"The Neon" is the eighteenth studio album by English synth-pop duo Erasure. Released on 21st August 2020 through the label Mute, it was produced by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell alongside producer Gareth Jones. The album is a follow-up to their 2017 album "World Be Gone".
"The Neon" sees Erasure returning to their roots, embracing their love of analogue synthesizers and pop music. Vince Clarke and Andy Bell were inspired by a variety of influences, from classic electronic music of the early '80s, through to the contemporary soundscapes. The Neon is a place that lives in the imagination, that we - you and me - put in the real world. It could be a night-time cityscape, a deserted vista or maybe a crowded club, where everyone is slightly out of focus.
The album received favorable reviews from critics, with many of them appreciating its upbeat sound, reminiscent of the duo's 80s synth-pop style. It became a commercial success, charting in several countries worldwide and reaching No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart, becoming their highest-charting album since "I Say I Say I Say" (1994).
"The Neon" boasts a track list of 10 songs, including singles "Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling)", "Nerves of Steel" and "Fallen Angel". The neon-lit pop collection proves they still have a compelling path ahead, capturing an energy, spirit and quality that sets them apart in the landscape of pop music.