Drawn from Memory

{{hatnote|Drawn from Memory is also the title of an autobiography by E. H. Shepard, and of an animated feature film by Paul Fierlinger.}}

{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}

{{Infobox album

| name = Drawn from Memory

| type = Album

| artist = Embrace

| cover = Embrace_Drawn_From_Memory_Cover.jpg

| alt = A cartoon illustration of a car driving down a road with skyscrapers behind it

| released = 27 March 2000

| recorded = 1999

| studio = {{hlist|Batsford Park Manor, Gloucestershire|Olympic, London|Soundworks, Leeds}}

| genre = Alternative rock, post-Britpop, Britpop, soft rock, funk rock

| length = 48:05

| label = {{hlist|Hut|Virgin|Mobetta}}

| producer = {{hlist|Tristin Norwell|Embrace|Hugo Nicolson}}

| prev_title = The Good Will Out

| prev_year = 1998

| next_title = If You've Never Been

| next_year = 2001

| misc = {{Singles

| name = Drawn from Memory

| type = studio

| single1 = Hooligan

| single1date = 1 November 1999

| single2 = You're Not Alone

| single2date = 13 March 2000

| single3 = Save Me

| single3date = 22 May 2000

| single4 = I Wouldn't Wanna Happen to You

| single4date = 7 August 2000

}}

}}

Drawn from Memory is the second album by English rock band Embrace, released on 27 March 2000 by Mobetta, Hut, and Virgin Records. Following the release of their debut studio album The Good Will Out (1998), touring keyboardist Mickey Dale became an official member. Frontman Danny McNamara began suffering from writer's block, leaving guitarist Richard McNamara to handle the writing. Sessions were done at Batsford Park Manor in Gloucestershire, Olympic Studios in London, and Soundworks Studios in Leeds. Tristin Norwell and the band produced the entire album, bar "You're Not Alone", which was produced by Hugo Nicolson. Songs on the album centred around the arrangements and the interplay between instruments, instead of being melody-driven.

Drawn from Memory received generally favourable reviews from critics, some seeing it as a progression from The Good Will Out, while others felt it was weaker than that release. The album charted at number eight in the United Kingdom; it would later be certified gold in that territory. All four of its singles charted within the top 40 of the Scottish and UK Singles Charts, with "You're Not Alone" reaching the highest at number 12 and 14, respectively. "Hooligan" was released as the lead single from Drawn from Memory on 1 November 1999, which was followed by a short tour of the United Kingdom. "You're Not Alone" was released as a single on 13 March 2000, preceded by a tour of Europe. They played a handful of festival shows, bookended by the "Save Me" and "I Wouldn't Wanna Happen to You" singles on 22 May and 7 August 2000, respectively. They went on another tour of the UK towards the end of the year.

Background and production

Embrace released their debut studio album The Good Will Out in June 1998.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/embrace-mn0000182866/biography|title=Embrace {{!}} Biography & History|author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas|authorlink=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819000624/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/embrace-mn0000182866/biography|url-status=live}} It peaked at number one in the UK; all of its singles charted within the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart, with "Come Back to What You Know" reaching the highest at number six.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15415/embrace/|title=Embrace {{!}} full Official Chart History|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=30 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630075755/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15415/embrace/|url-status=live}} "All You Good Good People" attracted minor attention from college radio in the United States. Prior to embarking on a tour of Europe at the end of 1998, touring keyboardist Mickey Dale was made an official member.{{cite web|url=http://www.embrace.co.uk/newsletters/nov98.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19991128185827/http://www.embrace.co.uk/newsletters/nov98.html|title=Newsletter - November 1998|publisher=Embrace|date=November 1998|archivedate=28 November 1999|accessdate=12 July 2021|url-status=dead}} Vocalist Danny McNamara suffered from writer's block, and as such, his brother, and the band's guitarist, Richard McNamara handling the majority of the songwriting.{{cite web|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/on_second_thought/embrace-drawn-from-memory.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102100416/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/on_second_thought/embrace-drawn-from-memory.htm|title=Embrace - Drawn From Memory - On Second Thought|work=Stylus|author=Southall, Nick|date=21 September 2005|archivedate=2 November 2007|accessdate=12 July 2021|url-status=dead}}

