Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Easy listening pop
Never heard the album before. Fitting for the time with a bit of darkness. Not bad.
Heard of this band back in the day from that guy who knew and loved all the obscure music (everybody had one.) I never listened because 90 % of what he reccomended was absolute shit. Sorry, Todd. This was worth the listen.
Decent 80s stuff
Only heard of them because of the name and it was very much okay
This is the day…that I admit to owning this on cassette. While the music itself is pretty light, when coupled with more literary heavy themed lyrics it makes for a more interesting tension-driven sound IMO. I place this more in the category alongside bands like Soft Cell (“Tainted Love”) or even early Love and Rockets or New Order. And I’m sure I broke curfew at underground dance clubs with this playing in the background. The variety of instruments featured (especially the accordion on “This is the Day”, and the piano on “Uncertain Smile”) indicates an even wider variety of influences, and yet the album doesn’t stray and remains in tact. Sm(art) synth pop that is essentially a debut solo album. Great band name too.
Although The The's first album barely hinted at the experimentalism of later records like Infected and Mind Bomb, Matt Johnson crafted a pleasant set of dance-pop on the group's Soul Mining debut.
Yawn, just fucking yawn. Terrible singer, mediocre music. Was happy when this one ended.
I've never got my head around the idea of Matt Johnson. Associated with Some Bizarre and a regular collaborator with his stablemates - and vice-versa, as James Thirlwell and Martin McCarrick are on here - his is not an industrial sound... although the opening drums of I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow wouldn't be out of place on a Scraping Fetus Off the Wheel record. The drummer? Zeke Manyika from Orange Juice. British indie can be biting when it wants to be, I guess. But, for the most part, Soul Mining does sound like Aztec Camera. I resisted listening to The The for a long time, mostly because the cover of the album Infected, which was in one of the CD library CD racks every week, was repellent, but also intriguing. Suitably industrial. When I finally yielded, there was nothing repellent about The The. Although, neither was there anything infectious. The love and admiration expressed by Johnson's many collaborators, both the Some Bizarre weirdos and the indie rock heroes like Johnny Marr, must be partially informed by his personality - he must be a nice guy, because, while these are nice songs, the songs themselves aren't enough to justify his good reputation. 2.5 The connection you flagged with labelmates Soft Cell was something of a red herring I think. There is a tension between the desire to please and to harass in these songs that put me in mind more of Elvis Costello than Soft Cell, but I was left unsure, after multiple listens whether the The really does either quite well enough. It’s an interesting record and musically assured - but I wasn’t convinced that Matt Johnson knew what he wanted to subvert; something no doubt. 2/5
The hit is great!
I really dislike this band. That one song from the commercials was the most bearable thing here. Why two albums from these guys on the list? I can think of better-deserving artists. 2/5
To me this is one step above horrible.
This Is The Day //
..
This just seemed like perfectly average new wave. It bounced off of me, but it was also perfectly fine.
Uncertain Smile and This is The Day are cool songs, the former having a nice piano solo. The rest was pretty bland and not much stood out.
Shit Mining
Its good art school stuff. But, at the end of the day, its art school stuff
I didn't feel very strongly about this album.
Suited to some background music for a movie
Not really my thing.
Langweilig.
Der er elementer af det de kan senere på Dusk. Men det drukner i kedelig 80er synth
That's not my taste in musik. Boring.
Of the The The albums I've heard, this is the one I forgot about.
Take some Bowie, mix it with Roxy Music and add some synth pop with tr303 drumset...
Disappointing, I listened to this a lot as a teenager but apart from 'This is the Day' I can't really see why now.
No. Thank you, but no.
British people are weird!
I suspect I enjoyed this album more than most others in our group. That said, at the end of the day I view this as an average album at best. I like some synth pop, but this didn’t grab me and I don’t see myself picking it up again. 2.25/5
That was painful. 1 star
What The? A lot of this reminds me of the weird music the dude from Silence of the Lambs was listening to in his freaky lair. Not a good visual. The one bright spot was the piano jam on “Uncertain Smile”. The beats in the middle of the last track were kind of cool. Overall, I can see it fits a niche, but not in my wheelhouse. 1
Unfortunately, this was so 'middle of the road' that when I was listening to it in the car, I realised that I had gone through 3 or 4 tracks without 'hearing' any of them. Disappointing
Sounds like a local David Bowie cover band more than anything, and not in a good way. Uncertain Smile was the only track that I didn't think was shit, so you get 1 star. Would love to know how this made the cut of 1001, it reflects poorly on this organization to include such crap.
Yikes. I could only make it through half of this one before I had to spit it out and cleanse my palate
Man, fuck Matt Johnson and his stupid band name and this stupid album. My life would have been better if I hadn’t tried to listen to this. Somebody take away his Casio keyboard!
I've loved Uncertain Smile for a good while now. Absolute banger! This whole album is a banger! Good variety of instrumentation. I couldn't stop moving for most of the album!
This is what scans as "cool" to me deep inside, and I wonder why I've failed to make the The Thes' acquaintance for so long. It's compendious – the parts that edge on 80s industrial, like the beat of the first song, go hard; the veins of synthpop and C-86 are agreeable; the pop-musician-style jazzy licks are objectively kinda bad but cute; the Erdal Kızılçay instrumental choices, the big beat reminiscent of Shriekback, the snarly bits from a regular voice aiming for something self-undermining yet still alarming, "little tough man" or summat (like Stuart Murdoch's arms); there's just so much here, and they creep and posture through it like Grant Morrison psychopomps in training (even the uninvited rape metaphors and talk about "moral decay" evoke a world, they do). Shades of "Red Right Hand," Daniel Lanois, Plus from Us, bands like Orange Juice, New Order, Human League, Echo & Bunnymen, a little white post-funk, .... All in all, the the The The Thes's are deffo the biggest discovery for me from this project so far.
<3 really enjoyed to listen this
Soul Mining is my young adulthood. I once made a cassette with the 12” version of "Perfect" on both sides so that I could flip the tape and play it over and over. It was sequenced so each side still worked as a kickass mix tape. It took far more effort than it should have, but it was worth it. Driving the coast on a summer evening. Carefree. Sunroof open. Blaupunkt blaring "Perfect". Perfect. Today I had a five-hour drive, and this album was my companion. I played Perfect a few times, the 12” version. I discovered that if you time it right, the lane-assist warning goes "ding, ding, ding" in time with the song whenever you drift over the center line. I played highway percussion for miles. Miss you guys.
Fabulous, interesting songs. So much creativity in the writing and instrumentation, with infectious rhythms. Uncertain Smile will always have a place in my heart, because I loved it so much at the time, although I'm a purist - it has to be the '82 12" version for me (and yes, I still have my copy. You can now find it on something called "The Singles of The The".) Matt is, rightly, treasured and respected as an important contributor to the indie 80s music scene, and he hasn't stopped yet, although, to my shame, I haven't sought out his recent stuff yet. My least favourite track on here is one of the best-known - This Is The Day. But I'm not knocking a star off. Love.
Very campy, industrial and all around poppy. 5/5
Great 80s album. Was only ever familiar by name, but really enjoyed it!
I'd only ever heard This Is The Day before - this was great! I'm pleasantly surprised and a little confused as to why the The weren't bigger. I waffled between 4 and 5 stars on this, but I'm rounding up to 5.
First wave is my fav genre and this album is great!!! I used to play it on my radio show :)
This is the day my life did surely change. One of the records you just know you're gonna love, but since it's on the list, you just wait for tomorrow all your life. Everything here just feels so tailored to my tastes and experiences! I could've been Matt Johnson, if I wanted. Introspective, cynical, depressive lyrics to the sound of upbeat, groovy synth-pop is what I've been looking for all this time. I can quit the generator now.
Was not expecting to like this as much as I did! "This Is The Day" is the standout here for sure, but also enjoyed "I've Been Waitin' For Tomorrow (All of My Life)" "The Sinking Feeling" and "Giant" a good amount! Lots of good hooks here, even if the vocals could be a little hit or miss sometimes.
