Husband and wife Richard Thompson and Linda Thompson did record from 1974 to 1982 as a duo. This period saw a great amount of critical praise for Richard's songwriting and Linda's voice, though not much popular success. Since their divorce, both have pursued solo careers. I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight showed a clear development from Richard Thompson's first solo effort, Henry the Human Fly, with Linda's vocals adding grace, as well as the opportunity for Richard to write from a female perspective.