What makes Lily Was Here by David A. Stewart notable?

The album gained significant attention for its title track, which topped charts in several countries and became a staple in various media. Additionally, its cinematic quality helped pave the way for future instrumental works within film soundtracks, influencing a generation of artists exploring similar territories. Released in 1989, Lily Was Here marked David A. Stewart's transition from fronting the Eurythmics to embarking on a solo career as a composer. This album, which features the hit title track, followed his work on film scores and showcased his versatility beyond the pop realm.

Who is Lily Was Here for?

Lily Was Here works well if you're into nostalgic cinematic soundscapes, brief interludes spark curiosity and reflective moments of solitude.

How many songs are on Lily Was Here?

Lily Was Here has 16 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Lily Was Here

David A. Stewart · 1989

45 min · 16 tracks · folk music

Instrumental melodies intertwine with evocative rhythms, crafting a cinematic soundscape that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lily Was Here — As the centerpiece of the album, this instrumental piece combines lush strings with a haunting melody that encapsulates the emotional core of the project.
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Here Comes the Rain Again — This track reinterprets the Eurythmics classic with a fresh twist, showcasing Stewart's ability to transform familiar songs into new sonic experiences.
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Second Chance — With its introspective lyrics and melodic structure, this song captures the essence of personal reflection that runs throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends evocative melodies with varied instrumentation, creating a cinematic feel while maintaining thematic consistency.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, with strings and percussion building a rich, cinematic atmosphere.
The album includes interludes that shift the mood abruptly, such as 'Toyshop Robbery' which contrasts with the more melodic pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

nostalgic cinematic soundscapes
brief interludes spark curiosity
reflective moments of solitude
playful rhythms invite movement
evocative melodies for daydreaming

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, cohesive albums
seek high-energy dance tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1989, Lily Was Here marked David A. Stewart's transition from fronting the Eurythmics to embarking on a solo career as a composer. This album, which features the hit title track, followed his work on film scores and showcased his versatility beyond the pop realm.
Stylistic neighbors: Eurythmics· Elvis Costello· The B-52's

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Lily Was Here 4:22
2 The Pink Building 2:53
3 Lily Robs the Bank 2:33
4 Toyshop Robbery 4:02
5 Toys on the Sidewalk 1:07
6 The Good Hotel 2:08
7 Second Chance 4:13
8 Here Comes the Rain Again 6:03
9 Alone in the City 1:26
10 Toyshop (Part One) 1:08
11 The Coffin 4:29
12 Teletype 1:38
13 Inside the Pink Building 3:52
14 Percussion Jam 1:10
15 Peaches 2:12
16 Lily Was Here (reprise) 1:43

What to play next

Listen next

Greetings From the Gutter

1994

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new wave pop rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata