The Blow Monkeys

The Blow Monkeys

4661 fans

Turning their noses up at the pomp and flouncy drama of the new romantics, The Blow Monkeys were part of an early 1980s scene that filled Britain's suave wine bars with arty, soulful, sophisticated pop. Full of saxophone solos and smoochy lyrics, the band – formed in 1981 in London, England - was led by singer-songwriter Dr. Robert (Robert Howard). They released their first single in 1982 and first started attracting the attention of the general public with the 1984 release of their debut album, Limping for a Generation (1984). The group became a commercial sensation in 1986 with the release of their album Animal Magic and the single “Digging Your Scene,” which was a song that confronted the controversial topic of AIDS and its effect on the gay community. The album and single also fared well in the US. The Blow Monkeys’ biggest hit in the UK was 1987’s “It Doesn't Have To Be This Way,” which hit number 5. The song was taken from their hit album She Was Only a Grocer’s Daughter, which also included the single “(Celebrate) The Day After You,” which featured Curtis Mayfield. The Blow Monkeys’ next two albums – Whoops! There Goes the Neighborhood (1989) and Springtime for the World (1990) – were not as commercially successful and the band decided to call it a day. Dr. Robert pursued a solo career and worked with artists such as Paul Weller and Beth Orton. After a 17 year break, the original members of The Blow Monkeys reunited – including Dr. Robert – and released a series of albums that were not as commercial successful as their ‘80s recordings but received more critical acclaim. Their later albums include Devil’s Tavern (2008) Staring at the Sea (2011), Feels Like a New Morning (2013), If Not Now, When? (2015), The Wild River (2017), Journey to You (2021), and Together/Alone (2024). 

Top tracks

05
Digging Your Scene
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
04:07
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
01
It Doesn't Have to Be This Way
The Blow Monkeys
She Was Only A Grocer's Daughter
04:03
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
11
I Backed A Winner (In You)
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
02:39
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
13
Digging Your Scene (Phil Harding Remix)
The Blow Monkeys
Animal Magic (Expanded Edition)
07:35
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
09
Digging Your Scene (Long Version)
The Blow Monkeys
Animal Magic (Expanded Edition)
06:25
Writer: Bruce Howard / Composers: Bruce Howard
13
Out With Her
The Blow Monkeys
Essential - 80's Love
04:27
Writer: Bruce Howard / Composers: Bruce Howard
03
Out With Her
The Blow Monkeys
She Was Only A Grocer's Daughter
04:40
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
Wicked Ways
The Blow Monkeys
Animal Magic
04:14
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
Animal Magic
The Blow Monkeys
Animal Magic
03:07
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
04
Sweet Murder (Eek-A-Mix - Extended Version)
The Blow Monkeys
Animal Magic
06:31
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
08
Don't Be Scared of Me
The Blow Monkeys
Animal Magic
03:29
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
12
It Doesn't Have to Be This Way (Long Version)
The Blow Monkeys
She Was Only A Grocer's Daughter
06:05
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
Aeroplane City Lovesong
The Blow Monkeys
Animal Magic
04:52
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
12
Heaven Is A Place I'm Moving To
The Blow Monkeys
Animal Magic
03:05
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
07
I Nearly Died Laughing
The Blow Monkeys
Animal Magic
03:37
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
01
Atomic Lullaby
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
03:37
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
Walking the Bluebeat
The Blow Monkeys
Animal Magic
04:10
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
07
Heaven Is a Place I'm Moving To
The Blow Monkeys
Acoustic
03:51
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
What in the World
The Blow Monkeys
The Wild River
04:07
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
10
Save Me
The Blow Monkeys
Devils Tavern
07:58
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
04
Wicked Ways (Single Edit)
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
03:39
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
Springtime for the World
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
03:25
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard

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  • Discography
Albums
Birdsong
℗ 2025 Creation Youth
29-08-2025
Birdsong
01
The Penny Drops
The Blow Monkeys
Birdsong
03:44
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
Birdsong
The Blow Monkeys
Birdsong
03:21
Writer: The Blow Monkeys - Robert Howard - Neville Henry - Mick Anker - Crispin Taylor / Composers: Robert Howard - Neville Henry - Mick Anker - Crispin Taylor
03
Walk On, Nothing Is Lost
The Blow Monkeys
Birdsong
03:33
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
04
Long Lost Child
The Blow Monkeys
Birdsong
04:20
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
Giving up the Ghost
The Blow Monkeys
Birdsong
03:24
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
Shadowplay
The Blow Monkeys
Birdsong
03:30
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
07
Rivers to the Soul
The Blow Monkeys
Birdsong
04:10
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
Access the complete album info (10 songs)
Together/Alone
℗ 2024 Last Night From Glasgow
31-05-2024
Together/Alone
01
Stranger To Me Now
The Blow Monkeys
Together/Alone
04:08
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
Waking Up Is Hard To Do
The Blow Monkeys
Together/Alone
02:58
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
Rope-A-Dope
The Blow Monkeys
Together/Alone
03:42
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
04
Not The Only Game In Town
The Blow Monkeys
Together/Alone
03:20
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
Don't Wish Away The Days
The Blow Monkeys
Together/Alone
04:13
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
Cards On The Table
The Blow Monkeys
Together/Alone
03:49
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
07
Cool Summer Hideaway
The Blow Monkeys
Together/Alone
03:10
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
Access the complete album info (12 songs)
Journey To You
Blow Monkeys Music
24-09-2021
Journey To You
01
Dust At Her Feet
The Blow Monkeys
Journey To You
04:18
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
Time Storm
The Blow Monkeys
Journey To You
03:50
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
More Than A Miracle
The Blow Monkeys
Journey To You
03:55
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
04
One More Time
The Blow Monkeys
Journey To You
03:21
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
Each & Every One
The Blow Monkeys
Journey To You
03:52
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
Earthbound
The Blow Monkeys
Journey To You
04:22
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
07
Touching Distance
The Blow Monkeys
Journey To You
03:52
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
Access the complete album info (10 songs)
The Wild River
Monks Road
06-10-2017
The Wild River
01
Crying For The Moon
The Blow Monkeys
The Wild River
04:03
02
What In The World
The Blow Monkeys
The Wild River
04:07
03
On The Wings Of The Morning
The Blow Monkeys
The Wild River
03:20
04
The Wild River
The Blow Monkeys
The Wild River
04:47
05
Landslide Comin'
The Blow Monkeys
The Wild River
04:02
06
Fortune's Wheel
The Blow Monkeys
The Wild River
04:03
07
Gods Gift
The Blow Monkeys
The Wild River
04:20
Access the complete album info (10 songs)
Live From London
The Store For Music Ltd
13-04-2016
Live From London
01
The Man From Russia
The Blow Monkeys
Live From London
02:49
Writer: Howard - ANKER / Composers: Howard - ANKER
02
HeÕs Shedding Skin
The Blow Monkeys
Live From London
03:53
Writer: Howard / Composers: Howard
03
Atomic Lullaby
The Blow Monkeys
Live From London
04:52
Writer: Howard / Composers: Howard
04
Aeroplane City Love Song
The Blow Monkeys
Live From London
04:46
Writer: Howard / Composers: Howard
05
Forbidden Fruit
The Blow Monkeys
Live From London
04:44
Writer: Howard / Composers: Howard
06
Waiting For Mr. Moonlight
The Blow Monkeys
Live From London
04:52
Writer: Howard / Composers: Howard
07
Wildflower
The Blow Monkeys
Live From London
03:50
Writer: Howard / Composers: Howard
Access the complete album info (14 songs)
If Not Now When
Blow Monkeys Music
05-04-2015
If Not Now When
01
Ok! Have It Your Way
The Blow Monkeys
If Not Now When
03:26
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
The Sound of Your Laughter
The Blow Monkeys
If Not Now When
02:51
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
All That Glitters
The Blow Monkeys
If Not Now When
04:38
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
04
Think Again
The Blow Monkeys
If Not Now When
04:30
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
The Guessing Game
The Blow Monkeys
If Not Now When
03:40
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
Sun Is in the Sky
The Blow Monkeys
If Not Now When
04:09
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
07
Stay Now
The Blow Monkeys
If Not Now When
04:16
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
Access the complete album info (10 songs)
Acoustic
Blow Monkeys Music
04-07-2013
Acoustic
01
Digging Your Scene
The Blow Monkeys
Acoustic
04:00
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
Come on Down
The Blow Monkeys
Acoustic
03:44
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
Springtime for the World
The Blow Monkeys
Acoustic
03:00
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
04
It Doesn't Have to Be This Way
The Blow Monkeys
Acoustic
03:48
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
Man from Russia
The Blow Monkeys
Acoustic
02:21
Writer: Robert Howard - Mick Anker / Composers: Robert Howard - Mick Anker
06
Slaves No More
The Blow Monkeys
Acoustic
03:35
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
07
Heaven Is a Place I'm Moving To
The Blow Monkeys
Acoustic
03:51
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
Access the complete album info (10 songs)
Feels Like a New Morning
Blow Monkeys Music
16-04-2013
Feels Like a New Morning
01
Oh My
The Blow Monkeys
Feels Like a New Morning
03:03
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
Feels Like a New Morning
The Blow Monkeys
Feels Like a New Morning
03:54
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
Cover Me
The Blow Monkeys
Feels Like a New Morning
03:59
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
04
Chained
The Blow Monkeys
Feels Like a New Morning
03:56
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
Said Too Much
The Blow Monkeys
Feels Like a New Morning
03:11
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
Icarus in Flames
The Blow Monkeys
Feels Like a New Morning
03:53
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
07
That's Not Right
The Blow Monkeys
Feels Like a New Morning
04:06
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
Access the complete album info (10 songs)
Staring At The Sea
14-02-2011
Staring At The Sea
01
Steppin' Down
The Blow Monkeys
Staring At The Sea
04:14
