Burning The Ground Exclusive
Today, we’re stepping into the smooth, late-80s/early-90s pop world of Breathe, the English band best known for their soft-focus, heartfelt hits “Hands to Heaven” and “How Can I Fall?” But in 1990, as the group tried to evolve their sound and keep pace with a new decade, they released the underrated “Say a Prayer.”
While not as widely remembered as their earlier chart-toppers, “Say a Prayer” stands out as one of Breathe’s most confident singles—lush, melodic, and built around David Glasper’s unmistakably warm and soulful voice. It was the lead single from their second and final album, Peace of Mind. In the U.S. the track reached #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart, giving the band one last significant moment on American radio.
The Sound
“Say a Prayer” is classic early-90s adult contemporary pop—smooth keys, soft rhythmic guitar, a steady mid-tempo beat, and that signature late-80s sheen that still had one foot in the previous decade. Glasper’s vocals carry the whole thing: emotionally direct without being over-the-top, and full of that breathy, intimate quality that helped Breathe stand out from their peers.
Lyrically, the song continues the band’s familiar themes—love, hope, longing—but with a slightly more mature tone than their 1988 material. If “Hands to Heaven” was the dream-pop ballad and “How Can I Fall?” was the heartbreak moment, “Say a Prayer” feels like the hopeful resolution.
Why It Matters
“Say a Prayer” didn’t reach the iconic status of Breathe’s earlier hits, but it has aged remarkably well. It’s one of those turn-of-the-decade singles that beautifully captures the transition from 80s pop romanticism into the sleek sound of the early 90s.
For fans of the band—or anyone who loves exquisitely crafted pop with emotional sincerity—“Say a Prayer” is a gem worth revisiting. Its warm production, thoughtful lyrics, and Glasper’s gorgeous vocal delivery make it a perfect reminder of why Breathe’s catalog continues to resonate long after their short time in the spotlight.
If you grew up with their music (or discovered them later), this one hits all the right nostalgic notes.
SIDE A:
Say A Prayer (Save My Soul 12″) 6:32
Say A Prayer (Save My Soul Dub) 5:47
Say A Prayer (LP Version) 3:49
SIDE B:
Say A Prayer (Oh Mercy! House 12″) 6:33
Say A Prayer (Oh Mercy! House Dub) 6:10
Say A Prayer (Oh! Mercy! House 7″) 3:52
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | #21 | 1990 |
| US Billboard Adult Contemporary | #3 | 1990 |
| Australia (ARIA Charts) | #97 | 1990 |
| Canadian Singles (RPM) | #6 | 1990 |
| UK Singles | #63 | 1990 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: A&M Records – 75021 2337 1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic
Style: House
CREDITS:
- Edited By – Chep Nunez*
- Producer – Bob Sargeant, Breathe (3)
- Producer [Additional], Remix – Daniel Abraham (tracks: A1, A2)
- Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Merv DePeyer*
- Written-By – David Glasper, Marcus Lillington
NOTES:
Original version appears on the A&M album, cassette & compact disc “Peace Of Mind”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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I grew up when Breathe was big. I was worked in A/C radio a couple years later and played their songs. We play many more songs from Breathe than pop radio did because many of them charted on the A/C chart at higher positions.
Thanks for this post, I have this promo 12″ but never could get a decent rip, lots of sibilance on mine for some reason. Love these mixes!
Hands To Heaven was a favourite of mine, still is actually. I have to say this is a new favourite of mine upon hearing it recently on a classic music video channel.
These mixes are are a good step forward by Daniel Abraham with cool edits by Chep Nunez.
Thanks Paul 🙂
Thanks, Mark! “Hands to Heaven” is one of those songs that just never loses its glow — totally get why it’s still a favorite. And I love that “Say a Prayer” hit you as a new fave after catching it on a classic video channel. It really holds up beautifully.
You’re spot on about the mixes. Daniel Abraham brought a nice modern lift to the track, and Chep’s edits give it that extra spark — such a great combo for the era.
Really glad you enjoyed this one! 😊
It seems I’m the only who has never heard of this band 🙂
I love when you surprise me like that! THANK YOU! Now, I’m gonna explore their first album you mentioned.
Axel, I love hearing that! One of my favorite things about running this blog is when a post introduces someone to a band or track they’ve never heard before. Breathe definitely deserves a little rediscovery, and their first album is packed with great songwriting and beautiful vocals. Enjoy the dive — and thank you for listening!
