Great Expectations is the debut studio album by English singer-songwriter Tasmin Archer, released on 19 October 1992 by EMI Records. The first single released from the album, "Sleeping Satellite", went to number one both in the UK and Ireland, while sitting just outside the top 10 in Germany (No. 12). Three more UK singles were released from the album in the wake of Archer's initial success: "In Your Care" (UK No. 16), "Lords of the New Church" (UK No. 26) and "Arienne" (UK No. 30).
The album was later released in the United States on Capitol Records, and was mildly successful due to the single "Sleeping Satellite", which peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album itself reached a peak of number 115 in the US. The single and album fared better in other parts of the world, however, such as Australia (single reached No. 14; album peaked at 56).
Critical reception
Nancy Culp from NME wrote, "Tasmin is something of a vocal find, her strong, pure tones can imbue even the limpest tune with pathos. It's when she lets rip with the ballads that she really shines."
Track listing
Personnel Musicians Tasmin Archer – vocals Tessa Niles, Carol Kenyon – backing vocals John Hughes – guitars, keyboards Peter Kaye – guitars, Fairlight programming Steve Blades, Robbie McIntosh, Phil Palmer, Elliott Randall, Tony Wimshurst – guitars John Beck – keyboards Paul Wickens – keyboards, accordion Gary Maughn – Fairlight programming Danny Thompson – double bass Charlie Morgan – Drums
Production Tracks 1, 4, 5, and 11 produced by Julian Mendelsohn & Paul "Wix" Wickens Tracks 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 produced by Julian Mendelsohn & Peter Kaye Track 10 produced by John Hughes and Steve Fitzmaurice All songs recorded by Steve Fitzmaurice except tracks 4, 5, and 11 (recorded by Julian Mendelsohn). Mixed by Julian Mendelsohn
Charts Weekly charts + Chart performance for Great ExpectationsChart (1992–1993)PeakpositionAustralian Albums Chart56Austrian Albums Chart26German Albums Chart34New Zealand Albums Chart31Swedish Albums Chart38Swiss Albums Chart26UK Albums Chart8US Billboard 200115US New Rock Albums (Radio & Records)8
Year-end charts + 1993 year-end chart performance for Great ExpectationsChart (1993)PositionUK Albums Chart72
Certifications
References