Out of Nothing

Embrace released their third studio album, If You've Never Been, in September 2001 through Hut, Virgin Records and the band's own label Mobetta.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-49-1379973|title='Brace Yourselves!|work=NME|date=4 July 2001|access-date=14 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712083608/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-49-1379973|url-status=live}}{{cite AV media notes|title=If You've Never Been|author=Embrace|year=2001|type=booklet|publisher=Hut/Mobetta/Virgin Records|id=CDHUT68/7243 8 10973 2 8}} It peaked at number nine in the UK Albums Chart; its two singles, "Wonder" and "Make It Last", both reached the top of the UK Singles Chart.{{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}} Despite this, the band were dropped from the roster by Hut and Virgin Records less than a month later.{{cite tweet|author=Dale, Mickey|user=MrMickeyDale|number=1300161533645815809|title=Before I get into my track by track, I'd like to say that after we were dropped by Virgin / Hut in October 2001, the band built a studio at Rik's and knuckled down to writing an album as strong as The Good Will Out. Not an easy task!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830200058/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1300161533645815809|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} The band promoted the album with a tour of the United Kingdom at the end of the year, with a shorter UK tour following in early 2002.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-59-1371519|title='Been' Here Now!|work=NME|date=13 August 2001|access-date=14 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712082015/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-59-1371519|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-60-1372324|title='If You've Never Been' to Yorkshire!|work=NME|date=9 November 2001|access-date=14 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712083841/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-60-1372324|url-status=live}} While making If You've Never Been, frontman Danny McNamara said they had gathered enough material that they were considering releasing its follow-up in early 2002.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-89-1398899|title=The 'Last' Time for Embrace!|work=NME|date=2 April 2001|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=14 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714081309/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-89-1398899|url-status=live}} In between the two UK tours, the band spent some time recording new material.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-54-1370733|title=Embrace Come to the Four|work=NME|date=20 November 2001|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=14 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714084437/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-54-1370733|url-status=live}}

Hut Records released the band's first compilation album, Fireworks: The Singles 1997–2002, in March 2002; McNamara explained: "I see the next phase of Embrace as being quite separate and different from what the band has done up until now and this album is us signing-off on the past".{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-68-1377961|title=Embrace the Past!|work=NME|date=28 January 2002|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=15 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715082620/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-68-1377961|url-status=live}} Cam Lindsay of Exclaim! wrote that the career of acts hyped up by the Britpop and post-Britpop scenes was "so short it left many bands and their second albums for dead". He acknowledged that while Embrace had made a third album, the general music-buying "public had lost interest in their melodramatic epic rock and moved on".{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/embrace-out_of_nothing|title=Embrace Out of Nothing|work=Exclaim!|author=Lindsay, Cam|date=1 August 2005|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123072322/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/embrace-out_of_nothing|url-status=live}} As a result, Fireworks: The Singles 1997–2002 ended up reaching number 36 in the UK.

In March 2002, the band publicly revealed they had left Hut and Virgin to sign with the label Independiente. After leaving Hut, some of the members were forced to get day jobs.{{cite web|url=http://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/interviews/embrace.htm|title=Embrace Live @ Carling Bristol Academy|publisher=Repeat Fanzine|date=5 October 2004|access-date=2 September 2022|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614112503/https://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/interviews/embrace.htm|url-status=live}} McNamara said label chairman Andy MacDonald was a fan of theirs and had seen them a few times prior. McNamara mentioned that he had been spending sometime in London writing material while the other members were building a recording studio, and that they were aiming to release a new single later in the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-58-1371444|title=Independiente Men!|work=NME|date=11 March 2002|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084414/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-58-1371444|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/news/March2002/news24248.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021128180641/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/news/March2002/news24248.asp|title=Independence for Embrace|work=Dotmusic|date=11 March 2002|archivedate=28 November 2002|access-date=1 September 2022}} According to McNamara, MacDonald told the band he was impressed with their live performances and that they had high-quality songwriting but had "never made a classic album", which was something he wanted for the label. He was content with them taking as long as they wanted for as much money as they needed.

Drummer Mike Heaton said they did not have the means of writing songs in peace previously, often feeling stressed while out touring.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-37-1373493|title=Neues Waschpulver, bewährte Formel|trans-title=New washing powder, proven formula|publisher=Gaesteliste.de|date=22 December 2003|access-date=1 September 2022|language=DE|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084327/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-37-1373493|url-status=live}} In December 2003, the band played a few shows under the moniker the Good Good People; McNamara explained that he had spent the "last two years doing nothing but writing songs". At MacDonald's suggestion, they worked with producer Martin "Youth" Glover, with whom they previously worked with earlier in their career. Bassist Steve Firth said by this point, they had grown accustomed to outside opinions, something they used to block out, allowing for an easier process when working with Youth. After New Years Day 2004, the band began recording at Olympic Studios in London.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-37-1373493|title=Gone Back to What They Know!|work=NME|date=22 December 2003|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084327/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-37-1373493|url-status=live}}