Same here! That’s what I love about your blog! It’s dedicated to open-minded music lovers, not consumers!
Welcome back Paul!! This is quite a project you tackled with 6 unique mixes. This single is catchy and very representative of its time! Actually I could see it fitting in quite nicely on the Pretty Woman soundtrack alongside Go West. Thank you Paul for your meticulous transfer and for reintroducing this memory-holed hit!
Thank you, Retro Hound! It’s great to be back. This one was a bit of a project, but the mixes are all distinct enough that it felt worth giving each its moment. Totally agree — “Say a Prayer” fits perfectly alongside that early-90s melodic pop vibe, and I can absolutely hear it sliding into the Pretty Woman soundtrack next to Go West. Really appreciate the kind words, and I’m glad to help bring this forgotten gem back into rotation!
“Say A Prayer” is a fantastic example of Breathe’s sound. It’s an elegantly produced pop-electronic track, full of feeling and romance, that follows the formula that brought them success.
Thanks, Paul, for the post and for coming back.
Thanks, Ruben! You summed up the track perfectly — Breathe had a real gift for pairing electronic polish with heartfelt emotion, and “Say a Prayer” is a great showcase of that. I’m happy to be posting again and even happier that you’re enjoying the music. Appreciate you being here!
Thanks for the post, Paul! I only remember, vaguely, the chorus. I really like the Save My Soul Dub mix and I would probably play that as my #1 pick if I were spinning in 1990. Start around 2:10. Does anyone know what the “stab” sound is they use in many of the mixes? On the Save My Soul Dub it begins at 0:09 and occurs every 4 beats for awhile, then again appears all over this and other mixes. It’s so familiar and I’m not sure if this song was one of the first tunes to use that stab… Read more »
Thanks, Fred! The “Save My Soul Dub” is a great pick — that mix has such a cool, atmospheric groove, and starting at 2:10 is perfect. As for the stab sound, it’s a very typical early-90s house/club synth stab — often from Korg or Roland presets — used to add rhythmic punch. Tons of producers were using variations of it around that time, so it definitely shows up in a lot of mixes from the era. You probably are remembering it from other tracks (hopefully better than “Cha Cha Slide”!). Glad you’re enjoying the mixes!
As a fan of their entire album, it’s so great to hear these remixes, Paul! I had no idea that Chep Nunez did the edits here. I’m very excited because I always believe that edits can really enhance a record. I miss those days!!
Many thanks!
Jeff
Thank you, Jeff! The whole Peace of Mind album really is underrated, and the remixes bring out some great new colors in the songs. And yes — those Chep edits are such a treat. He always had a way of tightening things up and giving a mix that extra sparkle. I miss those days too! Thanks again for listening and for the kind words.
Hi Paul, thank you for posting this gem. I too love this track. The remixes were GREAT. They definitely tap into that early 90s vibe. Interesting that despite this single’s relative success that they didn’t push more on this album.
Thanks so much, MusicMan3! I’m right there with you — this track has such a gorgeous early-90s polish, and the remixes really bring out the best in it. It’s a little surprising they didn’t give Peace of Mind more of a push, especially since “Say a Prayer” performed well and still holds up beautifully today. Breathe had such a unique sound; it feels like there was still a lot of potential there. Glad you’re enjoying the post!
Thank you for posting!! I loved this band so much, but wasn’t in love with this album. However, your write up of this song sold me. And you are right, it is a great song (and strong remixes). This is also a great example of why that time in music was unique and just more fun. the variety of artist and musical styles on the same chart is something I miss. thank you for posting this and bringing back those memories.
Thanks so much, Greg! I really appreciate that. Breathe had such a special sound, and even if Peace of Mind didn’t hit everyone the same way their debut did, “Say a Prayer” is definitely one of those tracks that reminds you why they mattered. The remixes are surprisingly strong too — very much that sweet spot between late-80s polish and early-90s freshness. And you’re absolutely right: that era was so much fun because of the sheer variety on the charts. Pop, rock, R&B, dance, adult contemporary — all living side by side. It’s something I miss too. I’m glad this… Read more »
Tremendous single and a flawless transfer as always. Thank you Paul!
You’re welcome, Tim.