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Earth Moving
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| Earth Moving | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 10 July 1989 | |||
| Recorded | 1988–1989 | |||
| Genre | Pop, rock[1] | |||
| Length | 40:50 | |||
| Label | Virgin | |||
| Producer | Daniel Lazerus, Mike Oldfield | |||
| Mike Oldfield chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Earth Moving | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [1] |
Earth Moving is the 12th record album by British musician Mike Oldfield, released in 1989. Unlike Oldfield's albums released prior to Earth Moving, the album contains no instrumental tracks.
Album analysis
[edit]Oldfield used several vocalists on the album, including his then girlfriend, Anita Hegerland. The album's music was performed mainly with synthesizers. It was the first time Oldfield recorded an album without an instrumental piece; each track being vocal-based pop and rock songs. Oldfield's only other album free of instrumentals is 2014's Man on the Rocks.
The final track, despite appearing to be a lengthier piece, consists of two short, apparently unconnected songs, combined into one track, with a noticeable pause in between. According to Oldfield, the album was made in full compliance with his recording company, Virgin Records, which demanded he create more commercially oriented material than his previous albums. After recording Earth Moving Oldfield wanted to move away from 'computerised music' and return to real musicians and instruments; this is evident in his next album, Amarok.[3]
Promotion
[edit]According to an interview Mike Oldfield and Anita Hegerland gave on the television programme Good Morning Britain, the song "Innocent" was inspired by their young daughter Greta, who appears in the song's music video. In the programme, Oldfield and Hegerland performed an acoustic version of the song, Hegerland singing and Oldfield playing the guitar.[4]
"Earth Moving", "Innocent" and "(One Glance Is) Holy" were released as singles.
Equipment
[edit]Earth Moving is the first album on which Oldfield used PRS guitars, having previously used Gibson guitars. Synthesizers on the album include a Fairlight Series III and various instruments made by Roland and Korg (including an M1). The album was recorded using an Atari 1040ST with C-Lab Notator software, a Harrison Series X console, a Studer A8800 tape deck with Dolby SR noise reduction, an Ampex Grand Master tape and ATC SCM200 monitors.
Track listing
[edit]All tracks written by Mike Oldfield.
Side one
[edit]Side two
[edit]- "See the Light" – 3:59
- "Earth Moving" – 4:03
- "Blue Night" – 3:47
- "Nothing But" / "Bridge to Paradise" – 8:40
Personnel
[edit]- Mike Oldfield – guitars and keyboards
- Max Bacon – vocals ("Hostage", "Bridge to Paradise")
- Adrian Belew – vocals ("Holy"), left channel guitar solo ("Far Country")
- Nikki "B" Bentley – vocals ("Earth Moving")
- Anita Hegerland – vocals ("Innocent")
- Carol Kenyon – vocals ("Nothing But")
- Raphael Ravenscroft – saxophone
- Maggie Reilly – vocals ("Blue Night")
- Phil Spalding – bass guitar, backing vocals ("Bridge to Paradise", "See the Light", "Holy")
- Chris Thompson – vocals ("Runaway Son", "See the Light")
- Carl Wayne – backing vocals ("Earth Moving")
- Mark Williamson – vocals ("Far Country")
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| France (SNEP)[14] | Gold | 100,000* |
| Germany (BVMI)[15] | Gold | 250,000^ |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE)[16] | Gold | 50,000^ |
| Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[17] | Gold | 25,000^ |
|
* Sales figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- ^ a b Earth Moving review at AllMusic
- ^ "The Great Rock Discography". p. 604.
- ^ "Mike Oldfield Turns the clock Back - Computers: Curse of Modern Music". Dick Speelpenning - Sym-info-Magazine No.91. October 1990. Retrieved 14 August 2008.
- ^ "TV-AM Interview". Tubular.net (Transcribed from Good Morning Britain). 11 July 1989. Retrieved 20 September 2008.
- ^ "Austriancharts.at – Mike Oldfield – Earth Moving" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Mike Oldfield – Earth Moving" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Mike Oldfield – Earth Moving" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ Salaverri, Fernando (2015). Sólo éxitos 1959–2012 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 978-84-8048-866-2.
- ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Mike Oldfield – Earth Moving". Hung Medien. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Mike Oldfield – Earth Moving". Hung Medien. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts". GfK Entertainment (in German). offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1989". hitparade.ch. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ "French album certifications – Mike Oldfield – Earth Moving" (in French). InfoDisc. Retrieved 12 November 2021. Select MIKE OLDFIELD and click OK.
- ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Mike Oldfield; 'Earth Moving')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
- ^ "Sólo Éxitos 1959–2002 Año A Año: Certificados 1979–1990" (in Spanish). Iberautor Promociones Culturales. ISBN 8480486392.
- ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Earth Moving')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
External links
[edit]- Mike Oldfield Discography - Earth Moving at Tubular.net
- Earth Moving lyrics at Tubular.net
Earth Moving
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Earth Moving is the twelfth studio album by English musician Mike Oldfield, released on 10 July 1989 by Virgin Records.[1] Unlike Oldfield's previous albums, it features vocals on every track and adopts a more pop-oriented sound, incorporating elements of synth-pop, art rock, and progressive electronic music.[2]
The album was produced by Oldfield and recorded at his home studio in Roughwood Croft. It includes contributions from guest vocalists such as Adrian Belew, Maggie Reilly, Chris Thompson, and Anita Hegerland.[3] Notable tracks include the title song "Earth Moving" and "Holy", with the album receiving mixed reviews for its commercial direction compared to Oldfield's earlier progressive rock works.[4]
Background
Conception and development
Earth Moving was conceived by Mike Oldfield as his first album consisting entirely of vocal tracks, marking a shift toward more commercial pop and rock material to meet Virgin Records' expectations following the modest commercial performance of his previous album, Islands (1987).[5] Oldfield, who wrote the music and lyrics for all songs, aimed to create radio-friendly compositions without any instrumentals, a departure from his earlier progressive and ambient works.[6] The songwriting process took place from late 1988, with Oldfield developing the nine tracks in a structured format of verses, choruses, and bridges to enhance accessibility.[7] Recording began in late 1988 and continued through early 1989 at Oldfield's home studio, Roughwood Croft, where he handled much of the instrumentation, including guitars and keyboards, using synthesizers such as the Fairlight Series III, Roland, and Korg M1, along with an Atari 1040ST computer and C-Lab Notator software for sequencing.[3] The production was co-handled by Oldfield and Daniel Lazerus, emphasizing a polished sound with guest vocalists to bring the songs to life.[8] This focused approach allowed Oldfield to experiment within pop constraints while retaining his multi-instrumentalist style, resulting in a cohesive album ready for release in July 1989.[4]Label transition
Earth Moving was released by Virgin Records, the label that had supported Mike Oldfield since his debut album Tubular Bells in 1973, providing a stable contractual framework for his artistic endeavors throughout the 1980s.[6] This long-standing partnership allowed Oldfield to experiment with new directions, such as the album's exclusive focus on vocal tracks, developed in close collaboration with the label to target a wider commercial audience.[9] The production budget for Earth Moving was enhanced compared to Oldfield's previous release Islands (1987), enabling the involvement of prominent guest artists like Adrian Belew and Maggie Reilly, and the use of advanced recording techniques at Roughwood Croft.[3] In the United States, the album was distributed under Virgin Records with manufacturing handled by Capitol Records, Inc., facilitating broader market access and reflecting strategic business arrangements for international release.[10] Oldfield's management at the time played a key role in coordinating these production elements, ensuring alignment between creative goals and label expectations for the album's July 1989 launch.[3]Recording
Studio sessions
The recording sessions for Earth Moving took place primarily at Mike Oldfield's home studio, Roughwood Croft, in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, England, spanning from late 1988 to mid-1989.[11][8][3] Basic tracks were laid down in May 1989, with overdubs following in June and final mixes completed by late June at Roughwood Croft.[8] The album marked the first collaboration between Mike Oldfield and co-producer Daniel Lazerus, who also contributed instrumentation.[12][1] The sessions were marked by logistical challenges, including tight deadlines driven by Oldfield's scheduled tour commitments later in 1989.[13] Various production techniques and equipment were employed during these sessions to capture the album's pop-rock sound.Equipment and production techniques
The production of Earth Moving utilized a blend of cutting-edge digital sequencing and traditional analog recording methods at Mike Oldfield's home studio, Roughwood Croft. Oldfield, serving as both producer and engineer alongside co-producer Daniel Lazerus, employed an Atari 1040ST computer running C-LAB Notator software to program and sequence complex arrangements, marking an early integration of computer-assisted composition in his work.[14] This setup allowed for precise control over rhythmic and melodic elements, particularly in the album's synth-driven tracks.[15] Key instrumentation included Oldfield's debut use of PRS guitars, shifting from his prior Gibson models to achieve a brighter, more defined tone suited to the album's pop-rock leanings.[14] Synthesizers played a central role, featuring Roland and Korg models for lush pads and leads, complemented by the Fairlight CMI Series III sampler for orchestral and percussive textures.[14] Drums were primarily programmed via the sequencer and synths, contributing to the polished, machine-like precision characteristic of late-1980s production. The recording was captured on a Studer A8800 tape deck equipped with Dolby SR noise reduction, while mixing occurred on a Harrison Series X console to ensure clarity and dynamic range across the tracks.[14] Vocal production emphasized layered harmonies to enhance the album's accessibility, with multiple guest vocalists providing lead and backing parts recorded in overdubs. Notable contributors included Adrian Belew on "Holy" for its distinctive processed tone, Max Bacon on "Hostage," and Maggie Reilly on "Blue Night," whose performances were blended using compression and EQ to integrate seamlessly with the instrumental layers.[1] This approach, combined with subtle effects processing, helped balance the record's rock energy with pop polish without relying on later digital editing tools like Pro Tools, which were not yet available.[15]Composition
