Track Listing

1. Born Innocent
2. Should Have Been Loved
3. Blood On Your Hands
4. Unguarded Moments
5. Hate My Love / Redeemed
6. You Meant It Then
7. Five O’Clock World
8. He’s Just Like Me
9. Role Model
10. No Witness
11. Dear Deidre
12. There’s No Doubt

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15372 in Music
• Released on: 2003-09-15
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
Born Innocent adds to a remarkably productive 21st century for the Reid brothers, coming only a year after a career-spanning compilation, and just two years since the Proclaimers' last proper album (2001's Persevere). Throughout the 1980s and 90s, they released albums at such infrequent intervals that the births of three-headed white rhinoceroses seemed mundane by comparison. As Born Innocent demonstrates, their glacial work-rate was both a shame, in that you can never have too many records this passionate and this beautifully sung, and a mystery, in that however slowly or quickly the Reids make an album, it still ends up sounding much the same as the others.

There's nothing wrong with this--indeed, much of the Proclaimers' appeal lies in their obstinate refusal to be anything other than what they are (it would be ridiculous, at this point, for them to unveil a bold new trip-hop direction). Born Innocent, then, is more of the same. The songs are built from the most basic chord structures, embellished with twanging lead guitar and delivered with the Reids' trademark harmonies; particular highlights this time round are the gleefully bitter and twisted "Hate My Love", a cover of the ancient Vogues hit "Five O'Clock World", and "There's No Doubt", a supremely graceful acceptance of middle age almost worthy of being thought of as a companion piece to "Sunshine on Leith". --Andrew Mueller

CD Description
'Born Innocent' is the fifth album for brothers Charlie andCraig Reed AKA The Proclaimers. Produced by Edwyn Collins the album sees the brothers continue with their semi-acousticrock topped with their distinctive Scottish vocals.

Customer Reviews

.....stings like a bee
Imagine, if you will, that an listening to an album is like watching a boxing match: Most good albums show some nimble manoeuvring, jab steadily and throw 2 or 3 good hooks. There are many albums which flail helplessly before running out of steam. Even some of The Proclaimers efforts have shown moments of real class and had some great punches without consistently impressing.
On this album, however, they have obviously been training hard: The Reid brothers come somersaulting into the ring and deliver three knockout punches (Born Innocent, Should have been loved and Blood on your hands) before you can even catch your breath.
After that they settle into a solid rhythm, landing more glorious blows until you leave with your head spinning.
Edwyn Collins does a marvellous job in the corner. I disagree with a previous reviewer - I think the 'raw' production suits the songs perfectly. We want them lean and mean, not bloated.
What I cannot understand is why The Proclaimers seem to be forgotten about. They never seem to get any airplay and I cannot remember a review for either of their last two albums in the music press. When there are so many lightweight acts around it makes punch and style of The Proclaimers all the more essential.

The return of the Proclaimers is worth the wait !....
This their 5th studio album is see the Proclaimers giving their most rocky sound yet. The title track 'Born Innocent' kicks the whole thing off with a thrash of electric guitars in their trademark scottish country and western style. This thrashy rocky style continues with the tracks Should have been loved and their anti-war protest 'Blood on your hands'. After that things slow down a bit so fans of their melodic songs like 'Sunshine on Leith' should be kept happy with songs like 'Unguarded Moments', 'Redeemed', 'He's just like me' and 'There's no doubt'. There's also some catchy popier numbers that the Proclaimers do so well - 'You meant it then', the cover version 'Five O'Clock world', the Sun gossip column tribute 'Dear Deirdre' and the skiffletastic 'Role Model'. All in all another excellent Proclaimers album that has been worth the 2 year wait since their last 'Persevere'. My only criticism would be a lot of the songs are too short with many under 3 minutes long and the Edwyn Collins production is a bit raw. Certain songs could do with some beefing up with a bit of brass or string arrangements to make them longer and more polished. That said don't be put off buying this album it's a speccing good record!

My first Proclaimers album! My favourite Proclaimers album!
As soon as i heard 'Hate my Love' on the radio I knew it was finally time to part with some cash for a Proclaimers album. The songs here are so fantastic it's amazing how 'vital' the band sound. First three tracks are one of the most joyous hat tricks ever. Passionately delivered country rock with added energy and warmth from a great raw(ish) production job (beautiful slower and soulful numbers too). The Reid brothers are very unique and gifted songwriters- i get the feeling their craft is at peak form here.

(Checked out the 'classic'Persevere album after getting this expecting more delights but was disappointed. Better lyrics, tunes and delivery make 'Born Innocent' the real deal.)