"Sunshine on a Rainy Day" is a song by British pop singer and songwriterZoë, released by M&G and Polydor as the first single from her debut album, Scarlet Red and Blue (1991). The song, written by Zoë and Youth, received positive reviews from music critics, reaching number four on the UK Singles Chart in September 1991. It also charted within the top 40 in Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden and Zimbabwe, where it reached number-one. Three different music videos were produced to promote the single, one of them was filmed in India[1] and another for the US market. In 2008, Zoë re-recorded the song with her folk band Mama. This version is available on their debut CD, Crow Coyote Buffalo.
The song was originally released in October 1990,[2] when it reached number 53 on the UK Singles Chart. The following year, English record producer Mark 'Spike' Stent remixed the track and re-released it on 12 August 1991.[3] This version reached number four on the same chart and became Zoë's biggest hit. It was the 18th best-selling single of 1991. The track was used in UK advertisements for the Amiga 500 computer, which added to its popularity. It was also on Capital Radio's A-list.[1]
Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Photogenic British lass steps from out of left field with a percussive, midtempo gem on which she often comes across like a smoky Sophie B. Hawkins. Soft, syncopated hip-hop-derived beats support acoustic strumming, subtle electric chords, and flower-child lyrical prose. Track starts from a simple, sparse point, and builds to a rousing tambourine-shaking climax. Fueled with multiformat appeal."[4] Randy Clark from Cashbox described it as a "brooding club track".[5]James Hamilton from Music Week named it Pick of the Week in the category of Dance, calling it a "'Tom's Diner' inspired hypnotic folksy singalong roller, a real "sleeper" last autumn, now slightly remixed."[6]
Jack Barron from NME wrote, "'Sunshine on a Rainy Day' is an excellent anthem in every way being musically and lyrically direct. The tune builds from an acoustic beginning layering more guitars and harmonies into a fairy cake of a song. Written by Zoe and Youth and mixed by Andy and Ben Boilerhouse, it is touched with spirit and heart giving every indication on this tune that Zoe is destined to become a very bright star indeed."[1] Another NME editor felt the song is "a must for this summer" and "a certain Top 10 in the current climate".[7]Sophie Lawrence reviewed the song for Smash Hits, commenting, "It's a bit Belinda Carlisle-ish." She added, "I love it. It's really folky. She's got a brilliant voice. That's a record I'd definitely go out and buy."[8] Another Smash Hits editor, Mark Frith, stated that "Sunshine on a Rainy Day" has become "an anthem of unparalleled exuberance".[9]
In May 2000, Australian singer-songwriter Christine Anu released a version of the song as the first single from her second studio album, Come My Way. The song peaked at number 26 on the Australian Singles Chart and remained in the top 50 for 15 weeks.
^Sunshine on a Rainy Day (UK & European CD single disc notes). Zoë. M&G Records, Polydor Records. 1990. MAGCD 6, 877 953-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Sunshine on a Rainy Day (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Zoë. M&G Records, Polydor Records. 1991. MAGS 14, 867 574-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Sunshine on a Rainy Day (UK cassette single sleeve). Zoë. M&G Records, Polydor Records. 1991. MAGCS 14, 867 574-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
