Description
The Proclaimers – This Is The Story – Compact Disc
Released in 1987, This Is the Story is the debut album by The Proclaimers, the Scottish duo comprised of twin brothers Charlie and Craig Reid. Featuring their distinctive harmonized vocals, acoustic-driven sound, and deeply Scottish identity, the album introduced the world to their unique brand of folk, rock, and pop, setting the stage for their later success. Unlike their later albums, which featured fuller band arrangements, This Is the Story is a stripped-down, raw, and intimate affair, with most tracks consisting of just acoustic guitar and vocals, allowing the duo’s emotional delivery and storytelling to take center stage.
The album blends folk, punk, and pop influences, drawing comparisons to acts like Billy Bragg, The Pogues, and early Elvis Costello, while remaining distinctly their own. The thick Scottish accents in their singing, rather than being toned down for commercial appeal, became a defining characteristic of their sound. Lyrically, This Is the Story tackles themes of love, political frustration, working-class struggles, and personal reflection, delivered with a mix of sincerity, humor, and righteous anger.
Notable Tracks
“Letter from America” – The most famous track on the album, this song is a melancholic yet defiant anthem about Scottish emigration and the loss of identity, referencing places like Lochaber, Sutherland, and Bathgate. The song was later re-recorded with a full band, becoming their first major hit.
“Throw the ‘R’ Away” – A tongue-in-cheek song about Scottish identity and language, addressing how some people in the UK and beyond expect them to change their accents for acceptance.
“Sky Takes the Soul” – A bittersweet folk song about the unpredictability of life and death, with a haunting, poetic simplicity.
“It Broke My Heart” – A politically charged track that expresses disappointment in Scotland’s 1979 failed devolution referendum, a topic that would later become even more relevant in the country’s history.
“Make My Heart Fly” – One of the softer, more romantic tracks on the album, showing their ability to shift from politically charged songs to heartfelt ballads.
“Misty Blue” – A mournful, slow-burning song that closes the album on a reflective note.
This Is the Story received critical acclaim for its raw honesty, catchy songwriting, and distinctive style. It wasn’t a massive commercial hit at first, but the re-recorded version of “Letter from America” (produced by Gerry Rafferty) became a UK Top 3 single, bringing them international attention. The album laid the groundwork for their breakthrough success with Sunshine on Leith (1988), which featured their global anthem “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”.
In the years since, This Is the Story has become a cult classic in folk-rock and Scottish music, beloved for its unfiltered emotion, humor, and political consciousness. It’s an essential listen for fans of raw, acoustic-driven storytelling and anyone interested in music that proudly embraces its cultural roots.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Throw The ‘R’ Away
Over And Done With
Misty Blue
The Part That Really Matters
(I’m Gonna) Burn Your Playhouse Down
Letter From America (Acoustic Version)
Sky Takes The Soul
It Broke My Heart
The First Attack
Make My Heart Fly
Beautiful Truth
The Joyful Kilmarnock Blues
Letter From America (Band Version)
