Infected

It was digestible and shined some at times but ultimately it was very forgettable.

Very experimental. Doesn't always make for a great listen. Parts of it are jaw dropping. The rest is sleep inducing

It’s okay

Not bad, Instrumentals are decent but I dont like the guy vocals .. rated 2.5

Not horrible but not good

not bad but not for me

WHAT this is lowkenuinely the best 80's album i've ever heard it's just banger after banger

I enjoyed this album more than I thought I would.

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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fun, I like weird 80s electric music. I really liked Angels of Deception (and out of the blue some too)

I’m conflicted. I can’t decide if I liked this or not. I think I did but then again I’m not sure.

A real mix of styles and quality some of which I enjoyed. It was largely ruined by the 1980s which can do one as far as I’m concerned!

I only know one The The album, which is the excellent ‘Dusk’ from 1993 (by which time Johnny Marr had joined the gang). So I’m pleased to report that they did recover from the “80s DERANGEMENT SYNDROME” they were clearly suffering from a nasty bout of here.

too much synth

3.5

Very ‘80s. Not as clever as it thinks it is.

Because I like “This Is the Day” so much I’ve always hoped and tried to get into The The. Unfortunate there’s just no there there for me.

This album wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t really remarkable either.

Wasn’t super familiar with these guy, but this a solid 80’s pop/rock record. Nothing groundbreaking here but an enjoyable listen and welcome on the list. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Infected” “Angels of Deception” “The Mercy Beat”

Not entirely my jam. It feels very stylised and of it's time. That's not a problem of itself, but I tend to want the music to really earn it. I couldn't quite get into it.

Wasn’t really familiar with any of their stuff, but ok

Like Leonard cohen and midnight oil had a collab

It would be hard to find a more generic example of forgettable 80's music if you tried. No idea what this album is doing on this list -- The The has much better stuff.

Meh

Oof. Nope. This is the kind of music that comes to mind when I say I don't care for 80s music.

2.5

Some were okay but don’t remember any of it which tells me I’m neutral.

They have an interesting sound and I appreciate how experimental and different they are, but none of the songs stood out to me on this. I think there are bands/albums that really define the post-punk era a lot better. Not a bad listen overall, but nothing amazing on here in my opinion.

I'd seen the cover of this album a few times before, but had no idea what to expect. I went in with high hopes, but they were dashed quickly. Slow, tedious, and just awful from start to finish. This was one of the most punishing listens I can recall for some time. It really was a chore to get through. I'm not sure what was worst, the music was bad, the vocals were dreadful, the lyrics were pure cringe. About halfway through, I began to wonder if this was some sort of sick joke. The guy singing was sounding more and more like a third-rate Elvis impersonator, the compositions were so bad, that surely this must be intentional? But nope, it's just a bad album. One star.

A miss honestly, felt more industrial concept. Like the ska from a world with Footloose rules. I was tired of this album before it ended, and didn't really enjoy it that much. Some nice backing vocals, but a miss for me.

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.

Perfect album! I like it. Nice voice, nice music.

This was fantastic, upbeat and fun to listen to

I have other be honest, I've had trouble articulating my opinion about the albums lately. Part of me just thinks, okay, YOU listen and tell me what you think! This one was a prime example... the first time through, I expected a bunch of songs like "This Is the Day" then was surprised to encounter a fun take on darkwave with horns. But the next time through it all felt a little silly. At the moment it feels like one of those albums in the history of synth pop that I'm glad happened, but I don't necessarily need to revisit regularly. But what do you folks think?

The instruments are fun and catchy but the singing doesn't work as well for me. There is just something missing in the songs for me to get pulled in and bop along and I think its the vocals for most of the songs. Its not bad, it just doesn't work well for me. Still a fun listen through as a learning experience and hearing a new band.

Infectious!

"Infected" is a dark, densely produced alternative rock album, in which The The offers a commentary on their social and political context. Apart from that, and dark lyrics, there is not much to write about, good or bad.

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

Soul Mining by The The was one of my fun discoveries on the list, but I wasn't keen on this one at all. It sometimes feels like he's going for Tom Waits but accidentally landing on a pretentious INXS.

I enjoyed this. Feels pretty fitting for the decade - definitely 80’s vibes here. Good beats, nice variety. Favorite frack was Infected. (3)

A bit of a step down from Soul Mining, but still pretty fun. Some tracks take a while to really get going, and the songs overall lack the punch of their debut. However, there are plenty of enjoyable moments throughout the record, especially towards the second half. "Sweet Bird of Truth," in particular, has some striking lyrics, and the Neneh Cherry's guest vocals on "Slow Train to Dawn" were a nice touch. Not too bad, all things considered. Standout Tracks: Heartland, Sweet Bird of Truth, Slow Train to Dawn Score: C+

I feel slightly ambivalent towards both the music and the lyrics. I can tell there is some quality, but I struggle to get past what sounds dated and anachronistic.

nice enough

Interessante, tracce molto introspettive, bel lyrics che rimane impresso, anche il sound mi è piaciuto

The grammatic skill needed to write about the band The The should not be understated

The the the the the

Kul men en klar nedgradering från Soul Mining

Märkligt, men väldigt varierande och underhållande.