Musical style
Earth Moving marks a significant departure from Mike Oldfield's earlier progressive and instrumental works, embracing a full pop and rock format with nine vocal-based songs and no extended instrumentals. Released in 1989, the album features short, concise tracks averaging 3-5 minutes, designed for commercial radio play and vinyl accessibility, totaling 41 minutes. This shift prioritizes catchy hooks, synthesizer-driven arrangements, and anthemic choruses over the complex, multi-layered compositions of albums like Tubular Bells. The production, handled by Oldfield and co-producer Daniel Lazerus, incorporates 1980s synth-pop and europop elements, with prominent use of Fairlight CMI and Roland synthesizers for polished, electronic textures.[6][3] Influences from contemporary pop and rock are evident, including the upbeat, melodic drive reminiscent of Phil Collins and the atmospheric synth layers akin to mid-1980s Peter Gabriel. Guest vocalists add variety: Adrian Belew provides energetic, new wave-inflected delivery on tracks like "Holy" and "Hostage," while Maggie Reilly's soft, ethereal vocals suit ballads such as "Innocent." Oldfield's signature guitar work is subdued but present in riffs and solos, subordinated to the pop structure for broader appeal. The album's sound is characterized as synth-pop and experimental pop, reflecting Oldfield's attempt to align with Virgin Records' commercial expectations.[4][16]Thematic elements
The lyrics of Earth Moving, primarily written by Oldfield with contributions from others, explore personal and emotional themes drawn from his life experiences, including family, relationships, and introspection. Unlike the abstract or fantastical narratives of his earlier works, these songs adopt a more direct, relatable approach suited to pop songwriting. For instance, "Innocent" is inspired by Oldfield's young daughter Greta, capturing themes of innocence, protection, and fleeting childhood through tender, hopeful imagery: "Innocent faces, looking up at me / Full of wonder, full of mystery." Similarly, "Runaway Son" delves into themes of rebellion and reconciliation within family dynamics, portraying a son's departure and return with emotional depth.[17] Other tracks touch on love, escape, and spiritual searching, often with an optimistic or redemptive tone. "Holy" addresses faith and divine intervention amid personal turmoil, using religious metaphors to convey solace: "Holy, holy, holy is the lamb." "See the Light" evokes longing for clarity and connection in relationships, while the closing "Nothing But" / "Bridge to Paradise" contrasts earthly struggles with aspirations of transcendence, bridging mundane reality and ideal escape. These motifs reflect Oldfield's transitional period, emphasizing renewal and human vulnerability without overt social commentary. The album's title metaphorically suggests dynamic change and movement in life, aligning with its energetic pop sound.[18][2]Release and promotion
Marketing and singles
The album Earth Moving was released on 10 July 1989 by Virgin Records in the United Kingdom and Europe.[1] In the United States, it was distributed by Virgin through Capitol Records later in 1989.[19] To promote the album, three singles were issued: "Earth Moving" in July 1989 in the UK, "Innocent" in July 1989 in the European Union, and "(One Glance Is) Holy" on 30 October 1989 in the EU. A music video was produced for "Earth Moving," featuring vocalist Nikki Lamborn, and is included on the compilation Elements – The Best of Mike Oldfield. The singles received radio airplay but did not chart highly. Promotion included a television appearance by Oldfield and vocalist Anita Hegerland performing an acoustic version of "Innocent" on ITV's Good Morning Britain in 1989, highlighting the song's personal inspiration from their daughter. There were no extensive live tours associated with the album, with marketing focused on media exposure and single releases to support its pop-oriented shift.[8]Commercial performance
Earth Moving achieved moderate commercial success following its July 1989 release, particularly in Europe, though it struggled to gain traction in other major markets. In the United Kingdom, the album peaked at No. 30 on the Official UK Albums Chart during its debut week and spent a total of 5 weeks on the chart.[20] It also reached No. 1 in Germany, No. 3 in Switzerland, No. 21 in Austria, Sweden, and Spain, No. 30 in the UK, and No. 55 in the Netherlands. In the United States, Earth Moving had limited breakthrough, failing to register a notable position on the Billboard 200 and underscoring the challenges of Oldfield's shift toward pop-oriented material in penetrating the American market. Globally, the album sold over 425,000 copies across key European territories including France, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland by the late 1980s.[21] It demonstrated stronger performance in select European countries, earning gold certifications in France (100,000 units), Germany (250,000 units), Spain (50,000 units), and Switzerland (25,000 units). Several factors influenced its market reception, including boosted radio airplay from lead singles that drove initial sales momentum. However, the album's performance was tempered by intensifying competition in the late 1980s rock and pop landscape. The promotional strategy surrounding the singles contributed to its European foothold.Artwork and packaging
The cover art for Earth Moving was designed by Hipgnosis, depicting a surreal image of a bulldozer in a domestic living room. This visual evokes themes of disruption. The inner sleeve and accompanying booklet featured printed lyrics alongside illustrations echoing the album's motifs of change. The album was issued in multiple physical formats, including standard vinyl LP, audio cassette, and CD.[1]Track listing
Side one
The first side of the vinyl and cassette editions of Earth Moving comprises five tracks totaling 20:46 in duration.[1]Side two
Side two comprises four tracks totaling 16:13 in duration.[1]- "See the Light" (3:59)
- "Earth Moving" (4:03)
- "Blue Night" (3:47)
- "Nothing But" (4:24)