Countdown to Rye Lane - No. 5: 'Sign Your Name' by Sananda Maitreya

In amongst the powerful range of pop classics on the Rye Lane soundtrack, perhaps pride of place should go to the magnificent ‘Sign Your Name’ by the enigmatic Sananda Maitreya, formerly known as Terence Trent D’Arby – under which name the track was, of course, originally released.

One of the most memorable hits of the ’80s, the Prince-like soul number’s playful, romantic vibe is an absolutely perfect fit for a film that is both about the titular place, Rye Lane, and the surrounding area of Peckham and also – it turns out – about the power of love.

Taken from the singer’s multi-platinum debut Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D’Arby, the song was notably co-produced by Martyn Ware of ’80s synth-pop crew Heaven 17; Howard Gray, whose eclectic credits include everyone from PIL to Manic Street Preachers; and, of course, Maitreya himself.

A No.1 hit in Ireland, it also hit number two in the UK as well as reaching the US Top 5, ‘Sign Your Name’ is an era-defining tune that these days effortlessly invokes a mood of true amour. It’s one of the most memorable needle-drops in Rye Lane, one of the year’s must-watch movies which finally hits cinemas today.

• Rye Lane is in cinemas now. Book tickets here.