Bestämt tidstypiskt men bestämt starkt o catchy!

Rätt cool stil alltså! Men inte jättesvängigt.

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.

Liked this more than I thought I would. Kind of enjoyed the weird contrasts going on, especially in the songs with the little synth pop drum tracks. May climb with more listens

Sorry bud the fifty-first state of the USA is actually Canada we don't need your toe of a PM Keir Starmer. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Maybe those pseudo-intellectual socially conscious lyrics would have led to real change if the music didn't suck

Not my cup of tea

I have discovered that I like this band some. 4 stars or B+.

Ehh, like a much worse "Skylarking" by "XTC" 1.5/5

Wild and wacky Really really decent. Track 1 and 2 are the highlight. Really enjoyable

What the crap is this? I’ve heard of The The and I think I’ve listened to something they did, but didn’t remember liking it much. I remembered correctly. Don’t like it. Not much more to say.

Only knew The The for “This is the Day” and I liked. And I like this as well.

I'm a big fan of Matt Johnson. While I like the bleak, tense feeling of Infected (Heartland is a particularly great track), it's not my favourite TheThe album.

Misleading cover art oh my gosh. Super upbeat sounding 80's new wave music, complete with corny (but not unlikeable) synth horns and drum sampling. I recognized a few tracks having been raised on the SiriusXM station "1st Wave" growing up and riding around in my dad's car. The vitriol on this website is way too unnecessarily harsh- this record was alright!

6/10 – Decent

76/100. Really strong production and songwriting on this. It’s a great post-punk record. Dark, punchy and well crafted.

Weak. Was bummed because the last one of their albums on here kicked ass. This one was epitome of the 80's at its worst.

his is clearly an ambitious record. Big production, big themes, big emotions. It wants to confront politics, culture, and decay head-on, and I respect the scope of what it’s trying to do. But for me, the pageantry got in the way. The arrangements are dramatic and layered, sometimes to the point of feeling theatrical rather than urgent. I found myself slightly put off by the self-seriousness of it all, which made it harder to connect emotionally. I suspect there’s depth in the lyrics that rewards closer attention, but I never quite felt compelled to dig in because the presentation kept pushing me at arm’s length. There’s craft here. There’s intention. But I didn’t feel moved by it. Instead, it often felt self-indulgent, like the statement was more important than the songs themselves. I can admire the ambition without enjoying the experience. For me, that lands this closer to a 2 than a 3.

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

Not the most boring album, but it definitely thinks it's more interesting than it is.

Much funkier than I expected. Very 80's funk-pop.

Inte deras bästa album. Ljudbilden är jobbig.

No thank you

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

The The was mixed into my daily stream by my music provider. I liked the tracks quite a bit, so I remembered the name not only because of its memorable brevity. I was excited about the album. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. It's okay, but nothing more. Too bad. 3/5

It was just ok.

80s English pop. Barley better than English 80s punk.

I'm not sure what I was expecting from this album, but this wasn't it. There is a strong 80s sound in this album coming from the synthesizer/drum pad combination. The overall feel is like the indie rock of Ned's Atomic Dustbin or Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine. Matt Johnson's vocals sound very much like Michael Hutchence in a smooth and easy to listen to. There is a mix of pop, rock and R&B influences throughout the album. Heartland sounds like a smooth R&B style song. With full on harmonica included too. Sweet Bird of the Truth has a revolutionary feel. With included sample of military aircraft radio communication. As a bit of a Neneh Cherry fan, it was cool to hear her on Slow Train to Dawn. (3.333)

No simpatizo con estas cosas tan ochenteras en general. Sólo me parece música apta para anuncios o series americanas.

7 / 10

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? ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I hate the off-putting cover art, but then I was pleasantly surprised by the Billy Idol-like sound of the opening track. I'm a sucker for horns.

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.

Not really familiar with The The beyond “This Is the Day” and “An Uncertain Smile,” but I enjoyed this. Very ’80s post-punk, but also lively and melodic. Some catchy songs, strong vocals, excellent instrumentation, and the production sounds good too.

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

Some decent moments but overall pretty crap.

