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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Infected

The The

1986

Infected
Album Summary

Infected is the second studio album by English post-punk band the The, released on 17 November 1986 by Some Bizzare and Epic Records. The album produced four UK singles, including the band's best-selling single "Heartland," which reached #29 and spent 10 weeks on the chart, "Infected" (UK #48), "Slow Train to Dawn" (UK #64) and "Sweet Bird of Truth" (UK #55). Although Infected only peaked at #14 on the UK Albums Chart, it remained on the chart for 30 weeks, making it the The's most commercially successful album.

Wikipedia

Rating

2.92

Votes

14112

Genres

  • New Wave
  • Post Punk

Reviews

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Feb 24 2021
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2

1986 brought us Topgun, Maradona's hand of God and Infected by The The. What clusterfuck of a year it was. I can't think of anything good associated with it. I was in a new romantic phase, getting into Eastenders and trying to avoid getting AIDS (unsuccessfully). Bad memories.

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Sep 23 2021
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2

It's kinda not good, right? Like... almost good... but then not. The The has managed to fill up an entire album with the kind of pseudo-intellectual, half-aware, social semi-conscious lyrics that make so much of 80s music super cringey. It's not good, fellas. It's just not good.

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Jul 05 2021
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5

Really good. Great mix of funk, new wave/post punk with great Thatcher era lyrics. The use of horns within this post punk format gives the music a more optimistic sounding feel as opposed to other British post punk artists despite the lyrics that reflect economic and global strife.

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May 22 2021
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1

This is pretty tedious. I imagine it must have found its way onto the list through the compiler's personal nostalgia. Someone forgot to tell this band they were just a below average 80s band. Utterly disposable.

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Sep 26 2021
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1

1.9 - Ugly as an anal wart. That album cover perfectly represents the bile within. Ever wonder what it would sound like to take INXS but have it fronted by George Thorogood, and inflect it all with a heavy dose of Broadway jazz? Fuck I hated this.

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Jan 05 2023
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5

I’ve loved The The since forever. Not one dud song! I cannot actually sit still when this plays, because the music inhabits my whole body. I just want to sing and move to every tune. Matt Johnson manages to mix high octane danceable songs with searing political comment and the frailty of the human condition. Sadly, and maddeningly, the themes of despair still resonate nearly 40 years later. The brass arrangements add excitement and drama. Neneh Cherry’s voice on Slow Train to Dawn is just beautiful. Magnificent! I saw them on tour back when Johnny Marr was the guitarist. Great days! I just want go back and put it all on repeat now!

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May 04 2021
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4

This was weird in the best of ways. I liked this a lot.

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Aug 21 2024
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5

Reading previous reviews, I see a lot of people not getting this record at all. I presume they did not live in early 1980s UK. Upbeat jazzy pop accompany bleak lyrics of alienation, political, social, and personal. Which, apparently, I can still remember.

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Jul 07 2024
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5

Great pop album with diverse musical styles. Not the happiest lyrics. Excellent contribution of Neneh Cherry on Slow Train to Dawn

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Aug 07 2021
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5

fucking spooky dude. I loved this, everything I wanted, just hit all the right spots. really incredible production and powerful techno beats. pretty awesome x

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May 28 2021
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5

Excellent. Diversity of instruments used also helps to keep tracks fresh and distinct.

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Jul 21 2022
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5

Opening track is a banger, this was a great listen, exactly what I wanted from this

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Mar 04 2022
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5

Never heard of the The! This guy seems to have had a really interesting life though. I did a bit of research because the lyrics really interested me and I think the messages in the songs in this album are very meaningful. I love the poetry and activism of this album. Aside from the words these tunes are lovely! This is a type of new wave and post-punk I can really get behind. The sounds are gorg and the tracks make me feel good. They're interesting, layered and inventive. I really like the fact that he just works with loads of different musicians, all the vocals are great but I just realised Neneh Cherry is on here and now I know why I love it haha. A great discovery for me!

