Native Place is an album by the English band the Railway Children, released in 1990.[2][3] The band broke up after the album's release, in part due to EMI's acquisition of Virgin Records.[4]

The album peaked at No. 59 on the UK Albums Chart.[5] "Every Beat of the Heart" peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart.[6] The band promoted the album by touring with the Heart Throbs.[7][8]

Production

The album was produced by Steve Lovell and Steve Power.[9] It was recorded over a period of four months, to the annoyance of chief songwriter Gary Newby.[10]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[11]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[12]

Trouser Press wrote: "No longer an unassuming pop group, the Railway Children are growing into dance-oriented chart hacks."[13] The Washington Post opined that "Native Place is not brave or powerful or important, but it's seriously listenable."[14]

The Daily Breeze determined that the album "leans more toward guitar-oriented pop, boasting strong melodies, airy textures and a sunny optimism."[10] The Dayton Daily News stated that "the group's sound recalls the jangling guitars of the Byrds combined with a sweeping keyboard sound from the early '80s."[15]

AllMusic wrote that "the slick production and sunny synths couldn't leech the buoyancy and emotional impact from the poetic, romantic songwriting and warm harmonies of Gary Newby."[11] MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide deemed Native Place "one of the definitive pop albums of the early '90s ... Newby's gentle vocals are flawless."[9]

Track listing

References