After the one-two punch of Laid and Wah Wah, both produced by Brian Eno, James’ time on the spotlight seemed wanting for extra innings. Singer Tim Booth, however, was also busy with his own side project with Angelo Badalamenti, Booth and the Bad Angel, whilst also recording Whiplash, the follow-up album for James.

This sort of situation always stalls a band’s run. Although there was a lot of friction during the recording of Whiplash, which ended up with line-up changes, the album is still a belter. It takes a little from their baggy beginnings and mixes in their new fine-tuned sound, courtesy of returning producer (and post-it junkie) Brian Eno.

Not gonna lie, I didn’t like She’s a star that much when it came out, it felt “obvious” and I was ready to tap out. But like any song that clutches to your soul, Tomorrow arrived when I needed it the most. I was in a “not relationship” with a friend and we were on one of those ebb stages and it seemed it was all over. I was on commuting back from uni and armed with a barely working sony tape player. Then that hypnotic opening chord, staccato in nature, floored me like an avalanche.

I felt like running and I rang the bell for the bus stop. I ran through a drizzling afternoon through the streets of Valle Dorado, up the hills and down the valleys, the song was over but it was still in my head. “Gotta keep faith that your luck will change tomorrow.”

The burst of energy fizzled out and I made the long walk back home. After a long shower and some vitamin C, I sat down, and luck had it that the video came up. It’s as frantic as the song and I fell in love with it.

That particular relationship in 1997 ended up badly, as these things seem to always end. Still, Tomorrow always brings a smile and a cry to my face when I hear it. I was in a deep depression and that song pulled me out for a few minutes. It’s a recipe I’ve re-used a lot lately.

-Sam J. Valdés López