The album continued the formula established by the previous 10cc album for which the band consisted of Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman with other musicians taking part as session players, however again featuring long-time 10cc collaborators Rick Fenn and Stuart Tosh along with recent addition of Vic Emerson to the live lineup. Eric Stewart recalled that the finished album did not meet his initial expectations:
"Windows started as a concept album and I'm sorry I didn't pursue that goal, the pressure for the hit single always got in the way with 10cc albums.
I longed to be like Pink Floyd and just go for large musical statements like "One Night in Paris" and "Feel the Benefit", but we were locked onto the singles roundabout, the 'quick buck', and it was impossible to break free at the time. The album was not really very successful, 10cc wise, anywhere in the rest of the world really, but in terms of sales today it was a minor hit."
The album turned out to be the last for 10cc for nine years, as well as their final album for Mercury Records. It was also the final album to feature musicians from the lineup formed during the making of Bloody Tourists.
Release and promotion
The album made only a brief appearance in the UK charts peaking at #70, but became a Top 10 in Netherlands peaking at #7. Two singles were released from the album, UK only "24 Hours" in early 1983 featuring live versions of "I'm Not in Love" and "Dreadlock Holiday" from the 10th Anniversary tour in 1982, and "Feel the Love ", which was given a tennis-themed music video by former 10cc members Godley and Creme. Both made low appearance in the UK charts at #78 and #87 respectively, but "Feel the Love" became a Top 10 hit in Netherlands again, also peaking at #7. A third single, released only in the Netherlands, was "Food for Thought" coupled with the non-album track "The Secret Life of Henry". It charted at #18. The album was reissued in 2006 in Japan and in 2014 in Europe featuring single edits and b-sides as bonus tracks.
Track listing
All songs written by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman.
"24 Hours" – 8:09
"Feel the Love " – 5:10
"Yes, I Am" – 6:03
"Americana Panorama" – 3:45
"City Lights" – 3:34
"Food for Thought" – 3:34
"Working Girls" – 4:26
"Taxi! Taxi!" – 7:39
Personnel
;10cc
Eric Stewart – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, percussion
Graham Gouldman – vocals, bass, guitars, percussion
