The The: Art-Rock Intellect Meets Post-Punk Passion
The The is an English musical project formed in London in 1979 by Matt Johnson, the band’s sole constant member, visionary songwriter, and distinctive voice. Often labeled as post-punk, new wave, or art rock, The The defies easy categorization. Their music combines philosophical lyrics, dark pop sensibility, and musical experimentation, creating songs that are intensely personal yet politically charged.
Over four decades, The The has evolved through many sounds—from industrial and synth-pop to blues, soul, country, and guitar-driven rock—yet Matt Johnson’s introspective worldview and poetic intensity remain the group’s unifying core.
Formation and Concept
- Formed: 1979, London, England
- Founder and Core Member:
- Matt Johnson – Vocals, guitar, keyboards, songwriting, producer
The The began as part of the experimental electronic/post-punk scene, originally a duo before becoming Johnson’s solo vehicle with rotating collaborators. Despite lineup changes, Johnson has kept full creative control, turning The The into an ever-evolving artistic platform.
Musical Style
The The’s sound spans many genres, but their key features include:
- Deep, brooding vocals and a rich baritone delivery
- Lyrics that explore urban decay, love, loss, consumerism, existential angst, religion, and politics
- Use of spoken-word samples, atmospheric textures, and rock instrumentation
- Albums that feel cinematic, conceptual, and thematically unified
Each album offers a new lens: sometimes electronic, sometimes acoustic, always thought-provoking and emotionally intense.
Key Albums
Soul Mining (1983)
The debut full-length album—a landmark in intelligent synth-pop. Lush and confessional, filled with anxiety and beauty.
Highlights:
- “Uncertain Smile” – Features a legendary extended piano solo
- “This Is the Day” – An optimistic anthem of self-renewal
- “Perfect”
- “The Sinking Feeling”
Infected (1986)
A searing political album with biting commentary on imperialism, corruption, and media control. More aggressive, with funk and industrial influences.
Highlights:
- “Heartland” – A scathing critique of Thatcher’s England
- “Infected”
- “Sweet Bird of Truth” – A Middle East war drama in song form
- “Out of the Blue (Into the Fire)”
Note: Johnson created a full-length video version of the album, which played in cinemas and on television—one of the first artists to do so.
Mind Bomb (1989)
A darker, more atmospheric record, with the addition of ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. Themes of religion, paranoia, and spiritual crisis dominate.
Highlights:
- “The Beat(en) Generation” – A protest anthem disguised as pop
- “Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)” – Politically and religiously explosive
- “Kingdom of Rain” (duet with Sinéad O’Connor) – Beautifully haunting
- “Good Morning Beautiful”
Dusk (1993)
More organic and emotionally raw. Bluesy, guitar-driven, and introspective, with a focus on love, trauma, and redemption.
Highlights:
- “Love Is Stronger Than Death” – Written after the death of Johnson’s brother
- “Dogs of Lust” – Lascivious and electrifying
- “Slow Emotion Replay”
- “Helpline Operator”
NakedSelf (2000)
Gritty and minimalist, with no keyboards or computers. A raw statement on modern alienation and despair.
Highlights:
- “Boiling Point”
- “ShrunkenMan”
- “Phantom Walls”
Soundtracks and Other Works
- “Tony: London Serial Killer” (2009) – Matt Johnson composed the score
- “Hyena” (2015) – Another film scored by Johnson
- Released political radio broadcasts and spoken-word projects under The The name
- Explores multimedia art, photography, and documentary work
Signature Songs
- “Uncertain Smile” – A soaring, bittersweet anthem with a dazzling piano coda
- “This Is the Day” – Hopeful, philosophical pop
- “Heartland” – A furious critique wrapped in a funky groove
- “Love Is Stronger Than Death” – Intimate, spiritual reflection on grief
- “Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)” – Apocalyptic and prophetic
Live Performances
- The The rarely performed in the 2000s, but returned triumphantly in 2018 with a full band tour
- Known for intense, atmospheric live shows, often accompanied by visual projections and narrative elements
- Johnson’s onstage presence is commanding, cerebral, and emotionally raw
Influence and Legacy
- Influenced a wide range of artists including Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, Elbow, Manic Street Preachers, and Massive Attack
- A key figure in art-rock, political pop, and post-punk lyricism
- Soul Mining and Infected are considered essential albums of the 1980s alternative movement
- Johnson’s commitment to artistic integrity, independence, and depth of message has earned him cult-hero status
Where to Start
Album | Year | Best For |
---|---|---|
Soul Mining | 1983 | Emotional synth-pop and lyrical beauty |
Infected | 1986 | Politically charged and sonically bold |
Mind Bomb | 1989 | Dense, philosophical, and spiritually searching |
Dusk | 1993 | Raw, guitar-led intimacy |
NakedSelf | 2000 | Gritty, minimalist modern commentary |
Final Thoughts
The The is one of the most intellectually rigorous, musically adventurous, and emotionally resonant bands to emerge from the post-punk/new wave era. Matt Johnson’s work invites listeners to confront society’s illusions and their own vulnerabilities, all while delivering melodies that are as memorable as they are meaningful.
If you want music that asks deep questions, dares to be vulnerable, and refuses to follow trends, then The The offers a rich, thought-provoking catalog where every track is a challenge, a confession, and a revelation.