02
Hanging On The Hurt (Let It Go Now)
The Blow Monkeys
Staring At The Sea
03:48
03
The Killing Breeze
The Blow Monkeys
Staring At The Sea
03:13
04
Seventh Day
The Blow Monkeys
Staring At The Sea
03:10
05
Staring At The Sea
The Blow Monkeys
Staring At The Sea
04:22
06
What It Takes
The Blow Monkeys
Staring At The Sea
04:43
07
Prayin' For Rain
The Blow Monkeys
Staring At The Sea
03:16
Access the complete album info (12 songs)
Devils Tavern
Blow Monkeys Music
28-06-2008
Devils Tavern
01
The World Can Wait
The Blow Monkeys
Devils Tavern
05:40
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
I Don't Mind
The Blow Monkeys
Devils Tavern
04:04
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
The Bullet Train
The Blow Monkeys
Devils Tavern
03:50
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
04
Frontline
The Blow Monkeys
Devils Tavern
04:06
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
A Momentary Fall
The Blow Monkeys
Devils Tavern
04:35
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
We Can Win
The Blow Monkeys
Devils Tavern
03:58
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
07
Only Joking
The Blow Monkeys
Devils Tavern
03:44
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
Access the complete album info (11 songs)
Very Best Of
This compilation (P) 1999 BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited
13-09-1999
Very Best Of
01
Atomic Lullaby
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
03:37
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
He's Shedding Skin
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
04:04
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
Wildflower
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
03:02
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
04
Forbidden Fruit
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
04:06
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
Digging Your Scene
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
04:07
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
Wicked Ways (Single Edit)
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
03:39
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
07
Heaven Is A Place I'm Moving To
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
03:05
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
Access the complete album info (32 songs)
Very Best Of
This compilation (P) 1999 BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited
08-09-1999
Very Best Of
01
Atomic Lullaby
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
03:37
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
He's Shedding Skin
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
04:04
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
Wildflower
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
03:02
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
04
Forbidden Fruit
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
04:06
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
Digging Your Scene
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
04:07
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
Wicked Ways (Single Edit)
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
03:39
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
07
Heaven Is A Place I'm Moving To
The Blow Monkeys
Very Best Of
03:05
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
Access the complete album info (32 songs)
For The Record - The Best Of
This compilation (P) 1996 BMG Records (UK) Ltd.
25-11-1996
For The Record - The Best Of
01
Digging Your Scene
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
04:07
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
Springtime for the World
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
03:25
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
Out With Her
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
04:27
Writer: Bruce Howard / Composers: Bruce Howard
04
Wicked Ways (Single Edit)
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
03:39
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
Wait (feat. Kym Mazelle & Robert Howard)
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
03:12
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
No Woman is an Island
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
04:19
Writer: Dr. Robert / Composers: Dr. Robert
07
Squaresville
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
04:22
Writer: Dr. Robert / Composers: Dr. Robert
Access the complete album info (17 songs)
For The Record - The Best Of
This compilation (P) 1996 Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited under exclusive license to BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd.
12-08-1996
For The Record - The Best Of
01
Digging Your Scene
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
04:07
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
Springtime for the World
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
03:25
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
Out With Her
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
04:27
Writer: Bruce Howard / Composers: Bruce Howard
04
Wicked Ways (Single Edit)
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
03:39
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
05
Wait (feat. Kym Mazelle & Robert Howard)
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
03:12
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
No Woman is an Island
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
04:19
Writer: Dr. Robert / Composers: Dr. Robert
07
Squaresville
The Blow Monkeys
For The Record - The Best Of
04:22
Writer: Dr. Robert / Composers: Dr. Robert
Access the complete album info (17 songs)
Whoops! There Goes the Neighbourhood
(P) 1989 BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited
26-09-1989
Whoops! There Goes the Neighbourhood
01
This is Your Life
The Blow Monkeys
Whoops! There Goes the Neighbourhood
04:37
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
02
Wait (feat. Kym Mazelle & Robert Howard)
The Blow Monkeys
Whoops! There Goes the Neighbourhood
03:12
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
03
No Woman is an Island
The Blow Monkeys
Whoops! There Goes the Neighbourhood
04:19
Writer: Dr. Robert / Composers: Dr. Robert
04
It Pays to Belong
The Blow Monkeys
Whoops! There Goes the Neighbourhood
05:35
Writer: Dr. Robert / Composers: Dr. Robert
05
Mercy, Pity, Peace & Love
The Blow Monkeys
Whoops! There Goes the Neighbourhood
03:45
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
06
Squaresville
The Blow Monkeys
Whoops! There Goes the Neighbourhood
04:22
Writer: Dr. Robert / Composers: Dr. Robert
07
Come on Down
The Blow Monkeys
Whoops! There Goes the Neighbourhood
04:50
Writer: Robert Howard / Composers: Robert Howard
Access the complete album info (13 songs)