What makes The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore by The Walker Brothers notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim, particularly for its title track, which became a signature song for the group and reached No. 1 in the UK charts. The Walker Brothers’ emotive vocal performances and rich production style influenced subsequent pop acts and helped define the sound of the mid-1960s. The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore was the Walker Brothers' second studio album, released in January 1966, following their commercial breakthrough with their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was solidifying their status in the pop music scene, riding high on the success of their previous hits.

How many songs are on The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore?

The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore has 12 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore

The Walker Brothers · 1966

33 min · 12 tracks · pop music

Melancholic harmonies blend with lush orchestration, evoking a haunting sense of nostalgia and longing throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore) — As the album's title track, it showcases the Walker Brothers' dramatic sound and emotional depth, becoming an anthem of melancholy during its time.
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People Get Ready — Their cover of this classic song highlights the band's ability to infuse timeless social themes with their unique vocal stylings and lush arrangements.
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After the Lights Go Out — This track stands out for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, echoing the overall themes of loss and yearning found throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features strong vocal harmonies and orchestration, creating an emotionally resonant experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, orchestral arrangement that sets a melancholic tone, which is maintained throughout most tracks.
Vocal harmonies are layered prominently, with lead vocals often supported by rich backing harmonies that create a lush sound.
Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as moving from soft verses to powerful choruses, enhancing emotional impact.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore) 3:04
2 After the Lights Go Out 3:57
3 People Get Ready 2:40
4 Everything’s Gonna Be Alright 2:15
5 Old Folks 3:10
6 Take It Like a Man 2:28
7 (Baby) You Don’t Have to Tell Me 2:26
8 I Need You 3:12
9 My Love Is Growing 2:15
10 Young Man Cried 2:34
11 Just for a Thrill 3:33
12 Don’t Fight It 1:55

What to play next

Listen next

Portrait

1966

Go back to

Take It Easy with The Walker Brothers

1965

Full The Walker Brothers discography Artists like The Walker Brothers

pop music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata