-flac- — Alison Moyet - Raindancing -deluxe 2016-
The Alison Moyet - Raindancing Deluxe 2016 Edition is widely regarded as the definitive version of her 1987 sophomore album. While the original record was a massive commercial success, spawning hits like "Is This Love?" and "Weak in the Presence of Beauty," it remains a point of contention for Moyet herself due to its polished American production. The 2016 reissue, especially in a lossless format like FLAC, allows listeners to hear the intricate details and powerhouse vocals that critics say have "shimmered and shined" better than ever before. Remastering and Audio Quality
Critics from Attitude Magazine note that Moyet’s back catalogue "has never sounded better," praising the clarity brought by the 2016 remaster. For audiophiles using FLAC:
Production Depth: Jimmy Iovine’s "understated" but polished production is preserved with greater dynamic range.
Vocal Clarity: Moyet's "powerful bluesy contralto" is front and center, highlighting the "soul and passion" that remains her trademark.
Digital Sourcing: Most of the tracks were remastered from the original tapes, ensuring a high-fidelity experience that surpasses previous CD or vinyl pressings. Deluxe Content and Rarity Highlights
The Deluxe Edition is a two-disc set (or equivalent digital package) featuring a wealth of bonus material that was previously hard to find.
Remixes & B-Sides: Includes the "L.A. Mix" of "Is This Love?" and the "Dance Mix" of "Ordinary Girl".
Collaborations: Features "Let's Get Personal," a high-energy track with the legendary James Brown, and "Sleep Like Breathing," a duet with David Freeman.
Rarities: The previously unreleased demo "You and Me" and the "Coventry Carol" from a 1987 benefit album offer a glimpse into different facets of her artistry.
Live Recordings: Includes powerful live versions of "Love Resurrection" and "Ne Me Quitte Pas" from her May 1987 Wembley Arena performance. Critical Reception vs. Artist Perspective
Critical Consensus: Reviews from Classic Pop Magazine (6/6 stars) and God Is In The TV laud the reissue for being "beautifully packaged" and "conclusive proof" of her status as a national treasure.
Moyet's Stance: She has described the album's creation as "not a happy time," feeling that her European influences were lost to "American session pop treatment". This deluxe edition, however, provides the context (through liner notes and demos) to understand her evolving artistic control. If you'd like, I can: Provide a full track-by-track list of the bonus disc. Compare this release to the original 1987 vinyl pressings.
Recommend other Moyet deluxe reissues (like Hoodoo or Essex) based on your favorite tracks.
Let me know which area of the review you'd like to explore further! ALISON MOYET'S DELUXE REISSUES WIN CRITICAL PRAISE
The 2016 Deluxe Edition of Raindancing represents a definitive archival celebration of Alison Moyet’s second solo studio album. Originally released in 1987, this triple-platinum record solidified Moyet’s status as a global pop powerhouse after her departure from the synth-pop duo Yazoo. This reissue, part of a comprehensive series by BMG, features high-fidelity remastering that makes it a prime candidate for audiophiles seeking the FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) experience. Album Context and Production
Following the massive success of her debut, Alf, Moyet moved to Los Angeles to record Raindancing with legendary producer Jimmy Iovine. The album was recorded in just three months, aimed at a more polished, American-radio-friendly sound. While Moyet later expressed personal reservations about the "overproduction" of the era, critics have noted that the "poppy freshness" and big choruses remain some of her most insistent and enduring work. The 2016 Deluxe Package
The 2016 reissue is presented as a casebound book double CD, featuring extensive liner notes based on new interviews with Moyet herself, rare photographs, and full lyrics.
Disc One (Original Album Remastered): Features the classic 10-track lineup, including the top-tier hits "Is This Love?" (co-written with the Eurythmics' Dave Stewart) and "Weak in the Presence of Beauty".
Disc Two (Bonus Material): A treasure trove for collectors, this disc includes 12-inch remixes, B-sides, and rare tracks previously only available on vinyl. Key Tracks and Rarities
The deluxe edition is particularly valued for its rare and unreleased inclusions:
"Is This Love? (L.A. Mix)": A polished take on her #3 UK hit.
"Sleep Like Breathing": A haunting duet with David Freeman that stands as the only duet on her solo records.
"Love Letters": Her popular 1987 cover, included here in both original and extended versions.
"Ne Me Quitte Pas" (Live): An impassioned live recording from Wembley Arena in May 1987.
"Let's Get Personal": A rare collaboration with the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown.
