Description
The Replacements – Don’t Tell A Soul – Vinyl Record
Don’t Tell A Soul is the sixth studio album by the American alternative rock band The Replacements, released in 1989. This album marked a notable shift in the band’s sound, moving away from their raw and raucous early material towards a more polished and mainstream approach. Despite mixed reactions from long-time fans and critics at the time of its release, Don’t Tell A Soul has since been reevaluated and is now often appreciated for its depth and craftsmanship.
Don’t Tell A Soul was recorded during a period of change for The Replacements. The band had garnered a reputation for their unpredictable live shows and heartfelt, often rough-around-the-edges music that blended punk rock with heartland rock influences. With this album, the band aimed for broader appeal, bringing in producer Matt Wallace to help craft a sound that was more accessible to mainstream audiences.
The album features a blend of rock and alternative influences with a distinctly more polished sound than their previous work. The production smoothed out some of the band’s rougher edges, resulting in a collection of songs that are more radio-friendly but still maintain the emotional and lyrical depth that the band is known for.
Key tracks from Don’t Tell A Soul include:
“I’ll Be You”: The lead single from the album, this song became the band’s highest-charting hit and is known for its catchy melody and introspective lyrics.
“Achin’ To Be”: Another well-received track that showcases lead singer Paul Westerberg’s songwriting prowess, with lyrics that reflect a mix of vulnerability and wistfulness.
“We’ll Inherit the Earth”: A song that reflects on societal issues with a slightly more optimistic tone than typical of their earlier work.
Initially, “Don’t Tell A Soul” received mixed reviews, with some critics and fans feeling that the album’s polished production diluted the band’s raw energy and authenticity. However, over the years, the album has been reevaluated by many who now view it as a significant part of The Replacements’ discography, highlighting the band’s ability to evolve and adapt their sound.
The album’s more mainstream approach helped The Replacements reach a wider audience and paved the way for Westerberg’s later solo career, which continued in a similar stylistic vein.
Don’t Tell A Soul stands as a pivotal album in The Replacements’ career. It represents their attempt to balance their punk roots with a more mainstream sound, resulting in a record that captures the essence of late-80s alternative rock. For fans of the band and the genre, Don’t Tell A Soul offers a glimpse into a band in transition, exploring new territories while trying to stay true to their artistic vision.
Rhino Records
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Talent Show
Back To Back
We’ll Inherit The Earth
Achin’ To Be
They’re Blind
Anywhere’s Better Than Here
Asking Me Lies
I’ll Be You
I Won’t
Rock ‘N’ Roll Ghost
Darlin’ One
