"Eight" is the eighth studio album released by the English rock band New Model Army. Launched in 2000, it exemplified the band's distinctive style, echoing their usual blend of post-punk, folk, and rock influences. The album was produced by the group's long-term associate, Simon Dawson.
As part of the band's discography, "Eight" continued to establish New Model Army's influence and reach within the British alternative rock scene. Led by singer, guitarist, and main songwriter Justin Sullivan, the band projected their passion for politics and social commentary through their music. This particular album included a total of ten tracks each recording a unique way the band expressed their emotions and beliefs.
The album, however, saw mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. This divergence of opinion can be attributed in part to how the band strayed from its established folk-punk identity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, experimenting with diverse genres and incorporating electronic influences into its sound. Nevertheless, the album remains noteworthy for capturing a significant era in the band's musical journey.
Tracks on the album include "Flying Through the Smoke," "You Weren’t There," "Orange Tree Roads," "Someone Like Jesus," "Stranger," "R&R," "Snelsmore Wood," "Paekakariki Beach," "Leeds Road 3am," and "Mixin' The Colors." Each song tells a story steeped in Sullivan's songwriting prowess, further expanding the band's thematic variety and lyrical depth. This also illustrates the group's transition into new soundscapes, hinting at the sonic evolution that would mark their later works.
