Complete List Of The Charlatans Albums And Songs

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The Charlatans, also known initially as The Charlatans UK in the United States, are a British rock band that emerged during the late 1980s. Formed in 1989 in West Midlands, specifically from Northwich, Cheshire, the band became a significant part of the Madchester scene, though they outlived the scene itself thanks to their evolving sound. They have released thirteen studio albums, starting with Some Friendly in 1990, which reached number one on the UK Albums Chart. Their musical output includes several other high-charting albums like The Charlatans and Tellin’ Stories, each securing high positions within the UK Top 10.

Throughout their career, The Charlatans have seen changes in their lineup, with the consistent presence of lead vocalist Tim Burgess. They faced significant challenges, including the tragic death of their original keyboard player Rob Collins in 1996, which had a profound impact on the band and its music. Despite these hardships, they continued to achieve commercial success and critical acclaim. The band has not been prolific in live albums or compilations, focusing more on studio work and live performances. Their music has been characterized by a blend of rock, indie, and Britpop, with a strong emphasis on Hammond organ-led tracks, contributing to their distinctive sound within the British music scene.

THE CHARLATANS STUDIO ALBUMS

Some Friendly (1990)

Released: October 8, 1990

The Charlatans’ debut album “Some Friendly” emerged from their early years in Northwich, Cheshire, capturing the Madchester scene’s blend of rock and dance music. The album debuted at number one in the UK and produced hits like “The Only One I Know” and “Then,” showcasing their blend of rock, psychedelia, and dance rhythms. It was primarily recorded in The Windings near Wrexham, driven by the organic sound that characterizes the era’s Britpop surge.

CD Track Listings:

“You’re Not Very Well” – 3:32
“White Shirt” – 3:25
“The Only One I Know” – 3:58
“Opportunity” – 6:41
“Then” – 4:11
“109 pt2” – 3:19
“Polar Bear” – 4:56
“Believe You Me” – 3:41
“Flower” – 5:28
“Sonic” – 3:32
“Sproston Green” – 5:10

Between 10th and 11th (1992)

Between 10th and 11th (Expanded Edition)

Released: March 23, 1992

Their second studio album, “Between 10th and 11th,” named after the streets that frame New York’s Marquee Club, was recorded with producer Flood. It didn’t reach the commercial heights of their debut, peaking outside the top 20 in the UK Albums Chart, but it contained the top 20 single “Weirdo” and other tracks that affirmed their evolving sound. The album reflects a maturation in their music, incorporating a broader range of influences and a more polished production.

CD Track Listings:

“I Don’t Want to See the Sights” – 4:48
“Ignition” – 3:53
“Page One” – 5:10
“Tremelo Song” – 4:38
“The End of Everything” – 5:50
“Subtitle” – 4:10
“Can’t Even Be Bothered” – 4:16
“Weirdo” – 3:41
“Chewing Gum Weekend” – 5:07
“(No One) Not Even the Rain” – 4:24

Up to Our Hips (1994)

Released: March 21, 1994

The Charlatans’ third studio album, Up to Our Hips, showcases a move towards a more mature sound that blends their early rock influences with a deeper exploration of rhythm and melody. Recorded at Monnow Valley Studio in Wales, the album was produced by Steve Hillage and marked a pivotal point in their career with a shift in their musical direction. The album achieved respectable success, reaching number eight on the UK Albums Chart and included tracks like “Can’t Get Out of Bed” and “I Never Want an Easy Life If Me and He Were Ever to Get There.”

CD Track Listings:

“Come in Number 21” – 4:21
“I Never Want an Easy Life If Me and He Were Ever to Get There” – 4:09
“Can’t Get Out of Bed” – 3:10
“Feel Flows” – 6:02
“Autograph” – 4:35
“Jesus Hairdo” – 3:10
“Up to Our Hips” – 4:30
“Patrol” – 6:00
“Another Rider Up in Flames” – 3:22
“Inside-Looking Out” – 5:46

The Charlatans (1995)

Released: August 28, 1995

Titled simply The Charlatans, this self-titled fifth album brought a renewed energy and a blend of their trademark sound with new experimentation. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales and produced by Dave Charles, the album included hits such as “Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over” which helped it reach number one on the UK Albums Chart. This album solidified their place in the Britpop scene of the mid-90s with its vibrant fusion of rock and dance music.

