Back in Line

Released in 1986, Back in Line marked Steeleye Span's return after a significant hiatus and the departure of founding member Tim Hart. The album is notable for its embrace of 1980s production aesthetics, including digital synths and funk-influenced rhythms, particularly on tracks like 'Blackleg Miner' and 'White Man'. This sonic shift was led by bassist Rick Kemp and Peter Knight, aiming to modernize the band's folk-rock template. While critics at the time were often harsh, labeling the sound as overly 'slick' or 'arty', the album has since been recognized for its technical vocal arrangements and its attempt to bridge traditionalism with contemporary pop-rock. It stands as a pivotal document of the band's 'second era', showcasing a more polished, studio-driven approach to English folklore that would characterize much of their later work.