The The

The Profile

The The is the English music project of Matt Johnson, active since 1979. Key releases include Soul Mining (1983), Infected (1986), Mind Bomb (1989), Dusk (1993), Hanky Panky (1995) and NakedSelf (2000). Johnson has frequently collaborated with Johnny Marr and returned to live activity after a long hiatus.

Led by Matt Johnson from London; genre-spanning post-punk/new wave/alt-rock with soul inflections; Infected was accompanied by a full video album; signature songs include This Is the Day and Uncertain Smile; notable collaboration with Johnny Marr on Mind Bomb and Dusk.

DeBaser’s reviews chart The The’s arc from the sophisticated pop-soul of Soul Mining to the political heat of Infected, the high-pop craft of Mind Bomb, and the dusky introspection of Dusk. Hanky Panky dives into Hank Williams covers, while NakedSelf sharpens the edges with industrial tints and punk bite. Themes span love, politics, and urban malaise, with Johnny Marr’s collaborations standing out. Overall sentiment: strongly positive.