On this day July 6, 1987, the Grateful Dead released their twelfth studio album In the Dark, marking a major commercial resurgence for the band after nearly seven years without a new studio release. Known more for their live performances and dedicated following than radio hits, the band surprised critics and fans alike by delivering a polished and accessible album that found mainstream success.
In the Dark featured the single Touch of Grey, which became the band’s first and only Top 10 hit in the United States and helped introduce a new generation to their sound. The album’s production retained the group’s jam based spirit while focusing more clearly on structure and clarity, making it more digestible to wider audiences without losing its roots.
The album reached number 6 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
You can revisit the release in our In the Dark album thread.
80s insight: In the Dark proved that even long running acts could find new life in the 80s without changing who they were.
In the Dark featured the single Touch of Grey, which became the band’s first and only Top 10 hit in the United States and helped introduce a new generation to their sound. The album’s production retained the group’s jam based spirit while focusing more clearly on structure and clarity, making it more digestible to wider audiences without losing its roots.
The album reached number 6 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
You can revisit the release in our In the Dark album thread.
80s insight: In the Dark proved that even long running acts could find new life in the 80s without changing who they were.