Clive Goddard served as engineer, while Paul "P Dub" Walton recorded the strings; they were assisted by Phillipe Rose, Sam Miller and Bea Kenkel. McNamara said Youth "broke us into pieces, and then re-built us as a new band almost", expressing interest in wanting him for their next album. While in the mixing process, the band were offered the song "Gravity" by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. As the process was almost done, they had disregarded the suggestion as guitarist Richard McNamara said they "had so much faith in what we’d already recorded, the potential backlash just didn’t seem necessary". After an evening of contemplation, they decided to use the song. Heaton had to do some post-production work on "Looking as You Are" as they had recorded the song at the wrong tempo, prompting them to slow the track's speed down without sacrificing the quality of the recording.{{cite tweet|author=Dale, Mickey|user=MrMickeyDale|number=1300165988680380416|title=LAYA: Once it was recorded, Rick spent days in post production because we'd recorded it at the wrong tempo in London. Magnificently, it was slowed down without killing the audio quality.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830201909/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1300165988680380416|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} Goddard mixed the recordings, before the album was mastered by George Marino at Sterling sound in New York.

Musically, the sound of Out of Nothing has been described as indie rock. The Guardian writer Dorian Lynskey said in a "revisionist twist [Embrace] are being spoken of not as post-Oasis stragglers but as big-hearted forbears of Keane and Coldplay". Adam Knott of Sputnikmusic said the guitars aim for the "rafters of packed arenas, layered and interesting but never dense enough for their effect to become masked", while the piano parts "max out the heart, whether that be in search of a massive crescendo or a gentle introduction".{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/33894/Embrace-(UK)-Out-Of-Nothing/|title=Embrace (UK) - Out Of Nothing (album review )|publisher=Sputnikmusic|date=10 December 2009|accessdate=1 September 2022|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902164741/https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/33894/Embrace-%28UK%29-Out-Of-Nothing/|url-status=live}} Gareth Jones contributed programming across the album's songs. Wil Malone served as orchestra leader and wrote the majority of the string arrangements, bar the ones for "Someday" and "Spell It Out", which were done by keyboardist Mickey Dale.

Malone was brought in by Youth, while the rest of the band wanted Dale to arrange the strings.{{cite tweet|author=Dale, Mickey|user=MrMickeyDale|number=1300165156262027267|title=Finally I found my way into it. My stress levels were exacerbated by Youth wanting Wil Malone to do all the string arrangements on the album. I am eternally grateful to the other band members for demanding that I do the strings, and nobody else.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830201526/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1300165156262027267|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} Will Jackson provided additional material for the string sections, which were performed by the London Session Orchestra. Over a period of three years, Embrace accumulated over 500 songs that were eventually pared down to 15. This was cut down again to 10, and then one song, "Everytime That I See Your Face", was dropped in favour of "Gravity". Close to the end of the recording sessions, they jammed material as a unit for an hour at the encouragement of Youth, resulting in two songs, namely "Near Life" and "Out of Nothing".{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridmagazine.com/music/0705/embrace.shtml|title=Interview with Danny McNamara|publisher=Hybridmagazine|author=DeVoe, David|access-date=2 September 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712124002/http://www.hybridmagazine.com/music/0705/embrace.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite tweet|author=Dale, Mickey|user=MrMickeyDale|number=1300170819201568771|title=Near Life. This was Youth throwing a spanner in. 'Let's have dinner, light some candles & just jam from a blank page'. Near Life & Out Of Nothing were both born from this liberating approach|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830203827/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1300170819201568771|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}}{{cite tweet|author=Dale, Mickey|user=MrMickeyDale|number=1300171190061936640|title=I think we played for an hour or more and Youth assembled it in the computer. Near Life indeed.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830203937/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1300171190061936640|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} Discussing the album's title, Danny McNamara said it was a "little bit of lets get together, and not be fazed by it, because at one point, that's all we had - was ourselves, and our belief in ourselves and in each other".

File:Coldplay in Barcelona 2.jpg (pictured in 2005) wrote the song "Gravity"; the two bands came across each other years prior.]]

Out of Nothing opens with the pop rock song "Ashes", which Pitchfork reviewer Sam Ubl said "captures the feel of post-personal disaster perspective-shift", and was compared to "Pounding" (2002) by Doves. Before it was recorded, the chorus section of "Ashes" was the only part Danny McNamara had for three years, until Richard McNamara wrote the verse sections. Danny McNamara initially had an argument with Youth on how the song should be, having originally been intended as a gentle ballad akin to "Fireworks" from their debut studio album The Good Will Out (1998), which Youth changed into an anthemic song with a disco beat.{{cite web|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Embrace%27s+new+success+rising+from+the+Ashes.-a0124778846|title=Embrace's new success rising from the Ashes.|work=Huddersfield Daily Examiner|author=Porritt, Richard|date=15 November 2004|access-date=1 September 2022|via=The Free Library|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902164739/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Embrace%27s+new+success+rising+from+the+Ashes.-a0124778846|url-status=live}}{{cite tweet|author=Dale, Mickey|user=MrMickeyDale|number=1300162693572288514|title=1. Ashes - This left the womb as an understated super-slow gospel-esque ballad. Youth heard it, saw the potential and suggested a disco beat! I was worried. A hit single ensued. No complaints from band or label. Bowie-esque outro? Life On Mars, maybe.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830200557/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1300162693572288514|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} The band edited down the song's long outro section, despite Youth's insistence on retaining it.{{cite tweet|author=McNamara, Richard|user=RichardMcNamara|number=1300162468736573440|title=This used to have a really long outro on it which was great but we edited it off... 'come back, come back' Youth said we should keep it because Crowded house regretted editing it ... now i know what he meant.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830200454/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1300162468736573440|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}}

