Artist: Everything but the Girl Album: The Language of Life

Year: 1990
Duration: 0:0-1

Everything but the Girl's The Language of Life: A Critical Review

There are few music duos that have lasted as long as Everything but the Girl. Formed in 1982 by Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt, the English duo has been around for almost 40 years, dabbling in various genres such as jazz, folk, and electronic music. In 1990, they released their seventh studio album, The Language of Life, which marked a departure from their previous sound. It was a more polished and commercial album that gave them more exposure in the mainstream. In this blog post, we will take a critical look at the album, its sound, and the most notable parts of the record.

The Language of Life was a departure from the electronic and dance sound that Everything but the Girl was known for. The album came after the duo had returned from a trip to Brazil, which became the inspiration for the new sound. The sound of the album is a fusion of jazz, bossa nova, and pop, which created a breezy and relaxed atmosphere. It was a calculated and well-executed move from the duo, which resulted in an album that was commercially successful.

The strength of the album lies in its hit singles. The Language of Life had four successful singles, with each one showcasing a different facet of the duo's sound. Driving, the lead single, is a catchy and upbeat track with a driving beat that captures the essence of the album. I Don't Want to Talk About It is a beautiful ballad that showcases Thorn's vocal range and emotive lyrics. Take Me is an upbeat track that has a catchy chorus and a memorable guitar riff. The Only Living Boy in New York is a cover of the Simon and Garfunkel classic, which the duo made their own by adding their signature sound.

The innovative part of the album is how it blends different genres seamlessly. It's a testament to the duo's musicianship and versatility, which they demonstrated throughout the album. The Language of Life is a cohesive album that takes the listener on a journey through different moods and emotions. The production is top-notch, with a clear and polished sound that enhances the songs' strengths.

Despite the album's commercial success, it received some criticism for being too polished and commercial. Some critics accused the duo of selling out to the mainstream and straying away from their previous sound. However, the album's merits are undeniable, and it's still regarded as one of the best albums of their career.

Everything but the Girl's The Language of Life is a masterclass in versatility and musicianship. The album is a departure from their previous sound but demonstrates their ability to adapt to different genres seamlessly. The album is polished and commercial but still manages to maintain its integrity and sophistication. It's no wonder that the album became successful and helped cement the duo's place in music history. If you're a fan of jazz, bossa nova, or pop, this album is a must-listen, and even if you're not, it's still worth checking out.