"Soul Mining" is the debut studio album by the English post-punk and synth-pop band The The, released on October 21, 1983. Initially, Matt Johnson, the band's frontman, recorded a solo album titled Burning Blue Soul in 1981, but subsequent reissues credited it to The The. Following a bidding war among major record labels, the band signed with CBS Records. Johnson began recording in New York City but aborted the initial sessions, returning to London to complete the album.
Musically, Soul Mining combines post-punk and synth-pop elements, influenced by the early 1980s New York club scene. The lyrics delve into themes of relationship insecurities and social alienation, with imagery drawn from dreams. The album features singles like "Uncertain Smile," "Perfect," and "This Is the Day." Although it received positive reviews, initial sales were modest, reaching number 27 in the UK. However, it was certified gold in the UK in 2019, and a 30th-anniversary deluxe reissue in 2014 garnered critical acclaim.
After the release of Burning Blue Soul, Johnson worked on a follow-up titled The Pornography of Despair. The band's first single, "Cold Spell Ahead," caught the attention of major labels, leading to a deal with CBS. In New York, Johnson recorded "Uncertain Smile" and later "Perfect." Despite challenges during the New York sessions, including personal distractions, the band eventually returned to London to complete the album.
In London, Johnson began writing new material, ultimately abandoning the unfinished album for a fresh start. He wrote most of the songs in 1983, often in his girlfriend's flat, using a lo-fi approach with a Portastudio. Themes of unrequited love and media-related cognitive dissonance permeate the lyrics.
Johnson enlisted producer Paul Hardiman to remix "Perfect," which was released as a single. The majority of the album was recorded at the Garden studio in Shoreditch, London. The artwork for the album was created by Johnson's brother, featuring a painting inspired by Fela Kuti's wives.
Soul Mining's cover art and typeface were designed by Johnson's girlfriend, Fiona Skinner, marking the debut of the band's logo, which would be featured on many subsequent releases. The album remains a significant entry in The The's discography, celebrated for its innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics.
