This Is the Sea

This Is the Sea, the Waterboys' third studio album from 1985, expands the band's post-punk and rock roots into a sweeping, anthemic style that blends folk rock and pop rock elements. Mike Scott's songwriting pairs vivid, often spiritual imagery with driving rhythms and large-scale arrangements, featuring layered guitars, brass and orchestral touches to create dramatic dynamics. The album is often seen as a high point of the band's early "big music" sound and a stylistic bridge toward their later exploration of traditional folk textures.