As someone who only discovered The Cure in my 30s. The The has almost entirely stayed off my radar until this play through. “This is the day” either has shown up in enough pop culture that o have consumed over the year to be recognizable or it’s one of those songs that plays in the background of your life without you knowing. Either way, a truly enjoyable album. While lyrically at times it tries to claw you down into its own sadness, the production is bright and eager. I really likes this album.
Soul Mining es un álbum fascinante que equilibra de manera brillante la luz y la sombra, logrando un sonido que transita con total naturalidad entre lo nostálgico y lo alegre. Lo primero que cautiva es la interpretación de Matt Johnson, poseedor de una fabulosa voz grave y aguda que dota a las letras de una tremenda honestidad emocional. A nivel musical, el disco es una mezcla maestra de géneros gracias a una inmensa riqueza de instrumentos y a la construcción de ritmos fáciles de seguir y pegajosos que invitan al movimiento mientras se procesan reflexiones profundas. El álbum regala momentos de una genialidad rítmica impecable. En "Twilight Of A Champion" (Twilight Hour), destaca de inmediato la arquitectura sonora donde las percusiones tribales, las cuerdas y la voz se entretejen para crear una atmósfera densa y magnética. Por otro lado, el cierre con "Giant" es una pieza monumental que destaca por el juego de las percusiones con la electrónica, arrastrando al oyente a un trance hipnótico. Con un uso del piano súper agradable que añade calidez a los sintetizadores ochenteros, este trabajo demuestra que ha envejecido bien, consolidándose como una obra de arte atemporal ideal tanto para el enfoque en el trabajo creativo como para un viaje en carretera.
This record was pretty much the house record when I lived at 308 South Gilbert in Iowa City. In the grand scheme of things probably not a 5 star record but I just love it!
Really enjoyed this. Very fun.
As someone who isn't familiar with The The in the slightest, this album genuinely blew me away on my first listen. At just two tracks in I already felt like I'd been punched in the gut by how hard the lyrics hit home for me. I try not to wallow too much in the sort of cynical ideations that songs like I've Been Waitin for Tomorrow and This Is the Day explore, but I can't deny the raw emotional response they elicit for me. Matt Johnson really explores these themes in an evocative way. I'm probably a little too old to be gushing about such angsty lyrical content but hey, feelings are feelings. Maybe I'll finally grow up some day, but that day's not today. The music itself is excellent as well, with This Is the Day being a particular highlight with its wonderful soaring accordion hook that almost tricks you into thinking you're listening to something a lot more joyous and hopeful than what the lyrics would imply. Most of the rest of the album is more subdued and goes for a 'cooler' vibe, but those tracks are no less engaging. The way songs like Uncertain Smile and Giant start with a very catchy base and then branch out and go a little crazy in an almost jazz-like way while maintaining their funky, danceable rhythms was something I really enjoyed. It reminds me a lot of LCD Soundsystem in that way, so I wouldn't be surprised if James Murphy was a big The The fan. Anyway, if you'll excuse me, I need to go check out more music from Mr Johnson. Favourite tracks: This Is the Day, I've Been Waitin for Tomorrow, Uncertain Smile
i’ve heard of the the! i love their band name. no idea what kind of music they do. always got a the band vibe. i’m seeing now they are nothing like that. this is neat. i see a lot of people complain about the amount of new wave on this list. i love new wave. this is awesome. also this album is gorgeous. incredibly well made. ouggggggh the piano solo in uncertain smile 🤤 i’m scared of god, im scared of hell. so real. i’m definitely revisiting this. i liked every moment on this. may change later but definitely a 5 on this listen
I'll f*ck with it
Eclectic rock album. Was starting to fizzle near the end but was short enough it didn’t bother me. Started real strong.
One of my top 50 GOAT albums. I could play 'This is the Day' over and over and never get bored of it. Same with 'Soul Mining'. As for the rest of the album, Jules Holland on piano? Zeke Manyaka on drums? What is not to like? Matt Johnson peaked way too early!
Astonishing
80’s Post Punk ⭐️Giant
this is the day song of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
378/1089 - Fantastic album. Also "This is the Day" is now one of my favorite songs. I finally listened to lyrics for once and I really like the uplifting message in this song. The verses show the character looking at the past and feeling depressed while the chorus shows the character taking the first step to overcome the depression. Opening the curtain, showing a plane in a clear blue sky, think about it! This is Britain, do you know how rare a clear blue sky is? Happens like 4 days a year I imagine. There's also the imagery of a plane, containing people traveling and actively living, something the character is taking the first step in doing. I interpret it as a very earnest and uncynical song which is awesome, not to mention the catchy bassline and unique accordion, fiddle, and omnichord instrumentation! All of that paragraph is just for one song! I love the piano solo on "Uncertain Smile" and the amazing synth parts and punk influences throughout. One of the best New Wave albums ever made.
This was a fun discovery. Enjoyed reading the Brooklyn Vegan interview with Matt Johnson. I'd love to find a conversation between Johnson and Robert Smith of The Cure. "Giant" is so far my favorite track. The drums at 5:00 mark are epic. The whole album feels like the music a venue plays before a concert to get the crowd pumped up.
Wow, really nice! I will round the 9/10 up today
Really fucked w this album
This was a very pleasant surprise. Something about this was uplifting and catchy. The way that they build up the loops is very cool... at some point you realize you're dancing in your chair. I'll definitely listen to this one again.
This is why I do the 1001 challenge, I never would of heard this and I thought it was brilliant!
When we think about the 80s, what we usually picture is big hair, synthy pop music, power ballads, and garishly bright colors. But in the meantime, the post punk scene was running more or less in the background, planting the seeds for much of the 90s indie rock scene to come. I've always liked The The and their debut "Soul Mining" is arguably their best work. If nothing else, it definitely contains two of their best songs "This is the Day" and "Uncertain Smile". I'm happy these guys are still going strong, having another great one in 2024, more than 40 years after "Soul Mining". Still a great band making excellent music under the surface.
Hell yeah this is great. I’ve heard of The The but never actually listened. Def coming back to this.
One of my favourite albums of all time.
Soul Mining has that classic 80s rock-pop vibe that pulls you in. Anyone who lived that era knows what I am talking about. Matt Johnson’s voice really stands out—strong, expressive, and perfect for the mood of the songs. Overall, it’s worth revisiting if you love that era’s sound.
The sound of someone having a beautifully articulated existential crisis while dancing in a basement full of synths. Rating: ★★★★★ 4.8/5 Short Review: This album is 80s art-pop for people who overthink literally everything. It’s angular, emotional, neurotic, poetic — basically a therapy session with drum machines. Matt Johnson sings like a man who has read too much philosophy and not slept in three days, which, frankly, is your entire personal brand. It’s catchy, but also devastating. It’s stylish, but also spiraling. It’s “main character walking home at 2 a.m. through wet neon streets” music. Favorite Track: “Uncertain Smile” — the piano solo enters your bloodstream, rearranges your neurons, and leaves without apologizing. ⸻
My inner Xennial wants to give this 5 stars if only because of “This Is The Day”’s inclusion in the Empire Records soundtrack. Now - close your eyes and imagine you’re wearing a beat up cardigan and dancing with Liv Tyler on a rooftop somewhere.
An awesome album!!
Hey this was interesting
Just loved this from beginning to end. Some killer bass lines and great vocals. Hints of Pulp, Human League, The Cure, Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode. Definitely going into my rotation.
What a great finding! A very defined sound that felt like a journey to a memory. Kind of familiar, kind of new.
My favourite part of This is the day is when his voice does that thing i"you coulda been anything IF YOu wanted"
Heerlijk, wat een leuk album blijft dit toch. Het is classic new wave, zonder over-the-top te klinken. Het vrolijk en funky maar wordt nergens catchy. Dat komt ook door de stem van Matt Johnson. Die is best laag en monotoon. Ik ben niet de grootste fan, maar kon er vandaag erg van genieten. Voor de liefhebbers passen sommige tracks zelfs op de dansvloer, waardoor het me voor het eerst een beetje doet denken aan LCD Soundsystem. Zeker de afsluitende track Giant (Wat een slottrack is dat zeg!). James Murphy is net zo goed geen échte zanger maar maakt fantastische composities waar de zang ook maar één partij is. En ook die kunnen op de dansvloer. Eigenlijk toch weer positief verrast door Soul Mining. En ik heb wel zin om weer eens 5 sterren uit te delen, dus waarom ook niet. 8,5/10 Highlights Uncertain Smile Giant
An album I know! Bloody love this. The story I heard is that Jules Holland came in to do a track, and when he heard it on the album they had cut it up and moved it around! This is the day an uncertain smile are still on my regular rotation.
