Reviews (page 2 of 7)
Great album .Total classic .
Absolutely love it. Still.
The first The The album I got into after someone in our sixth form loved it and always got to the cassette player before anyone else. It's a masterpiece. This, Soul mining, naked self and dusk are all brilliant. Hanky panky and mind bomb less so.
Rating: 4.5/5 Short Review: Dark, political, and sonically ambitious, this album blends post-punk with funk, soul, and electronic textures. It feels tense and confrontational, like a snapshot of a restless era. Favorite Track: Heartland. The groove is infectious, but the lyrics cut deep, capturing frustration and disillusionment with sharp clarity.
WHAT this is lowkenuinely the best 80's album i've ever heard it's just banger after banger
This album rocked! It scratched just the right itch. This was new wave/post punk with some spaced out elements to it. I listened to the half or so while I was on my treadmill and it was excellent for that. I’d totally listen to this again. Album 19, March 17, 2026 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Perfect album! I like it. Nice voice, nice music.
Infectious!
Easy 5 for me. Listened to this a lot over the years. Prescient lyrics. Underrated. I usually skip Twilight Of A Champion but can live with one duff track.
The first album I'm aware of that had videos to match all the tracks...well worth a look to see Neneh Cherry tied to train tracks, with a Matt Johnson piloted steam engine aimed towards her. This was a significant step in my musical education. I was probably thinking Big Country were the best music had to offer at this point. This album proved me wrong. Matt is an incredible lyricist, especially how he describes broken Britain on Heartland and his description of sex on Out of The Blue. It's slightly more dated sounding than even it's precursor and I think Dusk is even better but still enough for top marks
While their debut might be more well known, this is a pretty good album as well. 4.5 bumped up to 5.
I’m at a 5. I’ve heard of The The before this, but I didn’t realize they they were a post-punk band, let alone that they were this this good. I think the whole album is pretty well sung & pretty well-written, with a lot of eerily relevant lyricism on some of its more politically-driven tracks (namely “Heartland” & “Sweet Bird of Truth”), but the instrumentals sell the album a lot. I’m not sure what the hell “post-punk” is anymore, because to me, this just sounded like a traditional ‘80s album with a little more of an aggressive lean to the guitar. That’s not a complaint either; I love the way this album sounds. Lots of heavier deep bass, a good mix of the gated reverb / pre-programmed drums, some fun synth work (making for effective walls of sound with much more clarity than the 60s/70s), and as a whole, the entire album sounds really good. If there’s one small issue I have, it’s that the pacing of each track itself is a little stretched out for time – a lot of these hang onto bridges, refrains, or instrumental breaks for too long, and each track could’ve easily shaved around 30 seconds to a minute if they had just hung on a little less. It is noticeable in the moment, but the impacts coming out of those breaks sort of wash it away, since they know how to push the energy right back up. Other than the length, I really don’t have any complaints about the tracks themselves. I think “Infected” is a stellar opener that sets the tone really nicely the rest of the way, & the album never fails to keep close to that energy. It does start to go down just a little more by “Twilight of a Champion”, but not by that much. Ultimately, I just enjoyed it, and I really don’t understand the 2.92 on the site. This album’s most egregious sin might just be sounding too quintessentially ‘80s, and if that ‘80s soundscape is a turnoff… then yeah, I guess the floor here is a 3, but I feel like the average should be a little higher. For me, I’m at a 5; it’s 41 minutes that should probably be closer to 36 or 37, but they still knock it out of the park here. I’m pretty impressed, and I’m ready to get the the other The The album on the the list. Great stuff.
This album was such a fun and groovy listen. For a synth driven new wave album, it showcases a diverse range of styles. Some tracks have hints of pre grunge and late ’80s college indie rock influences, blended with new wave, while others lean heavily into soulful and funk vibes, bringing out an infectious groove. Overall, this album is a fun and groovy, and I can imagine it felt pretty edgy and groundbreaking when it first came out.
need to remember more often that i fucking love post-punk <3
Never heard of them but I really enjoyed their funk infused post punk sound. Now I need this record to play it loud!
Bello, ci sta una tromba ad un certo punto. Sicuro da avere.
Fucking loved this, every track was totally my jam, very unique yet bloody awesome
This album is honestly great. It gives big Prince/Billy Idol meet musical theater vibes
This is insane! I loved it for the first note till the last! Some highlights were “Heartland”, “Infected”, “Angels of Deception”, “Sweet Bird of Truth”, “Slow Train to Dawn” … actually every song was exceptional! It reminds me a lot of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” especially the vocals and the mood of the album. I’m adding the whole album!
I know I'm in a minority, but I'll stand by the position that this is one of the very greatest records of the 80s (and thanks to the amazing production, it still sounds fantastic today). Lyrically astute, musically brilliant, politically engaged and endlessly relevant, deeply cynical and loads of fun.
What a great album, especially how hard it was to make good-sounding albums in 1986... how did I not know The The?? 4.6
With a band name like “The The,” I was expecting a 2000s indie rock album from some pretentious artists thinking they were funny. Perhaps my rating is over-inflated by how pleasantly surprised I am, but it was not at all what I was expecting. Very fun. Prince-esque.
This was super cool and very a propos on halloween weekend!
Oooh! Some new sound. Loved it.
Flexi Sound
Wow, wasn't expecting to like this so much Funky and nice bass
++: Infected, Out of the Blue (Into the Fire), Heartland, Angels of Deception, Slow Train to Dawn, Twilight of a Champion, The Mercy Beat +: Sweet Bird of Truth 9,1/10
Leuk!
loved it.
Greatness!!
If Midnight Oil, My Chemical Romance and David Bowie had a baby. What a great, weird album. It's going into the rotation.
Really enjoyed this, great tunes, thx!
Really, really enjoyed this. Definitely will explore this group’s discography more.
Never heard of The The before but this album was great. A must listen.
I've fallen behind again. Last trip of the summer where I plan to be unavailable on a weekday though! Probably only have time for one listen this time. Update: scratch that. this is a barrel of monkeys I'm definitely giving a second listen. Listening notes: -Infected is such a strong start for this album! Poppy vibes with a sort of off-kilter vocal arrangement. On a second listen, I appreciate starting such a varied album with something that feels conventional and yet hints at the genre-exploration ahead. -Out of the Blue--Didn't listen close on the first time. I don't think I'm crazy about this. -Heartland--I'm just loving this jazzy, minor-key(?) vibe. Don't really have a response to this being the 51st state of the USA, but it made me chuckle a little. Until I realized that part of being the USA is cutting the welfare state :( -Angels of Deception. What a fun ending! -Slow Train to Dawn--Any song with -The climbing up and down "piano" scales (I don't have a vocabulary for music criticism) around a minute in just totally captured it for me. -The Mercy beat has a really nice driving beat, but it was kind of annoying. My only miss for the album. Review: I'm feeling generous and I think I'm going to overlook being a little bored on The Mercy Beat and finding Out of the Blue a little bit of a dud. Everything feels fresh and fun. The set of keys is really neat. There's a sort of mysterious tone that I'm loving. The sort of dangerous alluring tone to the music is a lot of fun. Musically compelling AND made me want to dance. Crushin' it. 4.5 stars: Harmonica, Brass, and Organ give them the round up. If more artists incorporate saxes like this and organs like that, and strings and what not. Just such an expansive vision.
