Islands is the second album by the English new wave band Kajagoogoo, released on 21 May 1984 by EMI.

Background

This was the band's first album without lead vocalist Limahl, who had been fired by the band in mid-1983 and went on to pursue a solo career. Bassist Nick Beggs, already having been the singer in the band's previous incarnation as Art Nouveau, resumed lead vocal and lyric duties. The album was co-produced by the band themselves, now a quartet, along with Colin Thurston, who had also produced their debut album, White Feathers (1983). It is the final album to date to feature founding drummer Jez Strode.

Release

The album did not sell as well as its predecessor, peaking at #35 on the UK Albums Chart. The first single, "Big Apple", reached #8 in the UK, but subsequent singles were less successful, with "The Lion's Mouth" peaking at #25 and "Turn Your Back on Me" only reaching #47. The band had shortened their name to Kaja by the time the album was rolled out in North America, where Islands was released as Extra Play with different artwork. This edition also replaces the album version of "Turn Your Back on Me" with a remix by Steve Thompson and Michael Barbiero, which was released as a single and reached #2 on the US dance charts. Despite this, the album stalled at #185 on the Billboard 200. In 2004, the original UK album was remastered and issued on CD for the first time, along with seven bonus tracks.

Track listing

All songs written by Kajagoogoo. Side one Side two 2004 CD bonus tracks

Personnel

Kajagoogoo Additional musicians Technical