For listeners focused on the "FLAC" aspect of this release, the 2016 remastering by Mazen Murad and Phil Kinrade provides a significant upgrade in dynamic range and clarity over the original 1980s pressings. The lossless format preserves the intricate layers of Iovine’s production and the rich, soulful resonance of Moyet’s voice, which critics describe as a "national treasure" that "stands the test of time".
Fans can find the physical deluxe edition at retailers like Amazon or stream high-fidelity versions through platforms like Spotify and Amazon Music. ALISON MOYET'S DELUXE REISSUES WIN CRITICAL PRAISE
The 2016 Deluxe Edition of Raindancing isn’t just a remaster; it’s a high-fidelity restoration of Alison Moyet’s pivot from synth-pop darling to a sophisticated, soulful force of nature. For audiophiles, the FLAC format is the only way to truly experience the architectural layers of this 1987 classic. The Sound of an Era Reborn Alison Moyet - Raindancing -Deluxe 2016- -FLAC-
When you hit play on the 24-bit FLAC files, the first thing you notice is the "air." Unlike the compressed CDs of the late '80s, this reissue allows Moyet’s powerhouse contralto to breathe. In "Weak in the Presence of Beauty," the percussion is crisp and snappy, losing that muddy "wall of sound" effect, while her vocals sit dead-center, intimate and commanding. Deep Cuts and Rarities
The real treasure of this deluxe package lies in the bonus material. The FLAC resolution handles the transition from the polished studio gloss of "Is This Love?" to the raw, stripped-back B-sides and 12" remixes with remarkable grace. You can hear the subtle decay of the synthesizers and the deliberate reverb tails that defined the era's production style. Why the 2016 Master Matters
Curated with Moyet's involvement, this edition fixes the "loudness war" issues of previous re-releases. The dynamic range is preserved, meaning the transition from the booming hooks of "Love Letters" to the quiet, smoky vulnerability of the live tracks feels cinematic.
For fans who grew up with the cassette or the original vinyl, this digital archive is a revelation. It’s the definitive version of an album that proved Alison Moyet could conquer the charts while keeping her soul entirely intact.
The 2016 Deluxe Edition of Alison Moyet’s second solo album, Raindancing, represents a definitive restoration of a pivotal moment in 1980s pop history. Originally released in 1987, this album saw Moyet—already a superstar in the UK following her debut Alf and her work with Yazoo—pushed toward a more polished, Americanized sound. Overview of the 2016 Deluxe Edition
Released by BMG as part of a comprehensive reissue series, the 2016 edition expands the original 10-track LP into a sprawling two-CD set. It features a 2016 remaster of the original tapes, designed to bring modern clarity to the 1980s production while preserving the soul of Moyet's powerful vocals.
Disc One: Contains the original album, including hits like "Is This Love?", "Weak in the Presence of Beauty", and the poignant duet "Sleep Like Breathing".
Disc Two: A treasure trove for collectors, featuring 12-inch remixes, B-sides, and rare live recordings from her 1987 Wembley Arena performance. Historical Significance & Production
Raindancing was largely produced by Jimmy Iovine, known for his work with Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks, in an attempt to break Moyet into the US market. While the album reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and went triple platinum, Moyet has since expressed mixed feelings about the era, noting that the "jangly English irony" of her songwriting was sometimes lost in high-gloss American engineering.
Despite these creative tensions, the album remains a "national treasure" for fans. It includes contributions from legendary session musicians like Omar Hakim and Herb Alpert, who provided the iconic trumpet solo on "Weak in the Presence of Beauty". The "Deluxe 2016" FLAC Experience
For audiophiles, the FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) version of this 2016 remaster is highly sought after. Unlike standard MP3s, FLAC preserves every bit of data from the original master, allowing the "shimmer and shine" of the new remastering to be heard without compression artifacts. Key features of the Deluxe 2016 package include: MOYET,ALISON - Raindancing: Deluxe Edition - Amazon.com
3. Songwriting and Collaborations
The 2016 Deluxe Edition highlights Moyet’s growing confidence as a songwriter. The album features significant contributions from Kirk Burrowes and Ken Harper, shifting the focus away from the standard pop fare of her debut toward a slightly more R&B-inflected direction.
- The Hits: "Weak in the Presence of Beauty" and "Love Letters" (a cover of the 1954 standard) remain standout tracks. The remastering process enhances the dynamic range of "Love Letters," allowing the orchestral arrangement to swell without overpowering the intimate, whispered verses.