Interesting, but also not really that great. Those tend to me the most frustrating albums for me - when it feels like it’s close to being good, but just kind of drops the ball. It could be worse. Some tracks had a hint of a dark/spooky sound, which I like. Whatever it is that irks me about Roxy Music and The Divine Comedy - the pseudo-theatricality in the vocals, maybe - seems to be the issue here as well. 3

some interesting moments in this album but did i need to hear this before i died? no. this list has some amazing albums and then what seems to be the authors personal taste creeping through

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

Preferred this to The earlier The The, maybe The backing vocals. Heartland excellent.

That was a hard listen. Like a poor man’s, off form, British, Tom Waits Chock full of experimental synth sounds vainly in search of a melody to underpin them, with a vocalist that I find rather grating. There wasn’t a single track on this album that interested me. No song grabbed me musically or lyrically. I preferred the more dance fuelled album on this list, although I’ve concluded I didn’t like, don’t like, and never will like this band.

Meh, when the 80s brought us the compressed sounds of banging pots and pans a la depeche mode, I ran the other way. Not saying this is bad music, just not my cup of tea.

Okay, it has grown on me as I have listened to the entire record, but it's still quite grating. Imagine INXS, but with knives and teeth out.

# Album Name: Infected # Artist: The The # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: Not bad. Feels like generic 80s tunes. One good song stood out # Top Tunes: Infected # Would I listen to it again? hmmmm, dont think so

It was okay like someone else said it just wasn’t good. For me it wasn’t bad but nothing stood out. Overall it’s just mid

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.

Not really that keen

Very nice.

I came to The The later so it was interesting to hear this much earlier work. There is a lot going on lyrically and sonically, both feel of the moment and ahead of their time (in good and at times unsuccessful ways). Somewhat related, I have had limited exposure to British music of the early-mid 80's, outside of the enduring pop standards, and as a time capsule, people were very pissed off!

Mid dance-pop with synthy horns and big-bang drums. Yes, yes, I hear it's upbeat music with dark tense political lyrics; neat paradox but barely listenable.

Completely nondescript 80s. I don’t get it.

This one is very boring. cannot recommend. Perhaps for in the background on vol 1.

nope. WEirdly some bits made me think of NIN

Always get them mixed up with Talk Talk. A bit much sometimes. But fun and interesting.

Just a bit lame.

3/5 - a fun punk/rock album but not blowing me away

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

Es ist ein ambitioniertes Album, das zwischen düsterem Pop, politischem Kommentar und experimentellem Sound pendelt. Matt Johnsons Stimme trägt die Songs mit Intensität, doch nicht jeder Track zündet. Die Produktion ist detailreich, aber manchmal überladen. Ein interessantes Zeitdokument der 80er – nicht makellos, aber mutig.

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.

I listened to this multiple times and I still don't know how I feel about it. I think I like it? It's got a good groove throughout and is weird in an interesting, engaging way. There are some 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 80s sounds on this album, which I always have mixed feelings about, but I think it works in this case. My favourite tracks on the album were three in a row: Out of the Blue, Heartland, and Angels of Deception.

This was a weird one

Very 80s, Very new wave, but not terrible. Also really not my favorite. I was definitely not infected with the The The (that looks like a typo but it ISNT)

It's of its time. I feel that there are many other albums of this genre that are better representations of this age of music.

Гурт ніколи не чув до цього. Цікавий альбом. Тут такі 80ті, які мені скоріше до вподоби. Є якась грайливість в цій музиці, що мені імпонує. Дуже сподобалась Heartland, якщо було б такого більше, то це була б міцна 4. Натомість є деякі пісні, які мені здались не дуже вдалими. Серед таких варто виділити останню. Як закривашка мені зіпсувала враження від альбому.

Вже другий альбом The The слухаємо в цьому списку і загалом треба сказати, що для мене це доволі приємний досвід. Не можу сказати що їхня музика це щось захмарне чи нестандартне, але відчуття мелодії та груву мені подобається, а також оця енергетика притаманна пізнім 80м. 3.5

Infected is an album that i enjoyed quite a fair bit, quite a bit more than i expected to. 80s new wave can be pretty hit or miss as sometimes it can sound cool and can transcend being simple 80s music or it can be super cheesy and sound like a product of it's time. This album kinda falls into both and i enjoyed it for being both of them. The synths are super 80s sounding and i enjoy that but my favorite part of this album were the vocals. There is just something that i find so satisfying about Matt Johnson's voice with the way of it sounding deep but having it's own identity from other singers with deep voices. It can be a bit cheesy at points but its still a good listen. Best Song: Twilight of a Champion Worst Song: Heartland

I am a huge fan of post-punk and new wave. This is objectively terrible.

nah

Love the vibe, sound and nostalgia. 1. Infected 2. Out of the blue 3. Slow Train To Dawn

i didn't hate this but how much 80s production do you expect one man to take and stay sane?

ykw this was kind of a bop!

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.

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.

