The The
| Origin | London, England |
|---|---|
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Labels | |
| Members | |
| Website | Template:URL |
The The is a British post-punk and alternative rock project formed in London, England in 1979. The project is primarily the creative vehicle of singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Matt Johnson, who has remained the sole constant member throughout its existence. Known for their brooding, introspective, and politically charged music, The The are regarded as one of the most distinctive and influential acts to emerge from the post-punk era.
History
[edit]Formation and early years (1979–1982)
[edit]The The was founded by Matt Johnson in London in 1979, when Johnson was still a teenager. The name was deliberately chosen for its abstract, almost meaningless quality — a statement in itself. Johnson began recording under the name while working with producer Keith Fulton, releasing early material through the independent label 4AD.
The debut album, Nursery Cryme-style recordings circulated in limited form, but it was the 1981 single "Controversial Subject" that brought the project early attention. Johnson signed with Some Bizzare Records, the label run by Stevo Pearce that also championed Soft Cell and Depeche Mode.
Burning Blue Soul (1981)
[edit]The first official album, Burning Blue Soul, was released in 1981 on 4AD. Although credited to "Matt Johnson" in some pressings, it is considered the first The The album. It was largely a solo effort recorded by Johnson with minimal assistance. The album showcased a raw, confessional style of songwriting that would come to define the project, combining stark acoustic arrangements with electronic textures.
Soul Mining (1983)
[edit]The The's commercial and critical breakthrough came with Soul Mining, released in 1983 on Some Bizzare/Epic Records. Produced by Johnson alongside Paul Hardiman, the album is widely considered a landmark of 1980s alternative music. It featured a rich blend of synthesizers, acoustic instruments, and Johnson's brooding baritone vocals.
Key tracks include:
- "This Is the Day" — an ode to lost opportunities and the passage of time, later used extensively in film and television
- "Uncertain Smile" — featuring an extended piano coda performed by Jools Holland
- "Giant"
- "The Sinking Feeling"
Soul Mining was praised for its emotional depth and cinematic production, and has since appeared on numerous lists of the greatest albums of the 1980s.
Infected (1986)
[edit]Infected (1986) marked a bolder, more overtly political chapter. Released during the height of Thatcherism and amid the AIDS crisis, the album tackled themes of moral decay, sexual politics, American imperialism, and spiritual yearning. It was accompanied by a full-length film of the same name, directed by Tim Pope, which visualised each track.
Notable tracks:
- "Infected"
- "Heartland" — a sweeping indictment of Thatcher-era Britain
- "Sweet Bird of Truth" — a critique of American militarism
- "Slow Train to Dawn" — featuring vocalist Neneh Cherry
The album reached the UK Top 20 and cemented The The's reputation as one of the most politically engaged acts in British music.
Mind Bomb (1989)
[edit]Mind Bomb (1989) saw The The working with a full band lineup for the first time, most notably featuring former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. The album explored themes of religion, geopolitics, and existential despair with a harder, blues-influenced rock sound.
Tracks of note:
- "The Beat(en) Generation" — a sardonic commentary on consumerism and apathy
- "Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)" — a meditation on religious conflict
- "Beyond Love"
- "August & September"
The collaboration with Marr was critically acclaimed and brought the band their widest audience to date.
Dusk (1993)
[edit]Dusk (1993) continued the collaboration with Johnny Marr and further deepened The The's blues and Americana influences. Darker and more introspective than its predecessor, the album dealt with depression, longing, and mortality.
Highlights include:
- "Love Is Stronger Than Death" — written in memory of Johnson's brother Eugene
- "Slow Emotion Replay"
- "Dogs of Lust"
- "This Is the Night"
Dusk reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and remains one of the most beloved albums in the band's catalogue. It marked the end of a particularly fertile creative period, and was followed by a long hiatus.
Hiatus and NakedSelf (1995–2000)
[edit]After the Dusk tour, The The entered an extended period of inactivity. Matt Johnson became increasingly disillusioned with the music industry. A covers album, Hanky Panky (1995), paid tribute to Hank Williams, further demonstrating Johnson's wide-ranging musical interests.
The project returned with NakedSelf in 2000, released on Nothing Records (owned by Trent Reznor). The album was rawer and more abrasive than previous work, reflecting a darker and more reclusive period for Johnson.
Second hiatus and return (2000–2017)
[edit]Following NakedSelf, The The entered another prolonged hiatus. Matt Johnson worked sporadically on film scores, archival projects, and reissues. A major archival release, Soul Mining (reissued and expanded), and box sets helped introduce the band's catalogue to new generations.
The Comeback Special and MONKEYSTRONG (2018–present)
[edit]In 2018, The The announced a long-awaited return to live performance — the first concerts in 16 years. The tour, documented in the film and live album The The Comeback Special (2019), was enthusiastically received by both longtime fans and critics.
In 2024, The The released MONKEYSTRONG, the first album of original material in over two decades. The release was met with widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers noting that Johnson's songwriting remained as sharp and uncompromising as ever.
Musical style and themes
[edit]The The's music is difficult to categorise. Over the course of their career, they have drawn from:
- Post-punk and new wave
- Synth-pop and electronic music
- Blues and Americana
- Gothic rock and art rock
Lyrically, Matt Johnson's work is characterised by:
- Political and social commentary (Thatcherism, American foreign policy, religious extremism)
- Personal introspection, depression, and existential searching
- Romantic longing and human connection
- Mortality and loss
Johnson has cited Leonard Cohen, Hank Williams, Scott Walker, and Nick Drake as influences, alongside political writers and philosophers.
Members
[edit]Core
[edit]- Matt Johnson — vocals, guitar, songwriting (1979–present)
Notable collaborators
[edit]- Johnny Marr — guitar (Mind Bomb, Dusk, reunion tours)
- Zeke Manyika — drums, percussion
- David Palmer — drums
- Neneh Cherry — vocals (Infected)
- Jools Holland — piano (Soul Mining)
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Burning Blue Soul | 4AD |
| 1983 | Soul Mining | Some Bizzare / Epic |
| 1986 | Infected | Some Bizzare / Epic |
| 1989 | Mind Bomb | Epic |
| 1993 | Dusk | Epic |
| 1995 | Hanky Panky | Epic |
| 2000 | NakedSelf | Nothing / Interscope |
| 2024 | MONKEYSTRONG | Cinéola / Cooking Vinyl |
Legacy
[edit]The The are widely cited as a major influence on alternative rock, indie music, and post-punk revival acts. Matt Johnson's refusal to compromise his artistic vision — and his willingness to address uncomfortable political and personal truths — has earned him a devoted following and enduring critical respect.
Soul Mining and Infected in particular are frequently included in lists of the greatest British albums ever made. The project's influence can be heard in artists ranging from Radiohead and Nick Cave to The National and Interpol.