CD Track Listings:

“Nine Acre Court” – 3:45
“Feeling Holy” – 5:15
“Just Lookin'” – 3:49
“Crashin’ In” – 5:00
“Bullet Comes” – 5:23
“Here Comes a Soul Saver” – 3:22
“Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over” – 4:50
“Tell Everyone” – 3:40
“Toothache” – 5:15
“No Fiction” – 3:10
“See It Through” – 4:07
“Thank You” – 3:35

Tellin’ Stories (1997)

Released: April 21, 1997

Tellin’ Stories combined the rock swagger and rhythmic innovation that defined The Charlatans’ earlier work with a new depth in songwriting. Recorded at Rockfield Studios and produced by Ric Peet, the album was colored by the tragedy of keyboardist Rob Collins’ death during its making. It reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, buoyed by the success of singles like “One to Another” and “North Country Boy.”

CD Track Listings:

“With No Shoes” – 4:42
“North Country Boy” – 4:02
“Tellin’ Stories” – 5:10
“One to Another” – 4:28
“You’re a Big Girl Now” – 3:07
“How Can You Leave Us” – 4:00
“Area 51” – 3:36
“How High” – 3:04
“Only Teethin'” – 5:21
“Get on It” – 5:56
“Rob’s Theme” – 3:51

Us and Us Only (1999)

Released: October 18, 1999

The sixth studio album by The Charlatans, Us and Us Only marked a significant shift towards a more mature sound, integrating acoustic and country influences alongside their traditional rock and roll roots. The album was recorded at Big Mushroom in Cheshire with producer Dave Charles and features the hit “Forever,” which contributed to its climb to number two on the UK Albums Chart. This period in the band’s career showed a deepening of their musical complexity and lyrical depth.

CD Track Listings:

“Forever” – 7:35
“Good Witch Bad Witch 1” – 0:56
“Impossible” – 5:05
“The Blonde Waltz” – 4:30
“A House Is Not a Home” – 4:49
“Senses” – 4:46
“My Beautiful Friend” – 4:33
“I Don’t Care Where You Live” – 2:57
“The Blind Stagger” – 3:32
“Good Witch Bad Witch 2” – 3:24
“Watching You” – 5:33

Wonderland (2001)

Released: September 10, 2001

Wonderland, The Charlatans’ seventh studio album, presented a significant evolution in their sound, incorporating elements of funk and soul with a strong presence of keyboards and falsetto vocals. Produced by Danny Saber and The Charlatans in Los Angeles, the album featured more polished production and experimental soundscapes. It was well-received, reaching number two in the UK and featuring singles like “Love Is the Key” and “A Man Needs to Be Told.”

CD Track Listings:

“You’re So Pretty – We’re So Pretty” – 4:44
“Judas” – 4:04
“Love Is the Key” – 4:28
“A Man Needs to Be Told” – 4:33
“I Just Can’t Get Over Losing You” – 4:55
“The Bell and the Butterfly” – 4:17
“And If I Fall” – 5:18
“Wake Up” – 5:10
“Is It In You?” – 4:43
“Ballad of the Band” – 2:48

Up at the Lake (2004)

Released: May 17, 2004

Recorded in the rural setting of Monnow Valley Studio in Wales, Up at the Lake is The Charlatans’ eighth album. This album strips back some of the more experimental elements of their previous work, aiming for a straightforward rock feel with hints of pastoral and acoustic textures. The album reached number 13 on the UK Albums Chart and featured the notable tracks “Up at the Lake” and “Try Again Today.”