Great album!
Excellent, actually
Classic. Not much else to say.
Some class new wave
One of my favourite albums ever, Matt Johnson is just pure class
Love this record. It’s deep and serious yet utterly listenable (the musical equivalent of a think piece), a high-water mark for post-punk or new wave or whatever precisely Matt Johnson wanted to call himself. The drum machines seem just a touch dated, but otherwise this feels classic, up-to-date and – more to the point – timeless. Easily one of the best albums of the ‘80s. Don’t sleep on Mind Bomb either.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5, obviously) If Joy Division and a Philosophy 101 dropout had a lovechild, and that child grew up chain-smoking in a Brixton bedsit, it would be Soul Mining. Matt Johnson's voice? Molasses poured over broken glass. The lyrics? Drenched in romantic despair, political nihilism, and just enough hope to keep you from lighting the curtains on fire. This was Thatcher’s Britain: unemployment, class tension, no milk left in the fridge. And here's Matt Johnson writing art-pop that’s intelligent, aching, and deeply personal. It doesn’t whine. It aches. And somehow makes you dance while doing it. I bought it on vinyl and cassette in the 80's, CD in the 90's and it still features on my regular playlists on Tidal. Absolute Classic.
Damn bangers
Yup, loved this album. I knew This Is The Day and Uncertain Smile (which is one of my favourite songs ever) already, but the rest is pretty cool as well. Very very 80s with all the synths but not annoying like other music from the era and although most tracks are quite long, they never overstay their welcome in my opinion. Groovy all throughout.
An awesome album that hit many nostalgic notes
This one continues to grow as you go, and by the time I finished I had to revisit most of it again. Synth-pop masterwork, with some folksy undertones and delicious mixing. Sonically incredible with musicianship to match. I love a record that is short and to the point, yet has a journey through the music along the way that is exciting and engaging.
Slaps. I went through a bit of a The The phase earlier in the year and this was the one I kept going back to. Not perfect but I love enough to go the full 5
one of the great under-appreciated albums of the 80s. This is the Day is one of the greatest songs ever, and Jools Holland’s piano solo in Uncertain Smile is an all-timer 🤷♀️ 4.5
One of my favourites from the 80s. I love everything about The The. The music. The lyrics. THE VOICE. What a genius. This Is the Day, Uncertain Smile, and Perfect. Three classics that put me in a good mood anytime I hear them.
I can hear so many influenced artists in this album. Love the post punk and electronic expression.
Absolutely brilliant
If for no other reason I'm enjoying that this 1001 Albums project is exposing me to all the 'other' songs from bands where I've only heard their hits. Definitely not just filler. Really liked the post-punk-ness of this one, compared to other New Wave stuff. Matt Johnson is dynamic, high energy or crooning, he's very engaging. I also like how short and sweet this album is. Lots to like!
Some of the album didn't age well, other parts are absolutely timeless.
Well, this is easy. Five Stars. While musical styles have changed a lot over the last 45 years, Soul Mining has been regularly been on my Walkman / turntable / CDPlayer / Streaming list. It was a stunning debut and still feels fresh. Fave Track? Uncertain Smi ... GIAN .... Waitin' For Tomo... Damn. It's all good, man.
Emotion all on display
Genius
One of the greatest 80s albums ever!! Uncertain Smile is the best song on the album! What genius lyrics!!
4.5 - This is the day is such a classic and I loved the whole tone of the album. I think this is the day and uncertain smile overshadowed the rest sadly to make it a real perfect album
Upbeat & quirky post-punk with emotive vocals - I love it
This is what I came here for! Good shit. Feels like it would be a weird album even know and it’s 40 years old
An absolutely wonderful synth pop album. Everyday that I have gone in my life without This is the Day and Perfect is one I now regret. I can't think of any album that I've listened to before where the concept of today and tomorrow held so much joy and despair, so much promise and threat. This is not the last time I will be listening to this album. An easy 5 stars.
Oh, what a great album! Though the cover art is a bit off-putting, the music is so inviting. I love the tunes, and would happily recommend this to a friend. Fav song: Uncertain Smile
This record has popped up repeatedly, at very significant times in my life. This holds cherished memories for me.
It’s been a while since I heard this, but it holds up amazingly well
High quality New Wave. I've heard of this band but never really listened before. Thoroughly enjoyable 80's sounds that I hated then but love now. Extra stars for the nostalgia trip.
I wish I had discovered this album years ago. It’s much more Synthpop than I ever expected from The The. While there are guitars, they’re mostly used to add subtle texture rather than overpowering the synth-driven sound. The album is dominated by synthesizers and drum machines, with beats that remind me of New Order’s “Blue Monday.” The rhythm is a standout feature, sometimes driven by synths, other times by a bass guitar, all coming together with uplifting piano solos and catchy melodies.
I wish I had discovered this album years ago. It’s much more Synthpop than I ever expected from The The. While there are guitars, they’re mostly used to add subtle texture rather than overpowering the synth-driven sound. The album is dominated by synthesizers and drum machines, with beats that remind me of New Order’s “Blue Monday.” The rhythm is a standout feature, sometimes driven by synths, other times by a bass guitar, all coming together with uplifting piano solos and catchy melodies.
This album slaps
Saved Prior: This Is the Day, Uncertain Smile Not Saved: 8. Soul Mining Off Rip: 7. I've Been Waitin' For Tomorrow (All My Life) 6. The Twilight Hour 5. Perfect* 4. The Sinking Feeling 3. Giant 2. Uncertain Smile 1. This Is the Day *Not on the original UK release Overall Notes: Knew This Is the Day and Uncertain Smile going in and was not expecting the lyrics to be as depressed as they are. This Is the Day pops even more within the context of the album, definitely one of the more important songs to me in my life. Tons of grooves which are given the space to breathe, album was almost clubby. 4.5 rounded up.
Can't decide what's better, the music or the name of the band
What a record!
Really enjoyed this. Quite a trip. I like the use of instrumental layers on unexpected sounds that build on each other. This Is The Day is obviously great. Just heard it at the end of The Outrun as well. Good lyrics on here, although I would prefer the vocals to be mixed a little higher. I keep listening to the whole album. There's so much interesting stuff going on. Great cover art.
it scratches my brain good
This could not have been more serendipitous. No lie, I am going to see this band tonight. This record has popped up repeatedly, at very significant times in my life. This holds cherished memories for me. Couldn’t be happier to see any other record pop up on today, of all days. Such a surprise, I could cry. And it’s a full moon. Obviously 5/5
So, I know the lyrics verge on the ridiculous at times because they are so dark and self-loathing. However, I have loved this album since back in the day and have still revisited it from time to time. The Jools Holland and Zeke Manyike solos are great. He attracts some great musicians
Sometime shortly after college (might’ve been during my senior year) I burnt a bunch of albums onto CDs for listening in my car. It was mostly personal favorites and classics. Rumours, White Blood Cells, Alligator, etc. I still have those CDs in my current car. Anyways, one was Soul Mining. Unclear why I picked it as I wasn’t familiar with the album. Pretty sure I’d read online about how some consider it one of the best records of the 80s, and I already liked This Is the Day (the song was in an M&Ms commercial). I sure am glad I took a chance on it all those years ago, because this album is really special. It’s a pop record but an undeniably strange one, propelled by aggressive percussion and world-weary yet hopeful lyrics. It rewards repeat listens. I’m convinced the beauty of Soul Mining (aptly titled) can creep up on just about anyone who enjoys adventurous pop music and is willing to let it sink in—while driving, at home, or anywhere else.
