"Echo & the Bunnymen's" self-titled fifth studio album marked a significant period in the band's history, being the last album featuring drummer Pete de Freitas, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident in 1989 at the age of 27. Produced by Laurie Latham, the album's recording sessions were spread across Germany, Belgium, London, and Liverpool. Initially, there was an unsuccessful attempt to record without de Freitas and with producer Gil Norton.
The production process under Latham's guidance was rigorous, compounded by lead vocalist Ian McCulloch's star treatment and heavy drinking, making it more challenging than anticipated. Musically, the album departed from the band's previous string-heavy sound, incorporating more keyboards. Three singles were released from the album: "The Game", "Lips Like Sugar", and "Bedbugs and Ballyhoo".
Upon its release in July 1987, Echo & the Bunnymen received mixed reviews from music critics. Despite this, it achieved commercial success, reaching number four on the UK Albums Chart and earning a silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). In North America, it peaked at number 51 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 51 on the Canadian RPM 100 Albums chart. It also enjoyed moderate success in Europe, staying in the European Top 100 Albums chart for eight weeks and peaking at number 36.