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Nov 21 2021
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5

This was an unexpected banger. Heard of The the, but had no idea what they sounded like. Really enjoyed it.

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Sep 20 2024
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5

My staple diet for 1986. Played to death. Still love it

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Sep 10 2024
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5

Aww shit! Memory motherfucking lane again. Caught them at CBGB’s with Johnny Marr, back around ‘94. We snuck backstage so a friend could give Matt a letter. He was the nicest, kindest, sweetest man to her. Was truly human and decent. Absolutely had a positive effect on her. Matt Johnson is more fabulous than he has any right to be. Love this band, love this record as much as their others. 5/5

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Jun 28 2024
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5

I’m listening to this album a day late. The big debate was last night and it was a disaster. This album feels so prescient.

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Jun 30 2022
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3

This is post-punk? I guess I always view that as a little edgier or darker. This album is some blend of that, new wave, and new pop. I can totally hear where later UK artists like Teenage Fanclub, the Mock Turtles, Primal Scream, Northside, The Alarm, or Dramarama (from the US actually) came from. If you don't know what I mean, go look at the transition from 80's varied rock to 90's alternative rock - particularly what was going on in the UK before the summer/fall of 1991 and Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, etc. changed everything. I don't mind their sound, but do I love it? Like most of this genre, it feels like it's trying too hard (to steal a line from track two). Some good lyrics but the musical backing feels a bit over the top (piano too loud, backing instruments or synth too prominent) or the vocals straining when it's not needed (as if to say listen to me!). Both their biggest singles (Infected, Heartland) are good examples of that. Like all the other bands from this genre, one song or two feels a bit refreshing but a whole slew of them (like an album's worth) gets to be a bit much.

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May 16 2022
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3

I recall hearing the band name The The, but I really didn’t know what to expect. As the first track started, I thought that it sounded like some solid 80s rock and that it would be a fun album. But then, I lost my enthusiasm and it started to all sound just kind of “meh” to me.

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Nov 26 2021
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1

Funk funkless, grooves grooveless, vocals occasionally amusing.

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Mar 21 2025
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5

I think this is slightly better than Soul Mining. Super 80s sounding but still kinda it's own thing underneath it. I was surprised at how many bangers are on here

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Mar 20 2025
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5

KINDA WAS LIKE LISTENING TO THE MONSTER MASH IN THE BEST WAY, I LOVED IT LOL

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Mar 19 2025
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5

My favorite of theirs. Great music and lyrics.

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Mar 16 2025
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5

This was a fantastic album and loved the varied musical sound scape, almost felt like an extra musical. Never heard of them before and became a big fan of this album.

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Feb 20 2025
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5

This is a weird one for me. This wasn't the type of music I listened to back then. The release date of this album is the same week I got my drivers license, so that brought the nostalgia trip. But my bunny died yesterday, so I listened to this album while blubbering in my kitchen this morning. I listened through twice but I had Look On Down From The Bridge by Mazzy Star running through my head the whole time.

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Jun 20 2024
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5

From the off this is not what I expected. way more glam than I thought there would be, and it's definitely for the best! honestly a riveting listen

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Jun 17 2024
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5

Five stars straight through, and check out the 12" mix of Sweet Bird of Truth which is way superior to the album cut. Looking forward to Scraping Foetus off the Wheel appearing shortly on this list...

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May 29 2024
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5

Sleeper hit, I never heard of these guys before. Giving it 5 because of the pleasant surprise considering the boring name

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May 24 2024
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5

I've heard of this band before, mainly as a punchline due to the name, but never actually listened to anything by them. The album artwork didn't inspire much confidence either. I put it on in the background while I did other things but by track 3 I had stopped what I was doing as the music had my full attention.

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May 22 2024
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5

a distinct and very synthy rock album that while very much sounding like from the time, has a fresh and creative energy i've never ever heard, plus really romantic, almost poetic and... kinda astonishing religious references. this one's a diamond in the vast rough of lesser known 80s alt bands. it's very... dare i say, infectious.

