Reviews (page 5 of 9)
It’s ok
Spiky electro pop with absolutely gorgeous vocals. Wish they did more outright pop songs like This is the Day.
This one was a slog to get through; so many of the songs sounded similar.
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
Add it to the pile of 80s pop British bands over populating this list.
Not bad, sort of 80s experimental synthy pop. Liked the beat the first song was built around, the rest seemed nice enough but nothing grabbed my interest enough to pay attention. Quite ambivalent about the whole thing so 3 will suffice.
Diverting enough. Nothing grabbed me, shan't go back nor remember. Great album art though. I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow was my favourite track.
Unmistakably 80s. Better, and less poppy than some, but still got that 80s sound that often puts me off. I don't think it was bad, but nothing particularly grabbed me
Soul Mining is the debut album from The The, but earlier work by songwriter Matt Johnson has been reissued as work of the band. Johnson is the only consistent member of the band - and sometimes the only member. The band made introspective synth-pop in this release; their sound evolved through the course of their career. Soul Mining includes "This is the Day," the band's first, and perhaps defining hit. The album includes a good collection of 80s synth pop songs, with a sound similar to that of Simple Minds.
Here’s a cool, clever, edgy idea. Let’s call ourselves ‘The The’ to poke fun at all the ‘the’ bands who are making cooler music than us. And make it a bit awkward for people to find us on the internet in 40+ years when that’s a thing. It’s yet more dreary new wave. I’m awarding a bonus star for whoever their bassist was. Because they do some great work in the trying circumstances of being in a really dreary new wave band with a stupid name.
OK, never listened before pleasant 2.5/5
If the purpose of this list is to expose folks to a broad spectrum of all kinds of music, then I see no reason for the high concentration of British synth-pop. If it’s to showcase examples of the best in many genres, then I really don’t know why this album is on it. Regardless, I didn’t want to hear this album, and hope I never hear it again. Or, really, any other Brit synth pop garbage.
Dripping in the sound of its time. would listen again.
Miksi kaikki vihaavat brittiläisiä albumeja, albumeja jotka tulevat britteinsaarista? Sanoisin: että vittumaisia kaikki.. ehkä vastaus vois olla: vituttaa kaikki ne.. BTW: ÄLKÄÄ TAPPAKO ITSEÄNNE... ok tää on aika hyvää. näistä uusi aalto punkinjälkeisistä brittibändestä the the on noussut näihin hyväksyttävien joukkoon. pystyn nielaista ja meditoida läpi kärsimättä. en tunne mitään ja lopetin muistamisen vissiin. päivät tuntuu hetkiltä tai jotain sinnepäin. 955 päivää? minne ne katosivat. taakse. unholaan. en kuule ääniä, hiljaiset kasvot maassa... uncertain smile
After a bad start (didn't like the first song at all, and wasn't very fond of the second) things started to get better with every song.
This album has a summer vibe to me. I like the minimalism and slow build up of the songs, along with Matt Johnson's emotional vocals. Perfect would've been a liked song too, but didn't appear on my version of the album. That Jools Holland solo on Uncertain Smile is epic! Liked Songs Added: This Is The Day Uncertain Smile
this record is so real fr fr
Stereotypical alt 80s in the best way. 3.5/5
i think people have lost the appreciation for long songs. i liked this, more so because of the intricate components you can hear. not sure if i'd revisit often
more 80's boreee but this wasn't so so bad. Feels like 80's club synth. Dope album art. Uncertain Smile is a fun song
New wave MTV fodder. Ho fucking hum.
This sounds very much like the typical 80s pop. It was ok for me, nothing particularly objectionable but nothing really stood out either. I could take it or leave it.
Meh, listenable but forgettable.
bangers across the board, good album
A couple of good songs here, but pretty forgettable in the end.
= the Beatles
It's not bad and I tried- just couldn't get into it even a little bit.
“That freedom — along with Johnson’s admittedly liberal use of MDMA — would fuel one of the 1980s’ most distinctive pop records.” Am I supposed to be rolling or something to enjoy this more?
Interesting to hear some Duran Duran sounds in here. Seems like if they had broken through a little more and had more charisma could have gone the same way. I think being a kid of this era I find the music nostalgic even though this is my first listening.
Surprising...This is The Day is a legitimately good song.
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.
Je propose de supprimer les années 80 et le post-punk.
more new wave
I can hear so many influenced artists in this album. Love the post punk and electronic expression.
This is good. I love keyboards and synths. I just think it sounds kinda outdated now. But I'll get back to this for sure. I love the work with the tribal percussion synths and also the melodic work. I think this is a keeper for me. I haven't heard about this band before. Although I know now it's, mostly, one guy's project.
A solid rock/new wave album with great vibes! I really dig “This is the Day” so I was very excited to listen to the full album and I was not disappointed. I would highly recommend this to others!
Enjoyed it, although I'm not 100% sure why.
Whoa, this surprised me! Starts with kinda flat synths and vocals and then goes on a musical ride, though always staying in the new wave lane. Is new wave jam band a thing? (Or a the, I guess?) Really enjoyed it. I agree with some of the other reviewers who called it Bowie-esque.