"Gravity" was written by the members of Coldplay; Martin became friends with McNamara a few years prior when Embrace help Coldplay before they became famous. When Coldplay wrote "Gravity", Martin thought the song "sounded far too much like them for us, [...] so I asked Danny if he wanted the song and that was that".{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-20-1367542|title=Cuddly Chris|work=NME|date=14 June 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811185402/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-20-1367542|url-status=live}} McNamara said he had heard Coldplay perform the song sometime prior and liked it, but thought nothing else of it until Martin offered it. musicOMH writer John Murphy said Embrace took the "melancholic piano sound of Mr Martin’s lot and push[ed] it through the Embrace emotional mincer", coming across in the style of "Imagine" (1970) by John Lennon and material from Coldplay's debut album Parachutes (2000).{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/embrace-shepherd-s-bush-empire-london-542754.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143920/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/embrace-shepherd-s-bush-empire-london-542754.html|title=Embrace, Shepherd's Bush Empire, London|work=The Independent|author=Mugan, Chris|date=8 September 2004|archivedate=6 July 2022|accessdate=1 September 2022}}

"Someday" is a gospel rock track; the song, which McNamara wrote, dated back to 1995, but lacked a chorus section.{{cite tweet|author=Dale, Mickey|user=MrMickeyDale|number=1300163873899720705|title=Someday Part 1 - when I first started playing with the band in 95 in a practice room in Ossett, this was a song that Danny had written & we'd keep running at it. It had no chorus but we pondered the possibility of a Scott Walker epic strings vibe... |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830201053/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1300163873899720705|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} Its chorus was taken from a demo of different song, "How Do You Like to Fly", that Richard McNamara wrote.{{cite tweet|author=McNamara, Danny|user=dannymcnamara|number=1300163677946085380|title=Richard wrote the chorus for this for another song called How Do You Like To Fly. A demo of it will be in a future Secret List|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830200930/https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1300163677946085380|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} Danny McNamara wrote "Looking as You Are" about a woman that was "spending her last night with the guy before [dating] me".{{cite tweet|author=McNamara, Danny|user=dannymcnamara|number=1300165370888818689|title=wrote this about a girl as she was spending her last night with the guy before me. It was a strange night and an even stranger relationship.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830201608/https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1300165370888818689|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} Richard McNamara described the song as Mercury Rev-like vocals over a guitar riff styled after "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" (1985) by Tears for Fears.{{cite tweet|author=McNamara, Richard|user=RichardMcNamara|number=1300165137513558016|title='Looking as you Are' Mercury Rev vocal with a Tears for Fears 'Rule The World' riff at the front and Led Zep in the middle and Ricks happy!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830201543/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1300165137513558016|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} "Wish 'Em All Away" is a power ballad that features a harmonica, evoking the sound of Oasis and Travis. When Dale heard it, he asked the band if they were attempting to recreate the sound of Harvest (1972) by Neil Young, which Youth thought was a good idea.{{cite tweet|author=Dale, Mickey|user=MrMickeyDale|number=1300167086610821121|title=I asked 'are you trying to remake Neil Young's Harvest album?' and Youth said 'Now there's a fucking idea!' At that point I understood his vibe. Less is more. Space. I sometimes find myself producing bands and shouting less, and more space!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830202338/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1300167086610821121|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}}

"Keeping" is a love song about an ex-partner that PopMatters{{'}} Michael Franco said starts off with a "recurring instrumental melody, then builds to a lofty chorus, spacious guitars, and really pretty crescendos", which he felt also described the following track, "Spell It Out".{{cite web|url=http://www.gigwise.com/contents.asp?contentid=2753|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050215141637/http://www.gigwise.com/contents.asp?contentid=2753|title=Embrace - 'Out Of Nothing' (Independiente)|work=Gigwise|author=Lai, Alex|archivedate=15 February 2005|accessdate=1 September 2022|url-status=live}} The latter was originally named "Pocket to the Sun" and written by Richard McNamara on a piano, which Dale thought it was similar to the work of the Flaming Lips.{{cite tweet|author=McNamara, Danny|user=dannymcnamara|number=1300168372332777474|title=Spell It Out. This used to be called Pocket To The Sun. Rik wrote it on piano.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830202834/https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1300168372332777474|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}}{{cite tweet|author=Dale, Mickey|user=MrMickeyDale|number=1300168245023068160|title=Spell It Out Originally called 'Pocket To The Sun', this is a Ricardo song very much inspired by Flaming Lips. We occasionally played it live & it was a tricky fucker, but having found ancient film of us doing it live, we actually nailed it!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830202754/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1300168245023068160|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} "A Glorious Day" is a ballad that also recalls Oasis; Youth had unsuccessfully tried to get the band to perform it in the style of McFly.{{cite tweet|author=McNamara, Richard|user=RichardMcNamara|number=1300169780243165185|title=I remember Youth trying to get us to play Glorious Day like a Mcfly track ..... you cant be right all the time!! ha ha|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830203351/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1300169780243165185|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} Embrace wanted the piano in the song to sound similar to the damaged piano at McNamara's house, prompting them to visit piano shops across London, and renting an upright piano.{{cite tweet|author=Dale, Mickey|user=MrMickeyDale|number=1300169919510839296|title=Glorious Day: 'We want it to sound like the fucked piano at Rik's'.. So we went visiting London piano shops & rented an upright piano & had it delivered to Olympic Studios. It's times like this that I understand how we never made any money!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830203412/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1300169919510839296|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}} "Near Life" is a made of various jam sessions and vocal takes stitched together. The album concludes with the piano-centric "Out of Nothing", an experimental and atmospheric song with elements of Sigur Rós. Dale said the outro was inspired by post-rock acts, like Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai, that Youth had recommended.{{cite tweet|author=Dale, Mickey|user=MrMickeyDale|number=1300172088863531008|title=Out Of Nothing One of our big melancholy album closers. I'm a sucker for a moody ballad, so this ticks many boxes. A big post-rock inspired outro too. Youth was encouraging the band listen to post rock such as Mogwai, Explosions In The Sky.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830204327/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1300172088863531008|archive-date=30 August 2020|date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 September 2022}}

File:Embrace-0904.jpg

On 14 June 2004, Embrace's next album was announced for release in three months' time. On 22 July 2004, the album's title was revealed as Out of Nothing, and its track listing was posted online.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-46-1362059|title=Cuddles Galore!|work=NME|date=22 July 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809084258/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-46-1362059|url-status=live}} Shortly after this, the band played a one-off show in Brighouse, Yorkshire on 15 August 2004 to celebrate their 10th anniversary, which saw the debut of material from Out of Nothing.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-38-1358536|title='Guerrilla's in Our Midst!|work=NME|date=16 August 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084257/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-38-1358536|url-status=live}} They appeared a V Festival a few days later after Jet pulled out because of a death in the family.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-35-1357571|title=Embrce Bounce Back|work=NME|date=21 August 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084257/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-35-1357571|url-status=live}} Shortly after this, Embrace partially played a fan club gig in London that was ultimately shut down by the police.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-32-1356708|title=Embrce Risk Arrest|work=NME|date=27 August 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084123/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-32-1356708|url-status=live}} They promoted the "Gravity" single with a one-off show at the Shepherd's Bush Empire venue in London, prior to the release of Out of Nothing on 13 September 2004. The artwork shows the members of the band embracing one another.

To promote the album, the band told fans via text messages about secret gigs they were holding, one of which including a performance in Mallorca.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-33-1357103|title=The Secret Will Out|work=NME|date=6 September 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084254/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-33-1357103|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-24-1368367|title=All You Lucky, Lucky People!|work=NME|date=24 September 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084708/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-24-1368367|url-status=live}} Later that month, they embarked on a UK tour that ran into October 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-33-1357103|title=London Embraces Embrace|work=NME|date=24 August 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084254/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-33-1357103|url-status=live}} Following this, they went on a longer UK tour throughout November 2004. On 15 November 2004, a special edition of Out of Nothing was released, featuring a DVD with footage of their secret gigs from two months prior. This edition also included a special code that fans could use to enter into a competition for addition secret shows at the end of the year. The band promoted it two in-store signing sessions in Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-47-1362144|title=Something Comes from 'Nothing'|work=NME|date=12 November 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084548/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-47-1362144|url-status=live}} They closed out the year appearing at a benefit gig for Shelter, alongside Kasabian and the Zutons, and a secret show at the Carnglaze Caverns in Cornwall.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-48-1362898|title=Big cuddles at Christmas!|work=NME|date=5 November 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084551/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-48-1362898|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-36-1357355|title=Pit stop!|work=NME|date=20 December 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084502/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-36-1357355|url-status=live}}

Billboard reported in their 12 February 2005 issue that Embrace had signed to Lava Records for releases in the North American market.Newman 2005, p. 13 Between February and April 2005, Embrace went on another tour of the UK, played their first ever shows in the United States and then two gigs in Ireland.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-10-1364406|title=Extra Embrace|work=NME|date=27 October 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084639/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-10-1364406|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/embrace-announce-irish-dates-2783399|title=Embrace announce Irish dates|work=Hot Press|date=28 February 2005|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902164741/https://www.hotpress.com/music/embrace-announce-irish-dates-2783399|url-status=live}}Raihala 2005, p. C3 After this, Embrace went on a tour of the US with Snow Patrol in April and May 2005.Anon. 2004, p. 52{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/snow-patrol-144-1361113|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903074405/https://www.nme.com/news/music/snow-patrol-144-1361113|title=New Man on Patrol!|work=NME|date=1 April 2005|archive-date=3 September 2022|access-date=3 September 2022|url-status=live}} Following a warm up gig at a fan's house, the band played two hometown shows in Leeds at the Millennium Square, which were dubbed A Glorious Day, at the end of May 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-23-1368582|title=Cuddly News|work=NME|date=3 February 2005|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712085207/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-23-1368582|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-21-1368314|title=A Second 'Glorious Day' for Embrace!|work=NME|date=7 February 2005|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124014658/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-21-1368314|url-status=live}} They were supported for the first show by the Ordinary Boys, the Subways, Hard-Fi and Anechoic, while other show feature Thirteen Senses, the Engineers and Infrasound.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-12-1364808|title=Embrace Get Some Support|work=NME|date=4 March 2005|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712085207/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-12-1364808|url-status=live}} After initially planned for release in the US on 3 May 2005, Out of Nothing was eventually released there on 14 June 2005.{{cite AV media notes|title=Out of Nothing|author=Embrace|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Lava Records|id=STCD 301793}} The following month, the band performed at one of the Live 8 benefit shows.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/embrace/articles/story/7400736/live_8_keeps_expanding|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509045135/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/embrace/articles/story/7400736/live_8_keeps_expanding|title=Live 8 Keeps Expanding|magazine=Rolling Stone|author=Wolinsky, David|date=16 June 2005|archivedate=9 May 2006|access-date=1 September 2022|url-status=live}}

