Burning The Ground Exclusive
Before she became an international icon of emotional, ethereal pop, Sarah McLachlan made her first bold statement with “Vox,” the debut single from her 1988 album Touch. Released in Canada via Nettwerk Records and later in the U.S. through Arista, “Vox” introduced a uniquely expressive voice and a lush, atmospheric sound that hinted at the brilliance to come.
A New Voice in Canadian Music
“Vox” (Latin for voice) marked the world’s first glimpse of McLachlan’s signature blend of poetic introspection, layered production, and soaring vocals. Written by McLachlan herself at just 19, the song blends new wave, pop, and subtle hints of folk, creating a dreamlike soundscape that would later define her career.
The original Touch album was produced by Greg Reely and Terry McBride (co-founder of Nettwerk), but an alternate U.S. version featured new mixes and a fuller sound, courtesy of famed producer Pierre Marchand, who would become her longtime collaborator.
Chart Performance and Reception
While “Vox” didn’t initially chart in the U.S., it performed modestly in Canada, reaching the Top 100 and building McLachlan’s reputation as a rising alternative artist. Over time, it became a cult favorite and a staple on Canadian alternative and college radio in the late ’80s.
Its accompanying music video — filled with shadowy lighting and surreal imagery — helped expand her profile during the early days of MuchMusic and MTV’s alternative blocks.
Legacy
Though it didn’t become a breakout hit, “Vox” is essential listening for fans of McLachlan’s work. It serves as a time capsule of late ’80s alternative pop and a blueprint for the emotionally charged, sonically rich music that she would later perfect on albums like Solace (1991) and Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (1993).
In retrospect, “Vox” stands as a powerful opening statement — raw yet elegant, and full of promise. It’s not just the beginning of McLachlan’s recording career; it’s the origin of a voice that would define a generation of introspective pop music.
SIDE A:
Vox (Extended Remix) 6:58
SIDE B:
Vox (Radio Mix) 4:21
Vox (Dub) 5:47
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Nettwerk – NT12 3023
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: Canada
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Bass – David Kershaw
- Drums – Ross Hales
- Edited By – George Maniatis, Greg Reely
- Guitar [Electric] – Stephen Nikleva
- Guitar [Slide] – Kevin Kane
- Keyboards – Darren Phillips
- Producer – Greg Reely
- Written-By, Vocals, Guitar [12-string], Keyboards – Sarah McLachlan
NOTES:
The four-point MAPL icon (Music, Artist, Performance, Lyrics) indicates 100% Canadian Content (CanCon).
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
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!
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I first got into Sarah via her 2nd single “Into The Fire” which I first heard on NPR and fell in love with her.
THANK YOU, Paul! I think with the proper remix treatment, VOX could have been the perfect follow-up to SILENCE. But for me personally, I would have loved to hear a SYNTHPOP remix of VOX. I think it has all the elements of a perfect synthpop song!
This is really good Paul! I might have seen this video at the time as I was into the singles from R.E.M.’s Green album, and this fits into that scene. Her talent really shines through! There’s a quality to certain artists’ debut albums that never could be replicated. Tracy Chapman comes to mind and this single has that quality too. Thank you for this gem Paul!! I love your electric taste and challenging ours too.
Retro Hound, Thank you so much! I really appreciate that—it means a lot! You’re absolutely right, there’s something about debut albums that often capture a kind of raw honesty and energy that can never quite be repeated. Tracy Chapman’s debut is a perfect example—so powerful and timeless. I think Sarah tapped into that same kind of emotional immediacy with Touch. I love that this reminded you of the Green-era R.E.M. vibe too—definitely kindred spirits in sound and mood. Thanks again for your thoughtful comment and for being open to these musical detours. It’s such a joy to share this journey… Read more »
Retro, you nailed it with that comment; and Paul, I agree with your response! There is definitely something to capturing the raw sound of artists on that first record before record label executives force their ideas of polished sounds geared towards mainstream radio! and GREEN is still by far the best R.E.M. album!
Well put Axel F80!
Thank you Paul for this post. I love Sarah McLachlan from 1989 and the release of her debut Touch in Europe 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
Thanks for sharing! Te mereces el cielo :clap:
Thank you so much! ¡Qué comentario tan bonito! 😊 Me alegra muchísimo que hayas disfrutado la publicación. ¡Tus palabras me motivan a seguir compartiendo más música especial!
—Paul
Another excellent post! I didn’t know all of this – now I’m wondering which pressing of the album I have! Can someone elaborate on the difference in mixing? I do think I didn’t get on board with her until her 3rd album, but I backpedaled for sure! I do think her early stuff stands out to me more than her more polished music, but Surfacing was another gem and she hasn’t really had a bad release… I also LOVE her remix compilations… something about her voice over electronic elements that soars! Thanks!!!
Thank you, ING. I don’t own the album, so I can’t provide any information about the mixes. However, I know that “Vox” was re-released in 1989 with different mixes. I’ve heard that the original mixes from 1988, which are posted here today, are considered to be the superior ones.
Wonderful! I am going to guess I have the 1989 without be able to look, but I just love comparing. I had heard at one time that Corinne Bailey Rae’s debut album was completely remixed for America but I’ve never found proof of it being different to the UK so…
But these decisions! ? !
Did anyone else love hearing the 2003 deluxe edition of Diana Ross’s Diana with the original mixes submitted by Chic? The booklet was a fascinating read with that set as I recall. And the second disc of other Diana Ross remixes was a blast.
Thanks there was 7:19 for Vox (Dub Instrumental) on the us promo can you updated later on ok
Sorry, Mark, I do not have the 1989 promo.
PAUL!!!! You are a musical God!! Since you’ve posted the Moev single, I’ve been thinking of Sarah McLachlan. Her vocals on the Manufacture song, “As The End Draws Near” made me instantly obsessed with the songstress! Because of it, I bought her debut album, “Touch”, and immersed myself in her music. I love this song, “Vox” a lot! The extended mix was on the CD, but I’m rejoicing now because you’ve shared the full 12-inch!! I am in love with her producer, Greg Reely, along with editor, George Maniatis, who were deeply involved on Nettwerk’s productions in the beginning! This… Read more »
Jeff!! Thank you so much! I’m thrilled the “Vox” 12-inch hit you right in that sweet spot. Sarah McLachlan’s early work does have a unique magic, and I’m totally with you—her vocals on “As The End Draws Near” are hauntingly beautiful. That track introduced so many of us to her incredible talent. Greg Reely and George Maniatis deserve so much credit for shaping that signature Nettwerk sound, so textured and emotionally rich. It’s great to hear someone else appreciates their early production work as much as I do! Thanks again for your kind words and enthusiasm—it means the world to… Read more »
I’d forgotten all about “As the End Draws Near” until yesterday. It may be my quirky nature but I loved her first album — whatever version I have — but enjoyed her work less and less as her career progressed. I remember a song from the first album called “Steaming” that I thought was spectacular. I believe it was a single but no idea if there were remixes.
YES!! I fully agree!! Her debut album is a sonic masterpiece, especially the title track! And when she did, “As The End Draws Near” with Manufacture, that track is brilliant! I wish she continued along this path! I thought her vocals on Delerium’s “Silence” was her last great thing! She and the band out “Enigma ed” Enigma!!!
Have a great weekend!!
Jeff