CD Track Listings:

“Up at the Lake” – 3:45
“Feel the Pressure” – 3:35
“Watch You In Disbelief” – 3:45
“Cry Yourself to Sleep” – 4:24
“Bonafide Treasure” – 3:24
“High Up Your Tree” – 3:28
“Blue for You” – 3:57
“I’ll Sing a Hymn” – 3:43
“Loving You Is Easy” – 5:00
“Try Again Today” – 3:41
“Apples and Oranges” – 4:19
“Dead Love” – 2:19

Simpatico (2006)

Released: April 17, 2006

A blend of reggae and rock underscored The Charlatans’ ninth studio album, Simpatico. Recorded at Hook End Manor and various locations in North America and Spain, the album features a colorful palette of sounds and was produced by Jim Lowe. The album includes “Blackened Blue Eyes” and reached number 10 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing the band’s willingness to explore and integrate diverse musical influences.

CD Track Listings:

“Blackened Blue Eyes” – 4:21
“N.Y.C. (There’s No Need to Stop)” – 3:12
“For Your Entertainment” – 4:12
“Dead Man’s Eye” – 4:25
“Muddy Ground” – 3:39
“City of the Dead” – 3:38
“Road to Paradise” – 3:51
“When the Lights Go Out in London” – 4:45
“The Architect” – 3:22
“Glory Glory” – 3:35
“Sunset & Vine” – 4:13

You Cross My Path (2008)

Released: March 3, 2008

Available initially as a free download, You Cross My Path is The Charlatans’ tenth album, embracing the digital revolution in music distribution. Recorded at Big Mushroom, Cheshire, and produced by the band themselves, this album represents a return to their robust, melodic rock roots. It received critical acclaim and includes tracks like the title track “You Cross My Path” and “Oh! Vanity.”

CD Track Listings:

“Oh! Vanity” – 3:55
“Bad Days” – 3:25
“Mis-Takes” – 3:23
“The Misbegotten” – 4:11
“A Day for Letting Go” – 2:48
“You Cross My Path” – 4:02
“Missing Beats (Of a Generation)” – 3:35
“My Name Is Despair” – 3:41
“Bird” – 2:49
“This Is the End” – 4:27

Who We Touch (2010)

Released: September 6, 2010

Who We Touch is The Charlatans’ eleventh studio album, marked by its eclectic mix of rock and experimental soundscapes. Recorded at Big Mushroom in Cheshire and produced by Youth (Martin Glover), the album ventured into new sonic territories with a blend of their traditional sound and new explorative tracks. It reached number twenty-one on the UK Albums Chart. The album is noted for its richly layered production and includes singles like “Love Is Ending.”

CD Track Listings:

“Love Is Ending” – 3:48
“My Foolish Pride” – 4:09
“Your Pure Soul” – 5:41
“Smash the System” – 3:36
“Intimacy” – 4:59
“Sincerity” – 5:44
“Trust in Desire” – 5:09
“When I Wonder” – 3:54
“Oh!” – 4:20
“You Can Swim” – 7:15
“On the Threshold” – 2:31

Modern Nature (2015)

Released: January 26, 2015

Modern Nature is The Charlatans’ twelfth studio album, featuring a rejuvenated sound influenced by funk, soul, and disco, alongside their signature rock elements. The album was recorded at Big Mushroom Studio and produced by the band alongside Jim Spencer. It saw a positive reception, peaking at number seven on the UK Albums Chart, bolstered by tracks like “Come Home Baby.” The album is noted for its optimistic tone and rich, melodic soundscapes.

CD Track Listings:

“Talking in Tones” – 4:42
“So Oh” – 4:12
“Come Home Baby” – 3:58
“Keep Enough” – 4:21
“In the Tall Grass” – 3:52
“Emilie” – 3:20
“Let the Good Times Be Never Ending” – 6:33
“I Need You to Know” – 4:41
“Lean In” – 3:44
“Trouble Understanding” – 4:04
“Lot to Say” – 3:34

Different Days (2017)

Released: May 26, 2017

Different Days is the thirteenth studio album by The Charlatans, featuring a roster of guest musicians including Johnny Marr, Paul Weller, and Stephen Morris, which added depth to the sound. Recorded at their studio in Cheshire and produced by Jim Spencer and the band, it reached number four on the UK Albums Chart. The album is celebrated for its collaborative spirit and features a blend of vintage Charlatan vibes with new explorative sounds.