Dude sounds like Bowie. Music sounds like a less depressing cure. Didn't love it, but didn't hate it.
I wanted to like it, but towards the end it turned from new wave funkiness to just dark ramblings. And it felt like it wanted to sound like the Talking Heads.
Apart from knowing that they were notoriously difficult to Google, I knew nothing about The The before hearing this. I thought they were a 2000s indie band, but actually I hear 80s-sounding drum machines, very crisp and clear. Vocals sound like other 80s bands, reliance on synthesizers, even the real (?) piano sounded bland and plasticky. Still I found some moments and lyrics here to enjoy, but it's not a winner for me.
I really judged a book by its cover on this one. First, the literal album cover, do not like it. Do not feel like it paints an accurate portrait of what's coming, so my expectations were not aligned from the get go. Then the first song. Terrible. Most albums start reasonably strong and then fall off. This one does not. Not sure what's going on, but the first song is annoying and abrasive. My expectations were low at this point. Turns out the rest of this album is actually pretty decent, and it turns around right away with song #2 which is fire ("This Is the Day"). "This Is the Day" reminds me of some more recent song, but I just can't place it. Maybe it'll come to me eventually. "Uncertain Smile" is a solid track too. Anyway, this album falls into some of the common synth-pop pitfalls at times, but it's generally solid. A pretty fun album with a few great songs despite a rough start. Reminds me a bit of Echo & The Bunnymen. Maybe this '80s synth nonsense is growing on me a bit. Favorite song: This Is the Day Other: The Sinking Feeling, Uncertain Smile, Giant 4/2/25
Fairly average
Absolutely brilliant
I enjoyed this. I will need many more listens to digest it.
Loved this, such a strong set of tracks to open the record.
Eh
Early 80’s vibe
Pretty good but didn’t totally grab me. Some standouts like Uncertain Smile.
This is horrid and listening to it makes me angry
really did not like this album i’m not sure why it just wasn’t clicking with me. the singers voice is annoying idfk. i’ve heard better things tbh that was just ass.
Very fun, funky and synthy with interesting singing and lyrics. I like it a lot.
Funky synth pop. Don't hear the punk though.
This is the Day makes me feel so nostalgic. I need to now go watch Empire Records again. The rest of it was pretty fun too but this song is amazing.
I don’t get it
Ok. "This is the Day" gives this album all the stars. What a fucking epic jam. This should be on everyone's top 100 songs playlist (don't @ me).
Just... too 80's for me
This is the Day is a rrreeeeaaaallllyyyy good song and so is Uncertain Smile.
Boring.
More interesting than I expected, but left me a little cold
Love the name!
I get the gist. The guy is british and offbeat. I don't like his voice. I didn't really enjoy listening to it. This is one of those artists who I'd only ever listen to because of their funny name or cool album art. It was alright. Maybe like a 2.5? Maybe I ought to listen to it more but I honestly do not care to.
Favorite Track: Soul Mining
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!
Interesting pick. Lo-fi bedroomy synth / drum machine funky pop. Very of its time and I suspect it’s trading of hooks for lyrical substance captured the hearts of loads of people in the 80s, but it’s not for me today. The dramatic piano solo by Jools Holland which somehow combines classical and boogie woogie is more than a bit egregious but works wonders amongst the melting polyphonic ringtones and dark poetry.
Oh boy, more br*tish synth-pop, I'm sure this will be a revelation... This wasn't completely awful, but it was super goofy. Singer sounds like he was a total dickhead, of course he would go on to write "Infected." The 1980's was a mistake.
It reminded me a bit of some of the more gothic punk bands, but a bit more... stark. I had heard of the band before (mostly puzzled by the name, but if you're a fan, you're a fan). I didn't hate it, but I wasn't in love with it. Top tracks: "I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow (All of My Life)", "The Twilight Hour", "Soul Mining," "Perfect"
This is a lot different than the other The The album on this list. Very much 80's synth. Their next album more charted new territories, even if they were territories I didn't want to go to. This one feels like it could be any British artist of the synth pop era. It's easier on the ears but less novel. I really enjoyed the opening track I've Been Waitin for Tomorrow. After that it was a little all the same and meh for me.
A very good debut album. The 80s-ness of the album keeps it from being a 5, but there's a lot to like: Uncertain Smile is outstanding and that Jools Holland piano solo at the end is fantastic; Soul Mining is a very cool song and Perfect is a surprisingly fun sounding song for an album that is generally pretty dark, although the lyrics belie the sound ("Passing by a cemetery / I think of all the little hopes and dreams / that lie lifeless and unfilled beneath the soil")...I was amused to learn that Matt Johnson didn't even want it on the album. Nothing bad on the album, it's just a little dated (e.g., I've Been Waiting for Tomorrow and The Sinking Feeling). Would definitely revisit.
4 stars for Uncertain Smile alone, a classic record of its time
Pretty good. Some very strong points, some parts a bit meh.
Went unconscious while listening, but enough to know it is good. I love this, it has everything from cathy tunes to energetic noises and of course recognizable basslines. Probably a 4/5, I like this. Both "The Twilight Hour" and "Giant" are brilliant.
