Sign of the Times is the fourth studio album by the English band The Rubettes. It was released on the State Records label in June 1976.[1] The album represented a significant change in direction for the band, as it was the first not produced by Wayne Bickerton and Tony Waddington – instead the Rubettes took on production responsibilities themselves, with Alan Blakley (formerly of the Tremeloes) as co-producer. The band made the decision due to the disappointing sales of their previous two Bickerton/Waddington singles and the desire to forge new musical directions.[2][3]
The Rubettes were a four-piece band by the time Sign of the Times was recorded, as keyboardist Bill Hurd departed earlier in 1976. Tony Thorpe took over keyboard duties in the studio.[3]
The album contained two singles, both released in advance – the only UK single release "You're The Reason Why" and the non-UK A-side "Julia".[3]
In 1992, Dice Records (France) released the Rubettes' third and fourth albums (Rubettes and Sign of the Times) as a double CD set.[4] In 2012, Cherry Red Records issued the album on CD.[2] In 2015, Caroline Records released the album Sign of the Times, with two bonus tracks, as part of a box CD set of the Rubettes' first five studio albums.[5]
1. "You're The Reason Why" b/w "Julia" – May 1976 – UK No. 28[1][8]
2. "Julia" was also released as a non-UK single, b/w either "Dancing In The Rain" or "You're The Reason Why" – in March 1976 (France/Belgium) and May 1976 (several other non-UK markets)[1][9][10][11][12]