by Mark Nobes, chief editor
This was the first single from New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) and the first for the band to reach the UK Top 20, making it their breakthrough single in several countries, including the UK, New Zealand, Sweden and Ireland. The song remained on the UK singles chart for 11 weeks.
With its vibrant melody and funky bass line, "Promised You A Miracle" is one of the band's finest singles, and it was the only track from New Gold Dream to feature Kenny Hyslop as a session drummer.
"Theme For Great Cities" (5:50) was included as the B-side on both the 7 inch and 12 inch vinyl singles. A third track "Seeing Out The Angel (Instrumental)" (6:32) was included on the 12 inch.
The original version entered the UK single chart on 4th April 1982, while Goombay Dance Band were at No.1 with "Seven Tears". The single reached its peak position of #13 for one week on 9th May. By this time, Nicole was at No.1 with "A Little Peace".
The video is an arty affair which focuses on the band playing their instruments, and also a blonde-haired woman wearing heavy make-up. We see several close-ups of her face. She can also be seen wearing a tweed suit and hat and placing her luggage onto a conveyor belt. Later on, she is lying on the floor in her swimsuit, partly on a fake beach. All of the footage was shot inside a studio, with fake backgrounds including the beach and a TV test screen.