2/5
Favourite Tracks: Uncertain Smile, This is the Day Honourable Mentions: I've Been Waiting for Tomorrow, Soul Mining This is one of those albums that slowly grows on you with repeated listens. The album itself is atmospheric, nostalgic, and almost bittersweet with it's catchy happy melodies but sad and darker lyrics. I almost ascended at Jools Holland's double piano solo in Uncertain Smile, and the guitar tones in Soul Mining are butterrrrr. Each song in this album is so unique and memorable. I'll be listening over and over again.
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.
Kinda short, only liked 2 songs maybe
Decent record, not what I expected with that album cover 3/5
How how did did this this band band end end up up on on this this list list twice twice? Oh, wait…now I see it!
Good to hear only to realize how much he grew/improved with the next album. The last two songs are the best.
2.5/5. Not very good. I'd call this average sub par post punk.
What a funny experience - at the start of my first listen I didn't really like it, but by the end I was sold. On my second listen through I was digging it from the start. I typically don't like cheesy 80's production, but it just works here. Soul Mining was the stand out track for me.
Emotion all on display
3.2
Between a 3 and a 4 for this. I like the lyrics which have some really nice poetry in places. Introspection, yearning and anxiety.. it's not songwriting one would normally expect from a synth pop act (knowing nothing of The The as I do) The hits are really good...This Is the Day is a great song and the outro of Uncertain Smile is really stunning, it could've gone on for another 5 minutes without being boring Second side is not as good as the first but still enjoyed it overall
I definitely expected to hate it more. I disliked it and will never go back to it but some parts were fine and chillin.
First song feels like 80s Halloween and I’m not here for it. They really aren’t seeming to want to depart from this whole 80s Halloween theme. Why the frickin accordion and organ. Whyyyyy… Nah okay I figured it out this is what this is: this is what people call “meaningful” and “artistic” because it’s some British dude “singing” weird creepy lyrics in an overly edgy way over some minimalistic poop beat. But because it’s British and weird and edgy it’s “art”. Nah this is crap.
Houmous & Chuntey met Matt Thompson backstage at a festival in Nuneaton in ‘79 He was just a stage hand and was yapping on about his band. Len wasn’t in a good place that day. He hadn’t had his afternoon nap and someone got him fruit pastilles instead of opal fruits! Matt bumped into us and was a bit star struck. He was trying to talk about his band but Len was putting pressure on him to ‘spit it out’. He couldn’t seem to say the name. He just kept saying ‘The The’ and Len was getting more irate! We laughed a few years later when we realised that was the name of his band. Looking back, I think Matt was the one in charge of the sweets that day. Maybe that’s why he was under such pressure? 4.2
God I'm bored and I still haven't got to the 9 minute song. It want to be good. update: it wasn't
BEST SONGS: - The Sinking Feeling - Uncertain Smile - The Twilight Hour
This was good. Loved the synth sounds.
feels like post-punk formed in a jazz lounge. funky. vocal delivery that is very different (much more composed, melodic) from other new wave bands (talking heads, devo). 'this is the day' is a classic, very dramatic with its exaggerated synths and accordion. intricate layering of sounds/influences throughout the album, including psych and dance music.
nope for punk rock
Excellent post-punk / new wave music here. I enjoyed the whole album, but it's nothing super amazing that everyone needs to hear before they die. 3/5
Howard Jones x The National. Catchy synth but weak lyrically.
Het eerste nummer is wat matig. Daarna wordt het gelukkig wel iets beter. Het blijft 80s popmuziek, het blijft af en toe een beetje wat ik theatraal zou noemen, maar het luistert ook wel weer prima weg. Het doet allemaal een beetje denken aan Enjoy the Silence van Depeche Mode, maar dan minder iconisch. Op het einde gaan we nog even trommelen met de hele kliniek, dat is wel grappig op zich. Vergeetbaar, ik zet het na vandaag nooit meer aan, maar toch 3 sterren. Ik ben mild gestemd vandaag.
Genius
An oddball moment (relatively speaking) in '80s new wave. The vocals and lyrics are definitely atypical and stand out in a good way, and some of the progressions are pretty interesting. Definitely worth a listen even if it's not my favorite thing I've ever heard.
This was a cool little glimpse into an early post-punk sound that I’d overlooked over the years. However, I just did not connect with it the way I kept hoping I would. I kept thinking that I’d heard things that reminded me of Modern Lovers, Echo & The Bunnymen, or Joy Division, but nothing pulled me in as much as those artists have. I think there’s a lot of artistry in the tracks and when I focused solely on the music, there were some fun uses of the synthesizer specifically that created a big sound. Anyways, not a bad album, but left me wanting more with that sound potential. Somewhere between 2.5 and 3 stars ideally.
Is this record good? Not particularly. Is this record funky and fun? Yeah, kinda. I dunno, there’s a LOT going on here, and some of its great and some of its just mleh. Hard to get a handle on it. It’s too cheesy to be new wave, too funky to be New Romantic, and too jazzy to be punk, but it’s also not in any of those categories either. I have a soft spot in my heart for “This is the Day”, but other tracks like “Giant” and “The Sinking Feeling” are truly great. Others have their moments, not particularly my favorite but still solid. I’d go right down the middle but alas, this site won’t let me, so I’ll put this just on the positive side and go 3/5.
add this to the growing list of new wave albums i’ve come to have some new appreciation for because of this list. this one fits nicely into the man uncomfortably yell-sings over weird synth category, and even though it really loses its mojo after the first 2 tracks i’m a fan of the overall sound. Infected is the only record of theirs i’ve heard prior & i do quite like that one so hopefully it pops up too
J’ai pas trop tripper, mais j’ai bien vibé sur la dernière track
Rather unexciting. Spotify followed it up with some Roxy Music which was much more accomplished.
Very strange, in a wierd way feels like a side project of a famous band member, but it isn’t, parts are great and parts are less so. Favourite songs: this is the day, the sinking feeling, uncertain smile, giant. Overall around 7/10
I never found them to be very interesting. They've only got the one hit. I find the music pretty forgettable. I love the post-punk genre but this is not the best of it. It's catchy but it doesn't stay with me.
One of the greatest 80s albums ever!! Uncertain Smile is the best song on the album! What genius lyrics!!
I had never heard of this group and was like whaaaa when I saw how many followers they have on Spotify. At first, this album was too Wedding Singer for me, like background music at a costume party. But there are some bangers. I really liked Giant in particular. The last song makes me think of that scene in The Breakup when Jennifer Aniston’s gay brother is like “come come on the kick drum.”
Excellent album and very consistent sound. I’ve always loved This Is The Day and Uncertain Smile. The rest of the tracks have a very similar vibe with some nice details in the production, especially on the layered Giant.
Meh
Hat mich gar nicht abgeholt
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
This is the Day is such a bop. Ohh Uncertain Smile too. This is low key a bopfest. 4/5
Känns som han är i min hjärna, önska bara att jag kände mig lika kopplad till musik
Upbeat & quirky post-punk with emotive vocals - I love it
не интересно
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
This one was kind of fun. I really enjoyed the very sharp and punchy kick drum on 'I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow (All Of My Life)' and the intense piano and xylophone on 'Uncertain Smile' Standouts I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow (All Of My Life) Uncertain Smile Giant 4/5
Eingängiger Synth-Pop mit interessanten Texten 3/5
Wow, what a voice and point of difference. The The is a great name for a group that seems almost too self aware of it's own position in the music scene at the release of Soul Mining. 7 songs, but all of them work HARD to establish something... cool. They are cool and try to be cool, and once again in 2025, trying has become cool again. It's refreshing, which is a contridiction for an album released 42 years ago.
I really enjoy this album. Standout track: This Is the Day
Hmmm, new wave. I've hated this era of music for most of my life. Goofy vocals and sounds effects, goofy styles--it always seemed so affected and forced. This album has all of that, but that being said, it is listenable, probably good for the people into this genre, and the songs sometimes manage to rise about the genre's inherent cheese--especially the last song, Giant. New wave typically doesn't age very well, though I can see that many albums like this one laid the ground work for bands post-2000.
For the closer alone, this is amazing. The rest is okay.
Buen synthpop sin nada excesivamente destacable. Me lo he pasado bien pero no creo que lo vuelva a oír. Canción destacada: Giant
if i had to give a description of this album im truly not sure what i would say. it was kinda mediocre at times but also pretty cool and interesting at others. not sure if i would even recommend it but worth checking out just because i cant think of anything else that really sounds like it. tough to rate but i think ill go high 3 over a low 4
Pretty cool mix of pop and punk. My first thought is Propaganda (A Secret Wish), but with more guitar and more dimension, with perhaps some influence on Chris Huelsbeck. I think this is another good slow burn as the immediate appeal is not fully apparent.
I enjoyed it
Lyrics are actually Ok but the music is seriously dated. Very 80s and not in a good way. Can't give it a passing grade.
The album art is much, much different than what I thought the album would sound like.
There’s some kind of interesting stuff going on here, but today wasn’t the best day for it; it didn’t fully hold my attention.
Better than anticipated.
"This is the day" is a classic. "Giant" is on my Shazam playlist because I must've heard it somewhere and liked the vibe. It's a nice vibe. I feel like this is one of those albums you need to spend a bit of time with --I thought it had potential.
Is there a disproportionate amount of New Wave on this list, or is it just me? This one holds up pretty well and sounds fairly modern. The clarity of the lyrics and the energy of the delivery add a lot to the sound, which is pretty damn 80s. “This is the Day” is a banger and I’m glad o have finally heard the whole album.
no. 429... I listened t them back in the day. The The was good, but before iTunes, I needed a few songs before I would shell out the money for an album, so, only know the 1 hit from this. Not a bad slice of 80's music. One of those that need the/5 - 3.5
Oh man, I've been waiting for this one. The one, the only, The The. The The The song The Sinking Feeling is the The The song I liked the most on the The The record. (Well, Uncertain Smile is better, but it doesn't fit with the "the" theme.) This Is the Day is a good track. Distinctive use of accordion that really punches through the mix to create a distinctive sound. Happy, upbeat, and the vocals (which aren't good) mostly fade into the background. Uncertain Smile is also a huge standout for its piano solo, which (in my experience) seem quite rare in synth-pop and post-punk. The bass playing throughout the album is strong. The mixing is also quite crisp, separating out the bass part from other, higher frequencies (most notably the guitar-esque synth lines). There are some factors that really bring this record down though. The singing isn't great, and I don't really see the experimentation that other reviewers are lauding this record for. Additionally, the bulky track lengths leave a lot to be desired. Every song is enjoyable, but only typically for the first three or four minutes. Key tracks: This Is the Day, The Sinking Feeling, Uncertain Smile
This was interesting. Don't know if I'd say I need to listen to it again, but I was enjoying the journey. 3.6.
Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 3/5
Cool but 80s voice Giant is easily the best thing on here
Weird but I liked it Lots of great instrument solos - especially the piano in Uncertain Smile. And loved the drums at the start of the album 4 ⭐️
What the, The The? This was great. I don’t remember much of the other The The album we had but it wasn’t a patch on this. Real surprise.
I don’t love the 80s in general
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.
2.7 2x catch up 1/13/25
An unexpected really good album
Interesting. Didn't previously know.
Bad 80s 1/5
I used to be super into this album but it kinda didn’t hit the same this time for some reason. I don’t remember the fiddle being so prominent on “This Is The Day”… But it’s still really good! *fav tracks: this is the day; giant; the sinking feeling*
i loved this a lot!! i don't really have an explanation. sometimes music is just awesome
смесено
I've been a fan of The The for a long time, but this was the first time listening to this album. This is the Day is definitely the standout, but Uncertain Smile is a close second with a great piano solo at the end. The Twilight Hour offers an interesting take on obsession, and Soul Mining has a nice trippy vibe. Overall, a good album.
Not really for me, opening song was the best but it wasn’t my taste, didn’t find a single called the whispers by them I liked though
Very Bowie in singing. This is the Day is playlist material.
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
-hmm interesting, this one pushes the envelope a bit even for early 80s new wave -the transition from the more straightforward pop songs of the first half to the darker and more instrumentally experimental stuff is cool -felt a little directionless at times but still made for a good listen -Favorites are I’ve Been Waitin’ For Tomorrow, The Sinking Feeling, and Soul Mining
This is the day was great. Everything else sounded like something the pretentious neighbors in National lampoon Christmas vacation would listen to.
This record has popped up repeatedly, at very significant times in my life. This holds cherished memories for me.
S'okay. Not my cup of tea. Decent instrumentals, decent vocal work. 'Uncertain Smile' wins my fave.
I feel like this album had plenty of potential but ended up falling short. I do like the classic 80s pop elements but it was kind of ruined with some industrial type stuff. Also, some songs just seem to go on forever which really takes the sparkle out of it. 5/10.
okay
"The The"? Nie gehört. Durchaus interessant und abwechslungsreich.
2.5 Not sure about this. Seems like fairly plain New Wave, complete with the classic male vocal style. Only the latter half of the final track sparked my interest, the rest was instantly forgettable.
This is very 80s. Not great, but unlike his other album on the list, this actually has some good parts. Favorite song: uncertain smile.
This album has a definite 1980's electro-pop stamp on it, and to my ears it hasn't aged very well. It's not bad, some songs are quite catchy, but I'm not sure if this is a "must hear" - is it that good? Has this album been novel or influential? Not sure.
I liked Soul Mining more than i thought i would have. This is one of those albums that gets off to a rather uneventful start but picks up as the album progresses as it starts to introduce new and interesting things. The songs at the start were alright but didn't sound too well mixed at points but the later songs definitely were so much better as they were the ones with all the more unique sounds. The later songs could also get really catchy (especially Soul Mining) This album isn't exactly an easy one to get into but since i stuck around, i started to like it a pretty decent bit. Best Song: The Twilight Hour Worst Song: I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow (All of My Life)
It’s been a while since I heard this, but it holds up amazingly well
3.5 pretty good new wavey album. Favorite songs: this is the day and perfect
Meh
3,5 Te herbeluisteren
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.
Lyrics to revisit but production style that left me uninterested in doing just that. That last track felt like it came from a different album tho Half stars would boost it
норм, вайбово. напомнило депе шмонт, подойдет для дискотеки в стиле 80-х
3 out of 5. It might take another few listens but it was so-so.
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.
As a huge fan of these genres of music and particularly knowledgeable about the 1980s music scene, I want to say that I love this album and that it was influential, but I don't and it wasn't. This came 2 years after Gary Numan's genre defining THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE, and 1 year after Depeche Mode's A BROKEN FRAME with "Leave In Silence", "The Meaning of Love", and "Shouldn't Have Done That", and came out the same year (1983) but after albums by genre defining acts Tears for Fears (THE HURTING), New Order's genre defining POWER, LIES & CORRUPTION which featured the tracks "Blue Monday", "Age of Consent", and "Ultraviolence" and Eurythmics SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS, and that is just what going on in England, not too mention all of the genre defining work that was released in the U.S. (The Cars for example) by this point. It is not a bad record, but is not particularly notable either, at least not notable enough to appear on this list.
Ég fílaði tónlistina. Góður taktur og vel spilað dæmi en mikið hrikalega eyðilagði söngvarinn stemninguna. Ég heyrði svo í framhaldinu önnur lög sem komu greinilega síðar og það var miklu betri söngur en á þessari plötu skemmdi hann allt
Really enjoyed this. Felt like a "Pretty in Pink" 80s time capsule.
Sielua raastava.. ei ei raastavaa.. kuin hakkula hakattaisi.... MITÄ VITTUA... TÄMÄ ON LÄRPÄTTELYÄ...
It's decent new wave.
Giant brought this from a 2 to 3.
I had their album Infected a few months ago which I enjoyed and described as being akin to Midnight Oil. I didn’t feel the same about this album, it came across as the weaker one in my opinion, despite it clearly having the more popular tracks according to Spotify streams. This Is The Day was vaguely familiar but overall there’s not enough here to push it beyond the halfway mark. I’m afraid it’s a 2.4 for me, rounded down to a 2.
This is fantastic. I want to play this all the time
me no like
Definitely an interesting album. Not really my cup of tea but after all the tired music I've listened from this website at least these guys are doing something different and it's making me want to find out how the band has evolved since this album.
Nice album
Another completely overrated album whose presence on the list baffles. A merely ordinary new wave band with typical new wave vocals. Meh.
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 was a pretty cool album to listen to. I like the programmed drums and the songs are great. Not much else to say, I just rather liked this record
Proof that the 80s wasn't all just synthetic garbage. Thoughtful, introspective, mutlilayered, and timeless
OK. Didn't really like the vocals. Very 80s.
Better than I expected. 3/5
A terrible vocalist and not a single hook to be found. I don’t feel it needs to be taking up a spot on this list at all. I found the last song somewhat catchy but then I realized it’s because he stole the bass line from “Louie Louie”. Was going to give this a 2 until I got to the drum part of “Giant”, a 10 minute song. Now you get a 1, jerk.
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.
Didn't "love" the last album from The The, but I remember it growing on me as it played out. The Sinking Feeling has an oddly modern-retro feel to it. Like I get this is the original "retro" that modern reboots are trying to capture, but the production is very clean. Uncertain Smile is a solid mid-album jam. Vocals are a little campy across the board, but the song itself is very pretty from the familiar sounding guitar melody to the piano + layered synth through the back half. I really do love Giant as a closer. It doesn't really go anywhere necessarily, but the synth + vocals through the outro are so cozy I could stay there all day. Went through this one twice -- on first listen it was mostly backgrounded and I found it "fine." Second listen I was still pretty distracted, but there were more shining points than not. This was a pleasant ride and low 4 for me.
Better than the last The The album. Still get Depeche Mode vibes from the singer, but this one was a little more lighthearted and eccentric. Kinda like Talking Heads. Strong 3 for this one, especially when my expectations were low coming in.
Pretty funny but cool sounds throughout the whole album. His voice was teetering on the edge of being too 80s synth-pop for me but it still worked. I don't think I liked this one as much as the other The The album we got but I still really liked it. I never thought I would be a huge synth-pop fan but I continue to really like when some of the albums come up
Sick another The The album.... I actually loved this album. I might need to go back and revisit the last one we had a few weeks back. Sure, it had some 80's sounding bullshit but it also sounded fresh and love the electro-rock aspects of it. Singer sounded better from what I remember, had a Bowie vibe.
An 80s lost gem within a sea of classics. Super happy to have discovered this and all the related artists generated afterwards.
This is a great album. The The have a great sound that feels unique. Another example of why the 80s was so good. Favourite song: Perfect Least favourite: Not a bad one on the album Album artwork: Cool cover
Reminds me a bit of Depeche Mode's Violator or maybe even Disintegration by The Cure, although in my opinion not quite as good as either. Still quite enjoyable though.
ive been waiting for tomorrow- 5 or 6 this is the day- 8 the sinking feeling- 6 or 7. i like the bass uncertain smile- 6 twilight hour- 5 or 6 soul mining- 7 giant- 6
Nice! Never heard of this band before, but they have a really interesting sound. I'll be listening to more of them.
Thoughtful, melodic, enjoyable. Maybe a bit precious, but never boring.
Some songs were great (Uncertain Smile), some were really not (Twilight Hour). I think I just dont like his voice at all - the production was fine.
Yeah, the nice track at no.2 is decent. Shame the rest of the albums is new romantic obscura.
Just yes, yes, yes. I hadn't really listened to The The loads, apart from a little spate after reading Jonny Marr's autobiography and getting his glowing review of yer man from The The. Anyway, I'm going to listen to them loads now, because this was absolutely great.
Not bad, may came back to it. May not ...
Great album and a good vibe to have in the background.
Surprised at how I found myself enjoying this despite it being very cheesy. Much better than the other The The album I've had.
It’s a generally nice time without wowing me. Uncertain Smile is my pick of the bunch. I like the synths.
Fantastic! My personal tastes would have chosen Mind Bomb. But this album is a great peek of what's to come. The The is really something special
Soul Mining is the debut album by the The, originally released in 1983. Some pretty straightforward post-punk/electronic pop. Definitely leaning more in the pop direction than punk direction. The production is too smooth, as many 80s albums fell victim to. Heavy on the synths, heavy on the casio drums. Not extremely impressive compared to the massive amount of post punk stuff on this list.