Drawn from Memory was recorded at Batsford Park Manor in Gloucestershire, Olympic Studios in London, and Soundworks Studios in Leeds. At Batsford, Tristin Norwell and his team had spent weeks constructing a state-of-the-art studio for the band to use.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274071146313527298|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'It was in this weird old manor house that Tris and his crazy team...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|authorlink=Mickey Dale|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619201457/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274071146313527298|url-status=live}} Norwell and the band produced nearly every song on the album, except for "You're Not Alone", which was produced by Hugo Nicolson. Norwell and Simon Sheridan handled recording, with assistance from Stuart Miller; Nicolson recorded "You're Not Alone". Nicolson mixed almost every song with assistant mix engineer Paul "P Dub" Walton, except for "Bunker Song" and "Yeah You", which were mixed by Norwell with assistance from Olly Mecock.

Composition and lyrics

Drawn from Memory has been compared to Urban Hymns (1997) by the Verve. During the recording, the band were influenced by Nick Cave, Simon & Garfunkel, and jazz albums from the label Blue Note Records. The songs were based on the musical arrangements and how instruments interact with one another, instead of being driven by the melody. The orchestration throughout the album is more subdued than on The Good Will Out. The album opens with the country-soul ballad "The Love It Takes". Danny McNamara wrote it on an acoustic guitar during the making of The Good Will Out, before showing it to the rest of the band, who added music in the style of Frank Zappa.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274070802808406017|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'And away we go #TimsTwitterListeningParty @embrace The Love...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619200653/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274070802808406017|url-status=live}} It slowly builds and ends with a guitar solo crescendo. Dale said the band wanted to open the album with a "bold departure" to separate it from The Good Will Out.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274072106901352449|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'The Love It Takes starts with what feels like a space ship coming in...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619201209/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274072106901352449|url-status=live}} "You’re Not Alone" is a ballad that is reminiscent of The Good Will Out track "Fireworks", and the work of the Boo Radleys.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-93-1385509|title=Embrace's Premier Debut|work=NME|date=29 January 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712080655/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-93-1385509|url-status=live}} Richard McNamara showed the band the song during the mixing of The Good Will Out, and nearly put it on that album, until their label pushed to release the album as-is.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274072335209902085|title=Embrace on Twitter: '#TimsTwitterListeningParty @embrace You're Not Alone. Rik played it...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619202515/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274072335209902085|url-status=live}} McNamara said they added the song to Drawn from Memory last as the label told the band they "needed an Embracey track".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274072420454989826|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'we added this song to the album last because the label...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|authorlink=Richard McNamara|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619201259/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274072420454989826|url-status=live}}

"Save Me" shares a similar chord progression as "Everyday Is a Winding Road" (1996) by Sheryl Crow, and touches on gospel music. It was originally known as "Plasterscenic" and lacked a chorus, until they played the song and Danny McNamara sung the first words that came to him, "save me".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274073541772750849|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'Save me was originally called Plasterscenic. Rik wrote it but it didnt...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619202338/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274073541772750849|url-status=live}} The piano-driven "Drawn from Memory" opens with several bars of classical chamber music, while it overall recalled the sound of Cave's The Boatman's Call (1997). McNamara wrote the track in Thailand, when its intro section was known as "Barbara"; he later played it for the rest of the band during a soundcheck in Denmark.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274074676009074694|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'Drawn From Memory I wrote in Thailand i think. It used to go...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619202807/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274074676009074694|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274074689577631752|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'The intro piece is actually called Barbara and it was recorded at...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619202848/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274074689577631752|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274075158886711297|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: ' First heard Danny faffing about with this in Denmark...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619203125/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274075158886711297|url-status=live}} The band spent several days working on the track to without any success, by which point, Dale worked on the arrangement at his house.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274075069103423488|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'Drawn From Memory was worked on for days and we were getting nowhere...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619202906/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274075069103423488|url-status=live}} The day after, the band were pleased with his changes; he played the part on a Yamaha grand piano with directions from McNamara, which later had to be edited out of the final recording.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274075313094492160|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'DFM part 2: The next day I showed the band what I had done with it, and they...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619203119/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274075313094492160|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274076062763364357|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'DFM part 4: I remember recording the piano on a beautiful rented Yamaha...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619202825/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274076062763364357|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274076261556551680|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'this was a jam on a dat so we didn't have the multis and Tris had...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619203437/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274076261556551680|url-status=live}} The Led Zeppelin-lite "Bunker Song" is an instrumental that was done in homage to "Nine Acre Court" (1995) by the Charlatans.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274076443073536001|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'Bunker Song, was a bit of a nod to Nine Acre Court by his nibs (doffs cap)...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619203041/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274076443073536001|url-status=live}}

"New Adam New Eve" is a psychedelic track with Eastern-esque guitarwork that the band saw as their attempt to emulate "Song 2" (1997) by Blur.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274076944863281158|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'New Adam, New Eve. I still love this. It's possibly the heaviest thing we've...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619203104/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274076944863281158|url-status=live}} "Hooligan" is sung by Richard McNamara, features a kazoo solo, and is done in the vein of Beck and the Beta Band. Bassist Steve Firth said the band did not want a guitar solo as they felt "they sound really cheesy", so they opted for a kazoo.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-107-1393255|title=The Kazoo Gang|work=NME|date=3 November 1999|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712080756/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-107-1393255|url-status=live}} McNamara said the song dealt with peer pressure, as well as the "happiness comes from focusing on what you have rather than what you don’t have". "Yeah You" channels the sound of Nirvana, specifically their track "Pennyroyal Tea" (1993). It was initially known as "Pavement".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274079016035721219|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'think this was called Pavement one for a while...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619204640/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274079016035721219|url-status=live}} Danny McNamara recorded his vocals for "Liars Tears", another ballad, at the end of the garden at Batsford.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274079925667012608|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'Liars Tears. I think Danny recorded this very late one night at the...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619204547/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274079925667012608|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/reviews/March2000/reviews13444.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010304080316/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/reviews/March2000/reviews13444.asp|title=Embrace - 'Drawn from Memory' (Virgin)|work=Dotmusic|author=Gilbert, Ben|date=9 May 2000|archivedate=4 March 2001|access-date=14 July 2021|url-status=live}} "I Wouldn't Wanna Happen to You" is a psychedelic pop song with horns during the bridge section. Richard McNamara said it had a "Midnight Cowboy vibe... all major sevenths for that summery vibe".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274080579840024578|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'think we re-recorded this for the single version but i love its...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619204950/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274080579840024578|url-status=live}} Danny McNamara compared the album's closing track, "I Had a Time", to The Good Will Out cut "Retread".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274081643679174657|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'I Had A Time... One of my favourites to sing. It always gets me in the...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619205821/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1274081643679174657|url-status=live}} His vocals were lifted from the demo version of the song; it features a clarinet part from drummer Mike Heaton.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274081727137353731|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'The vocal was taken from the demo which was largely gobblydegook...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619205757/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1274081727137353731|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274081735479906308|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'I Had A Time: The best song on the album for me, & one of the...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619205115/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274081735479906308|url-status=live}}

Release

"Hooligan" was released as a single 1 November 1999.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-4-1311976|title=Embrace the Return|work=NME|date=21 September 1999|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028204809/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-4-1311976|url-status=live}} Two versions were released on CD: the first with "I've Been Running" and "I Can't Feel Bad Anymore", while the second included "Like a Believer" and "With the One Who Got Me Here".{{cite AV media notes|title="Hooligan"|others=Embrace|date=1999|type=sleeve|publisher=Hut/Mobetta/Virgin Records|id=HUTCD123/7243 8 96301 2 1}}{{cite AV media notes|title="Hooligan"|others=Embrace|date=1999|type=sleeve|publisher=Hut/Mobetta/Virgin Records|id=HUTDX123/7243 8 96302 2 0}} The music video for "Hooligan" sees Richard McNamara exploring the Thamesmead housing estate in London.{{cite web|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/interviews/November1999/interviews11920.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030107073634/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/interviews/November1999/interviews11920.asp|title=Interview – Embrace|work=Dotmusic|date=2 November 1999|archivedate=7 January 2003|access-date=14 July 2021}} In the weeks leading up to its release, "Hooligan" and its B-sides were made available for streaming through the band's website.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-112-1396161|title=Embrace Yourself|work=NME|date=27 September 1999|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712080552/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-112-1396161|url-status=live}} In January 2000, the band went on a short tour of the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-102-1390721|title=Embrace Yourselves for Live Action|work=NME|date=6 December 1999|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712080750/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-102-1390721|url-status=live}} A documentary on the making of the album was broadcast on the band's website around this time.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-98-1387112|title=Embrace: New Millennium Hugs|work=NME|date=11 January 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712080725/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-98-1387112|url-status=live}} On 26 January 2000, Drawn from Memory was announced for release in two months' time. The band did a BBC Radio 1 session where they played "Hooligan", "Save Me", "The Love It Takes", and "Yeah You".{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-86-1398842|title=Embrace: The Web|work=NME|date=25 February 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712081100/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-86-1398842|url-status=live}} The music video for "You're Not Alone" was posted on Dotmusic on 28 February 2000; it was filmed in Australia and sees the band doing outdoor activities, such as walking on a rope.{{cite web|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/news/February2000/news13095.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010716170248/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/news/February2000/news13095.asp|title=Embrace Hug Dotmusic|work=Dotmusic|date=28 February 2000|archivedate=16 July 2001|access-date=14 July 2021}}

"You're Not Alone" was released as a single on 13 March 2000.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-94-1385814|title=This Is a Recall!|work=NME|date=11 January 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712080650/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-94-1385814|url-status=live}} Two versions were released on CD: the first with "Brothers and Sisters" and "Happy and Lost", while the second featured "Come on and Smile" and "A Tap on Your Shoulder".{{cite AV media notes|title="You're Not Alone"|others=Embrace|date=2000|type=sleeve|publisher=Hut/Mobetta/Virgin Records|id=HUTCD126/7243 8 96563 2 9}}{{cite AV media notes|title="You're Not Alone"|others=Embrace|date=2000|type=sleeve|publisher=Hut/Mobetta/Virgin Records|id=HUTDX126/7243 8 96564 2 8}} They performed "You're Not Alone" on CD:UK without McNamara, who felt ill. Later that day, he was rushed to the hospital where it was found that he had a blood clot in his lung.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-78-1396717|title=Embrace – Richard Recovering Well|work=NME|date=21 March 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712080939/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-78-1396717|url-status=live}} "The Love It Takes" premiered through NME{{'s}} website; the band appeared on Top of the Pops.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-80-1396829|title=Embrace New Track Exclusive|work=NME|date=20 March 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712081006/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-80-1396829|url-status=live}} Drawn from Memory was released on 27 March 2000. It was promoted with a small show to members of their fan club, and listening parties and club nights throughout the country leading up to the album's release.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-90-1399257|title=Embrace Play Low-Key Gig|work=NME|date=22 February 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712080622/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-90-1399257|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-85-1398472|title=Embrace Celebrate Release of New Album with Their Fans|work=NME|date=1 March 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712081059/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-85-1398472|url-status=live}} The following month, the band embarked on a tour of Europe; they cancelled a show in Austria due to the inclusion of the Freedom Party in that country's government.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-88-1399020|title=Embrace Pull Austrian Show in Protest at Far Right Government|work=NME|date=23 February 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712080548/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-88-1399020|url-status=live}}

Embrace played two shows in Blackpool (with support from Coldplay), prior to a series of festival appearances over the next few months, including Glastonbury, Witnness and Reading and Leeds.Citations for multiple festivals and Blackpool:

  • Blackpool: {{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-87-1398898|title=Embrace Sent to the Tower|work=NME|date=24 February 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712080548/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-87-1398898|url-status=live}}
  • Glastonbury, T in the Park, Reading and Leeds: {{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-108-1392295|title=Blackpool Rocks!|work=NME|date=5 May 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712081519/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-108-1392295|url-status=live}}
  • Witnness: {{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-110-1394249|title='Fireworks' from Embrace's New Singer|work=NME|date=7 August 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712081335/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-110-1394249|url-status=live}}
  • Coldplay: {{cite web|url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/back-future-post-britpop-stalwarts-embrace-202430|title=Back to the future for post-Britpop stalwarts Embrace|work=Blackpool Gazette|author=The Newsroom|date=26 November 2018|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716113330/https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/back-future-post-britpop-stalwarts-embrace-202430|url-status=live}} "Save Me" was released as a single on 22 May 2000.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-111-1394153|title=New Single – Group Hug!|work=NME|date=14 April 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712080908/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-111-1394153|url-status=live}} Two versions were released on CD: the first with "Get on Board" and "Still So Young", while the second included a radio session version and remixes of "Save Me".{{cite AV media notes|title="Save Me"|others=Embrace|date=2000|type=sleeve|publisher=Hut/Mobetta/Virgin Records|id=HUTCD133/7243 8 96805 2 2}}{{cite AV media notes|title="Save Me"|others=Embrace|date=2000|type=sleeve|publisher=Hut/Mobetta/Virgin Records|id=HUTDX133/7243 8 96806 2 1}} The music video for "Save Me" was posted on Dotmusic on 9 May 2000; it sees McNamara walking through a wall of glass, before falling out of a building. As he is dropping to the ground, other people in the building are unaware of him.{{cite web|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/news/May2000/news13840.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010716172628/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/news/May2000/news13840.asp|title=Exclusive Embrace Video|work=Dotmusic|date=9 May 2000|archivedate=16 July 2001|access-date=14 July 2021}} Following this, they embarked on tours of Japan and Germany.{{cite web|url=https://www.laut.de/Embrace/Interviews/Wir-sind-das-komplette-Gegenteil-von-Britpop-03-07-2000-6|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506040318/https://www.laut.de/Embrace/Interviews/Wir-sind-das-komplette-Gegenteil-von-Britpop-03-07-2000-6|title='Wir sind das komplette Gegenteil von Britpop'|publisher=laut.de|author=Schuh, Michael|date=3 July 2000|archivedate=6 May 2021|accessdate=3 November 2021|language=de}} A re-recorded version of "I Wouldn't Wanna Happen to You" was released as a single on 7 August 2000.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-91-1399423|title=Embrace Make It Happen|work=NME|date=5 July 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712081417/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-91-1399423|url-status=live}} Danny McNamara said they want to "capture a more wide-eyed summery feel", which they were unable to do the first time. Two versions were released on CD: the first with "The First Cut" and "I Know What's Going On", while the second featured "Top of the Heap", and a cover of "3 Is a Magic Number" (1973) by Bob Dorough.{{cite AV media notes|title="I Wouldn't Wanna Happen to You"|others=Embrace|date=2000|type=sleeve|publisher=Hut/Mobetta/Virgin Records|id=HUTCD137/7243 8 96996 2 3}}{{cite AV media notes|title="I Wouldn't Wanna Happen to You"|others=Embrace|date=2000|type=sleeve|publisher=Hut/Mobetta/Virgin Records|id=HUTDX137/7243 8 96997 2 2}} In October and November 2000, the band went on a short UK tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-84-1397841|title=Embrace Make It Happen|work=NME|date=14 July 2000|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712081341/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-84-1397841|url-status=live}}

"Save Me", "Hooligan", and "I Wouldn't Wanna Happen to You" were included on the band's first compilation album, Fireworks (Singles 1997–2002) (2002).{{cite AV media notes|title=Fireworks (Singles 1997–2002)|others=Embrace|year=2002|type=booklet|publisher=Hut/Virgin Records|id=CDHUT74/724381208328}} "Drawn from Memory" and "Save Me" were included on the band's third compilation album, The Essential (2007).{{cite AV media notes|title=The Essential|others=Embrace|year=2007|type=booklet|publisher=Virgin Records|id=5047602}} Drawn from Memory was re-pressed on vinyl, alongside The Good Will Out and third studio album If You've Never Been (2001), in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Embrace-To-Reissue-Early-Albums-On-Vinyl-For-The-First-Time-20200130|title=Embrace To Reissue Early Albums On Vinyl For The First Time|publisher=BroadwayWorld|author=Miligan, Kaitlin|date=30 January 2020|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=13 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713074210/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Embrace-To-Reissue-Early-Albums-On-Vinyl-For-The-First-Time-20200130|url-status=live}}

