In the pantheon of 1980s pop icons, few voices command the gravity, grit, and emotional resonance of Alison Moyet. From her raw, punk-inflected beginnings with Yazoo (Yaz in the US) to her sophisticated solo output, Moyet has always defied easy categorization. However, one album in her discography often serves as the litmus test for true audiophile appreciation: 1987’s Raindancing.
But not just any version. The holy grail for high-resolution enthusiasts remains the 2016 Deluxe Edition, particularly when experienced in the lossless FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format. This article dives deep into why this specific release—remastered, expanded, and uncompromised—is essential listening.
After the monumental success of Alf (1984), which gave us the timeless “Invisible,” Moyet had everything to prove. Raindancing was her chance to step away from the synth-heavy shadow of her Yazoo past with Vince Clarke and embrace a more polished, radio-friendly, yet emotionally complex sound.
Produced by Jimmy Iovine (known for his work with Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty), the album leaned into rock-tinged pop and sweeping ballads. It wasn't a critical darling upon release—some called it too commercial—but time has been extraordinarily kind to Raindancing.
The Alison Moyet - Raindancing Deluxe 2016 Edition is widely regarded as the definitive version of her 1987 sophomore album. While the original record was a massive commercial success, spawning hits like "Is This Love?" and "Weak in the Presence of Beauty," it remains a point of contention for Moyet herself due to its polished American production. The 2016 reissue, especially in a lossless format like FLAC, allows listeners to hear the intricate details and powerhouse vocals that critics say have "shimmered and shined" better than ever before. Remastering and Audio Quality
Critics from Attitude Magazine note that Moyet’s back catalogue "has never sounded better," praising the clarity brought by the 2016 remaster. For audiophiles using FLAC:
Production Depth: Jimmy Iovine’s "understated" but polished production is preserved with greater dynamic range.
Vocal Clarity: Moyet's "powerful bluesy contralto" is front and center, highlighting the "soul and passion" that remains her trademark.
Digital Sourcing: Most of the tracks were remastered from the original tapes, ensuring a high-fidelity experience that surpasses previous CD or vinyl pressings. Deluxe Content and Rarity Highlights
The Deluxe Edition is a two-disc set (or equivalent digital package) featuring a wealth of bonus material that was previously hard to find.
Remixes & B-Sides: Includes the "L.A. Mix" of "Is This Love?" and the "Dance Mix" of "Ordinary Girl".
Collaborations: Features "Let's Get Personal," a high-energy track with the legendary James Brown, and "Sleep Like Breathing," a duet with David Freeman.
Rarities: The previously unreleased demo "You and Me" and the "Coventry Carol" from a 1987 benefit album offer a glimpse into different facets of her artistry. Alison Moyet - Raindancing -Deluxe 2016- -FLAC-
Live Recordings: Includes powerful live versions of "Love Resurrection" and "Ne Me Quitte Pas" from her May 1987 Wembley Arena performance. Critical Reception vs. Artist Perspective
Critical Consensus: Reviews from Classic Pop Magazine (6/6 stars) and God Is In The TV laud the reissue for being "beautifully packaged" and "conclusive proof" of her status as a national treasure.
Moyet's Stance: She has described the album's creation as "not a happy time," feeling that her European influences were lost to "American session pop treatment". This deluxe edition, however, provides the context (through liner notes and demos) to understand her evolving artistic control. If you'd like, I can: Provide a full track-by-track list of the bonus disc. Compare this release to the original 1987 vinyl pressings.
Recommend other Moyet deluxe reissues (like Hoodoo or Essex) based on your favorite tracks.
Let me know which area of the review you'd like to explore further! ALISON MOYET'S DELUXE REISSUES WIN CRITICAL PRAISE
Alison Moyet - Raindancing (Deluxe 2016) - FLAC
Introduction
Released in 2016, the deluxe edition of Alison Moyet's iconic album "Raindancing" presents a meticulously crafted reissue of the 1987 masterpiece. This FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) version ensures that audiophiles and fans alike can indulge in the album's rich, detailed soundscapes with uncompromised quality. "Raindancing" stands as a testament to Moyet's enduring talent and influence in the music industry, showcasing her unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic elements.
The Album
"Raindancing" was Alison Moyet's second solo album, following the success of her debut "Heal" in 1986. The album features a diverse range of tracks that highlight Moyet's exceptional vocal range and emotional depth. From the energetic and upbeat "In Cahoots" to the melancholic and introspective "The Night Crawler," each song on the album demonstrates Moyet's skill in storytelling and her ability to convey complex emotions through her music.