This album was so so good??? Like I think it’s a full five stars, so much to return to and let soak in here, but it works brilliantly on a surface level as well - I will absolutely dive into Matt Johnson immediately (as I don’t think I’ve ever consciously come across any of his work before??)
This is synth-pop gold. So underrated. I only knew “This is the Day” and adored it. I think I adore this album. 1983 was such a great year for music. It’s about time I heard one of that year’s best albums.
The The's break thru album...and they just get better from here!
Playful langourous happy party vibes - who else does this so well? Thank you again 1001. For REintroducing me to simply the best feelgood and amazingly languid, liquid and cool music from the 80s. That voice+tight trashy pop instruments=musical alchemy, (which tooks 35 yrs to certify Gold appparently! that's some slow gold...) I knew "the The" from balmy summer parties of my student 90s. "This is the day" goes nicely alongside "Sounds of Then (This is Australia)" by GANGgajang. But lets not get AUTOBOGRAPHICAL, kids. Its now on my Essential 80s albums list. No question. ...the magic arpegiio things in Uncertain smile, and drummy bits in Giant, but most of all, the playful langourous happy party vibes - who else does this so well? Funny how how music transports you to a space and time ...I let the warmth and poppy 80s sounds wash over. Yes.
One of my barometers for this project is asking myself “Am I ever going to okay this again?” With Matt Johnson my answer is always “Yes”. And have been playing The The Albums over and over since the 89s. The sentiments always resonate with me and the songs always impel me to dance. Different songs affect me on different days so sometimes I just love ‘This is the day’. Today it’s all bout The Sinking Feeling. Thanks, Matt. You’ve been a great help.
classic
Slay. Just wish it had more than 7 songs
This perfectly bridges the gap between English alternative/synth pop of the era and Downtown NYC club sounds. Not a stinker in the bunch here, five stars, wouldn't mind if this was the only CD I had in my car for a cross country road trip
This album is incredible
Love this. 80s synth pop is a weakness of mine.
Love the The The band name. I've maybe heard one of the The The songs but I've never listened to the The The's albums in full. Eager to check this The The album out! Uncertain Smile was the song I knew from the Left of the Dial box set that highlighted so much great 80's music. It's still probably my favorite song on the album but I enjoyed every song almost as much as the next. This band had a great style. They had a distinct 80's sound (a lot of synth and bass) but also they sound more advanced than a lot of 80s groups both musically and lyrically. I wonder why The The never exploded. I suspect the name may have given them issues. This is a great album regardless of their band name (which I don't hate, but I can see trouble from a marketing perspective).
Absolutely fantastic & essential to a record collection
Loved this album. Reminded me of Yeasayer. I'll listen to it again.
- Heard of this band before but didn't even know what genre it was - Very pleasantly surprised, not sure how I hadn't heard this before - Fav songs: This is the Day, The Sinking Feeling, Giant
If you combine the best sounds from They Might Be Giants, The Smiths, a little REM, a little DEVO, and maybe a little The Human League, you’d end up with this great 99s sound. Yes Yes for The The.
I adore ‘Soul Mining’. I was hooked from the very first time I heard it, and every subsequent listen over the years only continues to reinforce how good and unexpected it is. It’s an album about love and loss, sadness and loneliness, social alienation, and political disillusionment. All the usual stuff then, but it’s wrapped up in gorgeous upbeat arrangements and melodies, mixing pop with funky basslines and industrial beats, and even venturing into club territory. The end result is something special, and 40 years on ‘Soul Mining’ sounds as fresh as it did when it was released.
I enjoyed this album a lot! The funkiness really shined here, and the vocals matched well. Can't wait to listen to this again!
This and The Infected make nice counterparts imo. I think I still prefer The Infected by a little
Crazy to have another the the album so soon. But i am not complaining, This is incredibly good. I liked infected but this is just a bit more of what i like. Banger after banger
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this album. Each song had good melodies and was unique in some way, while being danceable and upbeat. Despite that, the lyrics were often pretty bleak but never whiny or cringy. I liked the sometime surreal imagery as well. I’ll be listening to more of this band for sure.
One of my favorite artists and albums of all time.
Yep. Absolutely for me
The only thing I didn’t like about this album was that I didn’t know about it sooner.
Gorgeous indie-pop with bouncy 80s synths, toe-tapping percussion, and catchy melodies. Lyrics are what would happen if you binge-listened the best songs of the Smiths in the dark for months, then took some pep pills and started writing uplifting, chart-busting earworms. The vocalist sings like he's doing the show-stopping monologue at the finale of an amateur theatre camp. Parts of the album sound like you are eavesdropping on his unpolished, lo-fi bedroom rehearsal. The rest sounds like you're hitting the dancefloor firmly under the influence. Everything about this is fantastic. (The artwork of Fela Kuti's wife seems misplaced and the US cover is much better.) 5*
Difficult one to critique because it just did everything insanely well.
Soul Mining should be in everyone's collection. This post punk album shines with catchy beats, strong lyrics, and head bobbing melodies.
It's crazy that this was their debut. This record is awesome! A far cry from 1986's Infected, which I pulled a few months ago and found really underwhelming. Soul Mining on the other hand is far from it. It's a perfect blend of new wave and post-punk, their fusion adds so much character to the music. And for an album that came out in the '80s, nothing about this was corny or cheesy. It felt like a very fresh and modern take on its genres, and must've been influential to at least a few of the indie bands who rode the '80s nostalgia wave over these past few years. If it wasn't, then it should have been. Standout tracks are This is the Day, Uncertain Smile, Soul Mining, and despite being nine minutes long, Giant.
Really good new wave music. The stretch from ‘This Is The Day’ to ‘The Twilight’ in particular is masterful. I don’t have much to say, really; just an amazing discovery from one of my favorite genres. Very excited for Infected.
Brilliant stuff
If one feels as though they are the symptom of the moral decay gnawing at the heart of the country, they may need some soul mining. In all seriousness, this album is perhaps the most perfect encapsulation of Matt Johnson's vision for The The and remains one of the more engrossing and thoughtful albums of the 1980s. Although there are elements of this that sounds of its time, it can be safely considered current day. A masterpiece.
Oh damn, that is great fusion of postpunk and synthpop with great great vocal. Bass is really ejoyable. When You take everything apart it is so simple, at moments almost too simple. But at the same time everything fits well. Lirycs are worth mentioning on their own. They feel like true poems that balance on verge of despair and hope. When You mix everything it makes specific but somehow very good album.
Another classic album from "The The".
Wow, awesome music. Favorite songs: This is the Day, The Sinking Feeling, Uncertain Smile.
One of my all-time favourite albums of all-time... I listen to this at least once a month and have done for years :) Timeless!
BL: "The, The" is a band my dad really likes but have never listened to outside of the "Burning Blue Soul" album. Will be interested to give it a listen. AL: I really liked this album. Hit the spot of Funky Electronica even better than the Hot Chip album did a couple weeks ago. Glad to have heard it. A kind of pre-trip hop masterpiece which makes me see where Massive Attack and all of them got major inspiration from. Definitely worth the listen. FT: “this is the day” “uncertain smile” giant” 5/5
Classic new wave! Great work on the keys.
I've heard the cheeky name before, but I don't think I've ever actually listened to them. I'm kind of kicking myself now though because this is fantastic. I love post-punk and this is just a fantastic example of it. I'll definitely have to explore more.
What a great discovery. Love the synth, love the popiness of it. I think my favourite song from this album is Giant, the arrangements work so well! Saved tracks: This is the Day, Uncertain Smile, The Twilight Hour, Giant
This has really grown on me. Giant is incredible.
A beautiful and unique album that floats somewhere between post-punk and synth-pop but with accordion and xylorimba 4.5/5
I'm still angry at the person who borrowed and never returned this album from me. I picked up a copy on CD later. This album was unlike any other record of the time. Where's as new music was getting light and frothy (Cindy Lauper, Nena) this was dark and mysterious. If anything it presaged later music from Depeche Mode, whose lighter weight Construction Time Again came out about the same time.
Great album.
One of my favourites. Love the introspective lyrics, love the synth. Soul Mining, This is the day, Uncertain Smile with Jools Holland’s piano solo, it goes on. Then there’s Giant where it all comes together with the cool synths, the lyrics, those drums and chanting. Unimpeachable and magnificent. ImThat one song on its own makes this legendary.
A personal fave.
Such an amazing album, running the full gamut between the stripped back synth and lush piano, all with angry, acerbic, self defeating lyric.
This album is a full bop and speaks to me. Like an album that’s been missing all my life. One of the first albums I’m actually adding to my rotation. Unobjectively giving it 5/5 .I don’t care - I want to blast it in my car.
This is the sort of music that was my favorite in college. "This is the Day" was a favorite song of mine then. I never had the album, but it sounds faintly familiar as a friend must have played it sometimes. I love the instrumentation, Matt Johnson's moody singing...I feel 20 years old again when I hear this.
Wasn’t sure I needed two The The albums on this list, but this one is different from the second release “Infected.” I loved this one as well. Some nice 80s goodness - particularly enjoyed the song I knew (This is the Day), I’ve Been Waiting for Tomorrow, and Giant. Really great to become more familiar with The The.
Would have given 6 stars if allowed. Released when I was 18 and world was Thatcher/Reagan/youth unemployment. Album that helps in troubled times, beautiful expression of what it is like being depressed or troubled or insecure or not knowing what the hell to do with life. Add Jools Holland, Thomas Leer and more giants and could be in 11 best albums ever.
An album I had first on cassette (with additional album Burning Blue Soul), then on CD and now am streaming. As debuts go it didn't reveal quite how far Matt Johnson would go in terms of blood, sweat and guns but it's a solid gold set of tunes.
Definitely my favorite The The album!
This is the day is one of the biggest bangers of the century. Imo. And the rest of the album is also great
I've Been Waitin' For Tomorrow goes hard, very aggressive and in your face which it doesn't match for the rest of the album. Instead it takes it back a notch into a more melodic and calmer state of being. That being said, the remaining tracks are mostly great. This is the Day and The Sinking Feeling are slower and uptempo songs that you can click your fingers or clap your hands to. The former is the most accessible track on here with its accordian driven melody and relatable message. The latter is more aggressive in delivery of vocals and lyrics, but musically is positive. And then you get to the Uncertain Smile which is essentially a two parter. The first half is driven by arpeggio guitar riffs and an upbeat chord structure. Its up there with This is the Day so far, and then that awesome 4 minute piano solo kicks in to finish off the track, elevating to the album highlight. After those four tracks, the album provides its two weaker offerings. The Twilight Hour and Soul Mining are a servicable listen in album form, but they are just too slow to listen outside of. Last but not least there's the appropriately titled song Giant, a 9 minute piece that is strongly driven by percussion along with keyboards and synths. Its hypnotic structure works to deliver an effective closing to a pretty awesome album. 5/7 songs are very neat and make this an essential listen, while the other 2 work for the overall atmosphere. It might not be a 5 for most but it just connects to me a lot to write this long of a review.
An old favorite. Totally 80s and 90s. Listening now reminded me of hope and angst!
Brilliant
Has to be a 5 with an album cover like that and the piano solo on Uncertain Smile.
Like if Bowie leaned hard into post-punk. I really liked it.
Very different than what I have heard, and the opening song was not my favorite, but everything else was amazing.
Awesome from start to finish!
Classic 80's sound but somehow futuristic with some synthwave vibes. Easy to pickup and loads of replayability. Superb
First time listening to this band - liked it nice clear vocals but billy bragg meets pop - more please
The perfect The The album, still like it very much. Just noticed that some months ago for some reason I rated Infected with only three stars. I have now listened to that album again as well and am surprised. I still think it is not as good as Soul Mining but I should have given that album four stars.
After discovering The The when Dusk came out, I must have checked Soul Mining as well not long after, but I have no memory of it. Now I realise this is actually a great album. It took a few listens to get accustomed to the vocals, which I am still not a fan of, but then I started to really appreciate the music. The final track sealed it for me: five stars.
Ok yeah, consider me a fan. This Is the Day is such a great track and The Sinking Feeling carries it over and it's all so great.
Great synth rock vibes on this one
Lyrics are nice. The sound is kind of slouchy and sleepy. Idk. I'm new to this so I will give it more time to settle in.
Very cool and ahead of it's time. Less kitschy than Gary Newman.
A true gem. This album is the best of New wave. Great lyrics too. A must listen
This album is awesome. Is it post-punk? Industrial? I don't know but I love it. Some tracks are sparse and minimalist. Others are a waterfall of sound.
Where's this been all my life?!?!?!
Den skiva her svinger
Cool sound! Sounds like it could be the inspiration for modern punk sound.
Otro de mis discos favoritos. Cima del pop.
Excelente disco. Tiene un sonido potente y sus varios moods equilibrados. Mis favs: "This Is The Day", "Uncertain Smile" y "Giant". 10/10
Very special! Loved It
As I understand it, this is not their best (or even second or third best), and yet I like it a lot. It reminds me of Future Islands which likely means Future Islands picked up from The The. "But sleeping boys catch no fish."
Surprisingly good album. Diverse songs covering many musical genre. Some songs I thought I was listening to Bowie.
I like this album a little more every time I relisten to it. This is the Day is an all time phenomenal song that I could probably listen to everyday and never tire of it. I really well done 80s album that could maybe benefit from a little more variety, but even so I'm looking forward to my next revisit of it.
Pretty 80s sound
kate bush for men (weird and good). sometimes I didn’t like it but mostly I did!
This is the second album I’ve had of theirs in close proximity and I might be a fan of these guys. I really enjoy the sounds they construct! Especially enjoyed This Is The Day and Giant.
Always loved this album! High 4+
Never heard of any of these songs or album. Don’t usually listen to this type of music but it was straight heat ngl.
8,5/ 2 first songs are okay... the rest is really good
Love the band (or, at times, solo musician), love the album.
My 80s average rating is saved! It's about time we get some good early 80s synth pop! Great album!
Like Infected, sounds like an amalgamation of other things of the era. I think this is the better album, though, and not just because of This Is The Day.
Didn't know The Sinking Feeling which was great in addition to This is the Day. Other than the first track, rest were good as well, was even liking the ridiculously extended outros
I prefer Infected overall, but this is another very strong outing, probably their greatest objectively. I love how aggressive the drums and synths are, it really impresses me how much of an impact it has.
Wow, didnt expect this. Love the vibe of this record in its entirety.
Lovely and interesting album
4/5 Favorite Songs: I've Been Waiting For Tommorow (All Of My Life) This Is The Day Uncertain Smile Soul Mining
A stunning album full of well crafted songs. An epic upon release and still sounds very good now.
I like this a lot, it’s pretty up my alley when it comes to 80s pop music. It’s creative and interesting, good melodies and songwriting. It still doesn’t really hold a candle to my favorites from that era — your Tears for Fearses, your Talk Talks — but it is good, I’ll revisit it, it’s a must-listen #ooo
This album is ridiculous. Fantastic. Spectacular. Exactly my kinda thing. Synthy, but really grounded, and bad vocals from a white guy who kinda knows what’s going on. Songs like “This is the Day” and “That Sinking Feeling” blew me away, and the production across the whole project is just superb. The use of synthetic percussion and melody combined with live instrumentation works beautifully here, and the entire project is just filled with these wonderful musical chord progressions, and vocal performances. It’s kind of like if Belle and Sebastian were angrier and more synthy. Yeah. It’s kinda like them. Holy shit, I can’t believe this album even fucking exists it’s so good. 9.7/10
"This Is the Day" and "Uncertain Smile" always fill me with such emotion and inspiration. All I need is to hear that accordion intro and I feel like anything is possible. But listening to the whole album in context, I hear the dark themes of isolation, pain, and despair that belie the pleasant musical backdrop. It's a very strong album, but a dose that should be taken in moderation.
