Where the Rose is Sown is a song by Scottish rock band Big Country,[3] which was released in 1984 as the second single from their second studio album Steeltown. It was written by Big Country and produced by Steve Lillywhite.[4] "Where the Rose Is Sown" peaked at No. 29 in the UK and No. 25 in Ireland.[5][6]
"Where the Rose Is Sown" | ||||
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Single by Big Country | ||||
from the album Steeltown | ||||
B-side |
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Released | 23 November 1984 (UK)[1] December 1984 (US)[2] | |||
Length | 4:13 | |||
Label | Mercury Vertigo (Canada) | |||
Songwriter(s) | Stuart Adamson Mark Brzezicki Tony Butler Bruce Watson | |||
Producer(s) | Steve Lillywhite | |||
Big Country singles chronology | ||||
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A music video was filmed to promote the single. It received medium rotation on MTV.[7]
Upon release, Lesley White of Smash Hits commented: "More of the same from the frustrated messiahs of contemporary rock. A treat for lovers of "real music" everywhere - give me artful pretence any day."[8] Sunie of Number One said: ""It's the lovin' things you do..." Anyone remember the old '60s hit? It lurks just behind this song, artfully obscured by guitar solos, "heeyahs" and the Lillywhite wall of sound. I rather like it."[9]
Cash Box commented: "Big Country delivers a pounding slice of tragic political rock which is given its edge in Adamson's biting delivery. Trademark guitar riffs and a no-nonsense beat should help [it] become another anthemic classic from the band."[10] Billboard stated: "Group's stirring strength is sadly buried in muddy sound."[11]
In a retrospective review of Steeltown, Tim Peacock of Record Collector described the song as one of the album's "obvious go-to tracks", adding that it had an anti-war message "especially resonant in the wake of the Falklands".[12]
Chart (1984) | Peak position |
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Irish Singles Chart[6] | 25 |
UK Singles Chart[5] | 29 |
Big Country | |
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Studio albums | |
Other albums | |
Extended plays | |
Singles |
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Related articles |
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