Embrace - The Good Will Out

This debut album came out in 1998 and none of the songs ever probably got a lick of radio airtime here in the USA. That's a shame because this is a fantastic collection of songs, both mellow and heavier. But I suppose in '98 we were starting to get a big dose of Britney, Christina, and Jessica. What can I say? America's musical tastes pretty much bite. That gives Best Album of the Day a reason to exist though: We must educate the masses.

Some of the louder songs are very Oasis-like (see "All You Good Good People" and "The Last Gas"). I am also wondering if guitarist Richard McNamara is singing a few of them too since they don't sound like lead singer and brother Danny McNamara. Either way, great songs.

This album contains a ton of slower, ballad-like tracks as well. "Come Back to What You Know", "Fireworks", and "Now You're Nobody" are all excellent, but the best track on the album by far is the title track "The Good Will Out." It's the final song on the album and provides one of the best album closings that I've ever heard. They closed their A Glorious Day: Live in Leeds concert DVD with that track and it's amazing. And thanks to the goodness of YouTube, you can view it online!

Great album, great band. I wish they'd come to this continent someday. To think that Coldplay used to open for these guys.