The album was produced by Phil Collins and engineered by Nick Launay and Steve Travell.

The album is named for the title track satirising Ronald Reagan's ascent to the White House as the 40th U.S. President.

The opening track "Couldn't Love You More" is a re-worked arrangement of the song that originally appeared on his seventh album, 1977's One World.

The original acoustic version is here re-recorded as a full-band track, featuring a guest appearance from Eric Clapton.

More mainstream in production compared to Martyn's previous albums, and helped by promotion in the way of a 32-date UK tour, Glorious Fool charted at #25 on its release.