Prefab Sprout are an English pop band from Witton Gilbert, County Durham, England who rose to fame during the 1980s. Formed in 1978 in County Durham by brothers Paddy and Martin McAloon and joined by vocalist Wendy Smith in 1982, they released their debut album Swoon to critical acclaim in 1984. Their subsequent albums, including 1985's Steve McQueen and 1990's Jordan: The Comeback, have been described by Paul Lester of The Guardian as "some of the most beautiful and intelligent records of their era". Frontman Paddy McAloon is regarded as one of the great songwriters of his time and the band have been credited with producing some of the "most beloved" pop music of the '80s and '90s. 　　Nine of their albums have reached the Top 40 in the UK Albums Chart and one of their singles, "The King of Rock 'n' Roll", peaked at number seven in the UK Singles Chart, with other popular songs including "When Love Breaks Down" and "Cars and Girls". In recent years, Paddy McAloon has retained the Prefab Sprout name as a solo project.