- The Deep Cuts: Tracks like "Sleep Like Breathing" (a duet with Ewan Cowley) reveal a more atmospheric side of Moyet. The lossless audio captures the breathiness of the performance, highlighting a vulnerability that was the precursor to the Cocteau Twins-influenced stylings of her next album, Hoodoo.
The inclusion of B-sides and extended mixes in the Deluxe Edition provides context for the era’s remix culture. The "Dub" and "Extended" versions included in the FLAC set are not mere filler; they showcase the rhythmic underpinnings of the tracks, often stripping away the vocal to reveal the complex basslines that drove the album's dance-floor appeal.
The Hidden Gems of Disc Two
The deluxe aspect isn't just about the remaster. The second disc of this 2016 release is where the narrative changes.
While the original Raindancing had filler ("Stronger Than The Flame" suddenly feels more urgent in 24-bit), the B-sides and rarities are stunning. "The Coventry Carol" is hauntingly beautiful, showcasing Moyet’s classical training. The 12" remixes—specifically the "Extended Re-Mix" of "Is This Love"—are no longer period curiosities; they are blueprints for how to produce pop music for a large soundstage.
Rediscovering a Synth-Pop Gem: A Deep Dive into Alison Moyet’s Raindancing (2016 Deluxe Edition)
In the landscape of 1980s British pop, few voices command as much respect as Alison Moyet. While her debut solo album, Alf, is often cited as her defining masterpiece, her 1987 sophomore effort, Raindancing, stands as a fascinating document of an artist navigating the pressures of fame and the evolving sound of the decade. In 2016, Music On Vinyl and Sony Legacy gave fans and audiophiles a reason to revisit the record with a comprehensive Deluxe Edition, released in high-quality FLAC audio formats for digital enthusiasts and heavyweight vinyl for collectors.
The Context: The Difficult Second Album
Following the massive success of Alf—which spawned hits like "Love Resurrection" and "Invisible"—Moyet faced the classic "difficult second album" syndrome. The expectation was high, and the musical landscape was shifting. For Raindancing, Moyet reteamed with producers Jolley & Harris (famed for their work with Imagination) but also brought in the legendary production duo Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW).
The resulting album was a slicker, more polished affair than its predecessor. It leaned heavily into the dance-pop sensibilities of the late 80s, utilizing the era’s trademark synthesizers and drum machines. While some critics at the time felt the production was too glossy, masking the raw power of Moyet’s soulful voice, hindsight has been kinder. Raindancing reveals itself as a masterclass in pop craftsmanship.
The Context: The Weight of a Hit Single
History remembers Raindancing for one thing: "Is This Love?" The track was a global smash, a piece of sophisticated, reggae-tinged pop that showcased Moyet’s ability to restrain her powerful pipes for an intimate, vulnerable whisper. But the album’s legacy was unfairly reduced to that single. Critics at the time lambasted the production as "too glossy" and the material as uneven.
Listening to the 2016 Deluxe Edition in FLAC format, the gloss evaporates. You hear the air between the synth pads. You feel the skin-on-skin contact of the drum skins. The high-resolution audio reveals that the "gloss" was actually a sophisticated layering of textures, lost in the muddy compression of 1987’s vinyl and cassette pressings.
Polished Perfection and The Pop Machine: A Reassessment of Alison Moyet’s Raindancing (2016 Deluxe Edition)
Abstract This paper examines Alison Moyet’s second studio album, Raindancing (1987), through the lens of the 2016 Deluxe Edition remaster. By analyzing the production choices of producers Jimmy Iovine and Jess Bailey, the songwriting partnership with Kirk Burrowes, and the sonic fidelity presented in the FLAC format, the paper argues that Raindancing serves as a critical bridge between Moyet’s chart-topping pop persona and the mature artistry that would define her later career. The reissue reveals the depth of the vocal performance and the intricacies of the late-80s production, elevating the album from a period piece to a cohesive work of sophisticated pop.
Final Verdict
Raindancing is not a perfect album. It is a product of its era, complete with gated reverb and sax solos. But it is also a monument to one of Britain’s greatest living voices. The 2016 Deluxe Edition in FLAC respects that voice, giving it the dynamic range and clarity it always deserved.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer looking for 80s pop with soul, seek out this version. Cue up “Sleep Like Breathing,” close your eyes, and let Alison Moyet remind you what real singing feels like.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (Essential for fans, highly recommended for audiophiles)
Have you heard the 2016 remaster? Drop a comment below—are you Team “Alf” or Team “Raindancing”?