On "Out Of The Blue (Into the Fire)" and "Angels of Deception" the singer's whispery vocals presage the quiet, whispery quiet songs of Smashing Pumpkins. It should be said that those are generally the weaker Smashing Pumpkins songs. I really have no idea what to make of this. Cover made me think this was some punk or metal thing. Then the music started and at first I thought this was actually, despite the cover, some post-disco thing. I guess this is some just extremely 80s pop rock? Pretty mired in mediocrity, or perhaps it's just not my thing. Grew on me a little bit by the end, particularly "The Mercy Beat."

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.

Попсовенький нью вейв. Ощущение словно слушаешь какое-то старое ностальгическое радио или телеканал где крутят клипы из 80х и 90х

The album cover is the most memorable thing with this album for me. Maybe also the reverb on the snare, now that I'm thinking about it. Perhaps if I gave the lyrics more attention something good would come out, but for now it just feels like a quite eccentric, but not very good, 80s sounding record.

Could be the most boring band name on the list – I guess its good if you don’t want to have your music downloaded though as it’s hard to search for The The. Anyway, horrible album art, ok music. I remember really disliking the previous, but I thought this was an ok 80s album. Not great but ok to listen to. I’ve feel I’ve given all albums I’ve listened to today the benefit of the doubt so going for a weak 3 on this one. Maybe I’m just having a good day.

Wild album. Wouldn’t be by typically choice to listen to. However, I wonder if I would have explored this if I was born 10 years earlier. I really enjoyed the sound and layers. Very 80s.

Not for me

3.5 - Good

quite nice

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!

The The is one of those 80s bands that I know existed but have no memory of listening to. Unfortunately it seems like this is something that would have potential if only it had been done in a completely different style by different people. It's like they wanted to make angry music that was also dance music, but couldn't quite figure out how to do them both at the same time. Even "Sweet Bird of Truth" didn't have much of a punch, which was disappointing because the wiki described it as a controversial track critiquing US imperialism. It sounded too much like Thomas Dolby or something and I couldn't take the lyrics seriously in that context. There are records from that period with political subject matter that still sound very urgent and contemporary, but this isn't one of them. 2/5

Thanks to this list I've found that I actually quite like new-wave and post-punk. Must be that I'm getting old.

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.

Some of this is pretty good, but not as fun as Soul Mining for me.

Never got into them in the 80's. Nothing there for me to appreciate, just sounds like people making sounds

Just couldn’t get into it. The menacing snarly whisper singing leading into happy pop-like songs didn’t work for me. Seemed like the band couldn’t figure out who they wanted to be on this album.

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?

need to remember more often that i fucking love post-punk <3

no

3/5

It was fine

Just not gripping me? Again i think unjustly exposed to plane conditions but i keep turning this up hoping that volume = interest* and turning it up but its just more sound and not in a good/interesting/challenging way Re: heartland - Im finding this w books a bit but sometimes when things feel Too american they just don’t quite jive. Like i know that place ive seen him but he’s not mine nor does he speak to me Immediately though i am enjoying angels of deception more - sorry for the live commentary but theres little else to do… I’d written something more disparaging but honestly i quite liked the last track, she won me round (a bit) *holy moly guys did you know if you accidentally write e= the notes app starts doing some crazy shit

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

Can’t say that much of this album really stuck with me on the first few go-arounds. “Angels of Deception” was the song that cut through and I generally like the sound of the album. I think I would have more fun once I know the lyrics! I’m re-listening as I write this and the outro to “Heartland” has really stood out but that might be the Venezuela of it all. I think I’ll be revisiting this one in weeks to come!

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

This is the era of music that feels it has aged the poorest. Overproduced drum beats become grating after a while, and a whole album of them is a bit much. It makes it difficult to differentiate songs and find value in them as individual tracks. That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy it, but I could have enjoyed it more.

I would describe Infected as Soul Mining after Matt Johnson took a trip to America. His lyrics are very compelling, but I still like Soul Mining better. Liked Songs Added: Heartland

Interesting New Wave style record

The most 80s album I’ve gotten on this list to date - I didn’t know what to expect, liked and disliked parts of the same songs

Pretty unique sound. Not at all what I thought they’d sound like. Fav song is ‘Angels of Deception’.

Half the songs are good, half the songs are not good. Matt Johnson is far better at writing more emotional songs such as the anxieties that young people have about the world and romance insecurities like he did in their debut record than the more political tracks on here. I think Dusk would have been a better fit if you wanted to include a second The The album. Why is it a four if it's half good half bad? The good songs on here (Heartland, Sweet Bird of Truth, Slow Train to Dawn) are incredible.

