Complete List Of Teenage Fanclub Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Michig, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Teenage Fanclub was formed in Bellshill, near Glasgow, in 1989. The band’s founding members included Norman Blake (vocals, guitar), Raymond McGinley (vocals, lead guitar), Gerard Love (vocals, bass) until his departure in 2018, and Francis Macdonald (drums), with many changes in drummers in the early years before Macdonald’s return. They were part of the 1990s’ indie music scene, known for their melodic guitar-heavy sound, which incorporated elements of power pop and jangle pop.

Throughout their career, Teenage Fanclub released a total of twelve studio albums, including notable works such as Bandwagonesque (1991), Grand Prix (1995), and Songs from Northern Britain (1997). Bandwagonesque won critical acclaim and was voted ‘album of the year’ for 1991 by Spin magazine, famously beating Nirvana’s Nevermind. Their 1997 album Songs from Northern Britain achieved the highest UK chart position, peaking at number three. Alongside these studio albums, the band released one live album and several compilations, contributing to their legacy as influential figures in the indie rock scene.

TEENAGE FANCLUB STUDIO ALBUMS

A Catholic Education (1990)

Released: 1990

Teenage Fanclub’s debut studio album, A Catholic Education, was released in 1990. This album is notable for its raw sound that combines elements of noise-pop and alternative rock, a contrast to the polished power-pop the band would later become known for. The album was recorded at Pet Sounds Studio in Glasgow, Scotland, in late 1989 and did not chart on Billboard.

The album featured Norman Blake on guitar and vocals, Gerard Love on bass and vocals, Raymond McGinley on guitar and vocals, and Francis Macdonald on drums. Production was handled by Don Fleming along with the band itself.

CD Track Listings:

“Heavy Metal” – 2:11
“Everything Flows” – 5:12
“Catholic Education” – 2:34
“Too Involved” – 2:41
“Don’t Need a Drum” – 3:17
“Critical Mass” – 2:48
“Heavy Metal II” – 7:21
“Catholic Education 2” – 3:04
“Eternal Light” – 4:11
“Every Picture I Paint” – 3:24
“Everybody’s Fool” – 2:57

The King (1991)

Released: 1991

The King, released by Teenage Fanclub in 1991, features a collection of tracks largely consisting of studio improvisations and a few covers. This album was recorded in a spontaneous session over a few days at Amazon Studios in Liverpool, England, early in 1991. Despite its eclectic mix, The King did not achieve significant chart success. The album showcases the playful and experimental side of the band with members Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley, Gerard Love, and Brendan O’Hare participating. It was produced by the band itself.

CD Track Listings:

“Heavy Metal 9” – 1:54
“Mudhoney” – 5:37
“Interstellar Overdrive” – 3:08
“Robot Love” – 1:21
“Like a Virgin” – 4:20
“The King” – 2:56
“Opal Inquest” – 3:58
“The Ballad of John and Yoko” – 3:11
“Golden Glades” – 2:01
“Fear of Flying” – 3:27
“The Count” – 5:08
“Planet” – 2:21

Bandwagonesque (1991)

Released: November 1991

Released in November 1991, Bandwagonesque is one of Teenage Fanclub’s most acclaimed albums, known for its refined power-pop sound. Recorded during the summer of 1991 at Amazon Studios in Liverpool, England, this album reached number 22 on the UK Albums Chart and was voted ‘album of the year’ for 1991 by Spin magazine. The production was managed by Don Fleming, Paul Chisholm, and Teenage Fanclub. Band members Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley, Gerard Love, and Brendan O’Hare contributed to the album’s distinctive sound.

