Welcome to the North
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Welcome to the North
| type = Album
| artist = The Music
| cover = Welcometothenorthalbumcover.jpg
| alt = An orange sign with the band's name, being reflected through two different mirrors, one on the floor and the other leaning against a wall
| released = 20 September 2004
| recorded = March–April 2004
| studio = Southern Tracks Recording, Atlanta, Georgia
| genre = Post-grunge, space rock
| length = 55:13
| label = Virgin
| producer = Brendan O'Brien
| prev_title = The Music
| prev_year = 2002
| next_title = Strength in Numbers
| next_year = 2008
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Welcome to the North
| type = studio
| single1 = Freedom Fighters
| single1date = 6 September 2004
| single2 = Breakin'
| single2date = 10 January 2005
}}
}}
Welcome to the North is the second studio album by British rock band the Music. It was released on 20 September 2004 through Virgin Records. Following the release of their self-titled debut studio album (2002), the band toured the United States in early 2003. By June 2003, they had begun writing for its follow-up; they took a break at the end of the year. Two months of sessions at Soundworks in Leeds occurred in early 2004. The band then travelled to Atlanta, Georgia in the US to record with producer Brendan O'Brien at Southern Tracks Recording. Welcome to the North is a post-grunge and space rock album, taking influence from the works of Jane's Addiction, Led Zeppelin and the Stone Roses.
The Music made their first live performance since recording at We Love Homelands festival in May 2004. "Welcome to the North" was posted through NME{{'s}} website, ahead of the release of the album's lead single "Freedom Fighters" on 6 September 2004. The release of Welcome to the North was promoted with a tour of the United Kingdom with the Engineers. It was followed by a short brief, and then tour of the US with Incubus, leading into three UK shows to close out the year. "Bleed from Within" was planned to be the album's next single but was scrapped in favour of "Breakin'", which was issued on 10 January 2005. The Music then toured across North America with support from Kasabian, which was followed by another UK tour.
Welcome to the North received mixed reviews from critics, some of whom commented on the production and song quality, while others highlighted the array of musical styles. The album reached number eight in the UK Albums Chart; it reached the top 30 in both Japan and Australia, as well as the lower reaches of the Irish and French charts. "Freedom Fighters" peaked within the top 20 of the UK, in addition to charting in the Netherlands and the US. "Breakin'" reached a similar position in the UK, alongside charting in Australia and the US. Welcome to the North was certified silver in the UK by the British Phonographic Industry a few days after release, and later went gold in early 2005.
Background
The Music released their self-titled debut studio album in September 2002, which peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/welcome-to-the-north-mw0000140024|title=The Music - The Music|publisher=AllMusic|author=Wilson, MacKenzie|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110231221/https://www.allmusic.com/album/welcome-to-the-north-mw0000140024|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/9319/music/|title=Music / full Official Chart History|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=24 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024094249/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/9319/music/|url-status=live}} It was lauded by critics and went on to sell over 500,000 copies worldwide, one fifth of which was sold in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/the-music-academy-bristol-5351933.html|title=The Music, Academy, Bristol|work=The Independent|author=Meadley, Phil|date=30 September 2004|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110221305/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/the-music-academy-bristol-5351933.html|url-status=live}}Robinson 2016, p. 2 All three of its singles reached the top 30 of the UK Singles Chart, with "Take the Long Road and Walk It" peaking the highest at number 14. This success prompted Capitol Records to issue the album in the United States in early 2003. The Music toured across this territory with Coldplay; by June 2003, they returned to the UK to start writing material for their next album.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-36-1380706|title=New Music!|work=NME|date=4 June 2003|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111172545/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-36-1380706|url-status=live}} The band took a three-month break at the end of 2003. In January 2004, they were recorded their second album at Soundworks in Leeds.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-28-1372732|title=The Music – The Daviours of Music!|work=NME|date=6 January 2004|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111172501/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-28-1372732|url-status=live}} They paused recording to perform at the NME Awards on London, during which, they played four new songs; sessions continued into February 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-29-1375058|title=More Names for NME Gigs|work=NME|date=9 December 2003|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111172447/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-29-1375058|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-25-1369354|title=New Music!|work=NME|date=5 February 2004|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111173029/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-25-1369354|url-status=live}}
