"Troublegum" is the second major label album by the Northern Irish rock band Therapy?, released on February 7, 1994. The album is considered one of the band's most successful releases and significantly contributed to their popularity in the 1990s.
**Background and Recording:**
"Troublegum" was recorded in 1993 at Chipping Norton Recording Studios and Rak Studios in London. The album was produced by Chris Sheldon, known for his work with other alternative rock bands. With its release, Therapy? moved towards a more accessible and mainstream rock sound, diverging from their earlier, more abrasive punk and noise influences.
**Musical Style:**
The album combines elements of punk rock, grunge, and metal, characterized by catchy melodies, powerful guitar riffs, and driving rhythms. Lyrically, the album explores themes of angst, alienation, and personal struggles, resonating with the 1990s rock scene.
**Critical Reception and Impact:**
"Troublegum" received critical acclaim for its energetic and polished sound. It was praised for its blend of intense music with melodic hooks and thoughtful lyrics. The album was commercially successful, reaching number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and earning a nomination for the Mercury Prize in 1994.
**Key Tracks:**
Notable tracks from the album include "Screamager," "Nowhere," "Die Laughing," and "Trigger Inside." These songs highlight the band's knack for memorable choruses and engaging rock anthems.
**Legacy:**
"Troublegum" remains a defining album for Therapy? and is often seen as a classic in the alternative rock and metal scenes of the early 1990s. Its influence is noted in the way it bridged the gap between punk energy and mainstream rock sensibilities, helping the band to secure a lasting place in rock history.
