Let’s talk about the technicals. The original CD pressing of Raindancing was notorious for a brittle high-end and a congested low-mid. This 2016 remaster—available in lossless FLAC—is a revelation:
The deluxe aspect isn't just about the remaster. The second disc of this 2016 release is where the narrative changes. Alison Moyet - Raindancing -Deluxe 2016- -FLAC-
While the original Raindancing had filler ("Stronger Than The Flame" suddenly feels more urgent in 24-bit), the B-sides and rarities are stunning. "The Coventry Carol" is hauntingly beautiful, showcasing Moyet’s classical training. The 12" remixes—specifically the "Extended Re-Mix" of "Is This Love"—are no longer period curiosities; they are blueprints for how to produce pop music for a large soundstage. Let’s talk about the technicals
After the monumental success of Alf (1984), which gave us the timeless “Invisible,” Moyet had everything to prove. Raindancing was her chance to step away from the synth-heavy shadow of her Yazoo past with Vince Clarke and embrace a more polished, radio-friendly, yet emotionally complex sound. The second disc of this 2016 release is
Produced by Jimmy Iovine (known for his work with Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty), the album leaned into rock-tinged pop and sweeping ballads. It wasn't a critical darling upon release—some called it too commercial—but time has been extraordinarily kind to Raindancing.
Engineered from the original analogue master tapes (not a digital clone), the 2016 remaster restores the headroom lost in the 1987 cut. In FLAC format, you hear: