Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Underrated Classic: Everything But The Girl 'Amplified Heart'

In 1994, Everything But The Girl went from being UK indie darlings to worldwide icons thanks to their eighth record, Amplified Heart. The record, which saw the mild-electronic duo strip down to nearly all acoustics on the album, saw their success propelled by the global smash "Missing." The dance remix of the track made them club and radio favorites and a newfound celebrity was bestowed onto band members Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt. The duo, who matured and paved their own way in the years prior became the center of the music world following the anticipated release of the record. Amplified Heart became their biggest and best received album, scoring nearly perfect scores from critics in the UK and the US. While they were never able to repeat the success of what Amplified Heart brought them, the duo disbanded in 2000 and have hinted over the years they could eventually reunite. While they may be gone, their music continues to live on in British groups like London Grammar, The xx, and Skepta, who have all taken influence from Everything But The Girl. In 2012, the album was reissued in a two-disc set which featured B-sides, bonus tracks, remixes, and outtakes.