The Finer Things cover

The Finer Things

Steve Winwood · 1995

312 min · 63 tracks · classical · jazz fusion · progressive rock

A vibrant blend of blue-eyed soul and rock, capturing the essence of 90s musical nostalgia.

Why this album works

The album is significant for its commercial success, reaching number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and solidifying Winwood's standing in the music industry. It received positive reviews for its combination of rock and soul, contributing to a renewed interest in Winwood's earlier work from the 1960s and 70s.
Best for
dynamic journey with emotional peaks nostalgic vibes for reflective moments for long, leisurely afternoons
Context
Released in 1995, 'The Finer Things' came during Steve Winwood's artistic resurgence after a decade-long hiatus. This album followed his successful 1986 solo project 'Back in the High Life', and marked his return to the spotlight with a focus on classic rock influences.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Dimples 2:21
  • 2 I Can’t Stand It 2:11
  • 3 Every Little Bit Hurts 3:31
  • 4 Strong Love 2:15
  • 5 Keep On Running 2:49
  • 6 Somebody Help Me 2:04
  • 7 When I Come Home 1:59
  • 8 I Want to Know 2:17
  • 9 Crossroads 2:19
  • 10 Gimme Some Lovin’ 2:58
  • 11 I’m a Man 2:58
  • 12 Paper Sun 4:16
  • 13 Dealer 3:12
  • 14 Coloured Rain 2:45
  • 15 No Face, No Name, No Number 3:35
  • 16 Heaven Is in Your Mind 4:19
  • 17 Smiling Phases 2:43
  • 18 Dear Mr. Fantasy 5:39
  • 19 Pearly Queen 4:20
  • 20 Forty Thousand Headmen 3:16
  • 21 No Time to Live 5:22
  • 22 Shanghai Noodle Factory 5:06
  • 23 Medicated Goo 3:36
  • 24 Withering Tree 3:03

Disc 2

  • 1 Had to Cry Today 8:48
  • 2 Can’t Find My Way Home (electric version) 5:43
  • 3 Sea of Joy 5:25
  • 4 Sleeping in the Ground (live) 4:33
  • 5 Under My Thumb (live) 5:53
  • 6 Stranger to Himself 3:54
  • 7 John Barleycorn 6:24
  • 8 Glad 6:59
  • 9 Freedom Rider 5:29
  • 10 Empty Pages 4:38
  • 11 Low Spark of High Heeled Boys 11:43
  • 12 Rainmaker 7:51

Disc 3

  • 1 Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory 6:02
  • 2 (Sometimes I Feel So) Uninspired (live) 10:33
  • 3 Happy Vibes 4:56
  • 4 Something New 3:17
  • 5 Dream Gerrard 11:05
  • 6 Walking in the Wind 6:56
  • 7 When the Eagle Flies 4:27
  • 8 Winner 4:20
  • 9 Crossing the Line (live) 7:50
  • 10 Hold On 4:34
  • 11 Time Is Running Out 6:31
  • 12 Vacant Chair 6:54

Disc 4

  • 1 While You See a Chance 5:15
  • 2 Arc of a Diver 5:30
  • 3 Spanish Dancer 6:01
  • 4 Night Train 7:52
  • 5 Dust 6:22
  • 6 Valerie 4:08
  • 7 Talking Back to the Night 5:47
  • 8 Your Silence Is Your Song 5:16
  • 9 Higher Love Standout 5:51
  • 10 Freedom Overspill 4:19
  • 11 Back in the High Life Again 4:25
  • 12 The Finer Things Standout 4:14
  • 13 Roll With It Standout 4:32
  • 14 Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do? 4:32
  • 15 One and Only Man 4:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata