Where the Rose is Sown is a song by Scottish rock band Big Country,[2] which was released in 1984 as the second single from their second studio album Steeltown. It was written by Big Country and produced by Steve Lillywhite.[3] "Where the Rose Is Sown" peaked at No. 29 in the UK and No. 25 in Ireland.[4][5]
Music video
A music video was filmed to promote the single. It received medium rotation on MTV.[6]
Critical reception
Upon release, Lesley White of Smash Hits commented: "More of the same from the frustrated messiahs of contemporary rock. A treat for lovers of "real music" everywhere - give me artful pretence any day."[7] Sunie of Number One said: ""It's the lovin' things you do..." Anyone remember the old '60s hit? It lurks just behind this song, artfully obscured by guitar solos, "heeyahs" and the Lillywhite wall of sound. I rather like it."[8]
Cash Box commented: "Big Country delivers a pounding slice of tragic political rock which is given its edge in Adamson's biting delivery. Trademark guitar riffs and a no-nonsense beat should help [it] become another anthemic classic from the band."[9]Billboard stated: "Group's stirring strength is sadly buried in muddy sound."[10]
In a retrospective review of Steeltown, Tim Peacock of Record Collector described the song as one of the album's "obvious go-to tracks", adding that it had an anti-war message "especially resonant in the wake of the Falklands".[11]
Track listing
7" single
"Where the Rose Is Sown" - 4:03
"Belief in the Small Man" - 5:12
7" single (German release)
"Where the Rose Is Sown" - 4:08
"Bass Dance" - 1:40
7" single (US/Canada release)
"Where the Rose Is Sown" - 4:08
"Prairie Rose" - 4:50
7" single (UK limited edition release)
"Where the Rose Is Sown" - 4:03
"Belief in the Small Man" - 5:12
"Wonderland" - 4:47 (Recorded live in Austin, Texas, 22 March 1984)
"In a Big Country" - 6:15 (Recorded live in Austin, Texas, 22 March 1984)
"Auld Lang Syne" - 1:09 (Recorded live in Austin, Texas, 22 March 1984)
