"Nightbird" is the eleventh studio album by iconic British synth-pop duo Erasure. It was officially released on January 24, 2005. This album marked the band's return to a more electronic sound compared to its preceding albums. The Grammy-nominated, Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, the two band members, worked together intricately on this album, displaying their unique prowess and continuity in songwriting.
The album produced three singles: "Breathe," "Don't Say You Love Me," and "Here I Go Impossible Again". Among them, "Breathe" was notably successful and peaked at number four in the UK Singles Chart, also becoming a dance club hit in the USA.
Nightbird is characterized by its intricate, layered synthesizer arrangements and detailed production. It received favorable reviews from critics for its matured songwriting and the duo's indomitable command over synth-pop music. Despite the relatively long spell between albums, Erasure proved they still had the same charm and appeal with Nightbird.
In lyrical themes, the album explores mature and stark subject matter, including loss and heartbreak, through Bell's soaring, emotive vocals and Clarke's meticulous production. The album reflects both the evolution of the band and a return to their electronic roots.