Definitely sounds ahead of its time, and very very unique - even if it's not all my jam

***an ok album, mostly easy listening

This is an album of music. None of which I like. just boring songs that seem to last forever, and that I recall nothing of. To quote my review for their other album on the list (yes, they have TWO albums on the list, whereas Tool and Deftones have none): «This kind of music, it’s just not nice. Others might find pleasure in the monotone beats and vocals, and the complete lack of hooks, but I don’t like it at all. Don’t hate enough to give one star, but it’s a weak 2»

Meh

Very different to the other the the (tongue twister moment) album. This one feels like it has a faster tempo, less bluesy and more structured like pop songs. (less complexity), still a good album and I enjoyed it.

"Thatcher-punk". Bombastic and weird in a fun way

I knew this band as one of the greatest band names of all time before I heard any of there music, until today. This is quite an eclectic record, especially for the mid 80s. Reminds me of Foetus but more approachable for weirdos that haven't gotten fully out there. Take 80s pop with strong post punk sensibilities and make it even weirder.

Maybe this is good, but I couldn't tell you. Subjectively I just don't like new wave, so this one never really had a chance for me. 2.3

This one leans way too hard into the 80s sound for me. I’m not 100% sure if they fall under New Wave or something adjacent, but either way the synthesizers are just a bit much. It feels very locked into its era, and not in a way that aged especially well. The Mercy Beat was the lone bright spot for me. Without that song, this would have easily been a two star album for me.

No está mal del todo.

1.7 2x not great

Don't even need to listen to this, reviewing it instantly as it's maybe my favourite album. "Out of the Blue" is only okay, I adore the other 7 songs. People are sleeping on The The, such a unique and strong sound with everything coming together perfectly.

Infected is the second studio album from British post-punk band The The. The band is the at-times-solo project of Matt Johnson; Johnson added members at for different tours. Infected is the band's most commercially successful release, and drove the band's success. Johnson promoted the album with a set of videos he produced - one for each track - that he compiled into a movie. The The's music is an interesting mix of the sounds of the eighties. They had the raw energy of post-punk, with the polish of synth pop. Johnson's songwriting has an impressive range and an engaging sound, in part, from his use of strings, horns, and supporting vocalists. This album could be grouped with Adam Ant in one part of British, new wave, 80's alt rock with a distinct swagger.

It's ok but it's not Soul Mining now is it

Fun new wave stuff that was nice and upbeat, although the songs all could've been shorter

Overall alright album, it's pretty chill, it's nice leaving it on the side while you're doing stuff. It was probably kind of cool back in the day.

On first listen "Out of the Blue" and "Heartland" stood out as really good songs. Upon second listen, however, I couldn't remember what the original appeal had been. "Sweet Bird of Truth" was orignal and catchy. However, it sounded like it was trying really hard to fit in with the soundtrack to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Overall, this wasn't really a bad listen. But it was either really bizarre or really banal. For 1986, this wouldn't have really registered anywhere except late night MTV.

Not a timeless record.

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.

I didn’t really care for this album, nothing caught my attention or grew on me.

Hmm. Weird one

Dynamique, groovy, j'ai bien aimé dans le style pop-rock années 80-90 !

Des airs à la David bowie

Mouais 2/5

Reminds me of Alex cameron

Bad and annoying

This was an alright album - easy listening. The singer's voice kind of reminded me a bit of Billy Idol. I would give this a 3.5.

This album was much more socially conscious than their last one. I like the combination of new wave plus anger.

Totally 80's juice.

This is exactly what I always imagined Roger from RENT’s music probably sounded like. I can’t in good conscience recommend this album.

Nah.

I tried, but 80's new wave really isn't my style

I was not previously familiar with the artist or album. I would say this is definitely a product of the times, sounding quite familiar in terms of 80s production. While I didn't mind this particularly, it didn't really capture my attention either. Perhaps I owe it another listen to see if I can get more engaged with it, but honestly, it wasn't really exciting enough to be in any hurry to do it.

I have a strong bias towards incredibly 80s bands, bands with funny names, and saxophones. Apparently my bias ends at the band that fits all 3 of those categories at the same time. It's okay, but it sounds a lot like a lot of other bands from around the same time. The singer especially reminds me a lot of Depeche Mode.

Cool 80's vibe. Otherwise, nothing remarkable here. 3

Pretty generically 80s.

5/10… new wave / art pop / *1986

Enjoyed this quite a bit

Quintessential 80s rock record, with all the synth sounds and drums from the 80s we love/hate. This record has a theatrical/soundtrack kind of feel, which is alright, but it's not my cup of tea to visit frequently. Not sure I'll ever intentionally listen to this one again, but it's okay.

Was going to demerit (can that be a verb?) this based on the 1001 ubiquity of Brit post punk new wave on this list. And that's not necessarily to say I dislike the genre. It's felt like some have snuck on here that I question their deservability (another made up word). But based solely on THIS IS THE DAY, I was able to lean into the grooves. SOUL MINING and UNCERTAIN SMILE also caught my ear.

Felt boring

Eh?

Way too eighties. The Mercy Beat was the best track but it was too little too late. Lacking the hookiness that elevates the songs of theirs that I’ve liked in the past.

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.

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

Maybe this is a grower, but I expected to like this more than I did. It had interesting moments but didn’t grab me as a whole. Glad to have some exposure to The The though.

The most 80s things I've ever heard

really a top tier album cover. anticipates the 90s wokeish coffee shop aesthetic. the music inside is decent but clunky. even with indie-sensibilities, not much 80s synthpop aged brilliantly. lyrics are decent at least. i too hate america. deserves to be one of the 1001? you could keep it to just Soul Mining probably

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.

I like this band but this album was really hard to listen to.

"Infected" is the second studio album by English post-punk band The The. Post-punk and alternative rock are the Wiki-listed genres. Of note, band leader Matt Johnson filmed videos for all eight songs on the album. The bandmembers included Johnson (vocals, guitar, keyboards, percussion), David Palmer (drums and Luis Jardin (percussion). Additional musicians were also used including Neneh Cherry. The album had mostly positive reviews and, commercially, it reached #14 in the UK and #89 on the US Billboard 200. The album opens with the self-titled "Infected." Echoing vocals and layered beats. Very tinny sounding beats. Mechanical guitars. Layered guitars too. Horns are added. A lot going on as Johnson doesn't care if he catches Aids as he's lonely and lustful. Johnson takes a political turn in "Heartland." Jazzy piano. Dramatic strings. Harmonica fills. Johnson singing softly and quickly and attacking 1980 UK Tories as he repeats and refers to them as the 51st state. Johnson next takes aim directly at the US in "Sweet Bird of Truth" as he criticizes their Middle East involvement. Horns. Harder-edge guitar slashes. Electronic. Dark, deeper vocals. Neneh Cherry sings a duet with Johnson in "Slow Train to Dawn." Guitar strings, horns pumps and 80's synth beats. A song about infidelity and weakness. This is a very 80's sounding album with the electronic, tinny drum beats. That's a negative. On the positive side, the big, dramatic sound with the strings, horns and layered instrumentation can work. Johnson's lyrics are personal and political and he doesn't hold back. So, I really have a mixed review. I do find his debut album "Soul Mining" better and worth a listen. However, there are highlights within this album that are worth a try for some.

Unwichtig.

I’ve never really got the appeal of this band. One or two decent songs but generally overrated

This was a fun album. Felt more jazzy than I was expecting.

This was fine but fairly unmemorable. 3/5

It’s got all the ingredients…. But I don’t like it.

Took me days to get through. It’s not bad, but it’s just so 80s in the worst possible ways

Tiresome

#771. This one is just boring, mostly. The only even mildly interesting thing about it is it's kind of weird. Not weird enough for anyone to care, but just weird enough where thats the only thing I can think of to say about it. 2/5: boring.

I know this is post-punk but I was hoping for more…punk sounds?

eh just didn't hit me

One of the more average albums I’ve heard for this project, I think. Totally listenable, not remarkable in any way. Cannot imagine a good reason for it to be on this list!

There’s no doubt that this is an album from 1986. We’ve got on the nose songs about AIDS, urban decay, US military aggression, Thatcher and Reagan, with lyrics that sound like they’ve been written by an angry student poet. The music is somewhat at odds with the words, having that characteristic brittle 80s production with brass stabs, horns, harmonicas, drums that sound like someone hitting a large cardboard box with a mallet and backing vocals from Neneh Cherry. I see what they were getting at, but this hasn’t aged particularly well.

This is the type of music that got me further into punk, and Ska and Jazz. Not because it has those elements, but because music at that time was so dull I had to look elsewhere. Not bad music, just dull music.

This would have been one of the best albums of 1986, sadly 1986 was a very poor year. I think it’s lost some of its impact because it has that 80’s big label production, whist still having one eye on indie and alternative listeners. The impact of the social conscious lyrics have dimmed as we’re distanced from the events. Their specificness would have been an asset at the time but 40 years on make it harder to connect. Still there’s lots to admire in the songwriting and performance even if ithe whole is a bit of an historical curio now.

This album pissed me off.

This was ok, kind of underwhelming.

Fucking loved this, every track was totally my jam, very unique yet bloody awesome

Good 80s album, very cliche to the time period. Very hard on the war symbolism and anti-tyranny. Nothing to jump up and down about

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.

Really enjoying this, back half of the album is great.

Fun and strange but not much more than that unfortunately

This album is honestly great. It gives big Prince/Billy Idol meet musical theater vibes

Once through but didn’t hate this. Feels like a lot of good stuff going on and the vocals kinda bolted on. Interested in learning more. Shitty band name.