Reading some of the reviews, I think this might be one of those albums that you had to be there... This album is the product of 80s and the bleakness of Thatcher's Britain for many. It paints amazing vivid pictures and creates such a claustrophobic vibe. It's intense, and wouldn't have it any other way. Probably in my top 10 albums of all time.
Fantastic post-punk album!
Jeg er vil med det her underlige stykke The The. Nu gør jeg noget ved det, og tager et dybt dyk ned i deres diskografi!
First album I’ve considered actually putting on my playlist
Always. Complicated and deep or humorous. Human foibles. Glad to revisit this.
Non lo so, va bene 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…
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
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.
ооооочень классный и живой альбомчик!!!!!!!!!!
I quite enjoyed this and looking forward to the next album. It certainly got better with the second listen so here's to more.
oh dayum wait this is fire.
I’m surprised, I actually really like this album a lot. I listens to the other the other day, it was OK. I enjoyed post punk kind of stuff.
Super weird and fun to listen to, enjoyed it quite a bit.
I was at a friends house back in 1989 when Mind Bomb was released. I was immediately a fan. I bought three The The CDs (Soul Mining, Infected and Mind Bomb). Infected really didn't do much for me for several years. It didn't give me the same vibe as Mind Bomb. It was after no hearing it for years, that I picked it up and started listening to it. It was then, that I realized it was good. Really Good. I still have a special place in my heart for Mind Bomb, but this is a near classic. 4/5
Well, I adored their previous album. I really didn’t expect to like this, but fuck, these guys are just incapable of missing. Hell! They made the phrase “infect me with your love” sound cool! How the fuck do you do that? Matt Johnson’s vocals are once again incredible, with that rough, gritty texture and incredible passion (the way he sings “I was trying so hard to BE myself I was turning into SOMEBODY ELSE”), and it turns these otherwise pretty boring pop tunes into something truly special, in a way only this band could. Songs like “Out Of The Blue (Into The Fire)” and the title track are especially good. It’s not on the same level as the debut, and it’s not perfect, but damn if it isn’t good. 8.4/10
for some reason i thought The The were stodgy old dad rock but this kind of completely ruled??????? omg>>>???
Delightfully weird and very 80's. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Had a lot of fun listening to this one. Felt generally upbeat and exciting, didn't wear out its welcome.
Enjoyed this more than I thought
muy bueno, me re gustó este también (a ella le encantaban todos los álbumes) tiene ritmo, lindas letras y es muy cool
fun stuff! a few tracks got a little too uh, tumblr fan-edit core? AMV-core? i cant describe it or list common traits but i feel it when i feel it. still great tho
A good album, I liked Infected, Angels of Deception and Slow Train to Dawn the most.
Had zero idea what to expect here and this was weird, over the top, and exceedingly well done.
I usually get a bit tired from 80s production and think it sounds a bit cheesy and annoying, but I think that The The does it absolutely right (from what I’ve heard so far; this album and its predecessor). Pretty different in sound from “Soul Mining”, but a great album again. I loved the feature of Neneh Cherry on this.
Really fun. Can't wait. Closer to a 3 than a 5.
I love the energy of it. I love how weird it is and that the front man lays it all out there.
I love this album but I'm only giving it 4 stars because (despite what my sister thinks) Soul Mining and NOT Infected is Matt Johnson's masterpiece and I'm skeptical they'll both be on the list here.
Don't just an album by its cover...I really was not looking forward to this one based on the cover but it really surprised. It sounded very much like early 90's rock (I know it was late 80s) and made a fun spunky feel. With the lyrics it was pulling in the punk vibes and moving into rock and the next era in music. On the surface it feels very blah pop rock of the time but the lyrics really are what pull it up to a higher rating. I wish Sweet Bird of Truth were easier to hear. Fav was Angels of Deception.
I didn't know what to expect from a band that chose the most common word in the English language as their name, but it would've felt on brand for them to make music that felt equally as uninspired. I was happy to find that was not the case! I really enjoyed the energy and vibe of this, and I especially liked Infected and Heartland. The other songs didn't grab me AS much, but they really bring the heat in every track, and it's anything but boring. I'm at a 3.5 but this is one I'll round up.
Infected — Fun guitar song Out of the Blue (Into the Fire) — went a lot less hard than the title suggested but it was also good Heartland — A very enjoyable song Angels of Deception — good songg! Sweet Bird of Truth — All of these songs have been a nice softer rock Slow Train to Dawn — already solid album and this is one of the better Twilight of a Champion — this one was alright too The Mercy Beat — Love the energy and the length, then the DONKSy vibes . the best of the album
abwechslungsreiche, melodiöse songs .. und auf Slow Train To Dawn hört man Neneh Cherry raus.
This really reminded me of Lemon Demon lol but I really enjoyed it!
Quite good, I liked the bleakness of it all
Favourite Songs: Infected Heartland Sweet Bird Of Truth
I enjoyed this record quite a bit. It sounds very 80’s post-punk.
Really high highs but really low lows Production is really great Almost similar to tonight by Bowie I like the women singer Maybe closer to 3.5 Favorites: heartland, title track
Fantastic record, love the mixture of cabaret, industrial sounds and plain pop. The Neneh Cherry-feature, “Slow Train To Dawn”, is a highlight.
Some of the more listenable weird 80s on this list
No idea who this is and with a name like “Infected” I was not expecting electro/pre-industrial. Oh wait. Infected is the album name. The band is “The The”. The art still feels punk. I like the first track. I know I heard about this group in the 80s. I wish I would have heard this then. I love the second track. This is really great
Well, definitely interesting. Hard to really put my finger where n it, but something annoyed me. Overall it’s still a good record.
la cover me terrifie mais l’album est cool comme quoi faut pas se fier aux apparences
I'm really into this vibe of 80’s rock. Yes, it may be slightly cheesy at points and the production is very polished, but the instrumental arrangements and vocals create a really enjoyable atmosphere & flow to the tracks. The blend of rock with funk and new wave music comes through really well and the songs are consistently catchy. A strong 8/10, soft 9/10 for me.
no conocia la banda y me gusto mucho las mezclas que tiene por lo menos este album no se lo demas, cortito 4 canciones muy buenas y otras 4 medio medio pero las 4 bueas me gustaron mucho una lezcla rara de rock con algo mas chill con notas electronicas mete de todo un poco buenos solos de guitarra megusto me gusto
Bordered on being too cheesy but overall enjoyable
I'd never heard of this group, but I really enjoyed it! The diversity of genres and instruments used kept me invested in the album the whole way through. I couldn' decide if the vocalist's style reminded me of Billy Idol, Arctic Monkeys, or even Bowie, which was a wild experience.
werid ass 80s pop. smth about this immersive idk what it is but i like it a lot
I enjoyed this album more than I thought I would.
Fun, I like weird 80s electric music. I really liked Angels of Deception (and out of the blue some too)
This album wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t really remarkable either.
Like Leonard cohen and midnight oil had a collab
Growing up in the Northwest of England in the 70s and 80s a lot of these lyrics strike a cord, maybe not the ones about a stuffed pig! Great album.
8/10 Loved this on the first listen through. Very much of its time, but it's got good songs that are angry and urgent, and still pertinent 40+ years later. Made me nostalgic, but not for the Britain we had (which was as grim as the songs describe), but for the music that was produced in reaction to it.