The project giveth, the project taketh away (my sanity) fortunately this one was a great organic find. I was familiar with “The The” by name only. I’m glad this was my first exposure to them. Perfect sunny day pop. Not all tracks are happy-go-lucky but the musicianship behind each one is strong enough. The Twilight Hour was the only song I felt mildly annoyed by (repetitive keyboard) Everything else was refreshing and varied in such a way that I found myself engaged for the entire album. Certainly will be seeking a physical copy.
East Londoner Matt Johnson is probably the most unlikely funk hero of the 80s, but here I am, taking in the The's debut, & these synth-pop classics do for me what few other optimisms do: 'This is the day (this is the day) / Your life will surely change.' Even when they're singing of the 'symptom of the moral decay / That's gnawing at the heart of the . . . country,' there is a level of sanguinity that pervades the record that's as irresistible as crystal waters & cloudless skies. 'Uncertain emotions force an uncertain smile.' In the vein of neither Joy Division, The Smiths, nor The Cure, the The defines a third way, one that doesn't fight for glory but assumes its reliability. Soul Mining is an underrated classic. Appropriately, I feel moved to underrate it.
I have friends who love this album but after a first couple listens I need more time with it. It’s darker than I thought it was going to be and I’m not sure I ever found the groove but it’s interesting and feels like there’s layers to peel back here. I will return…
I like this album. It was a different style of music than I usually listen to. Very chill synth-y
This that 80s sound that I love!
Crazy how this is basically LCD Soundsystem but 20 years in advance.
Better than most of the generic early 80's British new wave we've been getting on this list.
Very 80’s, very British. “This is the day” is a phenomenal song that buoys the album. I know it has its flaws but I just like this album
La verdad lo disfruté bastante. Me gustan mucho los sintetizadores y en general el sonido de este álbum es muy bueno. Tampoco es una maravilla pero sí me parece un álbum valorable.
Judged it by its cover and was decently surprised.
Have always loved Brit synth pop that makes me want a Marlboro.
I was definitely surprised by this album. I really like how it blends a lot of older classic rock with more experimental genres of the time like industrial. you can absolutely hear the JG Thirlwell inspiration, especially on tracks like I've been waiting for tomorrow. all this comes together to make a sound that is very ahead of its time. I will absolutely be adding some of these tracks to my daily rotation.
A friend lent me the singles of This is the Day and Perfect Smile before the album came out which I much preferred. I have since never been able to find those versions! However it’s still a pretty good album and very much an 80s classic.
enjoyed thoroughly
This is a keeper, good music, good voice.
8/10 Best songs: I've Been Waiting for Tomorrow, Soul Mining, Giant What an interesting album. This is a new-wave/post-punk/quite experimental album that doesn't sound like anything else I've heard from this time period. In general the lyrics are terrific ("I'm just a symptom of moral decay" is amazing), but the music is 50/50 - half the time it doesn't really work/suit the vocals, but the other half the time it's engrossing to the extreme. This is sooo close to a 5 star album but a couple of the songs don't quite work for me... I may adjust the score upon relistening later.
crazy sounds
Molto molto figo. Ombre malinconiche di Bowie e dei Blur qua e là
Stebėtinai neblogas. Galima net antrą kartą klausytis ir daugiau. 4,5 duočiau.
The band The The made the album Soul Mining in the 80’s. The album Soul Mining by the The The is good. The The The are one of the bands that when I listen to them I think “the The The are one of the bands that I like any time I hear their music”. The name The The makes it hard to find the band to listen to them though, and the name The The makes writing the write up on The The’s albums difficult because of all the The’s.
## Overview **Soul Mining** (1983) is the debut studio album by The The, the musical project led by **Matt Johnson**. Remarkably, Johnson was only 20-21 years old when he created this work, yet it displays a maturity and introspective depth that belies his youth. The album emerged from a tumultuous creative process that began in New York City with producer Mike Thorne (known for Soft Cell and Wire), was aborted due to drug-fueled excess, and was eventually completed in London at John Foxx's Garden Studio with co-producer Paul Hardiman . --- ## Lyrics & Themes The album's title perfectly encapsulates its thematic core: **introspective excavation of the self**. Johnson's lyrics are unflinchingly self-absorbed in the most artistic sense—mining the depths of isolation, existential anxiety, memory, and the passage of time . **Key thematic elements:** - **Existential Stagnation**: Opening track "I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow (All of My Life)" captures the paralysis of unfulfilled potential with lines like "Another year older and what have I done / My aspirations have shriveled in the sun" . The song's frantic energy mirrors the anxiety of wasted time. - **Nostalgia and Memory**: "This Is the Day" explores how memories can both sustain and imprison us. The devastating couplet *"You smile and think how much you've changed / All the money in the world couldn't buy back those days"* captures nostalgia's cruel irony . - **Social Alienation**: "The Sinking Feeling" positions the narrator as "just a symptom of the moral decay / That's gnawing at the heart of the country" . - **Unrequited Love and Intimacy**: Tracks like "Uncertain Smile" and "The Twilight Hour" navigate romantic uncertainty and emotional distance . What's striking is Johnson's **restraint with the word "love"**—it appears only once across the entire album ("And the cancer of love has eaten out my heart"). This deliberate avoidance of pop's most reliable crutch forces Johnson to explore more nuanced emotional territory, creating what some critics have termed an **"existential blues"** . --- ## Music & Production **Soul Mining** represents a sophisticated fusion of **post-punk, synth-pop, and art-rock**, with textures that range from claustrophobic to expansive. **Production approach:** - Recorded primarily at **The Garden Studio** in Shoreditch (owned by John Foxx of Ultravox fame), which Johnson loved so much he later purchased it - Johnson played most instruments himself—guitar, melodica, effects pedals, Omnichord, Yamaha CS 01 II keyboards—without sequencers, meaning he manually played parts for up to ten minutes at a time - The album features contributions from an impressive cast including **Jools Holland** (piano), **Zeke Manyika** (Orange Juice), **Thomas Leer**, and **Jim "Foetus" Thirlwell** **Musical highlights:** - **"Uncertain Smile"**: The album's centerpiece features Holland's legendary extended piano solo—one of the most celebrated moments in 1980s pop. Originally conceived with saxophone, the piano version emerged organically from the studio's Yamaha C3 baby grand . The track evolved through three distinct versions, with the final album cut achieving a perfect balance of melancholy and release. - **"This Is the Day"**: Uses accordion and violin to create warmth that contrasts with the anxiety of the lyrics—an early example of the "sad banger" aesthetic. - **"Giant"**: A nine-and-a-half-minute epic that builds through repetitive chants and layered percussion, described as "'Hey Jude' for the twisted post-punk generation" . The production avoids the sterile coldness that plagued much 1980s synth-pop. Johnson's **"unerring ear for sonic definition"** (as Rolling Stone's Kurt Loder noted) creates a sound that is simultaneously synthetic and organic, polished yet emotionally raw . --- ## Influence & Legacy **Soul Mining** has grown in stature over the decades from cult favorite to recognized classic: - **Critical Recognition**: Placed **#3 on Melody Maker's 1983 Album of the Year list**, ahead of New Order's *Power, Corruption & Lies*, Tears for Fears' *The Hurting*, and R.E.M.'s *Murmur* . Included in *1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die* and described by journalist Garry Mulholland as "a hidden masterpiece" . - **Cultural Impact**: The album anticipated the **bedroom singer-songwriter aesthetic** that would dominate indie music decades later. As The Quietus noted, it "crystallises the inner world of the bedroom-based singer-songwriter to perfection" . - **Musical Influence**: The album's blend of electronic and organic elements, its cinematic scope, and its unflinching introspection influenced subsequent artists in post-punk, synth-pop, and indie rock. The "Rock And Roll With The The" residency at the Marquee—featuring guests like Marc Almond, Edwyn Collins, and Stephen Mallinder—established Johnson as a central figure in the UK's post-punk scene . - **Enduring Relevance**: Unlike many 1980s albums that feel trapped in their era, *Soul Mining* "feels no more or less relevant today than at their birth over 42 years ago" . --- ## Pros | Strength | Details | |----------|---------| | **Lyrical Depth** | Johnson's introspective writing achieves universal resonance through specific, dreamlike imagery | | **Sonic Diversity** | Seamlessly blends drum machines, synths, African percussion, piano, accordion, and guitar | | **Emotional Range** | Moves from frantic anxiety to meditative calm without losing cohesion | | **"Uncertain Smile"** | Contains one of the greatest piano solos in pop history | | **Production Quality** | Warm, detailed sound that avoids 1980s clichés; excellent dynamic range | | **Brevity** | Seven tracks, no filler—every song earns its place | | **Authenticity** | Genuine emotional rawness that avoids performative sadness | --- ## Cons | Weakness | Details | |----------|---------| | **Self-Absorption** | As Kurt Loder noted, the "obsessively self-absorbed lyrics... Youthful angst and anomie are fine in their place, but not all over the place" | | **Vocal Affectations** | Johnson's Bowie-esque vocal stylings occasionally grate, particularly on "The Twilight Hour" | | **Pacing Issues** | "Giant" at 9+ minutes can feel overindulgent to some listeners; "The Twilight Hour" and title track may dip too far into "maudlin navel-gazing" for some | | **Accessibility** | The emotional intensity and lack of traditional "love songs" makes it less immediately accessible than typical pop | | **Opening Track Barrier** | "I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow" is deliberately challenging—long, meandering, and anxious—which may deter casual listeners before they reach the rewards | --- ## Conclusion **Soul Mining** is a singular achievement—a debut album that announced Matt Johnson as a major talent and established The The as a project of serious artistic ambition. Its fusion of electronic and organic instrumentation, its unflinching introspection, and its refusal to rely on pop clichés make it a cornerstone of 1980s post-punk and a precursor to countless indie and electronic artists who followed. The album works best as a **complete statement**—a 41-minute journey through anxiety, memory, and tentative hope. While its relentless self-focus can occasionally feel suffocating, this is also its greatest strength: Johnson creates a fully realized emotional world that listeners can inhabit. For the "compulsive thinker"—those whose minds "simply cannot be coaxed into rest"—*Soul Mining* remains an essential, timeless companion . **Verdict**: A flawed masterpiece that rewards deep engagement, essential for fans of post-punk, synth-pop, and introspective songwriting.