They had come up with six songs by this point, and told to go to Atlanta, Georgia in the US to finish writing material, as well as record it. Harvey's grandmother was ill at the time; the decision to go to Atlanta "sound[ed] nice, but not when you’ve been on tour for two years".{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/10/the-music-interview|title='I used to listen to the charts and think, what's all this sh**? But I couldn't hate something I wanted to be successful at.'|work=Music Business Worldwide|author=Needham, Jack|date=3 November 2021|access-date=28 March 2022|archive-date=28 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328173450/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/i-used-to-listen-to-the-charts-and-think-whats-all-this-sh-but-i-couldnt-hate-something-i-wanted-to-be-successful-at/|url-status=live}} They recorded at Southern Tracks Recording over the course of eight weeks in March and April 2004.{{cite web|url=http://music.ign.com/articles/544/544587p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050213190814/http://music.ign.com/articles/544/544587p1.html|title=The Music Bleed From Within|work=IGN|date=3 September 2004|archive-date=13 February 2005|access-date=17 March 2022}} Brendan O'Brien acted as the producer, with Nick DiDia handling recording. Karl Egsieker and Phil Martin served as second and additional engineer, respectively. The band chose O'Brien for his ability at capturing hard rock acts well in the studio, such as his past work with Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Stone Temple Pilots, which was hoped to further the band's success at US radio stations.Robinson 2016, p. 3 He mixed the recordings at the studio, before they were mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering in Portland, Maine.
Composition and lyrics
Welcome to the North is a post-grunge and space rock album, drawing influences from Strays (2003) by Jane's Addiction, Presence (1976) by Led Zeppelin and Second Coming (1994) by the Stone Roses. Discussing the album, Harvey said: "[Y]ou're exposed to the harsh realities of the world. [... The album's title] sounds like kind of a small-minded statement in and of itself, but it's really about breaking free. That's basically what the whole album is about - it's about becoming universal". His vocals recall U2 frontman Bono, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin and Perry Farrell from Jane's Addiction. The electronic nature of their debut had been toned down, as AllMusic reviewer MacKenzie Wilson wrote that the Music's "signature danceable stretch is still there, but it's stripped down for a more thoughtful rock design". The members typically wrote songs through jamming; though sometimes one of them would come up with a part and show it to the rest of the band.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/10/the-music-interview|title=The Music Interview|work=IGN|author=Spencer D.|date=10 January 2005|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110232402/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/10/the-music-interview|url-status=live}}
Harvey said the opening song "Welcome to the North" served to "bridg[e] the gap really" between their previous album and this one. It starts with a Led Zeppelin-esque guitar riff, continuing with tribal rhythm sections, with the title phrase being repeated over a dozen times. Drummer Phil Jordan said Harvey explored "our difficulties of being 'northern' and all the identity issues that brings".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440043652395388928|title=PhilJordanCounselling on Twitter: 'This is some of my favourite lyrics by Rob. Exploring our...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Jordan, Phil|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921165514/https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440043652395388928|url-status=live}} "Freedom Fighters" is centred around a Southern rock guitar riff; Jordan said his drum pattern in it was a rewrite of the one in "The Truth Is No Words", a track from their debut.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440044546348371976|title=PhilJordanCounselling on Twitter: 'Love an accent on the 16th note. This is essentially a reworking...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Jordan, Phil|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=17 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317165834/https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440044546348371976|url-status=live}} "Bleed from Within" features worldbeat grooves and talks about the invasion of Iraq and the futility of existence. Discussing the song, Jordan said they were in the US while the invasion was occurring, "seeing APC’s driving round the streets with police hanging off".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440045523763810307|title=PhilJordanCounselling on Twitter: 'We spent a lot of time in America around this time. We were...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Jordan, Phil|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921173836/https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440045523763810307|url-status=live}} Harvey tried to convey lies told by governments, and people suffer as a result.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/IamRobertHarvey/status/1440046218965499910|title=Robert Harvey on Twitter: 'We spent a lot of time in America around this time. We were...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Harvey, Robert|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921163935/https://twitter.com/IamRobertHarvey/status/1440046218965499910|url-status=live}} Part of its lyrics draw from "Pride (In the Name of Love)" (1984) by U2. During the song's breakdown, each member of the band were playing a separate drum kit, alongside O'Brien.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bluishstu/status/1440046743144390656|title=Stuart Coleman on Twitter: 'We all got involved in the drum break down coming up...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Coleman, Stuart|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921163205/https://twitter.com/bluishstu/status/1440046743144390656|url-status=live}}
