“All I Need Is a Miracle” is a hit song by Mike + The Mechanics, released in February 1986 as the second single from their self-titled debut album, Mike + The Mechanics. The band was a side project formed by Mike Rutherford, guitarist and bassist of Genesis, alongside vocalists Paul Carrack and Paul Young (of Sad Café). This track, featuring Paul Young on lead vocals, became one of their most successful and recognizable songs.
The song is an upbeat, polished pop-rock anthem with strong melodic hooks and a positive, radio-friendly sound. In contrast to some of the band’s more emotional or introspective tracks—like “Silent Running” or “The Living Years”—“All I Need Is a Miracle” is bright, energetic, and optimistic. Lyrically, it revolves around a narrator who is grateful that his partner stayed with him despite his past mistakes, realizing too late how close he came to losing her. The theme of redemption and appreciation in love is delivered with an infectious chorus and a sense of urgency that elevates the song’s emotional impact.
“All I Need Is a Miracle” performed well on the charts, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, which helped cement Mike + The Mechanics’ presence in the American market. In the UK, it reached a more modest position, peaking at #53, though it has remained a fan favorite.
The music video for All I Need Is A Miracle by Mike + The Mechanics follows a humorous storyline. It begins where the video for Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground) left off, showing the band performing at a restaurant. Their tour manager, Roy (played by Roy Kinnear), tries to settle payment with the restaurant owner, but the owner refuses to pay due to the low turnout. He even threatens to hold the band’s equipment as collateral. The video then alternates between the band’s performance and Roy’s frantic attempts to gather the necessary money.
In 1996, a re-recorded version titled “All I Need Is a Miracle ’96” (scroll down for video) was released for the band’s Hits compilation, once again featuring Paul Young on vocals. Tragically, Paul Young died in 2000, and the song has since taken on a more nostalgic resonance for fans of the band.