Artist: Everything but the Girl Album: Walking Wounded

Year: 1996
Duration: 52:26

A Critical Review of the Album Walking Wounded by Everything But The Girl

Everything But The Girl, commonly referred to as EBTG, was a British duo comprised of Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt. The group was active between 1982 and 2000, during which they released twelve studio albums. One of their most critically acclaimed albums was Walking Wounded, released in 1996. This album marked a significant departure from their earlier works, incorporating electronic and trip-hop elements that were prevalent in the mid-'90s. In this review, we'll take a look at the album's music genre, history, best songs, most innovative parts and offer our own critique of the album.

The Music Genre of the Album:

Walking Wounded is an adult contemporary album that blends elements of pop, rock, and electronic music. The album features a range of tempos, from downtempo, atmospheric tracks like The Heart Remains a Child to upbeat tracks like Wrong and Single. The album's electronic production is evident throughout, with drum machines and synthesizers used to great effect in many of its tracks.

The History of the Artist:

Everything But The Girl was formed in Hull, England, in 1982 by Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn. Their early music was predominantly in the jazzy, indie pop vein, with their first album, Eden achieving critical acclaim in 1984. Their follow-up albums, Love Not Money and Baby, The Stars Shine Bright followed a similar style. However, everything changed with Walking Wounded.

Best Songs of the Album:

Walking Wounded is an album that works best when listened to in its entirety, as a complete soundscape. However, there are a few standout tracks that are worth mentioning. Wrong is the album's standout track, featuring a driving beat and haunting vocals from Tracey Thorn. The Heart Remains a Child is another standout track that showcases the album's atmospheric qualities.

The Most Innovative Parts:

What makes Walking Wounded so great is its innovative use of electronic and trip-hop elements. Tracks like Single and Driving incorporate well-placed drum machines and synthesizers, making them perfect for the dancefloor. The album also features a range of guest performers, including guitarist Richard Thompson and trip-hop pioneer DJ Shadow.

What makes Walking Wounded so great is its innovative use of electronic and trip-hop elements. Tracks like Single and Driving incorporate well-placed drum machines and synthesizers, making them perfect for the dancefloor. The album also features a range of guest performers, including guitarist Richard Thompson and trip-hop pioneer DJ Shadow.

Critique of the Album:

Overall, Walking Wounded is an excellent album that stands the test of time. While it may not be the easiest album to digest, it's one that rewards careful listening and attention to detail. The album's atmospheric production and trip-hop elements were ahead of their time and are still influential today. If you're looking for an album that's both challenging and rewarding, Walking Wounded is a great choice.

In conclusion, Walking Wounded is a landmark album that stands as one of the best adult contemporary albums of the mid-'90s. Its innovative production and electronic elements make it a unique listening experience that holds up well today. If you're a fan of electronic music or trip-hop, this is an album that you must listen to. Everything But The Girl may be defunct, but their legacy lives on through this stellar album.