"The Good Will Out" marks the debut studio album by British rock band Embrace, hitting the shelves on June 8, 1998, under the labels Hut, Mobetta, and Virgin Records. Formed in 1993, the band garnered attention with their single "All You Good Good People" released via Fierce Panda in February 1997, ultimately leading to a signing with Hut Records. Produced by the band alongside Dave Creffield and Martin "Youth" Glover, the album's recording took place across several prestigious studios, including Hook End, Whitfield Street, and Metropolis.
Critics initially labeled "The Good Will Out" as a Britpop album upon its release, although subsequent assessments have positioned it within the realm of post-Britpop. Featuring contributions from keyboardist Mickey Dale, as well as Wil Malone and Craig Armstrong on strings, the album showcases a diverse range of influences, blending high-quality songwriting with elements reminiscent of Oasis and the Verve.
Accompanied by the release of EPs like Fireworks EP and One Big Family EP in 1997, Embrace embarked on extensive festival appearances and a UK tour to promote their upcoming album. Lead single "All You Good Good People" hit the airwaves in October 1997, followed by "Come Back to What You Know" in May 1998 and "My Weakness Is None of Your Business" in August 1998. These singles collectively propelled the album to chart-topping success in the UK, where it went gold on its release day and attained platinum status by year-end.
Receiving acclaim from critics for its exceptional songcraft, "The Good Will Out" solidified Embrace's position as a prominent force in the British music scene. The album's widespread popularity and critical acclaim were further underscored by its inclusion on NME's list of the best albums of the year. With all three singles securing top 10 positions on the UK Singles Charts and Scottish Singles Charts, Embrace's debut album left an indelible mark on the landscape of late 1990s British rock music.
