Backstreet Symphony

Released on 5 March 1990, Backstreet Symphony marked the debut studio album from English hard rock band Thunder. The album was recorded at Great Linford Manor Studios in Milton Keynes, produced by the talented Andy Taylor, formerly of Duran Duran, and mixed by Mike Fraser at AIR Studios in London. Following its initial release through EMI Records in the UK and Capitol Records in the US, it was reissued in 1991 by Geffen Records, further solidifying its place in rock history.

The songwriting on Backstreet Symphony was predominantly led by lead guitarist Luke Morley, with Taylor co-writing two tracks and the album featuring a notable cover of The Spencer Davis Group’s “Gimme Some Lovin’.” The album garnered positive reviews, peaking at number 21 on the UK Albums Chart and achieving gold certification from the British Phonographic Industry for sales exceeding 100,000 copies. In the US, it reached number 114 on the Billboard 200 upon its 1991 re-release.

The recording sessions were a blend of hard work and revelry, described by rhythm guitarist Ben Matthews as a “party where an album broke out every now and then.” Taylor recalled a process filled with laughter, stating that it comprised “60 per cent laughing, 20 per cent drinking, [and] 20 per cent work.” Drummer Gary “Harry” James reminisced about the “ridiculous amount of partying” during the album’s creation, indicating that it was “the booziest time” of his career.

Promotion for Backstreet Symphony was extensive, featuring a worldwide tour that kicked off in February 1990, supporting acts like Heart and ZZ Top along the way. The band released five singles from the album, all of which reached the UK Singles Chart’s top 40. Notably, “Love Walked In” peaked at number 21, while “Dirty Love” and the title track also made significant chart impacts.

The album’s artwork, conceptualised by Morley, features a striking image of a tramp and a woman in an alleyway, which was met with initial resistance from EMI’s marketing team for its lack of band representation. However, the band insisted on the concept, which they felt encapsulated their “take-no-prisoners attitude.”

Upon release, Backstreet Symphony quickly climbed to number 21 on the UK Albums Chart, remaining in the top 40 for a brief period before re-entering the charts later, buoyed by the success of its singles. It was eventually certified gold in May 1991, reflecting its enduring popularity.

Critically, Backstreet Symphony was met with widespread acclaim. Dave Ling from Classic Rock magazine hailed it as “one of the all-time great hard rock debuts,” while Alex Henderson of AllMusic noted its spirited offerings and suggested it should have enjoyed greater commercial success. The album’s sound has been compared to that of Bad Company and Deep Purple, blending bluesy rockers with atmospheric ballads.

In retrospective accolades, Backstreet Symphony featured prominently in Kerrang!’s “Albums of the Year” for 1990 and was voted the 84th best British rock album of all time by readers in 2008. Overall, the album stands as a testament to Thunder’s impact on the hard rock genre, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in British rock history.