Dexys Midnight Runners Albums Ranked

Dexys Midnight Runners (currently officially Dexys, their former nickname, styled without an apostrophe) are an English pop band with soul influences from Birmingham, who achieved major commercial success in the early to mid-1980s. They are best known in the UK for their songs “Come On Eileen” and “Geno”, both of which peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, as well as six other top-20 singles. “Come On Eileen” also topped the US Billboard Hot 100, and with extensive airplay on MTV, they are associated with the Second British Invasion. The band broke up in 1987, with Rowland becoming a solo artist. After two failed restart attempts, Dexys was reformed by Rowland in 2003 with new members, as well as a few returning members from the band’s original lineup (known as Dexys Mark I). Dexys released their fourth album in 2012 and a fifth followed in 2016. Here are all of Dexys Midnight Runners’ albums ranked.

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7. Geno (1983)

“Transports you not only into a 1968 hot and sweaty night-club soul revue, but actually inside the shoes of a fan of Geno Washington, an artist who never had a hit single but who had a great reputation as a live act around the clubs. It’s one of those singles the likes of which you’ve never heard before, but once you crack the code, you’re in forever. So many great bits, the fade-in “Geno” chant, the brilliant “gather” run-up to the chorus (“I can see that inspiration…”) and especially the extended horn break, before the final chorus.”

6. The Very Best Of Dexys Midnight Runners (1991)

“This is a great compilation of dexys work. There are some fantastic tracks on here! Starting from their first hit dance stance which isn’t usually found on their greatest hits. I recommend this album. Very very good!”

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5. Let The Record Show: Dexys Do Irish And Country Soul (2016)

“The album is as good as you might have hoped, if you’ve heard and enjoyed the band’s reunion CD from 2012, “One Day I’m Going To Soar”. “One Day” was the 4th Dexys’ album, separated from their third by 27 years. It was a fine follow-up, showing little signs of the band’s age. On the 2016 album “Let The Record Show”, the band sounds as if they’re still rolling off the momentum of “One Day”. Kevin’s singing on the new album is slightly restrained, but he keeps you hanging in there none-the-less, with his phrasing and passion.”

4. One Day I’m Going To Soar (2012)

“There is the prominent feel of a storyline arc throughout these songs and its no surprise to see the band performing these songs in album order in old theatres  – it has that feel of a musical in places . But dont let that put you off – this is a brilliant album and its so amazing to hear rowland back , vocally strong and in full control again .”

3. Don’t Stand Me Down (1985)

“Even now, I don’t know exactly what to say about this record, it is certainly good, full of the great northern soul instrumentals that Kevin Rowland and the group perfected on their last album, where the major difference between this album and any other Rowland album is the huge ambition that goes into the lyrics, a good portion of the album is spoken word sections of dialogue and kind of plays out as a story through the record.”

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2. Too-Rye-Ay (1982)

“You just can’t go wrong with this album. A brilliant record full of great songs. It flows amazingly well considering it was a sort of compilation album because it certainly feels like it’s all part of a plan. Lovely songs in, old, liars A-E, and until I believe in my soul. The obvious highlight though is the wonderful, come on Eileen, simply one of the best singles of the eighties. Good stuff.”

1. Searching For The Young Soul Rebels (1980)

“Excellent soul album with hints of pop, jazz, and folk. Excellent songs, obviously, Geno, is a standout, but there is plenty of good songs here. Kevin Rowland is a brilliant songwriter but he never wrote that much and that’s probably why he is underrated. Still, this is a fine debut record from a great artist.”