Additional personnel: Stuart Nisbet (mandolin, penny whistle); Gerry Hogan (steel guitar); Steve Shaw (fiddle); Dave Whetstone (melodeon); Pete Wingfield (keyboards); Phil Cranham (bass); Paul Robinson (drums).

Originally released on Chrysalis (21668).

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

SUNSHINE ON LEITH continues in much the same vein as Craig and Charlie Reed's debut, THIS IS THE STORY, with inventive harmonies, blue-eyed soul, and straight-ahead acoustic songs. The brothers' excellent, hook-heavy tunes and distinctive vocals, heavily flavored by their appealing Scottish diction, are rooted in folk. Here, the song structures and harmonies are high caliber coffeehouse fare, and the acoustic guitars loom large; the sound is expanded and strengthened by electric guitars, piano, violin, and a tight rhythm section.

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" sets the tone for the album with its infectious, punchy chorus and the brothers' close, interlocking harmony. Though singalong barroom ditties such as "Cap in Hand" and "Oh Jean" gloss the duo's native musical heritage, there is also a noticeable influence of American musical forms. '50s and '60s rock & roll crops up in "I'm On My Way," while country music seems to inform "It's Saturday Night." Even some of the more overt folk balladry is given the down-home tang of a steel guitar, as on "My Old Friend the Blues" and the title track. SUNSHINE finds The Proclaimers' sound much matured and just as enjoyable as before.