The two A Glorious Day shows were released on DVD in 2005 through the company Eagle Vision, which also included all of the musics from Out of Nothing as well as a documentary and a fan film. It was packaged with a three-track CD that featured live versions of "Gravity", "A Glorious Day" and "Keeping".{{cite AV media notes|title=A Glorious Day Live in Leeds|author=Embrace|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Eagle Vision|id=EREDV508/EREDV508AP}}{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/embrace-glorious_day|title=Embrace A Glorious Day|work=Exclaim!|author=Lindsay, Cam|date=1 November 2005|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=6 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206174141/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/embrace-glorious_day|url-status=live}} The Mallorca performance was also released on DVD in 2005, this time through Independiente.{{cite AV media notes|title=SG#14 Live in Majorca|author=Embrace|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=}} That same year, Coldplay released their own version of "Gravity" as the B-side to their song "Talk".{{cite AV media notes|title="Talk"|author=Coldplay|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Parlophone|id=R 6679/00946 346924 7 2}} Embrace held special shows in March 2020 where they played songs exclusively from their The Good Will Out and Out of Nothing albums.{{cite web|url=https://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Embrace-To-Play-Special-Leeds-Arena-Concert-In-2020|title=Embrace To Play Special Leeds Arena Concert In 2020|work=The Yorkshire Times|author=Clark, Graham|date=30 July 2019|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=17 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017041530/https://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Embrace-To-Play-Special-Leeds-Arena-Concert-In-2020|url-status=live}} In October 2020, the band held a livestream performance where they played Out of Nothing in its entirety.{{cite web|url=https://www.classicpopmag.com/2020/08/embrace-announce-vinyl-reissues-and-one-off-online-live-show/|title=Embrace announce vinyl reissues and one-off live show|work=Classic Pop|date=29 August 2020|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=24 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424145043/https://www.classicpopmag.com/2020/08/embrace-announce-vinyl-reissues-and-one-off-online-live-show/|url-status=live}} To coincide with the latter, Out of Nothing and their fifth studio album This New Day (2006) were re-pressed on vinyl in 2020 through Craft Recordings; this version was done as a single-disc, in contrast to the double-disc version of the original 2004 Independiente edition.{{cite AV media notes|title=Out of Nothing|author=Embrace|year=2020|type=sleeve|publisher=Craft Recordings|id=0888072209282}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Out of Nothing|author=Embrace|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM 45LP}}

"Gravity" was released as the lead single from the album on 30 August 2004; the seven-inch vinyl edition included "Wasted" as the B-side.{{cite AV media notes|title="Gravity"|author=Embrace|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM87S}} Two versions were released on CD: the first with "The Shot's Still Ringing" and "Waterfall" as the B-sides, alongside the video for "Gravity", and the second with "Too Many Times" as the B-side.{{cite AV media notes|title="Gravity"|author=Embrace|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM87S}} The music video for "Gravity", which features a cameo from Youth, was filmed at Abbey Road Studios the previous month and shows the band performing the track.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-43-1360729|title=Embrace Storm the Palais!|work=NME|date=2 August 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084324/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-43-1360729|url-status=live}}{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ9ValMXCRk|title=Gravity|author=Embracemusic|date=7 July 2017|accessdate=1 September 2022|via=YouTube|archive-date=27 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827125821/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ9ValMXCRk|url-status=live}}

"Ashes" was released as the album's second single on 15 November 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-18-1366393|title=Embrace Get Back to What They Know|work=NME|date=12 October 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=10 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810054418/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-18-1366393|url-status=live}} It was in the running for lead single status until "Gravity" was eventually chosen. Their label told them that the song would perform better in the charts if it was released after "Gravity". The seven-inch vinyl edition included "Enough" as the B-side.{{cite AV media notes|title="Ashes"|author=Embrace|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM 89S}} Two versions were released on CD: the first with "Maybe I Wish", and the second with "Flaming Red Hair" and a live cover of "How Come" by D12 as the B-sides, alongside the music video for "Ashes".{{cite AV media notes|title="Ashes"|author=Embrace|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM89MS}}{{cite AV media notes|title="Ashes"|author=Embrace|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM89SMS}} The "Ashes" video sees the band performing in a dark, dusty, abandoned theatre that subsequently restores itself and gets brighter as the song plays out.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMqkhGrVOsU|title=Ashes|author=Embracemusic|date=7 July 2017|accessdate=1 September 2022|via=YouTube|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902164744/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMqkhGrVOsU|url-status=live}} They included "How Comes" after demand from fans, after having recorded it for The Jo Whiley Show.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-14-1365436|title=Embracing Eminem's Buddies|work=NME|date=19 October 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084640/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-14-1365436|url-status=live}} "Ashes" was released to American modern rock radio stations on 1 March 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16771 |title=FMQB Airplay Archive: Modern Rock |publisher=FMQB|accessdate=30 October 2016 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142732/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16771 |archivedate=22 March 2013 }}

"Looking as You Are" was released as the album's third single on 14 February 2005; the seven-inch vinyl edition included "The Final Say" as the B-side.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-39-1358632|title=Something Comes from 'Nothing'|work=NME|date=9 December 2004|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084502/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-39-1358632|url-status=live}}{{cite AV media notes|title="Looking as You Are"|author=Embrace|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM91S}} Two versions were released on CD: the first with "Madelaine", while the included "I Ache" and "Soldiers Hours" as B-sides, alongside the music video for "Looking as You Are".{{cite AV media notes|title="Looking as You Are"|author=Embrace|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM 91MS}}{{cite AV media notes|title="Looking as You Are"|author=Embrace|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM91SMS}} The artwork consists of photos of the bands fans as their way of thanking them for their support.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-31-1355979|title=Embrace on Valentine's Day!|work=NME|date=10 January 2005|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712085216/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-31-1355979|url-status=live}} The "Looking as You Are" video cuts between two perspectives, Danny McNamara and a woman as they near-mirror each other's actions. It starts with the woman climbing out of bed while McNamara wakes up on a sofa. McNamara walks up to the rest of the band as they begin performing, as the woman is getting ready in a bathroom. She leaves her place as the band continues playing and eventually visits a café. She is seen walking past a bus and then finds herself in the same room as the band, before running off.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R61rLF6OOYM|title=Looking As You Are|author=Embracemusic|date=7 July 2017|accessdate=1 September 2022|via=YouTube|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902164743/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R61rLF6OOYM|url-status=live}}

"A Glorious Day" was released as the album's fourth single on 30 May 2005; the seven-inch vinyl edition included "Hallelujah" as the B-side.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicomh.com/singles4/embrace-4.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060528175341/http://www.musicomh.com/singles4/embrace-4.htm|title=Embrace - Glorious Day (Independiente)|work=musicOMH|author=Shepherd, Sam|archivedate=28 May 2006|access-date=1 September 2022}}{{cite AV media notes|title="A Glorious Day"|author=Embrace|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM 94S}} Two versions of the single were released on CD: the first with "Milk and Honey" and the second with "Feels Like Glue" and "Red Eye Shot" as B-sides.{{cite AV media notes|title="A Glorious Day"|author=Embrace|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM94MS}}{{cite AV media notes|title="A Glorious Day"|author=Embrace|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM94SMS}} The "A Glorious Day" music video is a compilation of various live performances, cut with backstage footage.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zNcvFPM7LM|title=A Glorious Day|author=Embracemusic|date=7 July 2017|accessdate=1 September 2022|via=YouTube|archive-date=16 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216095604/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zNcvFPM7LM|url-status=live}}

{{Album ratings

| MC = 61/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/out-of-nothing/embrace/critic-reviews|title=Critic Reviews for Out Of Nothing|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009173149/http://www.metacritic.com/music/out-of-nothing/embrace/critic-reviews|url-status=live}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/out-of-nothing-mw0000481232|title=Out of Nothing - Embrace|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=31 August 2022|archive-date=16 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116063150/https://www.allmusic.com/album/out-of-nothing-mw0000481232|url-status=live}}

| rev2 = E! Online

| rev2Score = B{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0%2C1107%2C3486%2C00.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060115173819/http://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0,1107,3486,00.html|title=Embrace Out of Nothing|work=E! Online|archivedate=15 January 2006|access-date=1 September 2022}}

| rev3 = The Guardian

| rev3Score = {{Rating|2|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/sep/10/popandrock.shopping3|title=Embrace, Out of Nothing|work=The Guardian|first=Dorian|last=Lynskey|date=9 September 2004|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=12 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312141110/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/sep/10/popandrock.shopping3|url-status=live}}

| rev4 = laut.de

| rev4Score = {{rating|3|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.laut.de/Embrace/Alben/Out-Of-Nothing-7172|title=Embrace Out of Nothing|publisher=laut.de|author=Butscher, Vicky|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=11 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511002527/https://www.laut.de/Embrace/Alben/Out-Of-Nothing-7172|url-status=live}}

| rev5 = Pitchfork

| rev5Score = 7.3/10{{cite web |url=http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/17452/Embrace_Out_of_Nothing |title=Embrace Out of Nothing|work=Pitchfork|author=Ubl, Sam|date=18 January 2005|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619160734/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/17452/Embrace_Out_of_Nothing |archive-date=19 June 2008 |url-status=dead }}

| rev6 = PopMatters

| rev6Score = 2/10{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/embrace-outofnothing-2495894991.html|title=Embrace: Out of Nothing|work=PopMatters|author=Franco, Michael|date=28 August 2005|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902164813/https://www.popmatters.com/embrace-outofnothing-2495894991.html|url-status=live}}

