New music from Everything But The Girl

I've missed them.

Like the deserts miss the rain.

I really didn't think they'd ever do anything as a band again.

I've loved both Ben and Tracey's solo records - Ben's last record was fantastic - but I'm excited to see/hear this.

Both recordings of Driving are a couple of my favs. The 1990 original and the 1992 acoustic version.

1992 version from the album, Acoustic

I loved Driving, and that video was amazing, too (though that was probably their weakest album - they sort of had an identity crisis for a few years in the early 90s).

They’re divorced now, right?

r6 Nope.

R6 no, still together!

I thought the same when Tracey had a divorce song on a solo album but apparently that was when they actually got married....they'd had 3 kids and been together 20+ years but basically married recently for what I suspect are financial reasons.

Tracey's thoughts on taking a man's last name are encapsulated in their song "Mine."

Whoa!!! Never thought I'd see the day!

What is this about an identity crisis in the 90s though? "Walking Wounded" was an incredible album!!! It was certainly of it's time, but I still listen to it. "Before Today" is a great opening track. I remember feeling a rush of excitement the first time I popped the cd into my stereo and the initial synths kicked in. SUCH a mood.

wow, I remember buying their record and singles. I can't wait to hear the new shit

I'm intrigued.

It's far more dance oriented than I expected based on (a) Ben and Tracey's most recent solo albums and (b) the fact that this is coming from two 60 year olds!

It's growing on me, though it does sort of eschew a traditional chorus structure.

I know they were both very adamant that EBTG not turn into a retro sort of act, playing its biggest 80s/90s hits. They've certainly kept things fresh.

PS I wish they themselves were in this video!

As recently as a year ago, Tracey is quoted as saying EBTG is dead and it’s never coming back. So glad she was wrong. I’m a devoted, very long-time fan and am ecstatic.

That said, they’ve both continued to make terrific music on their own, Ben’s latest album is very, very good.

Ben's last three albums were so good and indeed, Storm Damage is an under-appreciated masterpiece that, to be honest, was fucked over because of its release during the early days pandemic.

Tracey's albums have been great, though the last one had a few weak tracks.

Truly amazing to think they've been doing this for 40 years.

Sorry, I love ETBG as much as everyone on this thread (all 14 of us) but this new track is awful. As in, iconically bad.

More about the new song and album.

The new song is growing on me....but the description here saying that the new album is a mix of things is a relief, I don't want the whole damn album to sound like the single.

Ok they can make downtempo sounds in 2023 but its quite lame to use a bunch of modern dancing etho kids for cred. It's a better sound than old Madonna can manage, nowadays. But there is no tune. Boy George would at least add a FUCKING MELODY.

I always wondered about them. They were so quiet about their relationship for years. I remember in the 80s and early 90s seeing interviews where they didn't say anything about the nature of it at all.

I was convinced Ben was gay or bi early on. His early song "Walter and John" didn't dispel that notion. An acquaintance claims to have slept with him (and that Ben is enormous) but, a grain of salt and all that.

From Tracey's interviews and books I wonder if they've had an open relationship. He seems to be a homebody after his disease and recovery, while she's become a bit of a lushy clubgoer after raising kids.

Takeaway: Ben Watt is horsehung.

Always had a crush on Ben, even in his huskier young days.

But he was truly beautiful around the time of Walking Wounded. Sex on two legs.

Knowing he had a massive third leg..........*sproing!*

Then again, he was pretty fucking adorable here, too.

Most of the guys I knew around that time looked like Ben....but some looked more like Tracey!

Always loved those first three albums. To go from jazz/pop --> jangly guitars, Smiths style and then --> orchestra pop with a bit of a Dusty Springfield vibe....that's some serious versatility.

I gasped at how thin he was here when I first saw this video.

Ben looks like an alien. Always has.. What kind of boys did you know and where?

Big fan, but the new track is just OK.. Maybe it'll grow on me once the remixes are out.

Amplified Heart is EBTG's Graceland. It is the most perfect album and almost 30 years later it's still top 5 as far as I am concerned.

I am thrilled they are making new music. Tracy's voice has just gotten more gritty and she is one of the best female singers out there.

Their solo work is equally as compelling but together they can do no wrong. So happy they are back making music!

R24 Agree. It was a bit of a sleeper to me at first but Amplified Heart is, I think, the best representation of them and their most classic album.

I loved Tracey's solo single from a few years back......deeper voice but still sounded just like her.

I wasn't a big fan of their "smooth jazz" record, but god, I loved this song and video.

I really thought *this* was going to be the big breakout single for them.

This thread is long so I don't have time to read it all. But want to post a forgotten gem called Driving.

R27 You mean, the song that was literally the post in the fucking thread RIGHT BEFORE YOURS?

R27 all 26 posts before yours!? So long!

Sad fat cunt at R29.

Ben's last solo album was sooooo good

I adore them! I’m glad they’re back together as a band. Hopefully they continue in the future. Their solo work is good but they are amazing when together. They totally play off one another brilliantly!

I love the new song.

Album out today!

The album is fantastic!

I loved a few of the released tracks but wasn't sure what to make of it.

It is glorious. Have been crying through a few tracks.

A new song by "Family Stereo"

Which, as it turns out, is Ben and Tracey's son Blake.

Not a surprise...he looks exactly like Ben with a spoonful of Tracey thrown in, and sounds like a young Ben.

If any song on the new album has a chance of being a breakout slow burn hit like "Missing," this one is it.

ugh....unfortunately they've released probably my least favorite track on the album

AND

yet again, no Ben or Tracey in the video.

Album feels stodgy to me but they've always had the downtempo lethargy.