"Dreamtime" is the ninth studio album by the Stranglers, released in 1986 by Epic Records. The title track draws inspiration from the Dreamtime concept of Aboriginal Australian culture.
The album's lead single, "Always the Sun," peaked at No. 30 on the UK Singles Chart, while Dreamtime itself reached No. 16 on the UK Albums Chart, marking the lowest chart position for a studio album during Hugh Cornwell's time with the band (1977–90). Other singles from the album include "Nice in Nice" (also at No. 30), "Big in America" (No. 48), and "Shakin' Like a Leaf" (No. 58). Although a remix of "Was It You?" was prepared for release as a fifth single, it ultimately never came out.
The initial recording sessions began in late 1985 with producer Laurie Latham, who had previously worked on the band's album Aural Sculpture. After several months, Latham and the band parted ways, as he felt the songs needed more development. The Stranglers opted to continue the album with producer Mike Kemp.
Guitarist Hugh Cornwell noted that only three songs on Dreamtime were co-written by him and Jean-Jacques Burnel: "Ghost Train," "Mayan Skies," and "Too Precious." The remaining tracks were penned individually by the two. Cornwell handled lead vocals on "You'll Always Reap What You Sow," as the band felt Burnel's vocal style was not suited to that song.
Dreamtime is also notable for featuring a three-piece brass section on some tracks. Although credited with playing drums, Jet Black programmed all his drum parts for the album, continuing a practice he used on Aural Sculpture.
