"Skylarking" is the eighth studio album by the English rock band XTC, released on October 27, 1986, by Virgin Records. Produced by Todd Rundgren, the album is known for its loose concept centered around cycles of time such as a day, a year, or the seasons and explores themes of life and nature. The title references both a type of bird and a Royal Navy term meaning "fooling around."
The album marked a significant evolution in XTC's sound, influenced heavily by 1960s music, particularly psychedelic pop. Most of the recording took place at Rundgren's Utopia Sound Studio in Woodstock, New York. Despite Rundgren’s extensive contributions to the album's orchestration and sound design, tensions arose during the sessions, particularly between him and bandleader Andy Partridge, over various creative decisions.
Upon release, Skylarking received a lukewarm response in the UK, initially peaking at number 90 on the album charts. The lead singles, "Grass" (paired with "Dear God") and "The Meeting Place," performed poorly, with both peaking at number 100. The omission of "Dear God" from the original pressings hindered early sales, but the song later gained traction in the US, becoming a college radio hit. This led to Geffen Records recalling the album to include "Dear God," which boosted its popularity and pushed it to number 70 on the charts.
Critically, Skylarking has been recognized as one of XTC's finest works and has appeared on numerous "greatest albums" lists. Its complex arrangements and lyrical maturity reflect Partridge’s personal struggles and artistic growth, including influences from the Beach Boys and Syd Barrett. The album has been remastered multiple times, with a 2016 expanded reissue featuring demos and new mixes, and a Dolby Atmos version set for release in 2024.
Overall, Skylarking stands as a pivotal moment in XTC's career, showcasing their unique blend of art rock, psychedelia, and pop sensibilities.
