Us and Us Only

"Us and Us Only" is the sixth album by the British rock band The Charlatans, released by Universal on 18 October 1999. Following the tour for their fifth studio album, Tellin' Stories, the band played minimal shows in 1998 while planning their next project. They built their own recording studio and began recording in March and April 1999, self-producing the album, which features elements of country rock, folk, and roots rock, marking a shift from their earlier British sound to an American-inspired style.

The lead single "Forever" was released in October 1999, followed by a UK tour. The second single, "My Beautiful Friend," was released in December 1999, leading to a tour of the United States with Stereophonics in early 2000. A third single, "Impossible," was released in May 2000. In 2011, a two-disc edition of the album was released, featuring additional content.

Us and Us Only received generally favorable reviews from critics, who praised its songwriting and musicianship, with some calling it the band's best work. The album peaked at number two on the charts in Scotland and the UK, and all three singles reached the top 30 in both regions.

The band's previous album, Tellin' Stories, had been successful, but after the tragic death of keyboardist Rob Collins during its recording, they signed a lucrative deal with MCA Records while remaining with Beggars Banquet for the UK release. The Charlatans aimed to save costs by building their own studio, Big Mushroom, which allowed them greater creative control.

Musically, Us and Us Only was noted for its departure from dance beats to a more moody, atmospheric sound, influenced by American artists. The title reflects the band's post-Collins setup and their journey through personal challenges. The album opens with the seven-and-a-half-minute "Forever," followed by various tracks exploring themes of relationships and personal struggles.

The band promoted the album with an in-store performance at HMV in London and various tours. The singles "Forever," "My Beautiful Friend," and "Impossible" were featured on subsequent compilation albums, highlighting the enduring impact of Us and Us Only in the Charlatans' discography.