Complete List Of Lush Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: deepskyobject from Saint Petersburg, Russia, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The band released their first recording, the mini-album Scar, in 1989 under the UK indie label 4AD. Over the course of their career, Lush produced three full studio albums: Spooky (1992), Split (1994), and Lovelife (1996). Each album marked an evolution in their sound, from the early shoegaze and dream pop influences to a more polished pop-oriented approach by the time of their last album. Lovelife was their most commercially successful album, peaking at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart and spawning several hits, including “Ladykillers.” Lush also released a compilation of singles and B-sides titled Gala in 1990, which further cemented their reputation. The band’s music frequently charted in the UK, and they enjoyed moderate success in the United States, especially on college radio and alternative charts.

Tragically, the band’s activity came to an abrupt halt in 1996 following the suicide of drummer Chris Acland. The event deeply affected the members, leading to their disbandment in 1998. Lush briefly reunited in 2015 for a series of live shows and released a new EP, Blind Spot, in 2016, before ultimately disbanding again in 2017. Despite their relatively short career, Lush left a lasting impact on the alternative rock and shoegaze scenes, noted for their unique sound and the depth of their lyrical content. They did not win major music awards but remain highly regarded for their contributions to the genre and their influence on subsequent bands.

LUSH STUDIO ALBUMS

Released: January 27, 1992

Spooky is Lush’s debut studio album, released in 1992, and is characterized by its ethereal sound and lush, layered production. The album features the band’s distinct dream pop and shoegaze style, enriched with atmospheric guitars and the haunting harmonies of Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson. Spooky reached number 7 on the UK Albums Chart, marking the band’s breakthrough into mainstream recognition.

Produced by Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins, Spooky was recorded at September Sound in Twickenham, England. Guthrie’s production enveloped the band’s sound in a glossy sheen that perfectly complemented their melodic compositions.

CD Track Listings:

“Stray” – 5:29
“Nothing Natural” – 5:54
“Tiny Smiles” – 4:29
“Covert” – 4:24
“Ocean” – 5:17
“For Love” – 3:28
“Superblast!” – 4:07
“Untogether” – 3:33
“Fantasy” – 5:33
“Take” – 3:40
“Laura” – 4:20
“Monochrome” – 5:07

Split

Released: June 13, 1994

Split is the second studio album by Lush, released in 1994. This album showcases a progression in the band’s sound, featuring more dynamic and robust tracks alongside their signature dreamy aesthetic. The album produced several singles, including “Hypocrite” and “Desire Lines,” which helped to solidify Lush’s position in the shoegaze and Britpop scenes of the early ’90s.

Produced by Mike Hedges and Lush themselves, Split was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire, Wales. The album received positive critical reviews for its sophisticated soundscapes and was noted for its emotional depth and musical complexity.

CD Track Listings:

“Light from a Dead Star” – 3:16
“Kiss Chase” – 3:30
“Blackout” – 3:17
“Hypocrite” – 2:57
“Lovelife” – 3:55
“Desire Lines” – 7:39
“The Invisible Man” – 2:27
“Undertow” – 5:00
“Never-Never” – 3:57
“Lit Up” – 4:00
“Starlust” – 4:27
“When I Die” – 4:19

Lovelife

Released: March 5, 1996

Lovelife, Lush’s third studio album, represents a shift towards more accessible pop-oriented music, diverging slightly from their dense shoegaze roots. Released in 1996, it became the band’s most commercially successful album, peaking at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart. The album features guest vocals by Jarvis Cocker (Pulp) on “Ciao!” and includes the hit single “Ladykillers,” which contributed to its broader appeal.

Produced by Pete Bartlett and Lush, Lovelife was recorded at Protocol Studios in London. This album captures the band embracing the Britpop movement, with more straightforward song structures and catchy hooks, yet maintaining their lush, layered sound.

CD Track Listings:

“Ladykillers” – 3:15
“Heavenly Nobodies” – 3:22
“500 (Shake Baby Shake)” – 3:20
“I’ve Been Here Before” – 4:37
“Papasan” – 2:38
“Single Girl” – 2:35
“Ciao!” – 3:31
“Tralala” – 5:33
“Last Night” – 5:23
“Runaway” – 4:00
“The Childcatcher” – 3:15
“Olympia” – 5:04

LUSH EPs

Scar

Released: October 9, 1989

Scar was Lush’s debut mini-album and introduced them as key players in the burgeoning shoegaze scene. Released in 1989, it consists of six tracks that exemplify the band’s early sound, characterized by ethereal vocals and textured guitars. Though not a full album, Scar laid the groundwork for the band’s future direction and helped to establish their signature style.

Produced by John Fryer, who was known for his work with This Mortal Coil and Cocteau Twins, Scar was recorded at Blackwing Studios in London. The mini-album received critical acclaim for its innovative sound, blending elements of dream pop and what would soon be known as shoegaze.

CD Track Listings:

“Baby Talk” – 2:18
“Thoughtforms” – 2:42
“Scarlet” – 3:26
“Bitter” – 2:03
“Second Sight” – 2:35
“Etheriel” – 3:23

Mad Love

Released: February 26, 1990

Mad Love is an EP by Lush, one of the early releases that helped cement their status in the shoegaze genre. This EP was produced by Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins, a fitting collaboration given Guthrie’s expertise in crafting lush, layered soundscapes, which complemented Lush’s style perfectly.