CD Track Listings:

“The Concept” – 6:07
“Satan” – 1:22
“December” – 3:01
“What You Do To Me” – 1:59
“I Don’t Know” – 4:35
“Star Sign” – 4:53
“Metal Baby” – 3:39
“Pet Rock” – 2:34
“Sidewinder” – 3:02
“Alcoholiday” – 5:26
“Guiding Star” – 2:47
“Is This Music?” – 3:17

The King (1991)

Released: 1991

CD Track Listings:

“Heavy Metal 9” – 1:54
“Mudhoney” – 5:37
“Interstellar Overdrive” – 3:08
“Robot Love” – 1:21
“Like a Virgin” – 4:20
“The King” – 2:56
“Opal Inquest” – 3:58
“The Ballad of John and Yoko” – 3:11
“Golden Glades” – 2:01
“Fear of Flying” – 3:27
“The Count” – 5:08
“Planet” – 2:21

Bandwagonesque (1991)

Released: November 1991

CD Track Listings:

“The Concept” – 6:07
“Satan” – 1:22
“December” – 3:01
“What You Do To Me” – 1:59
“I Don’t Know” – 4:35
“Star Sign” – 4:53
“Metal Baby” – 3:39
“Pet Rock” – 2:34
“Sidewinder” – 3:02
“Alcoholiday” – 5:26
“Guiding Star” – 2:47
“Is This Music?” – 3:17

Thirteen (1993)

Released: October 1993

Thirteen, released in October 1993, continued Teenage Fanclub’s exploration of power-pop but received mixed reviews compared to its predecessor. The album was recorded at CaVa Studios in Glasgow, Scotland, and Chipping Norton Recording Studios in Oxfordshire, England. It peaked at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart. This record was produced by Andy MacPherson along with the band. Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley, Gerard Love, and Brendan O’Hare were key contributors to its sound.

CD Track Listings:

“Hang On” – 5:06
“The Cabbage” – 2:56
“Radio” – 2:56
“Norman 3” – 4:39
“Song to the Cynic” – 3:35
“120 Mins” – 3:08
“Escher” – 3:20
“Commercial Alternative” – 2:40
“Fear of Flying” – 5:25
“Tears Are Cool” – 3:50
“Ret Liv Dead” – 2:09
“Get Funky” – 1:22
“Gene Clark” – 6:38

Grand Prix (1995)

Released: May 1995

Grand Prix, released in May 1995, represents a critical high point in Teenage Fanclub’s career, often cited as one of their best works. Recorded at Protocol Studios in London and mixed at Rockfield Studios in Wales, this album was warmly received and peaked at number seven on the UK Albums Chart. Produced by David Bianco and Teenage Fanclub, Grand Prix features contributions from Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley, Gerard Love, and Paul Quinn who replaced Brendan O’Hare.

CD Track Listings:

“About You” – 2:41
“Sparky’s Dream” – 3:15
“Mellow Doubt” – 2:42
“Don’t Look Back” – 3:42
“Verisimilitude” – 3:31
“Neil Jung” – 4:48
“Tears” – 2:42
“Discolite” – 3:07
“Say No” – 3:12
“Going Places” – 4:28
“I’ll Make It Clear” – 2:32
“I Gotta Know” – 3:27
“Hardcore/Ballad” – 1:48

Songs from Northern Britain (1997)

Released: July 1997

Released in July 1997, Songs from Northern Britain marked a shift towards a more mature, reflective sound. The album was recorded at various locations including Abbey Road Studios in London and was produced by David Bianco and Teenage Fanclub. It charted at number three on the UK Albums Chart, making it one of their most commercially successful albums. The lineup included Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley, Gerard Love, and Paul Quinn.

CD Track Listings:

“Start Again” – 3:11
“Ain’t That Enough” – 3:42
“Can’t Feel My Soul” – 3:12
“I Don’t Want Control of You” – 3:08
“Planets” – 2:50
“It’s a Bad World” – 4:20
“Take the Long Way Round” – 3:24
“Winter” – 3:46
“I Don’t Care” – 3:06
“Mount Everest” – 5:15
“Your Love Is the Place Where I Come From” – 3:29
“Speed of Light” – 3:52

Howdy! (2000)

Released: October 2000

Howdy!, released in October 2000, continued the band’s evolution with a polished, melodious sound. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales and produced by Teenage Fanclub and David Bianco, the album did not chart as highly as their previous works but still received favorable reviews. The familiar lineup of Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley, Gerard Love, and Finlay MacDonald (who replaced Paul Quinn) brought together their talents for this album.

