Language Of Life

Everything But the Girl | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 8, 1990)
• Original Release Date: February 20, 1990
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Atlantic
• ASIN: B000002IP5
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,173 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

By the time of The Language of Life, Everything but the Girl had reached a point in their career where they could get accomplished jazz musicians Joe Sample, Michael Brecker, and Stan Getz to play on their album and not have it perceived as an affectation: the duo had already made five albums that showcased Ben Watt's ability to write a classic melody and Tracey Thorn's silky vocals. In working with producer Tommy Lipuma, they made an album of superficially perfect love songs--beautiful tunes all, but overproduced to the point where the feelings behind them are only rarely glimpsed. There are some great songs, though--"The Road," "Driving," "Me and Bobby D," "Imagining America" are some of the best in EBTG's distinguished catalog--and they manage to make Language a worthy album despite the shortcomings. Check out EBTG's Acoustic for more nuanced versions of "Driving" and "Me and Bobby D." --Randy Silver

Product Description

Japanese reissue, featuring a miniature LP sleeve of the original artwork. Tracks are to mirror the US pressing. Originally released in 1990. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Electric Rose (The Chemistry of Watt & Thorn), April 14, 2005

By 

Mars Velvet (Green Tree, Blue Earth...Deep Space) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Language Of Life (Audio CD)

LANGUAGE is arguably one of the best albums ever made that blends perfect pop with jazz sensibilites. Moody, but also provocative. Stunning vocal performance by Tracy Thorn and the jazz stylings of Ben Watt. There are even a few duets that showcase their sympatico.

This album stands at the crossroads of their career and would be next to the last before they shifted their musical focus to electronica. Here are my favorite tracks.... hope they will be yours.

"Driving" starts with the gentle "ha ha ha" (inspired by Laurie Anderson's "O Superman"...?) and thus begins the album with keyboard and sax meeting together beautifully. Tracy's emotional words and velvet voice melt in the ear.

"Get Back" picks up the beat with Ben getting more vocals this time...almost a duet. A perfect example of their chemistry coming thru the music.

"Meet me in the morning" has Tracy beconing an invitation for an illicit rendevouz. "I haven't come to break your home...
I haven't come to harm your children, I've come to be your love". Beautiful.

"Me and Bobby D" is a sorta lively catalog of ex-lovers. The happy beat and catchy hook masks the portrait of abusive and neglected relationships.

"Language of Life" features a piano, Tracy's smooth notes, and Ben following her lead...gorgeous! A perfect centerpiece for this album.

"Take me" a great standard. Originally a hit for the Isley Brothers. Here sung heartfully by Tracy Thorn.

"Imagining America" another "duetish" song about lovers parted by an ocean during wartime. Great string and sax arrangment! This song has a driven quality, almost urgent as Ben speaks the words Tracy will then sing. Original vocal delivery.

"The Road" is sung solo by Ben Watt. A trait that happens on most of their albums. Ben ussually delivers a heartfelt and very introspective performance... this is no exception. A perfect song to end the journey.

If your CD collection contains artists like Basia, Swing Out Sister, Julia Fordham, or even Norah Jones... then Ben and Tracy will fit nicely along side them. Enjoy!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great rainy day songs, September 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Language Of Life (Audio CD)

OK, maybe it's not the perfect CD that 5 stars suggests, but it's close. A few years ago, a good friend of mine loaned me her copy of this CD. She said she had been in Seattle on vacation, and ended up listening to it all week. I had never heard of EBTG, but gave it a try. What a great CD! The other reviewers are right -- it's intelligently written light jazz/pop, with enough musical hooks to keep you coming back. The AllMusic Guide gives this CD the lowest rating of any CD from EBTG, and if that's the case, the others must be superb. However, this one will be with me for a while. Don't buy the forgetful "Jazz for a Rainy Day" or other such compilation CDs -- buy this one instead. You won't be disappointed.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pop at it's Best., August 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Language Of Life (Audio CD)

This is one of those alblums that you never get tired of. I listen to all kinds of music from speed metal to classical and this album is one of those that you'll always want to have around. You start by liking one or two tracks and before you know it, you're listening to the album from start to finish. Light un-filling POP with a little melancholy thrown in for good measure. Excellent work!