Free as a Bird (1987) – Album by Supertramp
Introduction
Released in June 1987, Free as a Bird is the ninth studio album by British rock band Supertramp. It is the second album without Roger Hodgson, marking a continuation of Rick Davies’s leadership and the band’s exploration of a more 1980s pop-rock sound.
The album includes a mix of synth-heavy arrangements, melodic pop, and some progressive elements, reflecting the era’s musical trends. While it did not reach the commercial heights of Breakfast in America, it produced several singles and maintained Supertramp’s presence in the charts.
Free as a Bird represents Supertramp’s adaptation to the changing musical landscape of the late 1980s.
Album Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Supertramp |
| Album | Free as a Bird |
| Release Date | June 1987 |
| Genre | Pop Rock, Soft Rock |
| Label | A&M Records |
| Producers | Supertramp, Rick Davies |
| Length | 48:22 |
Tracklist
Side A
-
Free as a Bird
-
Cannonball
-
Better Days
-
I'm Beggin' You
Side B
-
Let Somebody Love You
-
Over You
-
Heartbeat
-
Ain't Nobody But Me
-
I’m Beggin’ You (Extended Version)
Note: Some international versions include bonus tracks or slight variations.
Album Credits
Band Members
Rick Davies
-
Keyboards
-
Vocals
John Helliwell
-
Saxophone
-
Clarinet
-
Backing vocals
Dougie Thomson
-
Bass guitar
Bob Siebenberg
-
Drums
-
Percussion
Additional Musicians
-
Session musicians contributed guitars, synthesizers, and backing vocals to create the modern 1980s production sound.
Production
-
Producers: Supertramp, Rick Davies
-
Recording Studios: Utopia Studios, London
-
Label: A&M Records
The production emphasized digital synthesizers and polished pop arrangements, typical of mid-1980s rock.
Cover Art
The album cover features a stylized white bird flying over abstract, pastel-colored geometric shapes, symbolizing freedom and optimism.
The minimalist design reflects the modern pop-rock direction of the album, contrasting with the more detailed imagery of Supertramp’s classic 1970s covers.
Musical Style
Free as a Bird showcases a more commercial, synth-driven sound:
-
prominent synthesizers and electronic keyboards
-
polished, radio-friendly production
-
melodic vocals dominated by Rick Davies
-
some soft rock and ballad-style tracks
Tracks such as “Free as a Bird” and “Let Somebody Love You” emphasize uplifting melodies, while “Cannonball” and “Over You” retain a rock-oriented edge.
Fun Facts
🎹 Second Post-Hodgson Album
This album confirmed that Supertramp would continue without Hodgson, focusing on Davies’s style.
🎹 Hit Single
The title track, “Free as a Bird”, received moderate radio play in Europe.
🎹 Modern 1980s Sound
The album was heavily influenced by digital synthesizers and production trends of the late 1980s.
Trivia
• The album charted moderately in Europe, with limited success in the US.
• Several songs were co-written by Rick Davies with outside collaborators to refresh the band’s sound.
• This album represents Supertramp’s attempt to adapt to the 1980s pop-rock market after their progressive rock heyday.
Did You Know?
💡 The title track “Free as a Bird” shares its name with the later Beatles release, but there is no connection between the songs.
💡 The album cover’s bird imagery symbolizes liberation and new beginnings for the band post-Hodgson.
💡 Some tracks were remixed for 12-inch singles, making them more club- and radio-friendly.
💡 Despite modest commercial success, the album is appreciated by fans for showing Supertramp’s adaptability and continuity in the 1980s.
Download Supertramp Albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
Supertramp - Supertramp (1970)
Supertramp - Indelibly Stamped (1971)
Supertramp - Crime of the Century (1974)
Supertramp - Crisis? What Crisis? (1975)
Supertramp - Even in the Quietest Moments (1977)
Supertramp - Breakfast in America (1979)
Supertramp - Some Things Never Change (1997)