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

This was weird. Not particularly interesting, but some new sounds to think about. Very 80s 😂

I used to listen to the song “This Is the Day” a lot, completely different band - kind of like The Cure, very poppy, accessible, and fun. This album is bizarre and never quite found my footing. 2.5 rounding down.

80s sound, not distinctive enough to be familiar with its release.

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

It was alright I guess, I remember really liking their other one here so idk

For ca. ti år siden fant jeg denne og Soul Mining i platesamlinga til pappa, og selv om man kan stille spørsmål til både band-navn og plateomslag, valgte jeg å plukke med meg begge to. Soul Mining traff som faen. Låtene er kanskje litt on the nose, men for faen, jeg var fortsatt i riktig alder. Og musikalsk satt det som f. Jeg er usikker på om jeg noensinne kom meg rundt til å høre på Infected; Soul Mining var liksom nok. Kanskje var det rett valg. Dette har en veldig 80s produksjon, er fattig på hooks, og har heller ikke den introspektive vokalen å lene seg på. Et steg tilbake på alle områder. Og jo lenger det går, desto mer kjeder jeg meg. Skiva får meg til å lure på om jeg egentlig liker Soul Mining, for nå har jeg vært like ved å bytte til noe annet flere ganger, og jeg er så vidt halvveis igjennom. Det er i morgen. Jeg begynte dagen med litt Soul Mining, og den skiva sitter fortsatt som en skreddersydd hanske. Den har hooks, den har empatisk vokalprestasjon, den har pianosoloer og engasjerende instrumentale partier, og den har en mye mindre datert produksjon. Jeg koser meg. Jeg vet ikke om Infected er en dårlig skiva, men den blir dårlig hørt i sammenheng med Soul Mining, når låtskrivingen er dårligere over fjøla og hvert valg høres ut som en retardasjon av det som kom før. Når Giant er ferdig, kunne jeg godt satt på Soul Mining igjen. I stedet satt jeg på Infected for å se om jeg misforstod den i går, og jeg angrer fra første note. Skiva har låter som er bedre enn åpningssporet, men når de sterkeste låtene er svakere enn de svakeste fra debuten, så har vi et problem.

Liker «Angels of Deception» godt, men resten av plata tilhører den delen av poprocken på 80-tallet som ikke helt fikk til dette med synther. Er det Jannicke som synger på «Slow Train To Dawn»? Ser at det hører en film til, men får ikke så lyst til å se den.

De glimter til i ny og ned, og viser at de kan lage god og kul musikk, men de bare roter det til gang på gang. Hva er dette albumet? Når vokalisten tar i skikkelig så høres han ut som Bjarte Tjøstheim som tar i.

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!

Sad. This is a miss for me. I was so taken with “Soul Mining” - a delightful surprise - so was pleased when this popped up today. But the singer’s voice annoyed me, and the lack of hooks or compelling rhythm made the songs forgettable. Add to that some unfortunate peak ‘80s production. A point for some clear areas of creativity and artyness.

I don't really know The The, although I do have Mind Bomb on cassette somewhere - I won it as a spot prize at a quiz night late '80s/early '90s. I didn't like the opening title track, a bit too '80s in its production for me but the rest of the album is listenable, often better than that; dancy beats, horns and synths (or synth horns?). It's not really my genre or era, and a lot of bands of that time - Orange Juice, Wah! (I think) - sound similar to my ears. didn't hate it and I did like "Slow Train to Dawn" with Neneh Cherry guesting. Might dig out that cassette...

Neat blending of rock, synth, and big brass. My biggest issue is this is a fine but unremarkable album - I'm not entirely sure why it's included in this project. Couple decent hidden gems but a lot to move on from. Top tracks: Sweet Bird Of Truth, The Mercy Beat

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 did not make me feel anything

Felt bland and just kind of melted together

Pretty forgettable. Love that one single, but this one was a hard listen right after an equally rough "The Cure" debut album.

6/10

I feel like this music is a mix of multiple genres that I like, but the combined result is not great, Bob.

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

Dang, this band is so good. I wish their name wasn’t so dumb. Some of the songs on here are pretty long, but I liked this as an album, and ‘Heartland’ in particular.

Favorite tracks: Heartland, Angels of Deception I wanted to like this more than I did! I like their style (This Is The Day is one of my all-time faves). I love the singer's voice and just how theatrical and dramatic the songs were. But overall it did sound a liiiittle too dated for me to revisit.

Not my vibe either

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.

Jag är inte tillräckligt öppensinnad för det här

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.

Not my thing. Very 80s and trying to do too many things at once

Very forgettable

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.

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.

I love The The but this wasn’t their best album

This album is very 80’s, very strange, but also enjoyable.

