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Camera Camera

by Renaissance

Released: October 15, 1981

Progressive rock, new wave

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

The Album

This album marked the end of an era as it was the last Renaissance studio album to feature lyrics by the band's longtime lyricist Betty Thatcher, who penned "Bonjour Swansong" as a personal farewell to the group. Following lineup changes and a departure from their previous label, Renaissance signed with Miles Copeland's I.R.S. Records. "Camera Camera" is the tenth studio album by the English progressive rock band Renaissance, released in 1981.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

One of the songs on "Camera Camera," titled…

One of the songs on "Camera Camera," titled "Faeries," had previously been recorded by Nevada.

The album features new members keyboardist/singer Peter Gosling…

The album features new members keyboardist/singer Peter Gosling and drummer Peter Barron, though they are not depicted in the band photos.

Before "Camera Camera," vocalist Annie Haslam and guitarist…

Before "Camera Camera," vocalist Annie Haslam and guitarist Michael Dunford collaborated with Gosling in a trio called Nevada, which had a somewhat new wave sound that influenced the album.

Initially, the 1981 UK release of the album…

Initially, the 1981 UK release of the album did not include the single "Bonjour Swansong," but it was added to all subsequent releases from 1982 onward.

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Essential Tracks

Camera Camera

"Camera Camera" is the tenth studio album by the English progressive rock band Renaissance, released in 1981.

Bonjour Swansong

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Explore the Album

Renaissance - Camera Camera

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The Complete Album Story

"Camera Camera" is the tenth studio album by the English progressive rock band Renaissance, released in 1981. Following lineup changes and a departure from their previous label, Renaissance signed with Miles Copeland's I.R.S. Records. The album features new members keyboardist/singer Peter Gosling and drummer Peter Barron, though they are not depicted in the band photos.

Before "Camera Camera," vocalist Annie Haslam and guitarist Michael Dunford collaborated with Gosling in a trio called Nevada, which had a somewhat new wave sound that influenced the album. One of the songs on "Camera Camera," titled "Faeries," had previously been recorded by Nevada.

Initially, the 1981 UK release of the album did not include the single "Bonjour Swansong," but it was added to all subsequent releases from 1982 onward. This album marked the end of an era as it was the last Renaissance studio album to feature lyrics by the band's longtime lyricist Betty Thatcher, who penned "Bonjour Swansong" as a personal farewell to the group.