This was fantastic, upbeat and fun to listen to
Let’s talk about the production! My word, it hasn’t dated well; it practically screams 1980s. Matt Johnson truly went "all in" with the technology of the era, and the results are unapologetically maximalist. Of course, there is the gated reverb on the drums - present here in such abundance that Peter Gabriel has a lot to answer for! Then there are the textures of the Fairlight CMI, which drench the entire record in its digital sheen. It is undeniably a product of its time, and what a time the 80s were. While these sonic choices do, now, ultimately detract from the listening experience, the sheer quality of the song writing manages to fight its way through the lacquer. Johnson pulls off a clever trick here: lyrically, the themes are bleak, claustrophobic, and often depressing, yet the musical arrangements are frequently the opposite - bold and driving. Despite my aversion to the production choices, I still had to give "Slow Train to Dawn" a full five stars; it is as catchy as hell and features a great duet with Neneh Cherry. Perhaps a modern remix is in order to strip back some of that 1980s gloss - "Infected Naked"? Until then, the strength of the material ensures it remains a vital, if dated, album. Four stars. 1 "Infected" (4/5) 2 "Out of the Blue (Into the Fire)" (4/5) 3 "Heartland" (4/5) 4 "Angels of Deception" (3/5) 5 "Sweet Bird of Truth" (4/5) 6 "Slow Train to Dawn" (5/5) 7 "Twilight of a Champion" (3/5) 8 "The Mercy Beat" (3/5) Total - 30 Average - 3.75 257/1001 139/257 albums reviewed were new to me
Interessante, tracce molto introspettive, bel lyrics che rimane impresso, anche il sound mi è piaciuto
Bestämt tidstypiskt men bestämt starkt o catchy!
This was great
Weird and fun
This album was so interesting. It's pretty political too, which I appreciated since a lot of the lyrics still ring true today. It reminds me of a mix of crowded house, The Smiths, and Electric Light Orchestra. It's that 80s mix of extremely catchy and political. I think I need to read up on and listen to more of this band. Some of these songs sound really modern, like something I would hear today. Not sure if thats because of the return to 70s/80s music or what.
I have discovered that I like this band some. 4 stars or B+.
This album is getting far more hate on here than it deserves. I was expecting to really dislike this but honestly? It’s just some decent rock. A little bit ahead of its time in terms of sound for the 80s. I’d listen to this ten times over another repetitive Brit-pop album
76/100. Really strong production and songwriting on this. It’s a great post-punk record. Dark, punchy and well crafted.
Its like Billy Corgan but spookier and 80’s. Really hard to describe this other than gothic rock that really says a lot about society
I kinda really only know The The from the song "This is the Day" This is different to say the least, I do like it but I do have a bit of an 80s synth bias. I don't really think its necessary for most people to hear but its a decent deep cut for fans of the genre. I did really like "Out of the Blue (Into the Fire)" it was kinda grimey in a good way
Loved a couple tracks. Liked the others. Out Of The Blue was a fave. Arrangements are creative, singer(s) voices work so well in the theatrical tracks. But what is up with that album cover...looks like the football stadium crab creature is eating the city? ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just about everything Matt Johnson does is remarkably brilliant & poignant...this is no different.
The The mix up genres to generate a good range of tracks here. Hasn't dated from the 1980s. Wasn't familiar with this band beyond their 1983 single Uncertain Smile with the great Jools Holland outro. Should have stuck with them after that single - this 1986 album is very good.
As usual, The The produce some top drawer stuff on here, with great horns punching through the post punk sound. It's not an album with any particularly great highs, and I think it suffers a little in comparison with the other album I've had on the Proj by them (Soul Mining, a truly joyous thing to listen to). But it's still very good and lovely. The artwork, by the way, is horrible. Very off-putting.
It's almost musical-esk. The lead singer sounds like the Moana crab that sings Shiny. I like the music! It was very story telling
Preferred this to The earlier The The, maybe The backing vocals. Heartland excellent.
This album is not bad at all, from my perspective, at least when compared to many others in the genre, which is not my favourite. At least it held my interest, even if I wouldn't want to own it.
This is interesting. I like this. Ok what actually. It's just a guy talking. It's interesting I suppose. Yeah okay I'm into this. It's something. I can't say I've ever heard something like this actually. This is actually very interesting. It has a weirdness that I kinda expect from the 80s but it's also kinda sitcomesque idk it's weird. Wait I'm actually really into this one it took me a second but this is really bopping. I would def jam out to this bad boy on a Walkman. I like that it's sweet and short we don't need 2 hour albums we need quality albums this is really good. Yeah really into this. It reminds me of a little of Blue Oyster Cult actually. Favourite: Age Of Deception Least favourite: Twilight Of A Champion
Really liking this, big sound, big vision. Very reminiscent of Destroyer in voice and theatricality. Fun watching the videos for every song too. Heartland: "This is the 51st state of the USA" Thatcher's Britain in 1986 or Trump's Canada 2026?
A weird one to rate. This was completely different than what I was expecting and I was vibing the whole time, BUT I don't think I'd go out of my way to listen to it again.
Love the vibe, sound and nostalgia. 1. Infected 2. Out of the blue 3. Slow Train To Dawn
I liked this album. Don’t get the hate tbh.
At first I found this album annoying jarring, pretensious and painfully unenjoyable. As I listtened it grew on me and I came to appreciate it's clear, singular vision and the song structure and overall tone grew on me. In the end I respect this album and never want to hear it again.
This is a 3.5 for me. I think it is some solid 80's post-punk, tells a story, feels grand in its own way, but it doesn't completely rise to "essential listening" to me, even if you are a fan of 80's post-punk like I am. It's more of a "hidden gem" if anything.
3.5 - Good
This was a complete shock to me. This ‘80s post-punk psychedelic thing is normally not my jam, but I really, really loved the majority of this record. The opener is great, but I think the raw, almost indie-film cinematic quality of “Out of the Blue” really hooked me. And it doesn’t really stop at any point. I think the mix of post-punk, psychedelia, and heartland music all keep me on my toes always, and whenever I start to get bored of one style, The The add in another to keep it interesting. I also think these are just good songs: “Heartland,” Sweet Bird of Truth,” and “Slow Train to Dawn” all slap! And sure, I’m kind of a sucker for kitschy ‘80s gated drum music, but this really does something for me. Best of all, this record is tight, and I think having just 8 songs benefits it greatly. There is basically no fat on these bones. Really a nice find that I’ll definitely be revisiting a lot!
172/1089 idk what i expected but it wasn’t this. it’s groovy i like it! it does falter a little at times where it goes slightly too far with the quirky sound/vocal but otherwise it’s just very enjoyable to listen to. The Mercy Beat is a banger and kinda unreal faves: The Mercy Beat, Heartland, Infected, Twilight of a Champion 74/100
I surprisingly enjoyed this album, I am amazingly unaware of this group's catalogue, but maybe I listened to it at the right moment?
