Joan Armatrading’s Drop The Pilot is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Despite not charting as high as it deserved to in the US, it was a massive hit in Australia and other parts of the world. Even today, it remains one of the most beloved songs of the 1980s.
What makes Drop The Pilot so great is not only its catchy melody and clever lyrics, but also the incredible musicianship that went into its recording. Val Garay was at the top of his game in the early 1980s, producing hit after hit, and he brought his A-game to the recording of this track. Tim Pierce’s guitar work is particularly noteworthy, adding just the right amount of edge and grit to the song.
Interestingly, Drop The Pilot and another album track, What Do Boys Dream, were recorded in New York separately from the rest of the album, which was recorded in the UK at The Townhouse Studios and Sweden at Polar Studios. This may have contributed to the unique energy and vibe of the song, which is hard to replicate.
As with many recordings of the time, little is known about the exact gear used during the recording and mixing process. However, it is known that Val Garay used the DBX 160 on the drums for Drop The Pilot, which gives them a tight and punchy sound. It is also likely that he used the AMS RMX16 or Lexicon 224 for reverb, both of which were go-to reverbs of the time.
While some die-hard fans of Joan Armatrading may see The Key and Drop The Pilot as a departure from her usual style, there is no denying that they produced her greatest commercial success. And with songs like Drop The Pilot, it’s easy to see why they continue to resonate with listeners today.