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Hard to believe as it may seem now, in the late 1980s Hothouse Flowers actually challenged the popularity of U2 (in their native Ireland, anyway). Released in 1988, "People" was their best studio album. It combines the jangly guitar-pop typical of college rock from that period with the bombastic soulfulness of fellow Irishman Van Morrison. The highlights include the single "Don't Go," the spiritual "Hallelujah Jordan," "It'll Be Easier in the Morning," and "I'm Sorry." The only flaw is that the album is a bit overlong at 15 tracks, and flags a bit in the second half.

Overall, an excellent period piece of late 1980s rock and soul.

I had the opportunity to see this band live in 1988 at a small dinner theatre in Ventura, California and they were wonderful. I would normally say that I'm "waxing sentimental" but this is one of the few albums I own that remains fresh and exciting no matter how much time passes between listenings.

I bought this tape, yes that is right, I said a tape in 1988 when it first came out. This is by far the best recording they have released. I had the pleasure of seeing Hothouse Flowers in a small Chicago club. They are soulful, thoughtful, and emotional. The only way you cannot relate to this music is if you are devoid of human emotion.

In an age of POP Album Rock this album is a throw back. The album's theme is the relationship between people, hence the title. They don't make Rock and Roll like this anymore. This is a big band exploration of the human condition. What could possibly make this better, unless it was of Irish decent? If you have ever had to say "I'm Sorry" or have ever doubeted your faith, this is the album to listen to in those tough times. This may be the best Rosk album that nobody has ever heard of...

Having been spotted by bono on irish tv (the late late show) hothouse flowers were quickly snapped up by london records, they released 'dont go' in april 88 making the u.k top ten, a month later they released people and made it to no2 on the u.k album chart. probaly oweing more to van morrison than anybody else hothouse flowers are fine mix of folk/pop/rock with a healthy dash of celtic soul. my favorite tracks are 'it'll be easier in the morning', 'the older we get' and 'ballad of katie.

Of the three U.S. releases by Hothouse Flowers, this fledgling effort ranks in the middle. The performances and sonics are fine and the songwriting is of a consistently strong calibre. Unfortunately, the incredible energy this band manifests in its live shows comes across on record as bombast. That tendency was better moderated on the subsequent "Home" and perhaps excessively so on "Songs from the Rain." There are fine momemts on this record nevertheless and the fine sentiments expressed deserve plaudits. Fans of all things Irish may add one star.

I don't know a single other person who has ever even heard of "Hothouse Flowers", but I'm glad that I know them. I wouldn't call this a must-have, however it's still really good. Being from Ireland, they do remind me some of "The Waterboys", though not as traditional, and some of 1980's "U2", but less rock. Many of their songs do have a passionate, and anthem-type feel. I haven't heard much else from them, but I suspect this is their best release. Overall a great album, and perfect for the person who likes their music with a Guinness.