Prefab Sprout - Faron Young (Kitchenware)

The Sprouts finally deliver a single worthy of their adulatory press. Sprightly and catchy, Paddy McAloon's pleasantly sincere vocals make you ignore just how pretty darned weird are the words he's singing. (Eleanor Levy, Record Mirror, July 29, 1985)

The Sprouts' attention to detail is what raises them above the dross. Quite what Paddy McAloon has in mind when he chants 'you give me Faron Young, four in the morning' is open to the individual's interpretation, but somehow it doesn't seem to matter. The musical arrangement is pleasant and the bit at the end which sounds like toads singing round a campfire is a stroke of genius. (Dave Ling, No 1, June 29, 1985)

Having previously dismissed P. Sprout as flitty and too clever by half, I now find myself forced to eat my words. This is an English truck-drivin' song about having to eat Yorkie Bars in the horrific surroundings of motorway "service areas" and listening to the ghastly weepies of country crooner Faron Young on a crackling in-cab radio. At least, I think that's what it's about. Anyway, the lot of the lorry driver is not a happy one and "Faron Young" (the song not the singer), with its deft quotes from C&W banjo-pickin' and steel guitar music, is witty, charming and quite excellent. (But I still say this group has a stupid name.) (Tom Hibbert, Smash Hits, July 3, 1985)

Prefab Sprout - When Love Breaks Down (Kitchenware)

The Sprout's Paddy McAloon has a knack of writing really intriguing lyrics and then setting them to strange, almost awkward melodies This one's got puns aplenty, an echoey, haunting tune crafted with the help of Phil Thornalley and well deserves to be a hit. (Dave Rimmer, Smash Hits, November 22, 1984)

Previous to this, I'd always envisaged Paddy McAloon and company to be one of those depressing vegetarian long mac brigade bands that I despise so much. It came as a great relief to discover that they produce the kind of melodic pop music that most bands can only aspire to - a kind of 10 c.c. meets Spandau Ballet. Must get the office veggies to lend me their old Sprouts. (Dave Ling, No 1, October 27, 1984)

Being someone with a liking for sensitive artists with meaningful lyrics and guitars, I think I'm supposed to like Prefab Sprout. Hmmm. Pleasant tale of woe, but with all these people rolling about in ecstacy over them I expected the Earth to move. Not a wobble. (Eleanor Levy, Record Mirror, April 6, 1985)

 "When Love Breaks Down" is a moody and haunting masterpiece which meanders along on gentle ripples of acoustic guitar and melodic keyboards. (Dave Ling, No 1, April 6, 1985)

The Sprouts are very odd indeed. They look really plain and wear things like string vests, come from Newcastle, call their LP Steve McQueen - and write brilliant songs about Mexico and love. This is acutely observed, intelligently written, quite sad but kind of, you know, uplifting, and sounds a bit like Joe Jackson on a good day. A cracker.  (Peter Martin, Smash Hits, April 11, 1985)

Seductive as a sweet, soft focus kiss - quality sounds, arrangement and production. A gorgeous record. Make this one big. A friend. (Paul King, Smash Hits, October 23, 1985)

Prefab Sprout - Lions In My Own Garden (Exit Someone) (Kitchenware)

A Newcastle band with a light, airy debut single. Sounds a bit like Aztec Camera. Doubt they'll get far with a name like that, though. (Dave Rimmer, Smash Hits, July 7, 1983)

Prefab Sprout - Don't Sing (Kitchenware)

This one reminded me so much of The Associates but without Billy's wonderful voice. The time changes and chord sequences are reminiscent of Aztec Camera and this can only mean: a) a hit; b) a severe rise in credibility; or c) hopefully both. I really like it. Single Of the Fortnight. (Martyn Ware, Smash Hits, January 19, 1984)

With a name like Prefab Sprout you'd expect something a wee bit eccentric, and 'Don't Sing' is no disappointment. A lot of folk are making a fuss over these three lads and a lass from Newcastle. On first hearing this record it's hard to see why, but its oddball melody and rambling flute soon grow on you. Should do well in Brussels. (Paul Simper, No 1, January 7, 1984)

I like the harmonica. It's not the sort of record I'd normally go for, but 1 quite like it. They're an interesting group, although I don't know whether it will be a hit. (Stewart Copeland, Record Mirror, January 28, 1984)