I listened to this while exercising and felt like I was in a montage of an 80s movie, which was a great way to work out. 'Infected' got me with the beat, 'Angels of Deception' got me with fade to bridge and build to the triumphant end
I enjoyed this quite a lot and my dad loved giving me little facts as we were listening (neneh cherry backing vocals). I prefer soul mining and I was hoping a few more if the songs might sound a bit like the ones I knew from that album but I appreciated the sound here (big drums) and the intensity, and found the political content really interesting
Definitely sounds ahead of its time, and very very unique - even if it's not all my jam
Pero qué cojones es esto. Buenísima mierda. Los 80 fueron una cosa increíble. No me esperaba que este disco sonase así para nada. Además el mixing del remaster en spoti está clean af. Me ha gustado muchísimo y la portada también. Seguiré dándole hasta entender qué esta pasando.
Dynamique, groovy, j'ai bien aimé dans le style pop-rock années 80-90 !
A real bleak yet punchy album by The The. Infected lends itself to still feeling fresh in sound yet also harking back to the mid/late 80s at the same time. Best: Infected Worst: The Mercy Beat
Terrible band name. Terrible album cover. Pretty decent music
I’m fairly new to The The although i remember my brother being into them. If i did hear them playing through his bedroom door back then, it wouldn’t have been the kind of thing i would have listened to. These days, I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve heard and this is no exception. It’s definitely of its time but not in a bad way and it’s also distinctly them with a blend of genres touching on post punk, synth pop, new wave, and art rock with flourishes of theatrical moments but with some harsher textures that borrowed from industrial. Vocals always punchy and acerbic.
This was a fun album. Felt more jazzy than I was expecting.
yeah it was fun
A bit of a weird one to rank as there is a lot I really like about this: the politically dystopian lyrics about 80’s Britain and being critical of US foreign policy in the middle east, the 80’s synth sounds and production (for the most part, i’ll get to that in a bit), the bass and low end in general was great, the guitars were also pretty great and the features from Neneh Cherry who really added a lot despite not being there too much. What I didn’t like so much was some of the vocals from the guy, he was good mostly but sometimes it delved into a bit of weirdness, he sounded a bit like Nick Cave when he was doing the kind of ‘talking singing’ but he also sounded a bit goofy sometimes. The drum sound as well was weird in the way that it didn’t feel like it should work for these songs, it had the classic heavy, airy 80’s booming sound which I didn’t like too much. I did think though that the drums weren’t that big of a contributor to the full sound of the songs themselves though so it kind of worked but when it was mostly vocals and drums (a bit like in the first 2 songs) it didn’t seem to fit. I do think though that maybe it was their intention as their sound seems to be a cool mix of new wave, punk and 80’s synth pop. Those aren’t big enough criticisms to make me dislike the album or anything though, I enjoyed this quite a bit. Favourites: Heartland, sweet bird of truth and Slow train to Dawn. Overall, 7/10.
I think this exercise has taught me the one quality I consistently respect in pop or rock music is audacity. Doesn’t get more audacious than opening up a dance music album at the height of the AIDS crisis by lasciviously pronouncing ‘I’m going to infect you with my love.” I was pretty on board from that line on. Out of the blue and into the fire rocks hard. Sweet bird of truth is really cool. Lot of strange sounds and unusual choices all across the board. Like Pat, “this is the day” was in my rotation for a long time. I love that song. We must have the same Spotify algorithms
You know what, I didn’t expect this album to beat soul mining but it’s really great 4/5 could become a 5 in the future
The The?!
Slow train to dawn is my fave. I love the synths and vibe. Very dark and mysterious. Digging it so far. Unfortunately got into an argument while PJ was listening to it and she was too tired to enjoy the rest of the album
Fun
This sounds so timeless
So here’s an album and band I’d never listened to but always wanted to (I think the album cover had always put me off) It was worth the wait Constantly surprising and inventive Only knock against it are his vocals are a bit weak
No. 7 Love the songs and the cover art. I had it marked as pop, but I would say it's a mix of rock/pop. I really enjoyed the lyrics. And I know it's very cliché to say this but it sounds very 80s.
4 out of 5 Classic 80's album. So many good hits.
Hard first listen—not my usual genre of choice. Enjoyed it on second and third listen. Infected, heartland, angel of deception, and the mercy beat are tracks I’ll go back and listen to.
Adjacent to British bands like Simple Minds and Fine Young Cannibals, the The (the most pretentious but inevitable name) boast a surprising amount of soul on their second release, Infected. Their successes derive straight from Matt Johnson's vocal stylizing, always cool but never strained like Knopfler's distant modishness. At times he's a composite of Tom Waits + Bowie ('Heartland,' 'Sweet Bird Of Truth'), at others he's as tortured as an Ian Curtis. Lyrically, he's both personal and social: 'Y'see I didn't want to be w/ any people I know / But God knows I didn't wanna be alone'; 'This is the 51st state of the U.S.A.' Far superior to pop-soul outfit Simply Red, the The is the authentic stuff: wild, civil, corporeal, deliberate. + big ups to Neneh.
infected isch seeeehr geil. nurse back to hell isch e riese line. richtig guete chli hässige 80s. out of the blue gad au chrank geil??? wenn d drums inechömed hiiiittets ufff. haha für da dass sie brite sind isch heartland mega usa usa. aso glaub voll usa-kritisch. aber speziell. ah stimmt de roli mosimann het do au produziert haha. de refrain vo angels of deception isch huere geeeeil. jesus wept seiter haha. aber heert geile song. mega simpel aber d drums hitted riichtig geil. und gitarre gross und chörli und alles. bin gad ide S6 richtig örlike und slow train to dawn triffts HAHA bommer-funny. aso ich find in sochli softere songs chunt er nöd glich guet übere. und d keyboard-blöser sind jo hella ass.
dosta dobro! kao da neki bili ajdol pjeva nekakav alternativni rok. iskreno, dosta mi se dopalo
ganska najs
Too close to Soul Mining
Interesting and fun. Lots of variety
Joyful and bouncy, but also slightly weird. This is what I’m here for.
This album blew my mind. The way it channels slick 80s pop/soul/blues/rock through epic and weird anthems. Utterly unique. Fav track: Infected
I bought this on CD back in the 80s. Matt Johnson shows a unique sound and vision on this album. While it is very much of its time, I also think it holds up well now.
Wasn’t sure what to expect from this, but it was way different from what the cover suggested. Very much 1980’s posit-punk pop.
After listening to "Soul Mining", I wouldn't have particularly guessed that we'd get another album by Matt Johnson in this collection, but I'm glad we did (or at least that's true for "Infected"). It seems like Johnson cranked up the darkness and dystopian views, and toned down the synth-pop aspects, and produced a strangely compelling album whose despair at the state of the world remains sadly topical 40 years later. It's also very impressive that he convinced CBS to cough up the budget to make videos for every single track on the album, and the videos definitely added to the experience. My favorites on this album are "Infected" (what a bizarre setting in Bolivia, with a guy strapped to a chair and eventually burned in a bonfire outside a church, and as far as I can tell having absolutely nothing to do with the lyrics, plus an apparently even hairier experience filming this and "Mercy beat" among drug experiences, biting monkeys and snakes and even Amazonian communist rebels), "Angels of deception" (with a fun Kafkaesque stylized city set), and "Sweet bird of youth" (I'm not sure there's really a storyline in the video, but it's a pretty damning indictment of military interference in the world (apparently specifically about US involvement in the Middle East, which delayed the single's release when the US bombed Libya)). I'm not all that surprised to read that Johnson was very challenging to work with, but I'm glad he managed to make this album.