The vocal melody of "Breakin'" recalls the one heard in "In the Shadows" (2003) by the Rasmus, while its last minute sees Harvey beatbox. "Cessation" includes separate drum and bass solos, and is followed by "Fight the Feeling", which is a power ballad in 3/4 time. "Guide" is a homage to Harvey's parents; for the bass part, Jordan said he was listening to DAT tapes of their rehearsals and came across it.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440050176308092940|title=PhilJordanCounselling on Twitter: 'I listened to about 40 hours of Dat tapes of rehearsals looking...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Jordan, Phil|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921164037/https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440050176308092940|url-status=live}} It started out as a Motown-sounding song when O'Brien first heard it.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440050949649625089|title=PhilJordanCounselling on Twitter: 'Brendan said this was like a Motown track at first, it took...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Jordan, Phil|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921164229/https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440050949649625089|url-status=live}} Discussing "Into the Night", which evokes the work of U2 and the Verve, Harvey said there were numerous songs "about women who rejected me".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/IamRobertHarvey/status/1440051561590231042|title=Robert Harvey on Twitter: 'There's a lot of songs about women who rejected me'|publisher=Twitter|author=Harvey, Robert|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921164347/https://twitter.com/IamRobertHarvey/status/1440051561590231042|url-status=live}} "I Need You" follows the indie-dance sound that dominated their debut album. The chorus of "One Way In, No Way Out" toys with power balladry, stadium rock territory. The album's closing track "Open Your Mind", which also cribs U2's sound, deals with being tolerant; it is followed by the hidden track "The Walls Get Smaller".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440054903381000192|title=PhilJordanCounselling on Twitter: 'Are we sticking around for the secret track of Walls get Smaller...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Jordan, Phil|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921165334/https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440054903381000192|url-status=live}} Coleman said O'Brien sent him out to purchase a double bass solely for inclusion on the verses in "Open Your Mind".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bluishstu/status/1440054315368927247|title=Stuart Coleman on Twitter: 'Brendan O'Brien sent me out for a double bass just to play...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Coleman, Stuart|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921165030/https://twitter.com/bluishstu/status/1440054315368927247|url-status=live}} Jordan said they placed a blanket over his drum kit in order to achieve a muted effect when recorded.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440054408239149061|title=PhilJordanCounselling on Twitter: 'We threw a blanket over the entire drum kit and I hit that...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Jordan, Phil|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921165025/https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440054408239149061|url-status=live}}
Release
In May 2004, the Music performed at the We Love Homelands festival, which was preceded by warm-up shows in Glasgow and Liverpool.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-24-1369191|title=The Love Parade!|work=NME|date=6 February 2004|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111173004/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-24-1369191|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-22-1367169|title=Hear the Music's New Singles on NME.com!|work=NME|date=16 June 2004|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811194821/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-22-1367169|url-status=live}} On 13 July 2004, Welcome to the North was announced for release in two months' time; alongside this, its track listing was posted online.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-19-1363199|title=All the New Music!|work=NME|date=13 July 2004|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111173003/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-19-1363199|url-status=live}} Six days later, "Welcome to the North" was posted on NME{{'s}} website.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-34-1362520|title=Hit the 'North'!|work=NME|date=19 July 2004|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805134852/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-34-1362520|url-status=live}} "Freedom Fighters" was released as the album's lead single on 6 September 2004; the seven-inch vinyl version included a slow version of "Getaway" as its B-side.{{cite AV media notes|title="Freedom Fighters"|others=The Music|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Virgin Records|id=07243 8 61742 7 7/VS 1883}} Two versions were released on CD: the first with "Come What May", while the second included "So Low", a Nick McCabe remix of "The People" and the music video for "Freedom Fighters".{{cite AV media notes|title="Freedom Fighters"|others=The Music|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VSCDT1883/07243 8 61855 2 5}}{{cite AV media notes|title="Freedom Fighters"|others=The Music|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VSCDX1883/07243 8 61855 0 1}} For the video, a stand-in was used for Jordan, who was suffering from anxiety and depression at the time.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440044865958547461|title=PhilJordanCounselling on Twitter: 'I'm not in this music video. I had undiagnosed anxiety and...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Jordan, Phil|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921163831/https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440044865958547461|url-status=live}}