| rev7 = Stylus Magazine

| rev7score = 9/10{{cite web|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=2328|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041012030225/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=2328 |title=Embrace - Out of Nothing|work=Stylus Magazine|first=Karim|last=Adab|date=13 September 2004|archivedate=12 October 2004|access-date=31 August 2022}}

| rev8 = This Is Fake DIY

| rev8Score = {{Rating|2|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisfakediy.co.uk/articles/1388.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051128232424/http://www.thisisfakediy.co.uk/articles/1388.html|title=Embrace – Out Of Nothing|work=This Is Fake DIY|author=Ackroyd, Stephen|archivedate=28 November 2005|accessdate=1 September 2022|url-status=live}}

| rev9 = Uncut

| rev9Score = 6/10{{cite web|url=http://www.uncut.co.uk/embrace/embrace-out-of-nothing-review|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116104143/https://www.uncut.co.uk/embrace/embrace-out-of-nothing-review|title=Embrace - Out Of Nothing|work=Uncut|archivedate=16 January 2014|access-date=31 August 2022}}

| rev10 = Yahoo! Launch

| rev10Score = {{Rating|6|10}}{{cite web|url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/040923/33/1x7a2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041014074250/http://uk.launch.yahoo.com:80/040923/33/1x7a2.html|title=Embrace - 'Out Of Nothing'|publisher=Yahoo! Launch|author=Webb, Adam|date=23 September 2004|archivedate=14 October 2004|access-date=31 August 2022}}

}}

Out of Nothing was met with generally favourable reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 61, based on 16 reviews.

Murphy said Out of Nothing was a "wonderfully affecting album that is the band’s best to date", adding that it was the "record they’ve been threatening to make for years".{{cite web|url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums2/embrace-2.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040916195351/http://www.musicomh.com/albums2/embrace-2.htm|title=Embrace – Out Of Nothing - Album Reviews|work=musicOMH|author=Murphy, John|archivedate=16 September 2004|access-date=31 August 2022}} Jack Smith of 6 Music agreed with this, adding that it "could take the Huddersfield five-piece higher than they could ever have contemplated".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/59qv/|title=Embrace Out of Nothing Review|publisher=BBC Music|author=Smith, Jack|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712122537/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/59qv/|url-status=live}} Ubl was surprised that the band had "turned in an effort as pretty or economical as Out of Nothing [...] "the result is less wish-wash, more dependable songwriting". The staff at AllMusic called it a "batch of well crafted songs tailor-made for the charts", praising the "euphorically expansive production". They went on to say it had zero "missteps or rough and rugged patches here: Out of Nothing is supremely confident, polished mainstream rock of the first order". Karim Adab of Stylus Magazine wrote that the album "sees them take off like an Exocet, obliterate all targets and then ricochet off under their own control". The staff at E! Online said aside from "Gravity", the band "stepped up to the challenge brilliantly with a set of stately tunes of their own".

Laut.de writer Vicky Butscher noted that it was "faster and louder" than their second studio album Drawn from Memory (2000), which she felt minimized the "emotional power of the balladesque pieces". Lynskey wrote that while the band's "first album had a stirring anthem or two, their songwriting here is both flimsy and overblown". Franco added to this, saying that "all the ingredients of the [Coldplay] recipe are here, right down to the lazy rhymes, cornball lyrics, 'uplifting' choruses, and all manner of inspirational platitudes". He went on to say it had a "decidedly contrived and boringly obvious feel" as the music was "so paint-by-numbers it probably arrived in a kit at the studio". The staff at Uncut said that after the opening three tracks, the album "sags—the old, pedestrian Embrace return, and Danny McNamara's mawkish lowing grates". Yahoo! Launch reviewer Adam Webb said the track names "reveals a band with little imagination beyond recycling 'meaningful' clichés" as it "really detracts from the heartfelt nature of the music". Stephen Ackroyd of This Is Fake DIY summarised his criticism of the album as: "there are well crafted songs here, good arrangements - the basic parts are all there. The problem? Your Mum would like it. Nobody wants that".

Out of Nothing topped the charts in the UK and Scotland, selling almost double as many copies that The Good Will Out did in its first week of release.{{cite web|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/embrace-success-5086619|title=Embrace success|work=Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=20 September 2004|accessdate=1 September 2022|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718094758/https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/embrace-success-5086619|url-status=live}} It also reached number 58 in Ireland and number 86 in Germany. It peaked at number 49 and 106 on the year-end UK charts for 2004 and 2005, respectively. In the UK, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified Out of Nothing gold four days after its release, platinum by November 2004, and double platinum as of 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/4947-1384-2|title=Embrace Out Of Nothing|publisher=British Phonographic Industry|accessdate=31 August 2022|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902164756/https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/4947-1384-2|url-status=live}} "Gravity" charted at number two in Scotland and number seven in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20040905/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=27 August 2016|archive-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803012525/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20040905/41/|url-status=live}} The BPI certified the song silver in 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/9486-1384-1|title=Embrace Gravity|publisher=British Phonographic Industry|accessdate=31 August 2022|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902164759/https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/9486-1384-1|url-status=live}} "Ashes" charted at number eight in Scotland and number 11 in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20041121/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=27 August 2016|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311184312/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20041121/41/|url-status=live}} The BPI certified the song silver in 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/18278-1384-1|title=Embrace Ashes|publisher=British Phonographic Industry|accessdate=5 March 2023|archive-date=24 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224192817/https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/18278-1384-1|url-status=live}} "Looking as You Are" charted at number nine in Scotland and number 11 in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20050220/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=27 August 2016|archive-date=14 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814003350/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20050220/41/|url-status=live}} "A Glorious Day" charted at number 28 in the UK.