Well this was great, right up my street. I don’t know if it’s because I listened to Talking Heads earlier in the day but can’t help make the connection here given the genre and the era. The production is very 80s and I mean that in a good way - very crisp, synth heavy with the drums almost taking centre stage for a lot of this. I’ve only heard the name before, and always remember it because it’s slightly silly. I liked it from the off but it did have me wondering whether it would continue to hold my attention but it just continued to grow on me. Uncertain Smile is a standout, in fact I’m going to listen to that again now
Its only 41 minutes long but felt like less than 30. Lately I have been getting into post punk and new wave bands of the 80s such as new order, public image and Depeche Mode. I get the feeling that this band was at least a partial influence on the birth of industrial rock. So as you can imagine, I did enjoy this album. My dad had their Infected album on CD but I never listened to it. Perhaps I will give it a listen some time.
Expectations were low but this album is just a great fucking vibe
I liked this one 4/5
Finding the perfect balance of post-punk moodiness and delightful pop, channelling The Cure as much as New Order. I'm already quite familiar with this album, so it's a joy to revisit. Highlights: "This Is The Day", "Uncertain Smile", "Giant", and "Perfect"
Cerramos una gran semana musical con una banda que me suena haber escuchado alguna vez. Quizás por el género o por la época. O ambas. Post-punk, synth-pop ochentoso, con la presencia de la voz hipnótica del cantante y con varias canciones bailables. Muchas gracias por otra semana musical y nos vemos la próxima, que será corta.
Solid. I didn't care much for I've Been Waitin' For Tomorrow (All of My Life) so I went in worried, but the rest of this is solid. I particularly liked Giant. That said, why does the singer sound like LemonDemon?
Excellent. Full of memories from college.
One of the best The The recordings.
Often overlooked in the mainstream listening world, but definitely one that music aficionados in my world appreciate. And for good reason. It is an innovative, emotive, and socially aware album with a great deal of unique character and musicianship.
I’m an instant fan of any album that’s bold enough to include so many genres. Shows a lot of creativity. I think this groups suffers from a bit of master of none syndrome, some things are very cool but it does feel like they’re stretched thin at times.
Blind album and artist. These songs are so catchy and funky I had to give it a 2nd listen.
Good
Fun
Synthpop elegante y sofisticado. Todo parece estar perfectamente estudiado. Suena estupendo.
This is the the day the the album’s going to play. 8/10
This one was pretty cool.
A quality 80s synth-pop album.
Good album - in between 3 and 4 personally
Soul Mining sits comfortably among the defining synth-pop albums of the early 1980s, think Dare, Vienna, Speak and Spell. The (reinvented) Human League, Ultravox and Depeche Mode became huge, The The didn't. The recognition of their influence has been retrospective. Uncertain Smile and This is the Day are pop classics.
A brilliant rendering of existential angst in musical form. The instrumentation is maybe a bit dated but every track hits the spot, helped in no small way by the LP format restricting the number of tracks to something manageable. And Jules' piano solo on Uncertain Smile remains a thing of wonder to me more than 40 years after I first heard it. Not quite a full fat five, but a very worthy 4*
I liked it
Surprising how well this album holds up. Great listen.
Gheghe, die bandnaam. Verder lekker beluisterbare jarentachtigdeuntjes, met zowaar (hoe trendgevoelig) een accordeon ertussen. Het Top-2000-nummer komt me niet bekend voor, maar we geven 't verder maar weer het voordeel van de twijfel.
Ja dikke vette top. Ben een heeeel klein beetje allergisch voor van die jaren '80 gereverbde drums maar mag geen naam hebben. Love de baslijnen en dat nummer met de crazy piano !!!
heerlijk!! post punk synthy club muziek <3
Unlike the other album by them we got, this one has SONGS
From the album cover I already felt like I am going to hate it, but after the first song I am willing to let my initial thoughts go and it actually is pretty ok! I enjoyed the album as a whole, I did not dislike any of the songs. Music is pleasant and singing is solid. All in all a good album for sure.
The The is a credit to the synth pop genre.
I really enjoyed this, it was very chill and fun. I already knew (and really enjoyed) This Is The Day and Uncertain Smile but I also liked That Sinking Feeling. I will def relisten! 4 stars Definitely came around to this album, bad start to the album but turned out to be really good. The songs kind of blended together for me but maybe that's just because I was doing a task
Enjoyed this - the first half in particular
Actually really liked this. Will be listening to more the The albums. Apparently my parents love the The
Very solid instrumentals in this. I thought the piano in uncertain smile was super good and the drums are nice to hear all the way through the album.
I thought this was going to be some sort of badly recorded post-punk, but actually it's very catchy indie pop. Big hooks, interesting songwriting, bright instrumentation. Color me surprised. But what kind of dumb band name is that? Key tracks: This Is the Day The Sinking Feeling Uncertain Smile Perfect
Great blast from the past.
Звучит круто, но не все треки
Some good New Wave. I enjoyed Giant a lot, as well as This Is The Day and the intro track.
The the the the the the the. The the the the the the the the. The the the the the the the! The the the the? The the.
You know that party game where a group of people take turns listing a band that starts with each letter of the alphabet, in sequence? The first person says "Air", the next says "The Beatles", the next "Carseat Headrest", etc. "The Beatles" works as an answer for "B", because you don't count the word "the". Which is why I always liked to be annoying and say "The The" as my answer for T. *eye roll* I'd never actually listened to The The before, but I did recognise a couple of songs. Somewhere in between 80s electro and new wave, they've managed to make a pretty unique sound. There's a darkness brooding in the background of every song, coupled with some interesting choices in instrumentation, creating lots of texture and atmosphere. "Uncertain Smile" is one of a number of standout tracks. When I heard the piano come in, I felt a weird compulsion to shout "Hootenanny!" Sure enough, it's Jools Holland lending his honky tonk plinky plonk mad skills to the song. The song starts off with a bass and acoustic guitar combo that gives Pixies vibes, and then suddenly halfway through, it seems to crack open, letting Jools' piano loose. I heard that Jools was brought in last minute, and played the entire three and a half minute impromptu piano solo in a single take. Crazy stuff. Predictably enough, I'm picking out "This is the Day" as my favourite track on the record. Sounds as if Joy Division covered The Waterboys. It comes across as optimistic, but from a depressing point of view. It's their best known song for a reason: it's upbeat, with something darker under the surface. I wasn't sure what to think when I listened to this the first time. It's really grown on me, even though it took a while to click. "Soul Mining" has a sound that feels quite individual to The The, even though you can definitely pick out influences. I hear traces of Joy Division/New Order, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Brian Eno and maybe even a bit of Kraftwerk or Can. But all of those influences blend together into something that sounds very unique to The The. There's definitely a lot more to them than just an annoying party game answer.