Totally unremarkable
ehh not feeling it. Weird brit moment.
Can't decide what's better, the music or the name of the band
3.5/5
I enjoyed this record a lot. Favorite track: Uncertain Smile. That piano solo was killer
Experimental and fun. The words are the best bit.
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.
Pretty good.
Lemppari: This Is the Day Vähiten lemppari: I've been waiting for tomorrow
Where the the vocals end the real enjoyment begins. It took a few songs to get past the 80s tropes, but when “Uncertain Smile” turned into a piano jam session, I was drawn in.
v successful collaboration between Shining Sparkling new wave and utterly caustic acidity. every track is rly great and surprisingly distinct on first listen for me, it usually takes me a bit more familiarity to pick tracks apart cuz new stimulus is overwhelming and scary. last track in particular is one of the coolest new discoveries ive made in this project...rly hypnotic and spiraling. matt johnson's commanding voice is one of the most impressively corrosive ive heard because somehow it doesnt feel at all like he's Doing A Bit, just feels like all the darkness in his soul is spilling out his mouth on top of these fun flashy rhythmic rants
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
it scratches my brain good
Hell yeah
ja, soweit ganz nett
Like it a lot. Defitnetly want to listen more
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
Blinky blonky 80s nonsense.
I thought I would like the album after the first track, but it just got less interesting after that point
Busy
I have a soft spot for 80’s music. This was solid.
2.5 Mostly a 2 with poor lyrics. Last two tracks bumped it.
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
Very arty new wave/pop album. Not bad, but not something I really want to sit down and listen to.
I came to this album via Infected, which is a more polished album. The drum machine still grates a bit but the album itself stands up really well. Very much enjoyed going back to this.
Pretty enjoyable. I'd say it's not really quite a 4 but 3 feels too low to give it that score.
Not terrible, just not for me.
Way different and way cooler than I was expecting! Interesting and effective blend of organic Americana instruments/sounds with more standard British new wave and synthpop. I underestimated these guys! Excited to return to this and see if I go higher with my score. 3.5/5
Not terrible Bit samey But nice music And the guy sounds a bit like David Bowie lol
It was good, I liked it!
Meh, inoffensive.
A very emblematic album for this genre with a couple of absolute gems.
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.
Couple of decent tunes on this, but not enough for me to be truly excited by it. It was ok though, wouldn’t complain if it came on rotation but not sure I’d ever rush to it.
I'm sure it was good at the time and it's well done. Only two stars from me because it's one of those albums I would never find a reason for playing again.
🤷♂️
A little bit out there at times but overall decent music
Not at all what I was expecting, having never listened The The but having vaguely categorised them as "post-punk" in my mind. I suppose that speaks to how amorphous that term is. The piano on Uncertain Smile and the percussion (and chanting) on Giant are the standouts.
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??)
Introspective and goofy, I really liked it. It hits on a personal level with some of the themes explored. A couple songs can be a bit tedious and that's keeping it from being a 5.
better than a lot of the new wave/post punk on this list, lots of interesting and varied sounds, but also a very good example of what i call 'post punk voice' (guy who mostly can't sing and instead puts on a flat affectation as if he's the second coming of ian curtis)
While I love 80s music, I seriously can’t get over the breathy, monotone vocals of this guy. The background music is interesting but ultimately repetitive.
Meh
Mér finnst þessi skemmtilegri en Infected. This is the day og Uncertain smile eru skemmtileg, Giant í lokin nær góðum dróneffect og röddin hans Johnsons nær betur til mín hérna. Alveg svoldið töff og hresst, en ég toga þetta kannski ekki alla leið upp í fjarka.
Pretty good
Kind of boring at times but pleasant to listen to at work. Low 4.
Eh
Made me feel cool
6/10 - It was alright. I liked this is the day and after hearing it in music league I liked it more. The rest of the songs were decent but not great. Overall pretty chill nothing crazy.
A couple good songs. The rest was pretty boring
Well this album surprised me. I thought The The were a completely different genre to what I was presented with and as a result have never listened to them before. Turns out they are pretty good and this album is very enjoyable.
Okay. At first I thought, what a bunch of in garage playing, vape smoking, hummus eating, indie movie watching middle class uni student watered down bullcrap is this, what kind of deluded idiots would listen to this? But as the album went on I realised it’s me, I’m idiots. Surprising but still nothing new.
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.
Weird band for me. I can't really make heads or tails of them, but this album was definitely better than Infected. With that said, it was fine but will never be a favorite.
An unremarkable album carried by an unremarkable overplayed single
The.
It was fine. Seemed a little restrained and I found my attention waning at times, but some nice moments.
a pretty solid new wave album. i had always seen this band's name in the cd racks at my local music store but never really gave them a thought beyond, "oh that's an amusing band name." I did enjoy what I heard here, although I felt like nothing here was super remarkable. not that there wasn't quality here, it just did not leave a huge impression on me. good, not great.
Too experimental. 1/5
Enjoyed this one quite a lot, fun to find out where that one song came from
Funsies
The The's break thru album...and they just get better from here!
