Some valid points but compare with OMD's "Souvenir", from the same period and ironically on the same TOTP ...
That got to No. 3
I see what you're getting at there ...
Paul Humphrey's vocal on Souvenir is certainly a bit pants, technically - but I think the difference is that the vibe of that song is to be kinda ethereal, soppy, "romantic" and gentle, and Paul's multi-tracked vocal does just about manage to suit that atmosphere (by the skin of its teeth) - whereas Europe After The Rain is trying to "sing out" and be a bit strident and declamatory - and doesn't quite make it.
Having said that, a lot of pop success is just random luck and nepotism
It would be interesting to hear Europe After the Rain sung by a strong soulful singer - although I don't think we have any left, Simon Cowell had them all shot and replaced by sickly autotuned muppets.