McNamara said that had they not had received success brought on by "Gravity", they would have been dropped by Independiente and likely broke up. NME reported that the song "prompted a complete resurgence in fortunes for Embrace after a number of years on the periphery", noting that Out of Nothing had sold close to 250,000 copies within a month of its release, and that the accompanying UK and European tour was completely sold out.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-8-1363869|title=Thank Chris!|work=NME|date=30 October 2004|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712084601/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-8-1363869|url-status=live}} Stylus Magazine ranked the album at number 16 on their list of the year's 40 best releases.{{cite web|url=http://stylusmagazine.com/articles/weekly_article/the-top-40-albums-of-2004.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222225922/http://stylusmagazine.com/articles/weekly_article/the-top-40-albums-of-2004.htm|title=Embrace - Out of Nothing|work=Stylus Magazine|author=Edwards, Mark|date=20 December 2004|archivedate=22 December 2007|access-date=1 September 2022}} In 2014, journalist Gareth James wrote that the album "restored the band to the top 10 and signalled a shift towards the middle of the road in pursuit of album sales".{{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}}

All songs written by Danny and Richard McNamara, except where noted.

{{Tracklist

| headline = Out of Nothing track listing

| title1 = Ashes

| length1 = 4:22

| title2 = Gravity

| writer2 = {{hlist|Chris Martin|Guy Berryman|Jon Buckland|Will Champion}}

| length2 = 4:40

| title3 = Someday

| length3 = 5:38

| title4 = Looking as You Are

| length4 = 4:06

| title5 = Wish 'Em All Away

| length5 = 3:59

| title6 = Keeping

| length6 = 4:32

| title7 = Spell It Out

| length7 = 4:57

| title8 = A Glorious Day

| length8 = 3:52

| title9 = Near Life

| writer9 = {{hlist|D. McNamara (lyrics)|Embrace (music)}}

| music9 = Embrace

| length9 = 5:48

| title10 = Out of Nothing

| writer10 = {{hlist|D. McNamara (lyrics)|Embrace (music)}}

| length10 = 5:32

}}

Personnel per booklet.{{cite AV media notes|title=Out of Nothing|author=Embrace|year=2004|type=booklet|publisher=Independiente|id=ISOM45CD/5185722006}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Embrace

• Danny McNamara – vocals, acoustic guitar
• Richard McNamara – guitar, vocals, keyboards
• Mike Heaton – drums, percussion, backing vocals
• Steve Firth – bass guitar
• Mickey Dale – keyboards, backing vocals, strings arranger (tracks 3 and 7)

Additional musicians

• Gareth Jones – programming
• Wil Malone – strings arranger (all except tracks 3 and 7), orchestra leader
• Will Jackson – additional string material
• The London Session Orchestra – strings
• Mary Pearce – additional backing vocals
• Juliet Roberts – additional backing vocals
• Sylvia Mason – additional backing vocals
• James McNamara – additional backing vocals
• Jo McNamara – additional backing vocals
• Natalie Long – additional backing vocals
• Jennie – additional backing vocals
• Lucy – additional backing vocals

{{col-2}}

Production and design

• Youth – producer
• Clive Goddard – engineer, mixing
• Phillipe Rose – assistant
• Sam Miller – assistant
• Bea Kenkel – assistant
• Paul "P Dub" Walton – strings recording
• George Marino – mastering
• Rick Guest – photography
• Richard Bull – art direction, design

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

{{col-3}}

{{col-3}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for Out of Nothing}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Out of Nothing|artist=Embrace|type=album|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2020|certyear=2021|id=4947-1384-2|access-date=14 April 2023}}

{{Certification Table Bottom | nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

{{col-end}}

Citations

{{reflist}}

Sources

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite magazine|author=Anon.|title=Embrace|magazine=CMJ New Music Monthly|date=2004|issue=133|issn=1074-6978|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AisEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT1|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902164815/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=AisEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA51&pg=PT1|url-status=live}}
• {{cite magazine|last=Newman|first=Melinda|title=Big Grammy Night Ahead for Usher, West|magazine=Billboard|date=12 February 2005|volume=117|issue=7|issn=0006-2510|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vhQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA13|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902164756/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=vhQEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA13&pg=PA13|url-status=live}}
• {{cite journal|last=Raihala|first=Ross|title=Brit band Embrace set for U.S. challenge|journal=Bangor Daily News|date=17 May 2005|issn=0892-8738|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A9E8AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA32|access-date=2 September 2022|archive-date=2 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902164816/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=A9E8AAAAIBAJ&lpg=PA32&pg=PA32|url-status=live}}

{{refend}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n1kN-E62dluBuS6p83YbA0IW8V0ILVsIc Out of Nothing] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)

{{Embrace}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2004 albums

Category:Embrace (English band) albums

Category:Independiente Records albums

Category:Albums produced by Youth (musician)