Great album! I loved the Uncertain Smile track. That piano solo was amazing. I also really enjoyed (the whole album, but:) This is the Day. Wonderful album!
An over hyped band who don’t quite reach the heights we were promised. If they belong on such a list, it’s the album with Beat (en) generation. This is for the fans. Not for the masses. They’re not a bad band at all. Kind of the smiths but without the energy that the smiths had. Not bad. But not essential.
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.
Every time I hear Matt Johnson’s voice, I always think to myself, Why does this guy sound so much like Lloyd Cole? But of course, this album came out the year before I first heard Cole, so shouldn’t it be the other way around? I guess I ignored this record when it was released, so really I’m listening to it for the first time. I didn’t take much notice of the lyrics, but musically it’s extremely interesting. And when you hear how Johnson grew up above his father’s pub & he & his brother would sneak downstairs when the pub was closed & play around with whatever musical instruments were left lying around on the stage, you begin to understand why this record just overflows with such a variety of sounds. And good players too. From Zeke Manyika’s drumming on the opening track to Jools Hilland’s terrific piano on Uncertain Smile, Wix’s accordian on This Is The Day, Thomas Leer’s synths on The Twilight Hour & New York Dolls’ David Johansen’s harmonica on Perfect. And, of course, Johnson’s involvement is all over it.
I was 16 when the The released 'Infected', and its brand of angsty industrial-lite pop really clicked for me. I liked the sound, and the lyrics were the right brand of serious to seem deep and profound. With the benefit of hindsight, it borders on pretentious miserabilism. And really, this album is not much different, except released a few years earlier. Even though it is more of the same, it never clicked for me. It's OK. You can hum the tunes, it's got a beat, the lyrics aren't dumb. The sound is kind of dated, but not so 80s as to be unlistenable. I don't really like Matt Johnson's voice that much. And the songs just don't stick in my head. Everyone raves about Jules Holland's piano solo at the end of Uncertain Smile, but it's just OK, you know? That really sums this whole album up for me. It's just OK, you know?
Good. Really good. I looked the touch of industrial in this.
Synth usually makes me cringe, but this isn't quite like the 80s Brit-pop synth so I hung around. The use here seems self-consciously investigative. Like the vocals and the accordion. Since when is there a wild piano solo in an 80s song from England? I'm not hooked, but I'm listening.
good. funky.
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.
I liked and was disinterested in this in equal parts. More than anything, I realized that I've always confused The The with Was Not Was.
I enjoyed this, though I admit I couldn't give it an especially close listen. This kind of music is really not my bag, with the drum machines and 80s production, but the songwriting was pretty great, and I enjoyed his singing. My daughter loves this album and gives it 5 stars.
I resisted this band back in the 80s simply because I disliked the band name. Happy to hear this today. I still get The The, Echo & They Bunnymen, and Psychedelic Furs mixed up.
It was fine, but not something I’d revisit.
Meh. Better than I remembered.
It’s pretty good. It’s The Talking Heads’, Simple Minds’s and New Order’s little brother aspiring to achieve the same quality, but not quite there yet. Do I also hear some Bowie hiding?
Although good in parts, particularly the piano solo by Jools halfway through, there were also some self-indulgent bits, and the 80s synth sound hasn't aged well.
Well, this was relatively strange, huh? Ahead of its time in some ways, this album has a sound to it that would blend right in with 80s pop radio, but those bits and pieces underneath the surface would surely cause the casual listener to question what they were listening to. The synths here can be bloopy and goofy, just like any 80s pop album, but when it wants to get it in to high gear, it will. Helping things is Matt Johnson's oddly seductive voice that seems to go all over the track, messing with your sense of security. As if the whole album is a collection of 80s pop tunes from a slightly different, but more devious dimension. I think I'm a fan? I like whatever Johnson's got going on in the vocal department, it just felt like the album took a second to kick it into gear, and with each track being pretty hefty, you can find your opinions going all over the place within the span of one track. I think that's the message at play here, which is breaking out of your comfort zone, and this certainly would be a good stepping stone for that. I liked it, but it'll take more time in the oven before I truly have a takeaway from it, but if you love 80s new wave synth-pop, and you haven't heard this yet, give it a whirl. It may just be the thing for you.
Schysst album. Fast Poesie Noires cover på Uncertain smile är bättre.
So so. 3
What makes this special?
This is great. A really nice blend of pop music. 4
classic
This is very stereotypical 80s pop. Low bassy vocals, synths. It doesn’t excite me at all 4.6/10
Хорошо, спокойная музыка
The The's Soul Mining is undoubtedly a significant album in the post-punk landscape. Matt Johnson's raw vocals and the band's experimental blend of synth-pop and new wave create a distinctive sound. Tracks like "This Is The Day" and "Uncertain Smile" showcase their ability to craft catchy melodies with introspective lyrics. However, while the album offers moments of brilliance, it also suffers from some inconsistency. The production can feel dated at times, and the overall sound lacks the polish of later The The releases. Additionally, the album's length can test the listener's patience. Overall, Soul Mining is a promising debut that hints at the greatness The The would later achieve. While it's a worthwhile listen for fans of the genre, it's not without its flaws.