This is lowkey better than the other The The album i listened to. very oingo boingo.
Great production
Excellent album here. The vocals in particular I enjoyed a lot, there’s a lot of interesting choices made and I really like it. I’m usually not as into this genre but I really liked this one
Don't got a ton to say other than I'm confused why this is getting lower reviews compared to Soul Mining. It's been a while since I've listened to that one, but this one doesn't sound too different, albeit maybe a little more experimental/post-punky? Anyways, yeah, solid album. For a non-goth post-punk record, for once I'm enjoying it because it sounds like the band is actually having fun and not trying to specifically create "art" (trademarked). I especially liked the song Heartland.
This album has pretty dynamic and nice instrumentals. Stand outs for me are songs like Angels of Deception, Infected, and The Mercy Beat. I like how the instrumentals build and become more intricate, especially in The Mercy Beat. Definitely holds my attention despite the song's length. The lyrics are pretty good as well, delving into things like inequality and desperation. The bible references makes the lyrics feel grander and i like how some tracks tell a pretty compelling story. In the case of Heartland, where they imply the main problems of England is that it is the 51st state of America, i think it falls flat lol. Just a very weird take lol and kind of leaves the English ruling class off the hook. Up to that point the lyrics were pretty good. Overall though, i think it is a very enjoyable album that I think rewards repeated listens and delving into the lyrics more. 4 out of 5 stars.
Always thought that was one of the weirdest band names in history, still had no chance to hear 'em. Glad i finally did it, it's enjoyable.
I was pleasantly surprise to find that this album clicked for me! I might be a bigger New Wave fan than I originally thought…or much like The The, I also despise Thatcher.
Huge 80s sounding weirdness. I only know The The from some soundtrack work they’ve done that I’ve really enjoyed, but this was excellent. Can really hear the early signs of influence it’s had on modern artists like Geordie Greep. Yet another band I now have a full catalogue to go and check out, thanks generator.
Reviews of this album are extremely polarized so I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. Fortunately, this is right up my alley and a quick addition to the “this is the stuff I hoped to discover from this project” list. Infected is an interesting peek at the sloppier, sleazier, side of new wave. The extra dose of funk and the horns can lean things a little circus-y at times, but I’m here for it. It’s kinda like if Tom Waits told his band to play happy music and he rested his voice, or Talking Heads if David Byrne brought a little more creepy lounge singer energy. Or like if Electric Six formed 20yrs sooner and invented their sound from scratch. Begrudgingly, I can’t deny that I’m a New Wave fan at this point, especially the weirder stuff. I might need this on vinyl.
I really enjoyed this and I hadn’t heard it before. Distinctive 80s sound but layered and interesting.
Not sure what I was expecting from The The, but it was not this. I'm really enjoying it and will definitely be looking at their discography. It's got a unique sound and incredible production. This is the kind of thing I was hoping to discover when I embarked on this journey. My only criticism would be that it is so relentlessly bleak and intense, it maybe gets to be a bit too much after a while.
I'll admit I judged this album by its cover first. I was not looking forward to listening to this based on the off-putting cover, but I ended up really enjoying it. I found the sound of this very unique. Very 80s and very fun, but not silly. I would listen to this again.
A buffet of rather unusual flavours but one I found myself very much enjoying! That was a surprise to me as they’re a band I had never listened to before (at least not that I can ever recall) and I’m not sure that I will in future again, but I had a great time with this album and listened through a couple times. Infected, Heartland and The Mercy Beat are bangers. Again, it’s all a bit odd and does have some grating moments but overall it’s funky and rocky in that swinging 80s way that’s a little contagious the more time you spend with it. (4.5 stars)
Pleasant surprise
Listen to this band more
Huge surprise. Very catchy with fun mid-80s beats. Really like the sound, it resonates with me.
I never got into The The. I think it's his voice. Anyway, this was a good listen. Apologies to Mark, who spent much of the early 1990s trying to get me to appreciate the band! It was good: the music, the message, but his voice still grates my ears.
Lekker album, opzwepend
Powerful band .. amazed with keypoards and vocals
The The, wát een band naam is het toch. Maar ze pakken me wel, vorige keer sowieos met Uncertain Smile, wat echt een heerlijk nummer is. Deze keer hebben ze de bassist me toch een vrij spel gegeven, mijn god... Want die basslijn op Sweet Bird of truth, dat is me toch een basslijntje hoor. De zang is ontzettend overdreven, dat vond ik bij het vorige album(the cramps) dat ik geluisterd heb ook, maar het werkt op dit album beter voor mij. Ik denk dat het komt door de productie die ook ontzettend bombastisch is met trompetten en saxofoons die soms om de hoek komen kijken. Er zijn zoveel vette muzikale stukken op dit album, riffjes, baslijntjes en loopjes die continue terug komen. De zang leidt me niet af, is dat een compliment? Qua zang is het gewoon prima, maar ik vind The The zoveel sterker op de instrumentale stukken. Ook die trompetten op het laatste nummer, zo vet gewoon! Ja de zang is overdreven, maar het werkt voor mij wel met alles wat er instrumentaal gewoon gebeurd. geen idee, ik vind The The misschien toch wel best wel vet. FAVO: Infected, Heartland, Sweet bird of truth
Rock uit 1986 van een voor mij onbekende band. In principe zou het genre en tijdsvak mij moeten bevallen! Eerste nummer was voor mij even wennen, maar het 2e en 3e vibe ik echt goed op. Die mondharmonica in 'Heartland'! Heerlijk. Het album heeft een hoog musical vibe gehalte. Er wordt gezongen in een vertellende manier. Het heeft wel wat! Lekkere bass in 'The Mercy Beat' Al met al gewoon een erg leuk album! 4 reten.
Whew that opening track is a nice sweaty bop
Oingo without the Boingo. Pretty cool. Not what I was expecting, but in a good way.
I feel like I should have discovered this years ago. Excellent to find it now at least. Definitely going to get more listens soon
Feels very proto-NIN. Kind of cool, felt like a worthwhile listen.
This album comes shooting out the game with Infect Me With Your Love, it's got a banging beat and a great trumpet sequence. If sex ain't wiggling around like a lizard in a can, then I don't know what sex is. But how good was that harmonica ringing through the night in Heartland, that caught me by surprise. Heartland is both musically and lyrically really fun, I love the piano work too, plus this is the 51st state of the uuuuuuSA is a fun one.
Bit torn on this one because I owned it back in the day and played it to death. Do think I prefer Soul Mining these days though. The intensity sometimes tips over into ludicrousness. Still a cracking album. Need to seek out the accompanying videos
This was decent. Interesting instrumentals with fitting vocal work. A bit too over my head though, I think. Still, overall felt quite competent.
Rating: 7.5/10 Not as good as their album but still damn good.
The ratings for this seem incredibly harsh. This is not my favourite album ever, but it's interesting. Punk lyrics with a very 80s sound. No truly weak tracks.
Interesting album, instrumentals are excellent
Sick 80s sound. 10/10 would shoot down Soviet helicopters over Afghanistan to this music.
K-Mart Oingo Boingo meets Temu Tears For Fears with a dash of early Ministry & a dose of some Blancmange The The is good good
Really enjoyed this one. Double listen!
80’s English punk pop but not overwhelming
The lead singer/songwriter/main chap in the The has a similar voice to Nick Cave, although he uses it to half sing, half shout pop lyrics at driving beats. I really didn't mind it - Infected and Heartland were my favourite tracks. I do not recall the other album I've listened to on this list, Soul Mining, at all, despite it only being a few weeks ago (it is much more New Wave). A 3 feels a bit harsh, but perhaps 4 is too strong.
Pretty dope lyrics and catchy vocals,didnt listen to the full album,but what i heard was good
What a pleasant surprise this album was. Had never heard a single track and I was very impressed. More so with the second listen.
That was way more epic then I thought it would be.
Matt Johnson is about as subtle as a blow to the head with a sledgehammer. It's direct lyrics delivered in heavy 80s productions and using his Tom Waits-inspired dystopian vocals. Infected is not as good as Soul Mining or Dusk, but I have to admire how firmly Johnson sticks to his guns on this album. Safe to say that you have succeeded as an artist when you several times during your career experience your songs being judged "too topical" by record labels ('Sweet Bird of Truth' and 'Armageddon Days'). Also, 'Heartland' is one of the best songs ever written and recorded.
Great, great album by Matt Johnson. An almost dystopian vision coming to live as clear as day through his bleak lyrics. Infected is not quite as good as the excellent Dusk, but it’s a thrilling album through and through.
This is another album that took a couple listens to appreciate. Out of the Blue is a 10/10 synth pop track, really well produced, maybe overproduced but it’s the 80’s so whatever. The following track, Heartlands lyrics of the 51st state had me perk up as I write this 100 days into president Dumps 2nd term as he speaks of making my Country his 51st state… the song still hits despite the jarring lyric. Always interesting to check out the personnel of some of these old albums, there always seems to be some familiar names, Neneh Cherry another artist on the 1001 Generator shows up on Soul Train to Dawn, a punchy duo. This isn’t a perfect synth pop album but it’s different than plenty of others and I appreciate it. 4 stars
4.0/5.0: Great
i was on the fence between 3 and 4 for this but the album cover pushed it over for me
All these songs start out like they're going to be on some dark post-punk album (sometimes even borderline industrial), but then after about 30 seconds they become a much lighter post-punk album. This one's gotta be the first (of hopefully many) great discoveries I make through the list!
First off can we all agree the the is a terribly stupid name. Secondly, I am so close to loving this album but just can't. On paper everything here works for me, but something is holding me back from actually liking this album. I think it sounds good, has interesting and unique melodies and the song writing is good. But idk something still feels like it is missing. Low 4.
The The is one of the last big post-punk bands I haven't dived into yet. I tried one of their earlier albums once and for whatever reason it didn't make an impression. This however was awesome from start to finish. I love the amalgamation of sounds, it's definitely chaotic but still is able to maintain the funk. Rating: 4.3
I actually stumbled onto The The prior to this project, and I was immediately impressed by Matt Johnson's songwriting and instrumental prowess. Galvanized around a more specific concept of economic and political instability makes Johnson's writing soar ever higher, and the arrangements are of equal import. Neneh Cherry steals the show in a feature on Last Train to Dawn, and the harmonica solo on Heartland? Bliss
3.5. 80s sound but as of 2025 still sounds fresh. I was born in 80s so a bit of nostalgia. Very nice album, will listen again, good discovery, I like the background chorus with women voices. The lyrics I did not pay attention 100% and the parts I have are very good lyrics (sour, critic, political, loneliness), so 4 stars instead of 3, and will listen again for the lyrics :). Voice sounds a bit like early 90s INXS (so this is precursor).
I liked it, it was a vibe. Weird mid-80s bridge between punk and grunge. Will listen again.
interesting 🧐
Pre-listening thoughts: oh boy more 80s english post punk. It just really never ends! Post/during listening thoughts: idk why I am loving this but something about this is really cool to me. It's like the Persona 5 soundtrack meets Depeche Mode meets They Might Be Giants meets Magazine in a bizarre fusion that sounds like none of them yet all of them at the same time. I really like these instrumental arrangements. The horns are awesome. It's so so 80s but I really don't mind. This one may need a second listen to settle on my score. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: Infected, Slow Train to Dawn, Twilight of a Champion Least fav tracks: n/a
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.
Day412 - is it new wave?industrial? it’s weird and all over the place. i like it
Standouts: Infected Heartland
Maybe there is something to working solo, until needing to bring in musicians. Full sound, catchy, and interesting.
It took a couple of listens to get into this.
was kinda fun to listen to (goes well as shower music)
Pretty cool. The Mercy Beat is a weird banger.
Actually.... enjoyed it? I think? Same annoying ass band that did that annoying ass this is the day song? What?
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
Deh deh
Rispetto per il il
Best songs: Infected, Slow Train to Dawn, The Mercy Beat
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.
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.
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."
Just right. This hit the spot for me.
I am a child of the '80's.
The the - the band that kept on giving - a great experience all the way through
Very good! Hidden gem and would rate 4.5. Like to listen some more
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.
I loved this one and would definitely listen to it again.
Nice.
Really liked Twilight of a champion, im a sucker for trumpets or sax. Gonna run this by my dad bc he really likes Pet Shop Boys
Very 80s, very varied, very enjoyable, but not one that lives long in the memory (in my opinion). A worthy inclusion, but the sort of "filler" that I didn't think there would be room for
i love 80s music but i've never heard of this band. idk if i know any of their songs before now.. i'm actually a little upset at my dad now. i need to interrogate him on this. that being said, my only frame of reference leads me to say this - so this isn't oingo boingo? ok so definitely by heartland - this is def the kind of album i can see myself listening to while driving down the 60 (freeway) or down Valley Blvd anywhere in the SVG. which i only say bc reminds me of my dad w the windows down in the Honda, 80s music bumpin and little me in the passenger seat just wanting to go for the ride to Fry's Electronics. i think this is the first album on our list so far that i actually don't want to end. no skips. very cohesive. can see myself actually listening to again on my own. update: my dad does knows a few of their songs.
Strange how I can't remember what I ate for dinner on Monday and yet I sang about 75% of all the words to this album. Quality album that stood out amongst it's peers at the time and still does.
I liked this, but I think I need to listen in a different season to really vibe with it. Rating it with that in mind.
Strange, but good! 4/5
One of those albums it is hard to be objective about because it was one of the relatively few I owned in my teens. Back then as a callow youth it always felt like it was more grown up and sophisticated than me. Now I can here the clumsiness. For a proper trip down memory lane I decided to do the video album experience on YouTube (you have to search a bit cos the playlist version includes a fan made video). Having a video album in the 80s (!) fitted with how grandiose it all seemed with the massive 80s production. Feel those gated drums! Matt Johnson's ego was massive too. I hope he now cringes a bit at the contradiction of writing passionately angry songs about American imperialism while imperially using South American people in his videos as backdrop or to communicate a sense of threat or arcane ritual. All that said I'm giving it 4 for old time's sake and because despite its flaws it has ambition and tunes. Also he was rare in being tuned into where western influence in the middle east might lead fifteen years later.
Not sure what I was expecting going into this album with all of the different genres listed, but that definitely wasn't it. That was such a unique album with the song structures especially the way the lead singer would sing. I learned that he is the only constant member of this band and there are about 15 past members. The horns were a very fun addition into all of these songs and worked extremely well. This was such an unexpectedly cool album.
Enjoyable
A cracking album and a good example of the talented work of the time, with socially conscious lyrics.
Ah, The The! Several years ago, I bought a copy of Soul Mining because of the 1001 Albums book. I'm pretty sure I only listened to it once and didn't love it, so I've never checked out any of the band's other work. I don't have particularly high hopes that I'll enjoy this album, but I'm excited for the chance to check these guys out again. This was a really pleasant surprise. Musically, this album was great. I really enjoyed the guitar playing, the string arrangements, the horns, and the percussion. The guitar playing on the title track reminded me of some of the elements on Neneh Cherry’s “Buffalo Stance,” and low and behold, Neneh Cherry did the backing vocals on “Slow Train To Dawn.” “Out Of The Blue” had some really great synthesizers, and they sounded great with the horn playing. The ebb and flow to the energy of this album was really great too, and I felt like the whole album flowed really well and was very consistent. The best part of this album though was the songwriting. I loved the social and political commentary of these songs, especially on “Heartland.” Every song fit really well into the theme of ‘Infected’ as it pertains to the ills of society. Matt Johnson delivered his vocals in such a way that the message of this album didn’t feel forced or disingenuous. While I enjoyed this album, it’s not the type of thing that I typically gravitate towards. I’m giving it four stars, but it’s easily one of the strongest four-star ratings that I’ve given out. I’m really looking forward to revisiting Soul Mining soon.
Pretty Pretty good good album album.
Naming your group The The is almost as ridiculous as naming it Butthole Surfers. It’s so stupid it’s almost genius, and it totally makes sense that someone would think of that name at some point. The 80s were a strange time to say the least. There were a lot of bands making very regrettable and low quality music. And a lot of bands who were coming out and redefining the way that people looked at popular music of the 70s. This feels like one of those many groups. I expected an experience similar to that of The Birthday Party. A decrepit collection of songs that lack any of the redeeming qualities of “normal” music. But this was actually a surprisingly good album. They created a balance of very in your face and aggressive post punk, with super loud and over produced drums, and 80s pop funk rock. Some of these songs have some really punchy horn sections that just sound amazing on top of the guitars layered in effects. The best way I can explain the sound of this is like if someone traveled to the deepest and most grime filled corners of the 80s music world and put together a band. Imagine a singer that sounds like Tom Waits and Billy Corgan in one. I’m a big fan of the former’s music, and this puts a sort of new wave spin on it. This isn’t that well received, and it’s one of those ones that makes me wonder why people dislike it so much in comparison to the rest of their music. I guess I’d have to hear it for myself to understand why. Rating: 7/10
Very 80s. Reminds me of INXS at times and Nick Cave at other times. Not as foreboding, just similar vocals sometimes. I generally liked it.
Quite an enjoyable listen. Listened to one of the songs off the album yesterday and had this pop up as my album of the day. Feels like a more energetic Simple Minds.
If you're unfamiliar with The The, start with Soul Mining. Infected is their second LP and the first with a full band. Its eight tracks explore various musical styles, with the title track and singles like "Out Of The Blue" and "Heartland" addressing themes like England's status relative to the USA. "Sweet Bird Of Truth" resonates during Middle Eastern conflicts, and "Slow Train To Dawn" features a duet with Neneh Cherry. The album, though ambitious and intelligent, feels somewhat unsatisfying due to its effort to showcase versatility. The accompanying video for all tracks improves the experience. Matt Johnson returned more focused with Mind Bomb.
Fun fun
The The definitely have something. I liked it
Finaally another 80s banger yessss
Solid album. V british
Walks the line between art and pop accessibility quite well.
Pritti gud. I like it
Not bad. Fun to listen to.
Real nice
Like a slightly cheerier, bluesier sisters of mercy
Went be very quickly, a good sign. Haven't heard of this band before but will look into more of their stuff
Not bad, very diverse song stylings, but nothing grabbed me
What a little weirdo of a record. Eclectic, poppy and eccentric. I enjoyed this a lot
It’s Post Punk mixed with Alt Rock. So they took the only good part of post punk, which is the antiestablishment stance and mixed it with actual descent music.
**Lyrics:** One of the most striking aspects of "Infected" is its lyrical depth and introspection. Matt Johnson, the creative force behind The The, crafted lyrics that are both poetic and politically charged. The album explores themes of societal decay, personal struggle, and existential angst with a raw honesty that resonates with listeners. Songs like "Heartland" and "Sweet Bird of Truth" confront issues of political corruption and social injustice, while tracks like "Infected" and "Out of the Blue (Into the Fire)" delve into the complexities of love and desire. Johnson's ability to blend personal reflection with broader social commentary adds layers of meaning to the album, inviting listeners to contemplate the human condition in all its complexities. **Music:** Musically, "Infected" is a tour de force that defies easy categorization. Drawing from a diverse range of influences, including rock, electronic, and world music, The The creates a sound that is both distinctive and dynamic. From the pulsating rhythms of "Infected" to the haunting melodies of "Angels of Deception," each track on the album showcases the band's versatility and musical prowess. The use of unconventional instruments and experimental production techniques further enhances the album's sonic palette, creating an immersive listening experience that rewards repeated exploration. **Production:** The production on "Infected" is top-notch, thanks in large part to the meticulous attention to detail that went into its creation. Matt Johnson, who served as both the songwriter and producer for the album, demonstrates a keen ear for sonic textures and arrangements. The use of layered instrumentation and atmospheric effects adds depth and complexity to the music, while the polished production values ensure that every note is crisp and clear. Overall, the production on "Infected" elevates the album to new heights, allowing its rich sonic tapestry to shine through. **Themes:** Thematically, "Infected" is a meditation on the darker aspects of human existence, from the personal demons that haunt us to the systemic injustices that plague society at large. The album explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, and moral ambiguity with a sense of urgency and intensity that is both compelling and confrontational. Through its vivid imagery and evocative storytelling, "Infected" invites listeners to confront the uncomfortable truths of the world around them and to question their own place within it. While the themes explored on the album may be bleak at times, they are ultimately tempered by a sense of resilience and defiance that speaks to the indomitable spirit of the human condition. **Influence:** "Infected" has had a profound influence on the alternative music scene, inspiring countless artists and musicians with its bold experimentation and unapologetic social commentary. The album's fusion of rock, electronic, and world music elements helped to pave the way for the emergence of genres like industrial rock and alternative dance in the years that followed. Moreover, its lyrical themes of political disillusionment and existential angst continue to resonate with listeners today, cementing its status as a timeless classic in the pantheon of alternative music. **Pros:** 1. **Lyrical Depth:** The album's thought-provoking lyrics offer a compelling exploration of personal and societal issues. 2. **Musical Versatility:** The eclectic mix of musical styles and influences keeps the listening experience fresh and engaging. 3. **Innovative Production:** The album's innovative production techniques create a rich sonic landscape that rewards repeated listening. **Cons:** 1. **Dark Themes:** The album's bleak themes may be off-putting to some listeners, particularly those seeking more uplifting music. 2. **Occasional Over-Indulgence:** At times, the album's experimentation can feel excessive, detracting from the overall cohesiveness of the music. In conclusion, "Infected" by The The is a masterpiece of alternative music that continues to captivate and inspire listeners more than three decades after its release. With its incisive lyrics, innovative music, and provocative themes, the album remains a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression in confronting the complexities of the human experience. While not without its flaws, "Infected" stands as a towering achievement in the realm of alternative music, deserving of its rightful place in the annals of musical history.