Following this, the Music performed at BBC Radio 1's One Big Weekend.{{cite web|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news.asp?contentid=2637|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050218152212/http://www.gigwise.com/news.asp?contentid=2637|title=One Big Weekend Line-up|work=Gigwise|author=Roberts, Vicky|date=1 September 2004|archive-date=18 February 2005|access-date=17 March 2022|url-status=live}} Welcome to the North was released on 20 September 2004 through Virgin Records.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/welcome-to-the-north-mr0001216727|title=Welcome to the North - The Music / Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|author=Wilson, MacKenzie|access-date=17 March 2022}} The CD version came with multiple Copy Control logos on the front and back of the sleeve, while the booklet spread included an essay on how to pirate music. It was promoted with a UK tour through to early October 2004 with support from the Engineers.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-20-1365302|title=Live Music!|work=NME|date=29 June 2004|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811185042/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-20-1365302|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/live/the-music-academy-birmingham|title=The Music @ Academy, Birmingham|work=musicOMH|author=Fielding, Mark|date=6 October 2004|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110233740/https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/live/the-music-academy-birmingham|url-status=live}} The band went on a brief break prior to a tour of the US with Incubus.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-21-1366693|title=The Music Take the Long Road|work=NME|date=8 October 2004|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111172900/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-21-1366693|url-status=live}} They closed out the year with a three-date tour in December 2004 at London, Manchester and Glasgow.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-23-1367181|title=Rock'N'Roll Christmas Carols|work=NME|date=5 October 2004|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111172859/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-23-1367181|url-status=live}}
The Bleed from Within EP was released in Japan on 22 December 2004, which consisted "Bleed from Within", "Come What May", a demo of "Middle of Nowhere" and a remixes of "Bleed from Within" and "Freedom Fighters".{{cite AV media notes|title=Bleed from Within|others=The Music|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VJCP 61098}} "Bleed from Within" was planned for release as a single on 10 January 2005; however, because of issues with its music video, "Breakin'" was chosen as the next single instead.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-33-1361772|title=Red Heaven!|work=NME|date=15 November 2004|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111173743/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-33-1361772|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-31-1360716|title='Breakin' News from the Music|work=NME|date=23 November 2004|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111173719/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-31-1360716|url-status=live}} The seven-inch vinyl version included a radio session version of "Freedom Fighters" as its B-side.{{cite AV media notes|title="Breakn'"|others=The Music|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VS1894/0724387055872}} Two versions were released on CD: the first with the "Middle of Nowhere" demo, while the second included live and remix versions of "Bleed from Within".{{cite AV media notes|title="Breakn'"|others=The Music|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VSCDT1894/0724387055827}}{{cite AV media notes|title="Breakn'"|others=The Music|year=2004|type=sleeve|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VSCDX1894}} The music vieo for "Breakin'" was shot on a budget of $120,000.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440048073766432772|title=PhilJordanCounselling on Twitter: '$120,000 dollars that breakin' video cost'|publisher=Twitter|author=Jordan, Phil|date=20 September 2021|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921163601/https://twitter.com/CounsellingPhil/status/1440048073766432772|url-status=live}}
A non-Copy Protection version of the album was issued in 2005; coinciding with this, a two-CD version was also released, which included a disc of live recordings from Liverpool.{{cite AV media notes|title=Welcome to the North|others=The Music|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Virgin Records|id=CDV 2989/07243 5 78516 2 6}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Welcome to the North|others=The Music|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Virgin Records|id=CDVX 2989/0724356378124}} In February and March 2005, the Music went on a headlining North American tour, with support from Kasabian, leading up to an appearance at that year's South by Southwest music conference. The trek also included a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on 14 March 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-27-1355791|title=Welcome to the North!