Decide where you're going to
And how far you should go
Can't you see
Don't you know
You are here
Decide where you're coming from
Make your way passing by
Can't you see
Don't you know
You are here
You are here
You are here
Decide where you want to be
And arrive when you can
Can't you see
Don't you know
You are here
If I was pushed to choose a favourite track on the album, this would be it.
One of Tony's best vocal performances IMHO. Musically it has a simplistic beauty, yet scrutiny reveals subtle fine detail. The synths are delightful, the guitars perfect. In terms of content it's as much an instrumental track as a vocal one. The lyrics are relatively scant yet deep meaning. I think they are saying that it's fine reminiscing on the past, or having dreams of the future - but don't forget to live for today too.
A beautiful track. A great title too.
I'm guessing, but I think he recorded "You Are Here" forwards, played it backwards to hear how it sounded, then sung it backwards, then reversed it. There again, it may simply be reverse echo!
(Graham G)
Yes I agree with everything you said, great vocal performance and synth melodies, and don't forget the sinister breathing sound towards the end. Always a fave when I play this album.
(Richie E)
The third track on any album is often one of the weakest. They want to draw in your attention by putting the stronger material right at the beginning. Hence in this case, two strong singles. So one might be forgiven for expecting this track to be 'filler'. And how wrong you would be! I suspect this may be *the* underrated gem from an already much underrated album...
Possibly this is From A To B's most atmospheric and haunting song.
From the opening city traffic-like deep drone, which draws in your attention and sets the atmosphere, with the echoey strings, through to the breathing sounds (a simple yet effective touch) set with that spine tingling 'jagged' synth, this was a personal favourite since first listen. The almost bell-like synths really work well.
Melodious, moody and beautiful, this is nothing short of a masterpiece. Tony is doing what he does best here: conveying that sad sense of beauty through his musik. "A Map Of You" is a real 'hairs on the back of the neck' song. His vocals here are first class.
Lyrically it is simpler than the other tracks, which suits the musik better (and perhaps sounds less dated now than if it had the typical fuller 'song' lyrics). In fact this one could have worked as an instrumental. It has just the right amount of both acoustic and electronic instruments in the mix. There is a most appealing sense of spaciousness, which, when one considers its age, is pretty remarkable. In fact, if Tony should ever wish to do an updated version (yes please!) I don't think a great deal would have to be changed to give it a contemporary feel. The advancements in recording technology would I'm sure just 'open up' the sound a bit... Maybe just one or two small nips and tucks here and there... some deeper bass and enhanced clarity... But really the track just hasn't dated, which is a credit to the band's talent. New Musik indeed.
With all the ingredients just so right, how could one not like it?
100/100
Faultless.
(Richard M)
I always forget how much I love this song until I hear it each time. Lyrics are simple and pure and the music is crisp and keeps my attention.
(Nuppy)