Sign of the Times is the fourth studio album by the English band The Rubettes. It was released on the State Records label in June 1976.[1] The album represented a significant change in direction for the band, as it was the first not produced by Wayne Bickerton and Tony Waddington – instead the Rubettes took on production responsibilities themselves, with Alan Blakley (formerly of the Tremeloes) as co-producer. The band made the decision due to the disappointing sales of their previous two Bickerton/Waddington singles and the desire to forge new musical directions.[2][3]
The Rubettes were a four-piece band by the time Sign of the Times was recorded, as keyboardist Bill Hurd departed earlier in 1976. Tony Thorpe took over keyboard duties in the studio.[3]
The album contained two singles, both released in advance – the only UK single release "You're The Reason Why" and the non-UK A-side "Julia".[3]
In 1992, Dice Records (France) released the Rubettes' third and fourth albums (Rubettes and Sign of the Times) as a double CD set.[4] In 2012, Cherry Red Records issued the album on CD.[2] In 2015, Caroline Records released the album Sign of the Times, with two bonus tracks, as part of a box CD set of the Rubettes' first five studio albums.[5]
Track listing
Side 1
"Sign Of The Times" (Mick Clarke, John Richardson, Alan Williams) – 3:39
"Dancing In The Rain" (Mike Gower) – 2:56
"You're The Only Girl On My Island" (John Richardson, Alan Williams) – 4:23
"The Way You Live" (John Richardson, Alan Williams) – 3:07
"Not Now My Dear" (John Richardson, Alan Williams) – 3:42
Side 2
"You're The Reason Why" (John Richardson, Alan Williams) – 2:34
"I Think I'm In Love" (Mick Clarke, John Richardson, Alan Williams) – 3:06
"I Really Got To Know" (John Richardson, Alan Williams) – 2:53
"Julia" (John Richardson, Alan Williams) – 2:53
"Highwayman's Lament" (John Richardson, Alan Williams) – 6:16[6]
1. "You're The Reason Why" b/w "Julia" – May 1976 – UK No. 28[1][8]
2. "Julia" was also released as a non-UK single, b/w either "Dancing In The Rain" or "You're The Reason Why" – in March 1976 (France/Belgium) and May 1976 (several other non-UK markets)[1][9][10][11][12]
Bonus tracks single
Bonus tracks 11 & 12 were also released together on the following single:
* "Take Good Care Of My Baby" b/w "The Price Of Living" (as Alan and John) – January 1976 (German release)[7]