|work=NME|date=11 January 2005|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111173708/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-27-1355791|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://music.ign.com/articles/577/577953p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050207003825/http://music.ign.com/articles/577/577953p1.html|title=The Music To Tour North America|work=IGN|date=7 January 2005|archive-date=7 February 2005|access-date=17 March 2022}} In April and May 2005, the band went on a smaller scale tour of the UK.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-30-1360806|title=Low-Key Music|work=NME|date=4 April 2005|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111173636/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-music-30-1360806|url-status=live}} A video album, which was filmed in Japan, was released under the title Welcome to Japan – Live. It included a 15-song set from Japan, with a six-song set from Liverpool and music videos as bonus material.{{cite AV media notes|title=Welcome to Japan – Live|others=The Music|year=2005|type=sleeve|publisher=Virgin Records|id=VDVD10/0094633100190}}
Reception
{{Album ratings
| MC = 57/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/welcome-to-the-north/the-music/critic-reviews|title=Critic Reviews for Welcome to the North|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=10 January 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110220006/https://www.metacritic.com/music/welcome-to-the-north/the-music/critic-reviews|url-status=live}}
| rev1 = AllMusic
| rev2 = Cokemachineglow
| rev3 = Drowned in Sound
| rev4 = E! Online
| rev4Score = C{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0,1107,3324,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041030135526/http://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0,1107,3324,00.html|title=Music - The Music 'Welcome to the North'|work=E! Online|archive-date=30 October 2004|access-date=10 January 2022}}
| rev5 = The Guardian
| rev5Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/story/0,11712,1306035,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040924025645/http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/story/0,11712,1306035,00.html|title=The Music, Welcome to the North|work=The Guardian|author=Sullivan, Caroline|date=17 September 2004|archive-date=24 September 2004|access-date=10 January 2022}}
| rev6 = NME
| rev6Score = 9/10{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/artistKeyname/7536|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325034624/http://www.nme.com/reviews/artistKeyname/7536|title=Album Reviews - The Music : Welcome To The North|work=NME|date=12 October 2004|archive-date=25 March 2013|access-date=10 January 2022}}
| rev7 = Pitchfork
| rev7Score = 5/10{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5523-welcome-to-the-north/|title=The Music: Welcome to the North Album Review|work=Pitchfork|author=Tangari, Joe|date=1 December 2004|access-date=10 January 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110220008/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5523-welcome-to-the-north/|url-status=live}}
| rev8 = Stylus Magazine
| rev8Score = 7/10{{cite web|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=2371|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041019084228/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=2371|title=The Music Welcome To The North|work=Stylus Magazine|author=Southall, Nick|date=28 September 2004|archive-date=19 October 2004|access-date=10 January 2022}}
| rev9 = Tiny Mix Tapes
| rev9score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/music-welcome-north|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110220216/https://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/music-welcome-north|title=Welcome To The North|work=Tiny Mix Tapes|author=Ranta, Alan|date=December 14, 2006|archive-date=10 January 2022|access-date=10 January 2022}}
| rev10 = Yahoo! Launch
| rev10Score = {{Rating|5|10}}{{cite web|url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/041001/33/1x7rn.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041211115208/http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/041001/33/1x7rn.html|title=The Music - 'Welcome To The North'|publisher=Yahoo! Launch|author=Browne, Chris Nye|date=1 October 2004|archive-date=11 December 2004|access-date=10 January 2022}}
}}
Welcome to the North was met with mixed reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, the album received an average score of 57, based on 20 reviews.
Wilson said the album's direction was "much hungrier and angrier than its predecessor", calling it more "cohesive and direct compared to older dance numbers". She added that the "style and passion remain the same -- it's just a bit more uniform". Drowned in Sound writer Martin Leay found it to be "more varied record [...] with some evidence of a shifting musical direction". Steve Sutherland of NME the album "sounds colossal and is unafraid to take on the three giants of epic rock - Led Zep, U2 and [the] Music". Now writer Elizabeth Bromstein also pointed out that it "grows out of the same swirling, Zeppelinesque roots," calling it "more focused, eschewing dancey meandering in favour of a more homogeneous rock discipline".{{cite web|url=http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2004-10-28/music_discs6.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050218023850/http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2004-10-28/music_discs6.php|title=Welcome to the North|work=Now|author=Bromstein, Elizabeth|date=28 October 2004|archive-date=18 February 2005|access-date=17 March 2022|url-status=live}} Pitchfork contributor Joe Tangari wrote that it "actually narrows the band's scope, morphing the Leeds quartet into a nu-Zeppelin pop Dream Theater with a vocalist that sounds a lot like [...] a cartoon of Geddy Lee". The staff at E! Online was dismissive, viewing it "all bombast and no substance".