Recorded at Blackwing Studios in London, Mad Love features four tracks that showcase the band’s ethereal vocal harmonies and intricate guitar textures. It was well-received critically and is noted for its dreamy aesthetic and atmospheric depth, which are characteristic of the shoegaze movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

CD Track Listings:

“De-Luxe” – 3:29
“Leaves Me Cold” – 2:55
“Downer” – 3:22
“Thoughtforms” – 2:43

Sweetness and Light

Released: October 22, 1990

Sweetness and Light is an EP by Lush, released shortly after their critically acclaimed Mad Love EP. Produced by Tim Friese-Greene, this EP marked a continuation of the band’s exploration into the dreamy and ethereal soundscapes that define the shoegaze genre.

Recorded at Greenhouse Studio in London, the EP captures Lush’s signature style of combining ethereal vocal harmonies with layered, textural guitar work. The title track, “Sweetness and Light,” is especially noted for its cascading guitar effects and lush production, embodying the dreamy quality that Lush is known for.

CD Track Listings:

“Sweetness and Light” – 5:17
“Sunbathing” – 3:09
“Breeze” – 2:47

“De-Luxe”

Released: March 1991
Label: 4AD/Reprise (PRO-CD-4662)
Format: Radio promo CD
Chart Positions: UK – 14

“De-Luxe” is a radio promo CD, capturing the quintessential shoegaze sound that Lush developed early in their career. This single continued to build the band’s reputation, offering a glimpse into their lush soundscapes and ethereal vocals.

Black Spring

Released: October 7, 1991
Label: 4AD (BAD 1016)
Format: 12″, 7″, CD, cassette
Chart Positions: UK – 43

Black Spring showcases a collection of tracks that emphasize the band’s dream pop and shoegaze roots. This EP includes songs that explore deeper, more textured soundscapes, aligning with the aesthetics of their album Spooky.

“Nothing Natural”

Released: October 29, 1991 (US)
Label: 4AD/Reprise (9 40231-2)
Format: CD
Chart Positions: US – 22

“Nothing Natural” was released primarily in the US, featuring one of the standout tracks from the album Spooky. The single exemplifies the band’s lush production and layered instrumental approach.

“For Love”

Released: December 30, 1991
Label: 4AD (BAD 2001)
Format: 12″, 10″, CD, cassette
Chart Positions: UK – 35, US – 9

“For Love” is one of Lush’s most successful singles, capturing the band at the peak of their pop accessibility. It combines their signature shoegaze sound with more pop-oriented elements, making it a fan favorite.

“Superblast!”

Released: February 1992
Label: 4AD/Reprise (PRO-CD-5471)
Format: Radio promo CD
Chart Positions: –

The radio promo CD for “Superblast!” features one of the more energetic tracks from Spooky, highlighted by its driving guitars and dynamic production.

“Hypocrite”

Released: May 30, 1994
Label: 4AD (BAD 4008)
Format: 12″, 7″, CD
Chart Positions: UK – 52

“Hypocrite” is a single from the album Split, showcasing a grittier edge to Lush’s music. This release further explores themes of disillusionment and introspection, wrapped in the band’s evolving sound.

“Desire Lines”

Released: May 30, 1994
Label: 4AD (BAD 4010)
Format: 12″, 7″, CD
Chart Positions: UK – 60

“Desire Lines” continues to display Lush’s talent for creating textured, melancholic soundscapes, making it a critical piece of their discography during the Split era.

“Single Girl”

Released: January 8, 1996
Label: 4AD (BAD 6001)
Format: 7″, CD
Chart Positions: UK – 21

“Single Girl” marks a significant point in Lush’s career, with its catchy melody and lyrical sharpness reflecting the Britpop influence prevalent at the time.

“Ladykillers”

Released: February 26, 1996
Label: 4AD (BAD 6002)
Format: 7″, CD
Chart Positions: UK – 22, US – 18

“Ladykillers” is another example of Lush’s successful integration into the Britpop scene, featuring vibrant lyrics and a compelling hook that made it a hit on both sides of the Atlantic.

“500 (Shake Baby Shake)”

Released: July 15, 1996
Label: 4AD (BAD 6009)
Format: 7″, CD
Chart Positions: UK – 21

This single features a lively track from Lovelife, encapsulating the energetic and pop-sensible direction Lush embraced in their later years.

Blind Spot

Released: April 15, 2016
Label: Edamame (BEAN-01 CD)
Format: 10″, CD
Chart Positions: –

Blind Spot marks a significant return for Lush after their long hiatus, offering a matured sound that blends their early shoegaze with more refined, dreamy pop elements.

Live at KCRW – Morning Becomes Eclectic

Released: November 28, 2016
Label: Thoughtforms (TFCD0001)
Format: CD (limited release)

This rare live recording captures Lush’s performance at KCRW, featuring a setlist that spans their entire career, delivered with the depth and nuance that only a live performance can provide.