This album exceeded my expectations. I give it a perfect 3 out of 5. It would be a perfect 4 out of 5 if i wanted to listen it to it more times, and a perfect 5 out of 5 if i put it on permanent rotation. Perfect 3 out of 5.

I like that it sounds like rocky horror but it’s not for me

ochentoso

Sure, ok

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.

han ihres erste album na fun gfunde aber langet das für 2 albe? I doubt it hä het jz für mich echt wenig mit (post)punk z tue, es isch für mich chli edgier rock mitere 80er-snare wo glas chan zersplittere hahahaha I was trying so hard to be myself I was turning into somebody else hani iwie na gern so als satz, au wenner chli on the nose isch (und wie mier alli wüssed, chunnt det v.a. de käs anne) und er en meh als gnueg seit ah nei sie hend schono en postpunk-charakterzug: er chan nöd singe! sweet bird of truth isch na en geile ahfang sooo vill 80er aber na geil slow train to dawn findi no en banger mite sängerin im duet ABEEEER es fangt mich immer meh ah nerve WISOOOOO das iwie es essentiells album sötti sii, was machet mier daa?? au twilight of a champion fühli na hahaha, mega abwechsligsriich ganz ehrkich han eig na easy spass gha. aber wiso das album da isch cheggi nöd, drum -1 sterndli

Interesting lyrics, meh sound

I don't like this one that much, which is funny, cause I really like every song on Soul Mining by The The (also on this list)

Is this performance art? Beavis and Butthead would have ripped it to shreds.

No, no, no. The venn diagram of stiff ive learnt to hate in this proces includes 80's production, sneering vocals and crap lyrics. All three in spades here.

Album #2 from The The. The The The album Soul Mining is just a little bit better than this one. (And I bet I made the exact same joke – using lots of "The"s in a row – for the other one too.) It's a fun, fairly stereotypical synth rock sound from the mid-80s. It has that unappealing sheen that makes everything, particularly the synths themselves, sound glossy and inhuman. But it does kind of work on some tracks. Infected, Heartland, and Slow Train To Dawn have other positives that distract from the questionable production. Lots of punk/post-punk influence which I actually think works better here than in most punk records. Because, unlike punk, whoever's on the synths and percussion is slightly competent at their instrument. Infected really gets lifted with the trumpet solo in the second half. Seriously great playing there. Heartland is most memorable for its octave harmonies in the chorus. It's oddly nostalgic (though I was born well after the 80s). Slow Train To Dawn has a great female vocal and a quieter keyboard line that keeps the song moving smoothly. Twilight Of A Champion is The The's slightly bizarre attempt at spy rock. (Or whatever the genre is called.) It's so goofy, and self-awarely so, that I can't help but kind of enjoy it. The heavy, plunking bassline, hitting all the expected blue notes for the next James Bond film, is hilariously perfect. The long notes behind the vocals, bouncing back and forth between synth and trumpet, are fun too. The next song, The Mercy Beat, is essentially a (very) extended coda of the preceding one. I have no idea how both of these have significantly less listens on Spotify that the absolute mess that is Sweet Bird Of Truth. The song is a monstrosity and I have no idea why it doesn't have the least listens (by a wide margin) on the album. The vocal styles, which seem to switch after every line, are all bad. The male vocalist's weird low moaning slow-rap is also bad. 3/5 Key tracks: Heartland, Slow Train To Dawn

Meh

Dang, I found this one incredibly awkward. Feels like being at a musical theater show where the cast members are starting to come down the aisles into the audience; you just want to bury your face and hide till it's over. Can't believe 2 albums from this band made the 1,001.

dosta dobro! kao da neki bili ajdol pjeva nekakav alternativni rok. iskreno, dosta mi se dopalo

6.2

I'm pretty sure that I have never heard any of these songs before today. It's really good with nice vocals and music. It's pretty laid back and would be nice to listen to in a more relaxed setting. Also a nice variety of songs that don't get stale. I've listened to it a few times now and I really enjoy it. I'm not sure why I never heard it before today.

5.0/10 Top track: Heartland

I have a lot of nostalgia for this album, but it's honestly pretty dated

Listened Before? N I have found other albums by these guys pretty enjoyable but this one just didn't resonate with me. Pretty unmemorable but nothing offensive to the ears. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Heartland

Much like my previous experiences with The The, this record is a mixed bag. Some songs are legitimately awesome, some songs are a little too odd, even for me. Best Track: Out of the Blue (Into the Fire)

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

Good album, a bit out there in terms of the sound they're going for I think. It seems to work though and I enjoyed some of it and didn't mind other bits.

Nothing really interesting but kinda fun to listen to...But this isn't exactly my style of music and the lead singer felt a bit meh so it won't top any of my personal lists...still a fun listen

I didn't really care for this one.

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.