"Stray" is the fourth studio album by Scottish indie pop band Aztec Camera. Released on June 04, 1990, it showcases the band's maturity and evolution in musical style.
The album diverges from the folk-induced beginnings that Aztec Camera initially got recognized for, towards a more sophisticated sound that explores rock, jazz and pop sensibilities. The band teamed up with a variety of talented artists during its production. These collaborations resulted in adding more diverse rhythms, vocal harmonies, and compositional elements to the album's overall canvas.
Stray includes a cluster of significant songs like "The Crying Scene," which became a hit single. The album also features, "Good Morning Britain," a politically charged track underscored by danceable riffs, featuring the guitar work of former The Smiths member Johnny Marr.
While the album met with mixed reviews upon its release, it showcases lead singer-songwriter Roddy Frame's maturity and depth as a songwriter. Since its release, "Stray" has come to be appreciated for its experimentation and underlying social commentary, marking a pivotal moment in Aztec Camera's discography. It is also considered one of Frame's most audacious and diverse works.
