"Loveless" (stylized in lowercase) is the second studio album by the Irish-English rock band My Bloody Valentine, released on November 4, 1991. Recorded over an extensive period from February 1989 to September 1991, the album showcases vocalist and guitarist Kevin Shields' innovative use of guitar vibrato, nonstandard tunings, and intricate production techniques. The recording process spanned nineteen different studios and involved several engineers, leading to a rumored production cost of around £250,000 (about £560,000 in 2024).
Following the EPs Glider (1990) and Tremolo (1991), Loveless reached number 24 on the UK Albums Chart and received critical acclaim for its sonic innovations and Shields' unique guitar work. However, its release strained the relationship with Creation Records, leading to the band's eventual departure from the label, which was further exacerbated by its financial struggles. My Bloody Valentine struggled to produce a follow-up and disbanded in 1997, making Loveless their last full-length album until their reunion album m b v in 2013.
The recording process was notoriously tumultuous. Initially set to record at Blackwing Studios in London, the band faced delays that prompted a move to The Elephant studio, where they encountered further challenges. Shields' insistence on a specific sound led to conflicts with engineers, and sessions often resulted in lengthy periods of inactivity. Vocal tracks were recorded in various studios, often without pre-written lyrics, leading to a creative but chaotic environment.
Musically, Loveless is noted for its heavy use of "glide guitar," a technique where Shields manipulates the guitar's tremolo bar while playing to create a distinctive sound. The album was primarily recorded in mono, with Shields intentionally centering the guitar in the mix and avoiding typical effects like chorus or flanger pedals. Instead, he used minimal effects, achieving complex sounds through careful studio experimentation. Most of the album's drumming was created from samples due to drummer Colm Ó Cíosóig's physical ailments, although he contributed live drumming on several tracks.
The vocals on Loveless are layered and often treated as an instrumental element rather than foregrounded lyrics. Both Shields and Bilinda Butcher contributed to the vocals, often singing in a higher register to achieve a dreamy sound. The lyrics, characterized by their obscurity, were crafted during intense late-night sessions and were intentionally left vague to enhance the album's ethereal quality.
Since its release, Loveless has been celebrated as one of the greatest albums of all time and a landmark in the shoegaze genre, influencing countless artists across various genres. It has been reissued and continues to garner acclaim, with its impact on music and sound production still recognized today.
