballad slows the pace of the album, offering a reflective moment early on, but it’s so perfectly positioned in the sequencing of the album, that you’ll quickly fall into a relaxed state with what is one of Mike + The Mechanics’ greatest, and most underrated, tunes. The lush arrangement and atmospheric synths complement the musical bed and Kirby’s vocal perfectly as Par Avion highlights the band’s ability to balance emotion and musicality to great effect.
Hanging By A Thread is a compelling mid-tempo tune that carries an undercurrent of tension and urgency. Featuring a driving beat, layered guitars, and swirling atmospheric elements, Hanging By A Thread is considerably different to the other songs on the album. That is until Young comes in with a powerful vocal performance that adds depth to the album’s overall emotive energy.
I Get The Feeling is a quintessential 80s tune. The upbeat tone, pop stylings, and soft rock energy make it one of the most compelling songs on the album; one that will see you coming back for more.
Take The Reins is an assertive and commanding rock-oriented track that features prominent riffs, punchy percussion, and Young’s edgiest vocal presentation, culminating in an exceptional hidden gem.
You Are The One is the second of John Kirby’s contributions and his performance is masterful. It’s not far-fetched to suggest that his performance here is amongst the greatest of all vocalists from the era, not just within Mike + The Mechanics. It certainly helps that the arrangement is stripped down, thereby allowing his vocal to soar above all other elements in what is a textbook-perfect mix.
A Call To Arms flows seamlessly from You Are The One whilst simultaneously picking up the tempo. The song’s structure is interestingly unique and will keep you engaged from start to finish with its dynamic nature. It’s songs such as this that make album experiences essential, for being limited to the hits or songs featured in playlists is unlikely to expose music lovers to songs such as this.
Taken In is a beautiful closing track. The gentle melody encourages reflection while also compelling the listener to play the album again and that fadeout is amongst the greatest in all of recorded music history. It is, therefore, the perfect song to conclude the album on for it will compel you to play the record again; it’s that good!
No matter which way you look at it, Mike + The Mechanics’ self-titled debut album is a landmark release from the 80s, offering a timeless collection of songs that still resonate with listeners to this day. Whether you’re drawn to the synth-driven anthems, its heartfelt ballads, or its pop-rock styling, this album is an essential listen for fans of the era and music in general.