Uncertain smile eleva el nivel. las demás canciones están bien.
Is it “Thugh Thugh,” “Thugh Thee,” “Thee Thee,” or “Thee Thugh?” I suppose one star for each pastability
The opening track, This Is the Day, Uncertain Smile, and the title track are great songs. The others I didn't enjoy really, and that 9 minute one at the end was too much of a drag, therefore it only gets a 4, somewhat of a generous one. Matt Johnson's vocals are superb and that piano solo in Uncertain Smile is the highlight of the whole album.
Sounded pretty good overall and caught my ears several times
This album was such a lovely slice of a very specific 80s sound, and I enjoyed it thusly!
Great album! I listened to this straight after the other The The album a few weeks ago and there were so many songs I recognised and enjoyed. For sure the more pop and political of his albums but full of gems. This Is The Day is so good, I loved the 9 minute groove we got into with Giant, and Perfect is a new found fave. Definitely plan to return to this
Although I was initially turned off by the band name, the music sits well. The second track, This is the Day, is just a banger I will never not want to hear. Then you have The Sinking Feeling, which perfectly sums up a lot of my internal monologue. None of it positive and a lot of it realistic. The line "I'm being raped by progress" speaks for itself.
This Is The Day is one of my favourite songs ever but the rest of the album is pretty blotchy
The rhythms and percussion on this album is the key. Great sounds. I need to hear it more. 4/5
4 stars - briefly remember The The being a thing but didn't listen to them. Pretty good stuff.
Rad. I am realizing 80s stuff is incredibly hit or miss but this is a hit!
Very good 80's synth album. Haven't listened to a whole lot of this genre, but this reminds me a lot of Human League.
uncertain smileeeeee
I bought a CD copy of Soul Mining back in 2009, after I first heard about the 1001 albums book. I was a recent college grad, and I wanted to branch out a bit more with my musical tastes, and I snagged this album because I’d heard “This Is the Day” on an M&M’s commercial, and thought that I’d enjoy the album. I know I listened to this album in its entirety back when I bought it, but I don’t remember caring for it that much. I’ve been holding off on revisiting it, because I knew I’d get to review it eventually. I really enjoyed Infected, so I fully expect to enjoy Soul Mining more than I did when I first heard it. Additionally, this will be my final album from 1983 to review Just like Infected, I thought Soul Mining was a really unique and fun pop album. Soul Mining doesn’t have the political and social commentary that I enjoyed on Infected, but I still thought the lyrics on this album were really good. Matt Johnson’s vocals were great too, and each song on this album had a really unique sound. I can’t think of any other pop albums from this era that sound remotely close to this album. The synthesizers were great, but this album also had some excellent guitar playing, funky bass riffs, and an overall sound that I thought was really fun. I thought the first half of the album was much better than the second half, because “The Twilight Hour” and “Soul Mining” were a bit boring to me. However, the first half of the album was really great, and the closing song, “Giant,” was really good too. Some notes on a few individual songs: I loved those drums on “I’ve Been Waitin’ For Tomorrow.” The synths and guitars were really funky, and this song had fun sound that I really liked. I loved the vocals on “This Is the Day.” The synthesizers were great, and the bass line was excellent too. The percussion was incredibly catchy, and I loved the inclusion of the accordion. This is just an excellent pop song, and it’s incredibly unique in its sound and composition. Matt Johnson was just out here doing his own thing, and he was really good at it. “The Sinking Feeling” was great too. Matt Johnson’s vocals were awesome, and the guitar playing was excellent. “Uncertain Smile” might actually be better than “This Is the Day.” I loved that shimmering guitar tone, and the bass playing was excellent. What a beautiful little pop song. I loved the bass on “Giant,” and that drumming was fantastic too. For a song that’s over nine minutes long, I really didn’t want this to end. What a great closing track. Soul Mining is an incredibly unique pop album, and I’m really glad I got the chance to listen to it again today, and I have a newfound appreciation for what Matt Johnson did on this album.
One of my favourite songs on this one!! On the roster on the regular
Never heard of this artist or album, but I immediately enjoyed the opening track, the lead singer’s voice, and overall style/sound. I found the lyrics really interesting throughout, and especially enjoyed the feelings explored in The Twilight Hour. The Giant was the perfect conclusion to the album and overall this was an intriguing listen that made me want to learn more about the inspiration for the album and other works by the artist.
For all the crap I give 80's New Wave in this project, I have to give this one it's flowers. Really worked for me for some reason. 7/10
Really good album. Had me bopping along for the whole listen. A few tracks that I was mildly familiar with, but not familiar enough for them to be not interesting.
I hear tones of the Cure, Duran Duran, '80's Bowie, and the Smiths in this. Is that why this is on this list? Otherwise pretty innocuous '80's pop rock. It does have that sound that would probably play well again today. Upon further listening of this, I actually really like it. It just took a minute to settle in.
i wasn't sure about the first few tracks but it really picked up as it went on, its a total slow burner and i really liked it
A lot more directed than most new wave records on here, coupled with some substantial messaging and unique vocal delivery. Read the lyrics of "The Sinking Feeling" as a good example of how much there is to dig up. After an intriguing start with "Ive Been Waiting For Tomorrow", things got really good with "This Is The Day" (I wonder if they meant for the tracklisting to read like that). I'm not sure what the better pop-leaning success is, this song or "Uncertain Smile". What I perhaps appreciate about this album the most is how listener-aware it is. The tone switch on "Twilight Hour" into a very quiet, just as eerie intro on the title track "Soul Mining" adds a kick of variety just when needed. I'm hearing lots of Depeche Mode on this track in particular. "Giant" is true to it's namesake - a giant track closing things out with a steady evolution of key/synth loops into percussion lines into chanted melodies to stick the landing. Soul Mining feels like a palate cleanser for all the postpunk/new-wave bloat that's encountered on your 1001 list journey - thoughtful messaging accompanied by not a single bad instrumental. Doesn't overstay it's welcome either . 4/5
Irgendwie passt nichts zusammen, aber passt gleichzeitig doch zusammen. Schräg, aber ziemlich gut.
The sound of the 80s I needed but never found. This aged amazingly well 4.35
It has been a while since I was split. I do think The The is a bit "above" the fold and quite unique. I also realize, maybe from my age or era or whatever, that there are a lot of bands from this era and genre (kind of 80's pop, electronica, in this case almost big beat,) that were quite "good." I would like to give them like a 3,5 to indicate a nudge above, Unfortunately I have created a sort of 4 star as quite superior and three star as average position in my ratings, and the problem with "average" is it ranges from "meh" to "pretty good actually" and there is little room for nuance. So to be kind I will nudge them "just" into the four star category as I find them fun enough and unique enough (and surprisingly) varied enough to get there.
I'm so sick of post-punk New Wave. I do think this album comes at a poor time for me; this is the 3rd post-punk New Wave album in a row, and I really did like the last one. This one is actually pretty varied in sound, which helps it out big time. Yeah, we definitely got off on the wrong foot, this album and me. If this album was all like the first song, I would have hated it. But it ends up being this pretty complex collection of songs that all feel vastly different but form a pretty whole album. I wish the album opened with a different song, so that I didn't feel so negatively about it right off the rip, but I actually enjoyed this quite a bit. Favorite Song(s): Uncertain Smile