Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Released in May 1982, 'Sweets from a Stranger' was the fifth and final album in Squeeze's original 5 record run on A&M. It saw the south east London stalwarts moving further into blue-eyed soul, orchestral rock, synth-pop and even Sinatra-style vocal jazz. The bigger, bolder production style hinted that Difford and Tilbrook had their eye on arena success in the US, but the lyrics were doused in alcohol and the band was quietly crumbling. They announced their break-up at the end of the year.
In this video I chart the history and reception of this all-too often derided follow-up to the mighty 'East Side' story, and as usual share some personal memories.
Thanks for joining me on this Squeeze journey, and I promise I will be back at a later date to discuss the records that followed the '83 reformation.
Cheers then!
Check out the playlist of all 5 Squeeze reviews here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN3saKgtGDsdpvIl1VMDmBNz5AhxqvvhK
Released in May 1982, 'Sweets from a Stranger' was the fifth and final album in Squeeze's original 5 record run on A&M. It saw the south east London stalwarts moving further into blue-eyed soul, orchestral rock, synth-pop and even Sinatra-style vocal jazz. The bigger, bolder production style hinted that Difford and Tilbrook had their eye on arena success in the US, but the lyrics were doused in alcohol and the band was quietly crumbling. They announced their break-up at the end of the year.
In this video I chart the history and reception of this all-too often derided follow-up to the mighty 'East Side' story, and as usual share some personal memories.
Thanks for joining me on this Squeeze journey, and I promise I will be back at a later date to discuss the records that followed the '83 reformation.
Cheers then!
Check out the playlist of all 5 Squeeze reviews here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN3saKgtGDsdpvIl1VMDmBNz5AhxqvvhK
