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Babylon and On

by Squeeze

Released: September 15, 1987

New wave, pop rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

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

The Album

"Babylon and On" is Squeeze's seventh studio album, released in September 1987. Although Metcalfe was billed as a full member, he only played on three tracks: "Tough Love," "The Prisoner," and "Some Americans." His involvement was brief as he left before the next album was recorded, although he later collaborated with Tilbrook during his solo career. In the US, Babylon and On achieved significant success, with "Hourglass" becoming a major hit.

Inside the Recording

Produced by Eric "ET" Thorngren and Glenn Tilbrook, the album marked a notable expansion in the band's lineup with the addition of Andy Metcalfe, a former member of The Soft Boys.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Another single from the album, "853-5937," also performed…

Another single from the album, "853-5937," also performed well, reaching number 32 on the US Hot 100.

The album's success helped solidify Squeeze's presence in…

The album's success helped solidify Squeeze's presence in the American market.

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Essential Tracks

Tough Love

Although Metcalfe was billed as a full member, he only played on three tracks: "Tough Love," "The Prisoner," and "Some Americans." His involvement was brief as he left before the next album was recorded, although he later collaborated with Tilbrook during his solo career.

The Prisoner

5937

Another single from the album, "853-5937," also performed well, reaching number 32 on the US Hot 100.

Some Americans

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Squeeze - Babylon and On

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Reception

The album peaked at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart, making it Squeeze's highest-charting album in the UK until their 2015 release, Cradle to the Grave. The song reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, a success attributed to its frequent airplay and a popular music video.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Babylon and On" is Squeeze's seventh studio album, released in September 1987. Produced by Eric "ET" Thorngren and Glenn Tilbrook, the album marked a notable expansion in the band's lineup with the addition of Andy Metcalfe, a former member of The Soft Boys. Although Metcalfe was billed as a full member, he only played on three tracks: "Tough Love," "The Prisoner," and "Some Americans." His involvement was brief as he left before the next album was recorded, although he later collaborated with Tilbrook during his solo career.

The album peaked at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart, making it Squeeze's highest-charting album in the UK until their 2015 release, Cradle to the Grave. In the US, Babylon and On achieved significant success, with "Hourglass" becoming a major hit. The song reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, a success attributed to its frequent airplay and a popular music video. Another single from the album, "853-5937," also performed well, reaching number 32 on the US Hot 100. The album's success helped solidify Squeeze's presence in the American market.