Eden [Import]

Everything But the Girl | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 31, 1999)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Warner Bros UK
• ASIN: B000005RM1
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,421 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Everything but the Girl hit the ground running with their first album, Eden; in some ways, they wouldn't equal the effort again for years. Though both Tracy Thorn and Ben Watt learned how to use their voices to better effect over the years, their vocal talents are evident here. Singing over a gentle, tropical-toned combo, Thorn sounds strong and free, and, when the occasion calls for it, vulnerable. Watt may be a little melodramatic on "Tender Blue," but the affecting "Soft Touch" more than makes up for it. Meanwhile, "Another Bridge" presages "Me and Bobby D" (from The Language of Life); "The Dustbowl" succinctly captures a post-breakup reflection with only a modicum of regret; "Frost and Fire" reaches out from daughter to mother; and "I Must Confess" neatly sambas its way out of a finished relationship. Mature, intelligent, and unflinchingly romantic, it ranks among EBTG's best work. --Randy Silver

Product Description

Japanese reissue of the adult alternative/dance duo's 1984 debut album. Featuring a miniature LP sleeve reproduction of the original artwork. Unavailable in the US. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and sublime, October 23, 2001

By 

Andrew M. Schirmer "violist/student" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eden (Audio CD)

In 1996, Everything But The Girl made a brilliant transformation from tepid adult contemporary music to a delightful hybrid of pop and electronica. "Walking Wounded" secured a place in my heart with its breathtaking fusion of light jungle, house, and the plaintive lyrics of Tracy Thorn. 1999 brought "Temperamental," which continued the excursion into deeper (housier) waters. With nothing new from them in two years (albeit a pair of excellent mix albums--"Lazy Dog" is certainly worth mentioning), I decided to sample some of their pre-electronica work. Were my expectations met? With "Eden," they were surpassed.

"Eden" is an easy-listening gem of album containing twelve songs dealing with various aspects of relationships. A light sun-kissed bossnova ties the whole thing together--and what a package! Tracy Thorn has never sounded so vulnerable. From the opening horns of "Each and Everyone" (sampled by Roni Size on "Destination") to the gorgeous "Even So" to Ben Watt's excellent vocal on "Soft Touch," there's really not a weak spot on the album. My only beef was the initial shock to the absence of vocal production or awareness; things didn't sound as full like they do on "Walking Wounded."

"Eden" is a beautiful album, and if you've thought about checking out early EBTG, you won't be disappointed. Just don't expect a album of deep house music. :)

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why, Oh Why Can't We Go Back To The Garden Of Eden?, April 26, 2005

By 

Dr. Of Style (Saginaw, MI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Eden (Audio CD)

Greetings!

I remember hearing this for the first time back in 1985, and I was blown away! The group was definitely different from what I was hearing at the time. It was a refreshing, jazz-influenced sound that had poetry and verve. I had the tape of this album, and I am glad I was able to replace it (it wore out) with a fine import CD.

The songs appear simple and unassuming, but they are wonderful and filled with beautiful poetry and very adept musicianship. This is truly music that will live on forever. Tracy's vocals are extremely beautiful and poignant. IMHO, she has a more pleasing voice and gets more out of a note than most any singer I have heard, and definitely more than ANY female vocalist I have been blessed or cursed to hear! Tracy and Ben have a perfect symbiosis, and this would continue on, until, that is, the arrival of the dreaded techno-pop-mix stuff, which, I really do not care for (it must have paid good money though!).

On Eden, even though I love the entire album, my favorite tracks are: EACH AND EVERY ONE, EVEN SO (with a nice Spanish tempo), and I MUST CONFESS. Brilliant!

All in all, this is perhaps EBTG's best album (in its entirety). The group continued to put out some fine recordings after this, but, when they started doing the techno stuff, they lost me.

Tracy has been blessed with an angelic voice. Ben is a fine musician and a very good writer. Now, if we could just get them back to doing what they did on this album, we'd have a heaven on earth!

Thanks for taking the time to read my review!

Rock On, Kids,

Dr. Of Style

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars classic time-less music, March 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Eden (Audio CD)

One of my favourite records. I've listened to it since the 80's and it still feels up to date. It takes a couple of listenings but then you're lost. A must in every music lovers collection.