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Apr 15 2024
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5

I love this - it's just the right balance of innovation and cheese. A vision fully realised

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Apr 10 2024
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5

Ammost anything Matt Johnson touched turned into to gold. My favorites are Soul Mining and Dusk, this also 5 stars.

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Jan 31 2024
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5

I owned this on cassette when it first came our and enjoyed but thought it was a little over the top, which it was when compared to Soul Mining. Upon listening again I find it to be very good start to finish. Each song is uniquely strong and it holds up well musically and thematically. I like hearing how Matt Johnson wraps different musical styles around his serious themes. The music is fun and varied, definitely of its era but transcends the period.

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Dec 17 2023
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5

I am so glad I got this. I absolutely adore soul mining, but I haven't listened to much else of The The, so I was looking forward to this and was not disappointed. This album is a perfect portrayal of angst in all its forms, from songs about the hopelessness of the modern world to the difficulties of opening up to another person. Everything from the lyrics to the stilted, powerful vocals, and the bizarre assortment of instruments fit together perfectly to paint such a wonderfully detailed emotional picture. Not quite as good as Soul Mining, but this is still absolutely a five star album! 5/5

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Nov 30 2023
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5

Surprisingly 80's sounding album. Lots of horns. Could hear the post punk coming in on some songs like "The Mercy Beat."

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Nov 23 2023
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5

I couldn't grasp why this music is so appealing to me, but then I saw how some critic described it as "collision between Soft Cell and Tom Waits" and I suppose I just couldn't not be mesmerised

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Nov 23 2023
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5

Yeah, after absolutely not too much hours with "Soul Mining" I might be fanboy of The The. At first listen this album seemd to be a little bit worse than their debut but after second listening I think that they are just a bit different. Magnetic main vocalist, great rythm, bass and percussion are still present. I would say that whole atmosphere is quite similair to previous album. Neneh Cherry and backing vocals are making great job too.

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Nov 12 2023
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5

Sounds incredible. Awesome lyrics. Gonna have to look into some more of this band's stuff. Reminds me a lot of Oingo Boingo, one of my favorite bands, but with a bit harsher sound to it

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Nov 01 2023
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5

Oh my god I love The The. (I'm biased one of my favorite songs of all time is by them.) I LOVE THE VOCALS. I'm an 80's girly for real. Every song was making me sway in my chair WHILE doing homework so speaks for itself.

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Oct 04 2023
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5

A great album with so many great songs. My favourite song from the album is "Heartland" and I remember watching the video for this on MTV in the 1980s, but I also really like the title track "Infected".

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Sep 14 2023
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5

Love this album. Amazing (or not) how a lot of the political commentary is still relevant today.

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Sep 08 2023
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5

Another shining example of 80's sounds and production done right from The The, this time with less cheese and more brooding.

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Aug 31 2023
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5

"Sweet Bird of Truth" is one of the best songs ever written. Several tunes on this record are absolute bangers. Criminally underrated, The The is one of the most important bands of their era. Check out the "Mind Bomb" album if you haven't already. You're welcome. (Glad to see "Soul Mining" already in the 1001.)

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Aug 30 2023
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5

High energy and pretty cool, thought that would be it as first few songs are more pop than post punk but songs are consistently engaging different and cool. Great discovery 5

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Jul 20 2023
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5

This is actually an awesome album

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Jun 07 2023
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5

My second The The album so far and really enjoyed it. The blend of genres and interesting sounds are great Saved tracks: Infected, Heartland, Angels Of Deception, Twilight Of A Champion, The Mercy Beat, Sweet Bird Of Truth

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May 26 2023
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5

Now you're onto my taste! Still with the synths hanging over from previous Soul Mining album, but with addition of real full band instrumentation and excellent backing vocals from guests like Neneh Cherry and Tessa Niles. Matt Johnson’s musings are still overly bleak and introspective, but now include wider world view subject matter. Magnificent.

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May 08 2023
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5

Sometimes The The reminds me of They Might Be Giants. Sometimes The The reminds of me Oingo Boingo. Either way, I win! This was such a great little album.

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Feb 26 2023
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5

I had this album as a kid and know every sound on it, which must mean it's a five star. A complete album in every sense - story telling, beautiful production and some excellent songs. If you get a chance, see the film that accompanied it.

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Sep 28 2022
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5

What a delightful surprise! 80s is generally not my genre but The The is distinct.

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May 16 2022
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5

One of my very favorite songs in college was "This is the Day" by the The (from their previous album), but I had not followed up to hear more of them, and that song went off my radar along with its mixtape. I totally would have loved this album. The more I have listened to it, the more I have liked it. Good sound, interesting lyrics. As this album came out with a video compilation for each song, I was intrigued and watched them all. Some crazy stuff! Love it.

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May 16 2022
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5

I don’t recall ever hearing this group but I really enjoyed this! Sort of an edgier Simple Minds-ish 80s vibe going on that I really like. Homeland is a fantastic song. Others that stood out immediately were Infection, Angels of Deception, Sweet Bird of Truth, and The Mercy Beat. Great stuff!

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Apr 24 2022
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5

80s but somehow sounds modern as well. Songs and lyrics both well crafted. Great bass playing, really interesting musically.

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Mar 31 2022
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5

An old favourite. Wild-eyed apocalyptic visions of an England falling to pieces and the corrupting souls that live there. Overwrought and as subtle as a brick to the back of the skull. But the rage gives the album urgency and verve. At the end, as Johnson goes full Hank Williams and challenges the devil to a knife fight, your heart is pumping as hard as his.

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Jun 24 2021
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5

-Way better than Public Image Ltd., The other album I've listened to that I know is post-punk -Promtped immediate re-listen -Lots of good jamming

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Mar 13 2025
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4

Solid listen, not as memorable as their debut (also on this list), but overall enjoyable and probably worth revisiting.

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Feb 26 2025
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4

Well that was an experience. This is not an album you can have on in the background, you kinda need to sit down and pay attention to it. Which I don’t often do. The making of the album film sounds batshit and I need to find it.

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Feb 26 2021
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4

I like this a lot. Wish i had found it many years ago. i will investigate TheThe further.

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Jul 26 2024
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2

So I found The The’s “Infected” album, to be standard fare for the mid-80’s British pop… Think I’ve seen that they considered themselves “post-punk” – okay, still sounds pretty poppish to me… Nothing really exceptional here – though nothing really sucked either, so just kinda there for me… Certainly didn’t so a deep dive on the lyrics, but those that caught my attention weren’t anything consequential to be honest… Best songs IMO were “Heartland” & “Slow Train To Dawn” – as both were catchy and fairly well-done… Seemed like an average British pop album for 1985, so not sure what it’s doing on the 1,001, but okay… Solid 2 for me…

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Sep 28 2022
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1

If I was a teenager in the 80s and I found this cassette tape in a friend’s Walkman, I’d stage an intervention. 1 star out of five. Now pack it in with your shite.

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Feb 23 2025
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5

Always. Complicated and deep or humorous. Human foibles. Glad to revisit this.

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Dec 25 2024
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5

I The the, the.. uh… deh, heh, the cosa? The Trammps? The Kinks? The Beatles? De André? The Fratellis? The Black Keys? De’ Medici? The Black Album? The Pink Floyd? The Diary of Jane? The Wall? Del Samurai (il suicidio)? Who knows, man, who knows…

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Apr 11 2024
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5

Dit is waarvoor ik de 1001 albums ding ben begonnen, juist om dit soort albums te ontdekken Wat een geluid, ik ben verliefd Al vanaf het 1e nummer en intro Kende de naam van The The wel al, had het alleen nog nooit geluisterd Heb een nieuwe band ontdekt die ik binnenstebuiten ga keren

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Feb 15 2024
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5

малхолланд-драйв. меня выгнали из какой-то квартиры, у меня рюкзак с вещами и бутылка какого-то крепкого и дешевого алкоголя. я брожу по улицам, дохожу до набережной и сижу там. и мне все еще хорошо.

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Jun 19 2023
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5

ооооочень классный и живой альбомчик!!!!!!!!!!

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Mar 30 2025
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4

A record one loved back in the day and still find to be pretty excellent. “Infected” starts a little too dancey. “Heartland” and “Angels of Deception” and “Sweet Bird of Truth” are the highlights, but really every cut is strong. As a whole, the record is credible and persuasive as a document of modern angst and alienation, and it's not embarrassing or misguided as political commentary either – as such, it brings to mind The Clash. Musically, one doesn’t like quite as much as Soul Mining, because this seems darker, angrier (if righteously so) and less tuneful overall; the synths and drum machines are too aggressive and hard-edged (but the backing vocals are a nice touch). And merits a B grade given its full-on commitment and several solid-to-solid-plus cuts.

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Feb 21 2025
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4

Day412 - is it new wave?industrial? it’s weird and all over the place. i like it

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Feb 09 2025
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4

Maybe there is something to working solo, until needing to bring in musicians. Full sound, catchy, and interesting.

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Feb 09 2025
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4

It took a couple of listens to get into this.

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Jan 15 2025
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4

was kinda fun to listen to (goes well as shower music)

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Jan 04 2025
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4

Pretty cool. The Mercy Beat is a weird banger.

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Jan 01 2025
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4

Actually.... enjoyed it? I think? Same annoying ass band that dod that annoying ass this is the day song? What?

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Dec 27 2024
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4

Best: the mercy beat, infected Worst: twilight of a champion Liked songs: 75%, 6/8 Mid 4 Fun erasure-adjacent new wave, but less weird vocal and more instrumentals which is always good. Saxophone is especially good in the instrumentals, and would've loved a song of just pure instrumental. Last minute of the songs really do be clutching. Also very hype album cover

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Dec 23 2024
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4

Best songs: Infected, Slow Train to Dawn, The Mercy Beat

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Dec 23 2024
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4

Interesting. I don't know what I expected going in, but it wasn't this. I know of the band and the fact that Johnny Marr was in it later one, so perhaps I was expecting more jangly guitars, but what I got was super cool, so I'm not disappointed haha.

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Dec 17 2024
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4

I get some vaguely if-Pink-Floyd-was-a-new-wave band vibes. It’s dark and edgy and heavy. “Angels of Deception” is one's favorite cut, from a record one spent a lot of time with in the late '80s. Not as good as Soul Mining, but still substantive, interesting, well unified and very much worth knowing.

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Dec 12 2024
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4

I don't recall hearing this album before. Really enjoyed this album. "Post-punk" comes in many flavors but this is the kind I really like. It's edgy but melodic with some sharp lyrics. "See I didn't want to be with any people I know. But god knows, I didn't want to be alone."

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Dec 12 2024
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4

Just right. This hit the spot for me.

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Dec 02 2024
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4

The the - the band that kept on giving - a great experience all the way through

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Nov 26 2024
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4

Very good! Hidden gem and would rate 4.5. Like to listen some more

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Nov 22 2024
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4

01) Infected - 7,5 02) Out of the Blue (Into the Fire) - 7,0 03) Heartland - 9,0 04) Angels of Deception - 7,5 05) Sweet Bird of Truth - 8,0 06) Slow Train to Dawn - 8,0 07) Twilight of a Champion - 7,0 08) The Mercy Beat - 7,5 TOTAL: 7,69 (77/100) Current ranking: 163/374 I'll be honest, based on the description and the album cover, I expected this to be another one star. However, to my surprise, completely decent and listenable songs started, some of which are even familiar to me (Heartland). In the end, it turned out to be a really good album and a really pleasant listen.

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Nov 21 2024
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4

I loved this one and would definitely listen to it again.

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