"Stigma" is the second studio album by English alternative rock band EMF, released in 1992. Despite not achieving the same level of commercial success as their previous album, "Schubert Dip", "Stigma" was received positively by critics for its maturation in lyrics and sound. It marked a shift in their musical style, focusing less on dance beats and more on guitar sounds and introspective lyrics, primarily due to the group's desire to be taken more seriously as musicians.
The album includes singles like "They’re Here" and "Getting Through", which while charting, did not enjoy the same level of massive popularity as their earlier hit "Unbelievable" from their debut album. The band's experimentation with darker and more complex musical and lyrical content in "Stigma" is often attributed to growing out of their phase as party-centric, adolescent musicians seeking to delve into more profound recording content.
In terms of production, Ralph Jezzard took the reins, known for his previous work with other UK-based bands. Despite its positive critical reception, the change in musical direction led to decreased commercial acceptance, with the album not achieving the multi-platinum status of its predecessor. However, "Stigma" still holds a special place in the discography of EMF for representing their progression as musicians and songwriters.
