BIG COUNTRY

Using effects, Adamson and Watson's chiming guitars evoked traditional Scottish instruments.

This was unique and proved highly influential. Within a year of their first release, many existing bands began to emulate the group's sound. Nobody achieved it quite like Big Country. The Seer, released in 1986, contained the group's biggest UK hit single, Look Away, a glorious arms-in-the-air 80s rock anthem. As if to underline quite how highly regarded Big Country had become, Kate Bush – not one known to offer her services lightly – guests on the album's title track. The melody-rich album – which reached No. 2 in the UK charts and made the Billboard Top 60 – produced by Robin Millar, explores Scottish history, and demonstrates quite how Stuart Adamson had matured as a songwriter.