Artist: Everything but the Girl Album: Love Not Money

Year: 1985
Duration: 0:0-1

Everything But the Girl's Love Not Money: A Critical Review

If you're a fan of Everything But the Girl, then you already know that the duo has released some phenomenal music over the years. One album that stands out to me, in particular, is their 1985 release, Love Not Money. In this blog post, I'll give you a brief history of the group, talk about the music genre of the album, discuss the best songs on the album, highlight the most innovative parts, and offer my critical review of the album.

Firstly, a little background on Everything But the Girl. The duo is made up of Tracy Thorn and Ben Watt, who formed the group in 1982. Originally, they played a blend of indie pop and jazz, but over the years, their sound evolved to incorporate elements of electronica and dance music. Love Not Money was the group's second album, released in 1985, and it saw them experimenting with new sounds while staying true to their roots.

Love Not Money is a mix of several genres, including pop, jazz, and a bit of rock. One of the things that make this album special is the way Everything But the Girl combines these different sounds seamlessly. To me, it feels like an album that's ahead of its time. The use of synths and drum machines is especially impressive, considering that this was released in the mid-80s.

When it comes to the best songs on the album, there are quite a few that stand out. When All's Well is a standout track that showcases Tracy Thorn's incredible voice. The song's piano melody is haunting, and the lyrics are a perfect blend of melancholy and hope. Angel is another great track, with its funky bassline and catchy chorus. Cross My Heart is a slow burner of a track. The lyrics are raw and emotional, and Tracy Thorn's voice really shines here.

In terms of innovation, the use of drum machines and synths is really what sets Love Not Money apart from Everything But the Girl's earlier work. The album also incorporates a bit of a new wave sound, which was starting to gain popularity at the time. Everything But the Girl's ability to incorporate these different influences and create something entirely unique is impressive.

Now, for my critical review of the album. While Love Not Money is undoubtedly a great album, it does have a couple of weak spots. There are a few tracks that feel a bit like filler, and while they're not necessarily bad, they don't quite hit the same level as the standout tracks. Additionally, some of the songs can feel a bit same-y, which can make it difficult to distinguish between them on first listen.

In conclusion, Everything But the Girl's Love Not Money is a fantastic album that's definitely worth a listen. The album showcases the group's incredible range and ability to blend different genres seamlessly. There are several songs on the album that are sure to become firm favorites, and the use of synths and drum machines feels innovative even all these years later. While the album does have a couple of weak spots, they're easy to overlook in the grand scheme of things. Overall, Love Not Money is a great example of just how talented Everything But the Girl were, and it's an album that I'll always hold near and dear.

In conclusion, Everything But the Girl's Love Not Money is a fantastic album that's definitely worth a listen. The album showcases the group's incredible range and ability to blend different genres seamlessly. There are several songs on the album that are sure to become firm favorites, and the use of synths and drum machines feels innovative even all these years later. While the album does have a couple of weak spots, they're easy to overlook in the grand scheme of things. Overall, Love Not Money is a great example of just how talented Everything But the Girl were, and it's an album that I'll always hold near and dear.