Reception

{{Music ratings

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/drawn-from-memory-mw0000461761|title=Drawn from Memory - Embrace {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|publisher=AllMusic|author=Davies, Ben|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=18 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818231515/http://www.allmusic.com/album/drawn-from-memory-mw0000461761|url-status=live}}

| rev2 = laut.de

| rev2Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.laut.de/Embrace/Alben/Drawn-From-Memory-359|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103214039/https://www.laut.de/Embrace/Alben/Drawn-From-Memory-359|title=If You've Never Been|publisher=laut.de|archivedate=3 November 2021|accessdate=3 November 2021|language=de}}

| rev3 = NME

| rev3Score = 8/10{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/embrace/2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505113129/https://www.nme.com/reviews/embrace/2009|title=Drawn From Memory|work=NME|date=21 March 2000|archivedate=5 May 2008|accessdate=12 July 2021|url-status=dead}}

| rev4 = Q

| rev4Score = {{Rating|2|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.qonline.co.uk/reviews/server.asp?id=18772|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000614195530/http://www.qonline.co.uk/reviews/server.asp?id=18772|title=Embrace Drawn From Memory|work=Q|author=Harris, John|authorlink=John Harris (critic)|date=May 2000|archivedate=14 June 2000|accessdate=12 July 2021|url-status=dead}}

| rev5 = Select

| rev5Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine|author=Wilkinson, Roy|title=Albums|magazine=Select|date=April 2000|page=92}}

}}

Drawn from Memory was met with generally favourable reviews from music critics. The staff at NME wrote that the album "trawls emotional depths, plays to its strengths, comforts and encourages, strong in the knowledge that sometimes the good really will out". Cam Lindsay of Exclaim! said the album was the "sound of a band starting over", and as the "pressure of delivering a great sophomore album" beckons, "Embrace can be happy that they have done that with this strong and sincere effort."{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/embrace-drawn_from_memory|title=Embrace Drawn From Memory|work=Exclaim!|author=Lindsay, Cam|date=1 November 2000|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027091031/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/embrace-drawn_from_memory|url-status=live}} In a guide to the band's releases for Clash, writer Gareth James considered the album "a far stronger set of songs than its much-lauded predecessor".{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/features/embrace-the-complete-guide|title=Embrace: The Complete Guide|work=Clash|author=James, Gareth|date=14 April 2014|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=21 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021193811/http://www.clashmusic.com/features/embrace-the-complete-guide|url-status=live}} John Walshe of Hot Press said it would be "all too easy" to single out the issues with the band's "brand of stadium-friendly guitar rock, [...] but Embrace have a certain naggingly familiar, gap-toothed charm."{{cite web|url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/drawn-from-memory-417217|title=Drawn From Memory|work=Hot Press|date=20 March 2001|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=13 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713074222/https://www.hotpress.com/music/drawn-from-memory-417217|url-status=live}}

The staff at laut.de saw it as "definitely versatile", and while the tracks occasionally featured an acoustic guitar or piano, it was "not always very spectacular". AllMusic reviewer Ben Davies said the album attempted to rectify a balance between the "Verve-style ballads and Oasis-like raucous guitars" of their debut "by not taking everything to an excessive degree". He added that in spite of its "many creditable aspects", the album had a "lingering feeling that this isn't all it could be". Select{{'s}} Roy Wilkinson saw it as "clearly a more stylistically ambitious" release than the debut, though the "abiding moment is a bittersweet and familiar one". In a review for Q, John Harris wrote that the "impassioned love song is still Embrace's calling card, though this time the embellishment and orchestration has been toned down". He highlighted "You're Not Alone" as being "somewhere to the right of pallid cliche. As too much of Drawn From Memory proves, it's really something Embrace need to work on."

