Blue Plate Special: The The
The The is an English rock band formed in London in 1979 by singer-songwriter Matt Johnson, who remains its only constant member. Initially a solo project with occasional collaborations, The The evolved into a full band during the late 1980s, featuring notable musicians such as Johnny Marr of The Smiths. The band’s music blends post-punk, synth-pop, and politically charged lyricism, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Across their career, The The released 15 charting singles in the UK, with seven reaching the Top 40. Their breakthrough album, Infected (1986), spent 30 weeks on the charts, followed by Mind Bomb (1989) and Dusk (1993), both of which secured top-ten positions. It was Infected that hooked me – I can still listen to that album on repeat for days. So good.
During its early years, The The was primarily a vehicle for Johnson’s experimental songwriting, incorporating elements of electronic music, avant-garde sounds, and dark, introspective themes. Albums like Soul Mining (1983) showcased his unique fusion of melancholic lyrics with intricate instrumentation. Infected marked a shift toward politically charged narratives, reflected in its accompanying full-length film, an ambitious project filmed across multiple continents. As the band transitioned into a live act, Mind Bomb and Dusk further expanded The The’s sound, introducing a broader rock-oriented style while maintaining its distinctive intensity. The group toured extensively during this period, establishing a reputation for dynamic and emotionally charged performances.
After a lengthy hiatus from 2002 to 2017, during which Johnson focused on soundtrack work and personal projects, The The returned with new material and a global tour. The 2018 Comeback Special live album captured the band’s triumphant return to the stage, and in 2024, they released Ensoulment, their first studio album in nearly 25 years. Despite decades of evolution, The The remains a singular force in alternative music, continuing to blend introspective songwriting, social commentary, and innovative musical textures.
Some of my favorites from their (still growing) catalog:
This Is the Day – from the album Soul Mining (1983) (alt version used in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)
The Beat(en) Generation – from the album Mind Bomb (1989)
Slow Emotion Replay – from the album Dusk (1993)
TheWhisperers – from the album NakedSelf (2000)
Out Of the Blue (Into the Fire) – from the album Infected (1986)
Song Without an Ending – from the album Burning Blue Soul (1981)
Uncertain Smile – from the album Soul Mining (1983)
I Saw the Light – from the album Hanky Panky (1995)
Sweet Bird of Truth – from the album Infected (1986)
Lonely Planet – from the album Dusk (1993)