CD Track Listings:

“I Need Direction” – 4:11
“I Can’t Find My Way Home” – 4:39
“Accidental Life” – 3:10
“Near You” – 4:23
“Happiness” – 3:53
“Dumb Dumb Dumb” – 3:19
“The Town and the City” – 4:18
“The Sun Shines from You” – 3:24
“Straight & Narrow” – 2:11
“Cul de Sac” – 5:14
“My Uptight Life” – 6:55
“If I Never See You Again” – 2:26

Man-Made (2005)

Released: May 2005

Man-Made was released in May 2005, showcasing a return to Teenage Fanclub’s signature blend of power pop and indie rock. The album was recorded in Chicago at Soma Electronic Music Studios and was produced by John McEntire, known for his work with Tortoise and The Sea and Cake. This marked a shift in their sound, incorporating more experimental textures while maintaining their melodic strengths. The album was warmly received, though it did not make a significant impact on major charts.

CD Track Listings:

“It’s All in My Mind” – 3:40
“Time Stops” – 4:11
“Nowhere” – 3:40
“Save” – 4:43
“Slow Fade” – 1:53
“Only With You” – 4:23
“Cells” – 4:19
“Feel” – 3:52
“Fallen Leaves” – 3:34
“Flowing” – 2:58
“Born Under a Good Sign” – 3:58
“Don’t Hide” – 4:00

Shadows (2010)

Released: May 2010

Released in May 2010, Shadows is an album that captures Teenage Fanclub’s enduring charm and songwriting prowess. It was recorded at Raymond McGinley’s home studio and at Leeders Vale Studios in Wales, produced by the band itself. This album, which followed a five-year hiatus, received critical acclaim and charted modestly in the UK. Shadows continues to explore themes of love and reflection, wrapped in the band’s classic jangly pop sound.

CD Track Listings:

“Sometimes I Don’t Need to Believe in Anything” – 4:32
“Baby Lee” – 4:23
“The Past” – 3:33
“Shock and Awe” – 3:34
“When I Still Have Thee” – 3:29
“Live With the Seasons” – 3:28
“Sweet Days Waiting” – 3:36
“The Back of My Mind” – 3:02
“Dark Clouds” – 2:41
“The Fall” – 5:25
“Into the City” – 4:26

Here (2016)

Released: September 2016

Here, released in September 2016, shows Teenage Fanclub’s growth in lyrical and musical maturity. The album was recorded at Vega Studio in Carpentras, France, and at Raymond’s studio in Glasgow. Produced by the band, Here was well-received, with critics praising its contemplative lyrics and lush soundscapes. The album performed well on UK independent charts and continued to solidify the band’s reputation as purveyors of thoughtful, melodic indie rock.

CD Track Listings:

“I’m in Love” – 3:11
“Thin Air” – 5:21
“Hold On” – 4:07
“The Darkest Part of the Night” – 3:14
“I Have Nothing More to Say” – 4:19
“I Was Beautiful When I Was Alive” – 4:44
“The First Sight” – 5:12
“Live in the Moment” – 3:04
“Steady State” – 4:13
“It’s a Sign” – 3:31
“With You” – 3:25
“Connected to Life” – 4:29

Endless Arcade (2021)

Released: April 2021

Endless Arcade, released in April 2021, was recorded amidst the shifting dynamics of a global pandemic, which influenced its reflective themes. The album was produced by the band and recorded at their own studio in Glasgow. It delves into feelings of uncertainty but also carries an undertone of hopeful resilience. Endless Arcade received positive reviews and charted in the UK, showcasing the band’s ability to adapt and evolve even after decades in the industry.

CD Track Listings:

“Home” – 5:28
“Endless Arcade” – 3:12
“Warm Embrace” – 4:00
“Everything Is Falling Apart” – 3:40
“The Sun Won’t Shine on Me” – 3:57
“Come With Me” – 4:12
“In Our Dreams” – 3:54
“I’m More Inclined” – 4:07
“Back in the Day” – 3:42
“The Future” – 4:08
“Living With You” – 3:27

Nothing Lasts Forever (2023)

Released: May 2023

Released in May 2023, Nothing Lasts Forever reflects on themes of impermanence and change, presented through Teenage Fanclub’s signature blend of melodic rock and introspective lyricism. The album was recorded at Chem19 Studios in Hamilton, Scotland, and was self-produced by the band. The album was well-received for its cohesive sound and thoughtful songwriting, continuing to engage their long-standing fanbase and new listeners alike.