Tracklist
Deluxe Edition Features
The 2016 deluxe edition of "Raindancing" offers fans an enhanced listening experience with additional tracks and remixes not included in the original release. This expanded version provides a deeper dive into Moyet's creative process and the evolution of the album.
Audio Quality
The FLAC version of "Raindancing" ensures that listeners can enjoy the album in high fidelity, with clear, detailed sound that brings out the nuances of Moyet's performance and the production quality of the tracks. This lossless format is ideal for those who value audio precision and wish to experience the album as it was intended.
Conclusion
The deluxe 2016 edition of "Raindancing" in FLAC is a must-have for fans of Alison Moyet and anyone appreciative of high-quality audio. The album itself remains a significant work in Moyet's discography, showcasing her talent and contributing to her legacy as a versatile and emotionally resonant artist. This reissue not only celebrates the original album but also provides a comprehensive listening experience with its additional tracks and lossless audio.
The 2016 Deluxe Edition of Raindancing represents a definitive archival celebration of Alison Moyet’s second solo studio album. Originally released in 1987, this triple-platinum record solidified Moyet’s status as a global pop powerhouse after her departure from the synth-pop duo Yazoo. This reissue, part of a comprehensive series by BMG, features high-fidelity remastering that makes it a prime candidate for audiophiles seeking the FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) experience. Album Context and Production
Following the massive success of her debut, Alf, Moyet moved to Los Angeles to record Raindancing with legendary producer Jimmy Iovine. The album was recorded in just three months, aimed at a more polished, American-radio-friendly sound. While Moyet later expressed personal reservations about the "overproduction" of the era, critics have noted that the "poppy freshness" and big choruses remain some of her most insistent and enduring work. The 2016 Deluxe Package
The 2016 reissue is presented as a casebound book double CD, featuring extensive liner notes based on new interviews with Moyet herself, rare photographs, and full lyrics.
Disc One (Original Album Remastered): Features the classic 10-track lineup, including the top-tier hits "Is This Love?" (co-written with the Eurythmics' Dave Stewart) and "Weak in the Presence of Beauty".
Disc Two (Bonus Material): A treasure trove for collectors, this disc includes 12-inch remixes, B-sides, and rare tracks previously only available on vinyl. Key Tracks and Rarities
The deluxe edition is particularly valued for its rare and unreleased inclusions:
"Is This Love? (L.A. Mix)": A polished take on her #3 UK hit. In the pantheon of 1980s pop icons, few
"Sleep Like Breathing": A haunting duet with David Freeman that stands as the only duet on her solo records.
"Love Letters": Her popular 1987 cover, included here in both original and extended versions.
"Ne Me Quitte Pas" (Live): An impassioned live recording from Wembley Arena in May 1987.
"Let's Get Personal": A rare collaboration with the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown.
For listeners focused on the "FLAC" aspect of this release, the 2016 remastering by Mazen Murad and Phil Kinrade provides a significant upgrade in dynamic range and clarity over the original 1980s pressings. The lossless format preserves the intricate layers of Iovine’s production and the rich, soulful resonance of Moyet’s voice, which critics describe as a "national treasure" that "stands the test of time".
Fans can find the physical deluxe edition at retailers like Amazon or stream high-fidelity versions through platforms like Spotify and Amazon Music. ALISON MOYET'S DELUXE REISSUES WIN CRITICAL PRAISE
There are albums you listen to, and then there are albums you feel. Alison Moyet’s 1987 sophomore solo effort, Raindancing, firmly belongs in the latter category. And while the original vinyl and CD pressings have graced collections for decades, the 2016 Deluxe Edition—especially when heard in high-resolution FLAC—is a revelation.
Let’s dive into why this remastered gem deserves a spot on your hard drive (and in your ears).
Following the massive success of Alf—which spawned hits like "Love Resurrection" and "Invisible"—Moyet faced the classic "difficult second album" syndrome. The expectation was high, and the musical landscape was shifting. For Raindancing, Moyet reteamed with producers Jolley & Harris (famed for their work with Imagination) but also brought in the legendary production duo Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW).
The resulting album was a slicker, more polished affair than its predecessor. It leaned heavily into the dance-pop sensibilities of the late 80s, utilizing the era’s trademark synthesizers and drum machines. While some critics at the time felt the production was too glossy, masking the raw power of Moyet’s soulful voice, hindsight has been kinder. Raindancing reveals itself as a masterclass in pop craftsmanship.
To best appreciate Raindancing in FLAC, use this as your listening guide:
Searching for "Alison Moyet - Raindancing -Deluxe 2016- -FLAC-" is a specific query. It signals that you are not a casual streamer. Here is why FLAC is non-negotiable for this album: Deluxe Edition Features The 2016 deluxe edition of
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