David Sylvian – Secrets Of The Beehive (Corona Yellow Opaque Vinyl)

Secrets of the Beehive is the fourth solo album by David Sylvian, released in 1987. Written quickly after an intense press tour, the record was tracked in London, Bath and the south of France. It represents a shift toward more intimate and stripped-back arrangements, with acoustic guitar, piano, double bass and subtle orchestration forming its core. The music frames Sylvian’s distinctive baritone in hushed, contemplative settings, offering a collection of songs that feel fragile yet deeply resonant.

The album balances elements of art pop, chamber rock and ambient songcraft. Space and silence play as important a role as instrumentation, giving the record a restrained, delicate intensity. Tracks like Orpheus and Let the Happiness In are slow-building and atmospheric, revealing their strength gradually rather than in dramatic bursts. Secrets of the Beehive has since been regarded as one of Sylvian’s most accomplished and emotionally affecting works.

Reviews

“Secrets Of A Beehive … is fluidly, hauntingly, overbearingly, but more importantly, merely powerful.” — Sputnikmusic

“After the breakup of Japan … this reluctant star retreated into a series of four albums—including his masterpiece—built on noir balladry, instrumental abstraction, and an abiding sense of distance.” — Pitchfork

“Beehive devotes equal attention to both atmospherics and melody. The result is a beautifully crafted album of exquisite art rock.” — ProgArchives