"The First Picture of You" is the debut single by English band The Lotus Eaters, released in July 1983. It became the group's signature song and was later included on their 1984 debut album, No Sense of Sin123. The track is celebrated for its shimmering, melodic sound and evocative lyrics, often cited as a classic of early 1980s sophisti-pop and guitar pop153.
Background and Recording
- The Lotus Eaters formed from Liverpool’s vibrant music scene, with Peter Coyle (vocals) and Jem Kelly (guitar) coming from The Jass Babies and The Wild Swans, respectively523.
- The song was first recorded for a John Peel session in 1982, which sparked a bidding war among major labels152.
- Produced by Nigel Gray (known for work with The Police and Siouxsie and the Banshees), the single was recorded at Surrey Sound Studios15.
- Session bassist Alan Spenner played on the track; Michael Dempsey (formerly of The Cure and The Associates) joined for the rest of the album1.
Release and Reception
- "The First Picture of You" was released on Arista Records and quickly became a hit, reaching No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart in August 19831523.
- It was the most played song on British radio that year and also charted in Australia (No. 62) and was a hit in France, Italy, Japan, and the Philippines15.
- The song’s popularity preceded the band’s first live performance, a rare feat in pop music5.
- It was later sampled by The Streets in their 2002 track "It's Too Late"1.
Music and Lyrics
- The song is characterized by jangling arpeggios, lush keyboards, and Peter Coyle’s yearning vocals, creating a dreamy, summery atmosphere523.
- The lyrics evoke images of warmth, love, and the euphoria of summer, encapsulated in the chorus: "The first picture of you / The first picture of summer / Seeing the flowers scream their joy"6.
- The arrangement and production give the track a sense of melancholic optimism, making it both uplifting and wistful53.
Music Video
- Filmed primarily at a house on Ferry Road and on Walberswick Beach, the video visually matches the song’s summery, nostalgic feel1.
Legacy
- "The First Picture of You" remains an enduring anthem of the early '80s, praised for its melodic craft and emotional resonance53.
- The song is featured on expanded reissues of No Sense of Sin and continues to be celebrated in retrospectives of British pop2.
Key Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Lotus Eaters |
| Songwriters | Peter Coyle, Jeremy Kelly, Gerard Quinn |
| Producer | Nigel Gray |
| Release Date | July 1983 |
| Album | No Sense of Sin (1984) |
| UK Chart Peak | No. 15 |
| Genre | Sophisti-pop, guitar pop |
| Notable Lyric | "The first picture of you / The first picture of summer" |
| Legacy | Classic of 1980s British pop, widely acclaimed |
Summary
"The First Picture of You" by The Lotus Eaters is a quintessential 1980s pop single, blending jangly guitars, lush production, and poetic lyrics to capture the fleeting beauty of summer and young love. Its enduring appeal lies in its melodic warmth and evocative nostalgia, securing its place as a classic of the era153.
