The The: The Pioneering Post-Punk of Matt Johnson

The The is the ever-evolving musical project of English singer-songwriter Matt Johnson. Formed in London in 1979, the project became a cornerstone of the post-punk and new wave scenes, known for its incisive social commentary and genre-blending sound.

Early career

Matt Johnson founded The The in 1979, using the name to represent a collective for his artistic vision rather than a fixed band lineup. His early work was marked by a stark, experimental approach, culminating in the 1981 debut album Burning Blue Soul, initially credited to Johnson alone but later folded into The The's catalogue.

Breakthrough

The project's true breakthrough came with the 1983 album Soul Mining. Released on Some Bizzare Records, this record defined The The's sound, merging Johnson's lyrical depth with sophisticated synth-pop and rock arrangements. It achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, eventually being certified Gold in the UK.

Key tracks

Uncertain Smile - This track from Soul Mining is a quintessential example of Johnson's melancholic yet melodic songwriting, featuring a celebrated piano solo by Jools Holland.

This Is the Day - Often considered the band's most recognizable song, its bittersweet nostalgia became an alternative anthem and a staple of 1980s compilations.

Heartland - The lead single from 1986's Infected, this track is a scathing political critique of Thatcher-era Britain, set to a driving, danceable rhythm.

Infected - The title track from the ambitious 1986 album showcased a fuller, more aggressive sound and a groundbreaking accompanying long-form music video.

Dogs of Lust - From the 1993 album Dusk, this song highlighted Johnson's return to a more guitar-based, blues-inflected rock sound.

Following Infected, The The continued to evolve with albums like Mind Bomb (1989) and Dusk (1993), the latter debuting at number two on the UK Albums Chart. After a long hiatus, Johnson revived The The in 2017 for a series of live tours and released the first new The The album in over two decades, Radio Cineola: Trilogy, in 2021.

Fans of The The's intelligent, genre-fluid post-punk might also appreciate the work of The Smiths for their equally sharp lyrical focus. New Order shares a similar journey from post-punk roots into electronic exploration. The atmospheric rock of Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds offers a comparable depth of narrative and mood.