East of Eden (Big Country song)

"East of Eden"
Single by Big Country
from the album Steeltown
Released 21 September 1984 (UK)
Length 4:10
Label Mercury
Songwriter(s) Stuart Adamson
Mark Brzezicki
Tony Butler
Bruce Watson
Producer(s) Steve Lillywhite
Big Country singles chronology
"Wonderland"
(1984) 		"East of Eden"
(1984) 		"Where the Rose Is Sown"
(1984)

"East of Eden" is a song by Scottish rock band Big Country, which was released in 1984 as the lead single from their second studio album Steeltown. It was written by Big Country and produced by Steve Lillywhite. "East of Eden" reached No. 17 in the UK, and No. 12 in Ireland.

Background

Speaking to Number One in 1984, Adamson said of the song: "It's a questioning song, a song about always having to look for any hope or inspiration." A music video was filmed in Glasgow to promote the single, directed by Mike Brady. The single's B-side, "Prairie Rose", is a cover of the 1974 song by Roxy Music.

Critical reception

Upon release, Karen Swayne of Number One said: ""East of Eden" is as powerful and majestic as anything they've done." Vici MacDonald of Smash Hits commented: "The production on this record is truly awful. The instruments blur into one muddy, thrashing mass, completely submerging any hapless tune which might be struggling to escape."

Track listing

7" single
  1. "East of Eden" - 4:10
  2. "Prairie Rose" - 4:50
12" single
  1. "East of Eden (Extended Version)" - 6:22
  2. "East of Eden" - 4:24
  3. "Prairie Rose" - 4:44
12" single (US promo)
  1. "East of Eden" - 4:09
  2. "East of Eden" - 4:09

Chart performance

Chart (1984) Peak
position
Irish Singles Chart 12
New Zealand Singles Chart 41
UK Singles Chart 17

Personnel

Big Country
Production
Other
  • Jeremy Bird - sleeve design
  • Brian Aris - sleeve photography
  • Grant-Edwards Management - management