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Breaking Glass

by Hazel O'Connor

Released: August 01, 1980

New wave, alternative rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

The album features songs written and performed by Hazel O'Connor, showcasing her distinctive voice and songwriting style. "Breaking Glass" is indeed the debut album by English singer Hazel O'Connor, released in 1980 on A&M Records. It serves as the soundtrack to the film of the same name, in which O'Connor stars and performs several songs.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The music blends elements of new wave, punk…

The music blends elements of new wave, punk rock, and pop, reflecting the edgy and rebellious themes of the film "Breaking Glass".

Notably, two members of O'Connor's band on this…

Notably, two members of O'Connor's band on this album, Bob Carter and Andy Duncan, were previously members of the British funk and soul band Linx.

Their contributions added to the album's dynamic sound…

Their contributions added to the album's dynamic sound and helped elevate Hazel O'Connor's profile as a musician and actress.

It continues to be celebrated for its poignant…

It continues to be celebrated for its poignant lyrics, energetic performances, and its role in defining the sound of the early 1980s music scene in the UK.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Hazel O'Connor - Breaking Glass

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Then

Reception

The album achieved significant success in the UK, reaching number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and remaining on the chart for 38 weeks. It was also certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), indicating strong sales and popularity. Overall, "Breaking Glass" remains a seminal work in Hazel O'Connor's career, not only for its musical achievements but also for its cultural impact as part of a critically acclaimed film.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Breaking Glass" is indeed the debut album by English singer Hazel O'Connor, released in 1980 on A&M Records. It serves as the soundtrack to the film of the same name, in which O'Connor stars and performs several songs. The album achieved significant success in the UK, reaching number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and remaining on the chart for 38 weeks. It was also certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), indicating strong sales and popularity.

The album features songs written and performed by Hazel O'Connor, showcasing her distinctive voice and songwriting style. The music blends elements of new wave, punk rock, and pop, reflecting the edgy and rebellious themes of the film "Breaking Glass".

Notably, two members of O'Connor's band on this album, Bob Carter and Andy Duncan, were previously members of the British funk and soul band Linx. Their contributions added to the album's dynamic sound and helped elevate Hazel O'Connor's profile as a musician and actress.

Overall, "Breaking Glass" remains a seminal work in Hazel O'Connor's career, not only for its musical achievements but also for its cultural impact as part of a critically acclaimed film. It continues to be celebrated for its poignant lyrics, energetic performances, and its role in defining the sound of the early 1980s music scene in the UK.