The The's third record comes just a little short of the catchiness and stylistic all-encompass their previous outing had to offer, plenty fun tracks and musical surprises here anyway.
Loved it! I love the music and I really love his voice. I think it's really interesting and the textures are lovely. I will be adding this to my library and it will get listened even out of revision time. Very impressed. I should get dad to listen I feel like there's some he'd like because he can be a fan of pop/rock but yeah. Overall, very nice.
Leuk, crazy album, kende dit helemaal niet, ben blij dat ik dit ooit hebt geluisterd. Weet niet of ik dit veel vaker ga luisteren maar hebt het in ieder geval leren waarderen
Fun
One of the greatest bands of all time but Dusk is the 5/5 album
I really enjoyed this album. It’s a little funky
Pretty interesting, post-punk in the 80s is kind of a cool experimental time in musicmaking
i wasn't expecting a band with the name of the the to create good music! they have a new wave and punk sound, and combined with their lyrics, infected is different from other music i've heard. sort of like duran duran without the synth and with punk. the song "heartland" contains some delightful piano but the lyrics are biting and sharp. the the hold nothing back in their criticism toward UK and US politics, in both "heartland" and "sweet bird of truth." the feminine backing vocals allow a good contrast with the lead singer, too. a surprise was neneh cherry appearing on "slow train to dawn"! the lead vocalist leans into baritone territory in "the mercy beat," which came across as so captivating. 3.5, rounding up.
Nice 80s rock. Didn't know it but like it!
I liked it and I was surprised
enjoyed this! not what i was expecting but in a good way. quite eclectic
i did not expect to like this one as much as i did. guess i'm just a sucker for anything with horns in it.
Enjoyed this one, big 80's sound and Stand-Down-Margaret politics and all.
The The walk the fine line between post-punk and new wave, not really fitting into either genre correctly. 'Infected' follows the pattern of extremely bleak lyrics accompanied with upbeat music. But the main significance of this album was probably the unusual decision (particularly for such a minor group at the time) to produce a video for every track. The videos themselves were extreme, fueled by drug use and putting themselves into dangerous situations. The police refused to try to protect them filming by a cracked house in the middle of the night. They were attacked by communist rebels in South America. The band appear to keep going on pure adrenaline. Shock factors aside, it's a good album on its own, deserving of time and consideration for the period it was made. Top track for me is 'Slow Train to Dawn'.
The The might have to be the greatest name of all time. Soul Mining has been in my rotation for a little while but never heard this album. Doesn't live up to Soul Mining for me but is certainly very very good. First four tracks were all amazing. I think it falls off a little after that but still maintains some solid quality. Fav songs: - Infected - Out of the Blue - Heartland - Angels of Deception
Jag tyckte att albumet var förvånadsvärt bra. Instrumenten lät bra och de var hyfsat bra variation och längd på låtarna. Texterna var även väldigt bra och min favoritlåt från albumet var infected och slow train to dawn. Albumet får 4/5⭐️
Back when I was a callow youth an English teacher I really fancied loaned me her CD of this album. I pretended I liked it but really I couldn't wait to get back to Blue Oyster Cult and Alice Cooper. Now? With the maturity and wisdom that age grants you, I have a much greater appreciation of the niceties and shading of Infected. All the jazzy touches and cod-funk put me off as a youngling, but now I think they add a splash of colour. A record that sounds good - and in its songwriting, it excels. 'Heartland' is a standout, but this stuff really skewers the delusions baked into modern living. I bet Miss D is still well fit.
What a great song to open up the album with. The drumming, the trumpets, everything. I loveeed sweet bird of truth. Just a groovy album
A couple of cool New Wave songs!
I've never purposefully listened to The The before and ... man, it's really good.
This was a surprise visit from an old friend from college I’d forgotten about.
Cool drum sounds great guitar tones.
Title track is, dare I say, infectious? Great bass work. This was super groovy.
English post punk is super bizzare to me but I fw this 8/10
Intro to Slow Bird of Truth went crazy. There were other cool moments too. I felt like it wasn’t consistently super entertaining, but definitely a good listen. Creative and unique. 7.5/10
Always been a fan of The The since I head the Mind Bomb album (to me, their best). Standouts: Infected, Heartland, Out of the Blue, Slow Train to Dawn, Sweet Bird of Truth. 4/5
First three songs were great. Also liked The Mercy Beat. Great sound
Loved this album back in 1987 but haven't listened in quite a while.
Matt Johnson strikes it again. I don't think it's as "infectious" as Soul Mining, but it's certainly better produced and mature, with R&B influences including a guest appearance from Neneh Cherry. I just reviewed Soft Cell's Non-stop Cabaret Show a few days ago which had an accompanying movie album, and it turns out Tim Pope also worked on a movie album for this one too. Great videos with some crazy stories associated with them. The same strengths I had with Soul Mining are here. I love his deep expressive vocals and the atmospheric industrial synths and hollow drum beats. He definitely embodies Tom Waits, especially in "Sweet Bird of Truth". Every track is a good, and a few stand out as classics. A couple weaker tracks, but nothing I'd cut, which is fine considering there are only 8 of them. Favorites: Heartland, Twilight of a Champion, Mercy Beat
Je m'attendais à un album absolument de metal atroce au vu de la pochette et du nom d'album, il n'en fut rien, un joli tour de passe passe de la part de The The.
Not what I expected at all? Maybe I don't hate post punk lmao?
This band really plays hopscotch between really interesting me quite a bit and fading to background noise. I guess that's to be expected with highly experimental groups like this. What's also to be expected is their exploration and mixture of many, many, many different genres. Slow Train to Dawn is a huge example of this working out very favorably; Heartland is where it felt more forgettable. I really think this is the type of album whose rating will vary based on the day in which I listen to it. I will say I'm very glad I listened to it though and will certainly add some bits to my rotation.
Mezcla de rock-pop-punk. Un 4.
I actually liked this one a lot. Other than the last album, this is the first one where I haven’t heard of the artist or any of the songs on the album. They also sound like a combination of a lot of different good bands which is cool.
The The fílingurinn er frábær.
Yes yes to The The.
Judging by the reviews on this one people either love it or hate it. I was totally expecting to be part of the latter but i am not. Really loved heartland and angels of deception
Surprisingly really well. The instrumentals are great. 3.5 going to 4 for surprise fun
When I was a teen, we frowned on 80s sounding music. Too old to sound current, too recent for retro appeal. It’s now very rewarding to go back and discover how much absolutely sick stuff was going on in the new-wave-adjacent world. This rocks! It’s weird and aggressive and sweaty as hell. My understanding is that The The covers a lot of sonic ground over the years. I’m going to check out more, but I sure enjoyed this one at least.
Loved this.
3.5/5
A nice post punk record that gets going in the 2nd half after a bit of weak start.
Enjoyed, this guy always does what i dont expect!!!!
Easy listening. Reminds me of David Bowie (based on my limited exposure of DB).
Like it
Nice album, dark pop that reminded me a bit of Depeche Mode or The Cure. I'll be coming back to this one soon.