Soul Mining

by The The

Soul Mining cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 21 October 1983
  • Label: Some Bizzare, Epic
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Length: 41:30
  • Community rating: 4.36/5 from 11 ratings

Artists on this release: Matt Johnson

Album Notes & Community Reviews

The The's debut album 'Soul Mining' is a pivotal post-punk and synth-pop record defined by Matt Johnson's multi-instrumental approach and confessional songwriting. Its production blends polished New York studio textures with raw, home-recorded elements, using synthesizers, drum machines, and distinctive acoustic flourishes to frame lyrical themes of social alienation, dream-like imagery, and romantic anxiety. Critically acclaimed upon its 1983 release and now widely regarded as a seminal work of the decade, the album's reputation as an idiosyncratic masterpiece has grown significantly over time.

Genres

Descriptors: literary, confessional, observational, political, male vocalist, synthesizers, melodic, piano, sophisticated, ballad

Tracklist

  1. I've Been Waitin' For Tomorrow (All Of My Life) (05:45)
  2. This Is the Day (04:57)
  3. The Sinking Feeling (03:41)
  4. Uncertain Smile (06:51)
  5. The Twilight Hour (05:55)
  6. Soul Mining (04:47)
  7. Giant (09:34)

Credits

  • Matt Johnson - vocals, synthesisers, percussion, instruments on all tracks, chant, producer, words by, music by
  • Harry Beckett - trumpet on "Perfect"
  • Paul Boyle - fiddle on "This Is the Day"
  • Andy Duncan - drums on "This Is the Day", "Uncertain Smile", "Soul Mining" and "Perfect"
  • Camelle G. Hinds - bass guitar
  • Jools Holland - piano on "Uncertain Smile"
  • David Johansen - harmonica on "Perfect"
  • Keith Laws - melodica on "Three Orange Kisses from Kazan"
  • Thomas Leer - synthesisers
  • Zeke Manyika - drums
  • JG Thirlwell - tapes, samples, percussion
  • Paul Hardiman - chant, producer, engineer
  • Andy Dog - artwork
  • Fiona Skinner - typography, graphic designer
  • Stevø - sleeve notes

More from The The: full discography