They managed to last only a single album before they fell apart. And it wasn’t like they were a supergroup of some sort, just a bunch of British musicians that came together quite suddenly and began recording without too much forethought.
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But all it takes is one special song to immortalize you. When In Rome had that with their 1988 track “The Promise”. It’s an undeniable 80s classic, one that grabs you with the vibrancy of its music and the earnest emotional power of the lyrics.
Manchester to Rome
When In Rome originated in Manchester, England. Clive Farrington had led a band called Beau Leisure but decided to move on from them. He began looking around for other musicians. His first new hire was keyboardist Michael Floreale.
Next up was Andrew Mann, who, at the time, was a poet who occasionally dabbled in music. The trio took their name from the popular phrase, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” They managed to secure a record deal pretty early in their time together as a trio.
When they were writing together, it was a Spartan experience for the group. Their musical space was a shed located in the garden of Clive Farrington’s father. Things were so cramped that the band had to attach the keyboards to the wall so that everyone could fit. From those humble beginnings, a major hit in “The Promise” would soon arrive.
A “Promise” in Bloom
It should be noted before we get too much further that the three members of When In Rome are all credited as writers on “The Promise”. And part of the reason why these guys have never been able to come back together and record again is that there’s been some dispute between them over the provenance of the song.
Regardless of how it was created, the individual elements managed to cohere quite well. The elegant piano notes play well off the synth bass and programmed drums. There’s also something engaging about the way that Mann and Farrington trade off vocals. One is low and reassuring, the other high-pitched and urgent.
“The Promise” first found its groove via an elongated version that was aimed at dance clubs. When that proved popular, the song was then shortened and remixed for radio airplay. It worked like a charm. The synth-pop classic peaked at the No. 11 spot on the US pop charts, an impressive result for a debut single.
Behind the Lyrics of “The Promise”
It’s not for nothing that “The Promise” has been a popular choice for a wedding song. The lyrics offer support and consolation when needed. “If you need a friend,” the narrator begins. “Don’t look to a stranger.” “And when you’re in danger,” he assures. “Take a look all around / And I’ll be there.”
The song also nods to the times when a relationship gets rough. “Sometimes when I shout,” the narrator explains. “It’s not what’s intended.” In the chorus, this guy mixes in some humility with his undeniable devotion. “I’m sorry but I’m just thinking of the right words to say,” he says. “I know they don’t sound the way I planned them to be.”
As mentioned above, When In Rome, in its original incarnation, was one and done, releasing just a single album before acrimony ended it all. At least “The Promise” offered a glimpse of just what they could do and ensured that this trio would have a place in the annals of 80s pop.
Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
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