Drawn from Memory peaked at number eight in the UK. It also reached number seven in Scotland, and number 24 in Ireland. "Hooligan" charted at number 18 in the UK, and number 38 in Scotland.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19991107/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=7 November 1999|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=23 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123011202/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19991107/41/|url-status=live}} "You're Not Alone" charted at number 12 in Scotland,{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20000319/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=19 March 2000|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117062255/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20000319/41/|url-status=live}} and number 14 in the UK. "Save Me" charted at number 25 in Scotland,{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20000604/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=4 June 2000|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=9 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109111229/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20000604/41/|url-status=live}} and number 29 in the UK. "I Wouldn't Wanna Happen to You" charted at number 21 in Scotland,{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20000813/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=13 August 2000|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=18 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818101330/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20000813/41/|url-status=live}} and number 23 in the UK. Drawn from Memory was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/1936-1384-2|title=Embrace Drawn from Memory|publisher=British Phonographic Industry|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=15 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715075831/https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/1936-1384-2|url-status=live}} Several years later, McNamara attended a U2 gig; upon meeting Bono, Bono told McNamara that Drawn from Memory had been a "big inspiration and influence" on one of their releases.{{cite web|url=https://www.xsnoize.com/interview-embrace-singer-danny-mcnamara-on-the-21st-anniversary-of-the-good-will-out/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204010410/https://www.xsnoize.com/interview-embrace-singer-danny-mcnamara-on-the-21st-anniversary-of-the-good-will-out/|title=Interview: Embrace singer Danny McNamara on the 21st anniversary of 'The Good Will Out'|publisher=Xs Noize|author=Millar, Mark|date=8 March 2019|archivedate=4 December 2021|accessdate=2 October 2022}}

Track listing

All songs written by Danny McNamara and Richard McNamara.

{{Track listing

| headline = Drawn from Memory track listing

| title1 = The Love It Takes

| length1 = 5:31

| title2 = You're Not Alone

| length2 = 4:29

| title3 = Save Me

| length3 = 4:46

| title4 = Drawn from Memory

| length4 = 7:00

| title5 = Bunker Song

| length5 = 1:48

| title6 = New Adam New Eve

| length6 = 3:47

| title7 = Hooligan

| note7 = lead vocals: Richard McNamara

| length7 = 4:13

| title8 = Yeah You

| length8 = 3:38

| title9 = Liars Tears

| length9 = 3:16

| title10 = I Wouldn't Wanna Happen to You

| length10 = 3:50

| title11 = I Had a Time

| length11 = 5:47

}}

Personnel

Personnel per booklet, except where noted.{{cite AV media notes|title=Drawn from Memory|others=Embrace|year=2000|type=booklet|publisher=Hut/Virgin Records/Mobetta|id=CDHUT60/7243 8 49014 2 4}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Embrace

  • Mickey Dale – keyboards, string arrangements, guitar
  • Steve Firth – bass
  • Mike Heaton – drums, percussion, loops, clarinet
  • Danny McNamara – vocals, guitar
  • Richard McNamara – guitar, vocals, kazoo, decks, percussion, loops

Additional musicians

  • Paul "P Dub" Walton – additional programming
  • Shkati Strings – strings (tracks 4 and 5){{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274076493568774144|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'Bunker Song!!! This was a jam that came from one of Rik's great...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=19 June 2020|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619203656/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1274076493568774144|url-status=live}}

{{col-2}}

Production and design

  • Tristin Norwell – producer (all except track 2), recording (all except track 2) mixing (tracks 5 and 8)
  • Embrace – producer
  • Hugo Nicolson – producer (track 2), recording (track 2), mixing (all except tracks 5 and 8)
  • Simon Sheridan – recording (all except track 2)
  • Stuart Miller – assistant
  • Paul "P Dub" Walton – assistant mix engineer
  • Olly Mecock – assistant
  • Mary Scanlon – black and white band portraits
  • Blue Source – art direction
  • Tommy Penton – illustration

{{col-end}}

Charts and certifications

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

=Weekly charts=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

|+Chart performance for Drawn from Memory

Charts (2000)

! Peak
position

{{album chart|Ireland2|24|artist=Embrace|rowheader=true|accessdate=15 July 2021|refname=Irechart}}
{{album chart|Scotland|7|date=20000408|rowheader=true|accessdate=15 July 2021|refname=Scochart}}
{{album chart|UK2|8|date=20000408|rowheader=true|accessdate=15 July 2021|refname=UKchart}}

{{col-2}}

=Certifications=

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for Drawn from Memory}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|artist=Embrace|title=Drawn from Memory|accessdate=15 July 2021|relyear=2000|certyear=2000|award=Gold|id=1936-1384-2}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}

{{col-end}}

References

{{reflist}}