2016 Deluxe Edition Raindancing is a fascinating study of a pop superstar caught between her European roots and a polished American sound. For listeners with the
version, the lossless quality highlights both the lushness of Jimmy Iovine’s production and the undeniable power of one of the 80s' most expressive voices. An American Pivot Released in 1987, Raindancing The Alison Moyet - Raindancing Deluxe 2016 Edition
was Alison Moyet's "difficult" second album, designed to conquer the U.S. market. The Production
: Producer Jimmy Iovine traded the minimalist synth-pop of her Yazoo days for a slick, radio-ready sound. Moyet's Perspective
: Alison has famously noted this was "not a happy time," feeling her "jangly, English irony" was lost in translation to American pop treatment. Standout Hits : The album features the massive hit "Is This Love?" (co-written by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics) and the catchy "Weak In The Presence Of Beauty" Alison Moyet deluxe editions now available for pre-order
The 2016 Deluxe Edition of Raindancing by Alison Moyet is a comprehensive two-disc reissue that meticulously remasters her chart-topping 1987 sophomore album from the original master tapes. This release is a significant upgrade for collectors, especially in high-fidelity FLAC format, as it restores the vibrancy of her vocals and the intricate production by Jimmy Iovine. Key Features of the Deluxe Edition
Source Remastering: Audio was restored at Metropolis Mastering using the original 1/4 inch stereo 30ips master tapes.
Expanded Tracklist: The 2016 edition nearly triples the original 10-track album to 26 tracks, including 16 bonus selections.
Premium Packaging: The physical release is presented as a casebound book (hardback mediabook) featuring new sleeve notes, rare photographs, and an exclusive interview with Moyet. Tracklist Highlights
The deluxe set is divided into the original remastered album (Disc 1) and a collection of rarities (Disc 2). MOYET,ALISON - Raindancing: Deluxe Edition - Amazon.com
Rediscovering the Pop Sparkle: Alison Moyet’s "Raindancing" Deluxe Edition (2016) in FLAC
When we talk about the powerhouse vocals of the 1980s, one voice stands above the rest in its soulful, bluesy depth: Alison Moyet . Following the massive success of her debut solo album , 1987 saw the release of her second album, Raindancing
In 2016, BMG remastered and expanded this classic pop record, bringing it back to life with a wealth of bonus material. For audiophiles looking for the best possible experience, the release of this Deluxe edition is a true time capsule. Read more about the 2016 Deluxe Reissue details on Discogs The Original 1987 Album: A Pop Powerhouse Raindancing
found Moyet navigating the late 80s pop landscape, producing polished, high-energy tracks. While Alison herself has been critical of the production over the years, the album stands as a vibrant example of 80s pop-soul. The original album brings us classics like: "Weak in the Presence of Beauty"
: A soaring cover that highlighted Moyet’s emotional range. "Is This Love?"
: Co-written by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, this track was a massive hit, defined by its infectious bassline and huge chorus. "Ordinary Girl"
: A, personal, slightly melancholic track co-written by Moyet.
Reviewers often praise the album for its, "poppy freshness," and "big choruses that demand to be sung along to," noted Attitude Magazine in their 5-star review of the deluxe series. The 2016 Deluxe Edition: Beyond the Album
The 2016 reissue is a two-disc set (or digital deluxe) that elevates Raindancing
from a good album to a comprehensive collection. It includes the remastered album along with: 12” Remixes:
Including the "Is This Love? (L.A. Mix)" and various remixes of "Ordinary Girl." Rare B-Sides:
Discover tracks like "To Work On You" and "Take My Imagination To Bed." Live Cuts:
A stunning "Love Resurrection" live from Wembley Arena (1987). The "Love Letters" Sessions:
Including the standard and extended versions of her beautiful cover of "Love Letters." View the full Raindancing tracklist on AlisonMoyetMusic.com Why the FLAC Release Matters
This 2016 remastering helps bring out the depth of the songs, which, decades later, still hold up as pop classics. Listening to this in FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is crucial. Sonic Detail:
The 80s synths and crisp drums are delivered without the compression of lossy formats.
Moyet’s voice has always been the focus; high-quality audio allows you to hear the subtle blues inflections and power behind her voice. Remastered for Modern Systems: As mentioned in Amazon UK reviews
, the remastering provides a much higher fidelity than original 80s pressings. Final Verdict: An Essential for "Alf-ettes"
Whether you loved this album back in '87 or are just discovering the deeper cuts, the 2016 Deluxe Edition of Raindancing The Hits: "Weak in the Presence of Beauty"
is an "absolute must for all fans," offering a rare glimpse into the production and remixes that defined that era of Alison’s career.
