Hats (studio album) by The Blue Nile

The comparison with Talk Talk is right, both play dreamy, mellow, considered music. Both were massively underrated 80s/ early 90s bands, overlooked really because of a lack of image in the video age.

While Talk Talk’s later work plays to the soul in the ether, Blue Nile go straight for the heart. Every second of your doomed or unrequited love affairs are plucked or physically torn at here. From the thrill of your first date, to the rain soaked pavements of disappointment, and every poignant star-crossed second of reflection in between.

Each time I fall for this album it hurts me a little bit more than I want it to.

From Skinny 12/22/2021 22:41

Found this comment on Youtube:

"This album is truly perfect... there's is Gaza, there's the no vote, there's Ebola, however there's music and blue nile is my Henrik Larsson. dx"

The sentiment is stunning. Anybody who understands the importance of a great, heroic striker will understand the metaphor. The Blue Nile is my Henrik Larsson. Dexy's Midnight Runners is my Bob Taylor. Black Sabbath is my Dwight Yorke. New Order is my Eric Cantona. Led Zeppelin is my Steve Bull. The Waterboys is my Robbie Keane. We could go all day. A great striker is all you really need for hope, as a child and as an adult. A bloke you know if gonna put the ball in the net, given the opportunity. And for a band, an artist, any band or artist, to mean that much... it's real love.

From JoaoMoreira 02/21/2021 17:57

Really nice record! Simple but beautifully orchestrated.
Great use of digital/electronic sounds.

Favourite album of all time... love the relaxing vibe it gives off

Late night neon drenched pop with a hint of jazz lurking in the shadows. Atmospheric and beautiful, an underrated album perfect for that time just before dawn.

Walking down a quiet city street at night, feeling the cool air flow by as you watch the last lights from the surrounding apartment buildings flicker out, losing yourself in your own introspection, contemplating love, loss, and heartbreak before realizing you've been walking for hours, full circle, all the way back to your residence; the sun is just starting to come up. You walk inside, still heartbroken, but perhaps with a bit of serenity now about you. Things will be alright in the end.

From CellarDoor 08/17/2013 13:11

Lovely mix of late Talk Talk and David Sylvian ambient pop.

A perfect moody, romantic record for a rainy Saturday evening.

When I first heard this, I thought it was kinda boring and underwhelming... with time it's definitely grown on me and is now one of my favorites.