Have you heard the 2016 remaster? Let us know your favorite remix in the comments!
(Disclaimer: This blog post is a summary based on public information about the 2016 release and does not contain illegal download links.)
The Rainy Night
It was a drizzly evening in London, the kind of night where the rain seemed to cling to every surface like a damp mist. Alison Moyet, the iconic British singer-songwriter, sat in her cozy studio, surrounded by the familiar comforts of her music-making sanctuary. She had spent the day preparing for a special re-release of her critically acclaimed album, "Raindancing".
As she sipped on a steaming cup of tea, Alison's mind wandered back to the summer of 1993, when "Raindancing" first emerged, showcasing her unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic elements. The album had been a commercial success, praised for its innovative production and Alison's powerful, emotive vocals.
Now, more than two decades later, Alison was re-visiting her beloved album, meticulously re-mastering and re-mixing the tracks for a deluxe edition. The 2016 re-release would feature not only the original album, but also a collection of bonus tracks, B-sides, and live recordings.
As she worked, the sound of raindrops pattering against the studio's windows created a soothing background melody, transporting Alison back to the creative process that had driven her to craft "Raindancing" in the first place. She remembered the thrill of experimenting with new sounds and collaborating with producer Mike Myers.
The hours slipped by, and Alison became fully immersed in the re-making of her musical past. Her skilled hands moved deftly between the mixing console and her computer, honing every detail to perfection. With each revised track, the music seemed to come alive anew, like a tender shoot pushing through the fertile soil.
Finally, the deluxe edition was complete. Alison named it "Raindancing (Deluxe 2016)" and encoded it in high-quality FLAC format, ensuring that every nuance of the music would be preserved for fans to rediscover.
The finished product was a testament to Alison's enduring artistry and the timeless appeal of "Raindancing". As she listened to the final mix, a satisfied smile spread across her face. The music still felt like a part of her, a reflection of her soul on that rainy night, years ago.
The FLAC files began to transfer to the pressing plant.
... the music was on its way to fans worldwide, ready to flow like the rain...
2016 Deluxe Edition Alison Moyet 's second solo album, Raindancing
, was released on November 25, 2016, by BMG. This version features a comprehensive digital remastering of the original 1987 tracks and is expanded into a 2-disc set containing 12" remixes, B-sides, and rare live recordings. Amazon.com Core Album Details Original Release: April 6, 1987. Chart Performance:
on the UK Albums Chart and achieved double Platinum status in the UK. Main Singles:
Includes the hits "Is This Love?" (co-written with David A. Stewart), "Weak in the Presence of Beauty," "Ordinary Girl," and "Sleep Like Breathing". Largely produced by Jimmy Iovine Amazon.com Deluxe Edition Contents
The 2016 reissue is packaged in a hardback mediabook and includes an extensive booklet with new interviews, song lyrics, and curator notes. Amazon.com Disc 1: Original Album (Remastered) Weak in the Presence of Beauty Ordinary Girl You Got Me Wrong Without You Sleep Like Breathing Is This Love? Blow Wind Blow Glorious Love When I Say (No Giveaway) Disc 2: Bonus Tracks
The second disc focuses on rare versions and live performances: 12" Mixes:
"Is This Love? (L.A. Mix)," "Blow Wind Blow (Long Version)," "Weak In The Presence of Beauty (Extended Mix)," "Ordinary Girl (Remix)," "Ordinary Girl (Dance Mix)," and "Love Letters (Extended Version)." Rarities & B-Sides:
"To Work On You," "Take My Imagination To Bed," "Palm Of Your Hand (Cloak & Dagger)," and "The Coventry Carol" (from the A Very Special Christmas benefit album). Demos & Collaborations:
"You And Me" (previously unreleased demo) and "Let's Get Personal" (with James Brown Live Recordings:
"Love Resurrection" and "Ne Me Quitte Pas" (Live at Wembley Arena, May 13, 1987). Technical & Critical Reception Audio Quality:
While many reviewers praised the collection's comprehensiveness, some audiophiles on forums like Super Deluxe Edition
expressed concerns about heavy limiting/compression in the 2016 remastering compared to original 1980s CD pressings. Critical Acclaim:
The deluxe reissues generally received high scores, including 5/5 from and 10/10 from the Scunthorpe Telegraph Artist Perspective: Moyet has reflected on the original recording of Raindancing
as a difficult time where her "European" style was given an "American session pop treatment" by producers and engineers, which she initially found mismatched to her instincts. Alison Moyet WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Alison Moyet - Talk About Pop Music