Leay said it was full of "well-structured 'proper' songs," with a "cleaner and tighter sound [... that] makes for a much more enjoyable listening experience". Tangari said O'Brien's production was "hopelessly cluttered and flat given the relatively basic setup". Stylus Magazine{{'s}} Nick Southall, however, complimented O'Brien's work for providing them a "more expensive, professional sound, just as massive and frenetic as the wilful teenage strafing they used to create". musicOMH contributor Jamie Harper referred to the album as a "contender for album of the year, every single song has something to love".{{cite web|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/the-music-welcome-to-the-north|title=The Music – Welcome To The North|work=musicOMH|author=Harper, Jamie|date=20 September 2004|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110220452/https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/the-music-welcome-to-the-north|url-status=live}} David M. Goldstein of Cokemachineglow noted that while it "does offer some evidence of improved songwriting" over the band's first album, "it’s hardly going to convert any non-believers". Yahoo! Launch writer Chris Nye Browne said it "struggle[d] to mark [the band] out as anything more than average". The Boston Phoenix{{'s}} Mikael Wood said it was full of "economy-sized riffs in search of songs and outdated glowstick atmospherics with nowhere to party".{{cite web|url=https://bostonphoenix.com/boston/music/otr/documents/04471181.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705130920/https://bostonphoenix.com/boston/music/otr/documents/04471181.asp|title=The Music Welcome to the North|work=The Boston Phoenix|author=Wood, Mikael|date=February 18–24, 2005|archivedate=July 5, 2008|accessdate=February 20, 2023}}
Welcome to the North peaked at number eight on the UK Albums Chart, where it was certified silver four days after release, and gold by early 2005 by the British Phonographic Industry. It also charted at number ten in Japan, number 23 in Australia, number 43 on the US Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, number 68 in Ireland and number 78 in France. "Freedom Fighters" charted at number 15 in the UK, number 39 Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, and number 100 in the Netherlands.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-music/chart-history/rtt/|title=The Music (Mainstream Rock Airplay)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=17 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Music&titel=Freedom+Fighters&cat=s|title=The Music - Freedom Fighters|publisher=dutchcharts.nl|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=1 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401213439/http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Music&titel=Freedom+Fighters&cat=s|url-status=live}} "Breakin'" charted at number 20 in the UK, number 20 on the US Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, and number 63 in Australia.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-music/chart-history/mrt/|title=The Music (Alternative Airplay)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=17 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117164849/https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-music/chart-history/mrt/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/issue779.pdf|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20050219130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20050220-0000/issue779.pdf|title=The ARIA Report: Issue 779|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 February 2005|publisher=webarchive.nla.gov.au|access-date=10 February 2009}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
Track listing
Track listing per booklet.Robinson 2016, p. 11
- "Welcome to the North" – 5:10
- "Freedom Fighters" – 3:44
- "Bleed from Within" – 6:27
- "Breakin'" – 3:58
- "Cessation" – 3:50
- "Fight the Feeling" – 4:12
- "Guide" – 4:13
- "Into the Night" – 4:00
- "I Need Love" – 3:46
- "One Way In, No Way Out" – 3:50
- "Open Your Mind" – 11:58 (includes the hidden track "The Walls Get Smaller")
Personnel
Personnel per 2016 edition booklet.Robinson 2016, pp. 9–10
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
The Music
- Robert Harvey – vocals
- Adam Nutter – guitar
- Stuart Coleman – bass
- Phil Jordan – drums
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Production and design
- Brendan O'Brien – producer, mixing
- Nick DiDia – recording
- Karl Egsieker – second engineer
- Phil Martin – additional engineer
- Bob Ludwig – mastering
- Peter Saville – creative consultant
- James Greenhow – art direction, design
- Tom Skipp – art direction, design
- Rachel Thomas – set design
- Dan Tobin Smith – cover photography
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Charts and certifications
{{col-begin}}
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=Weekly charts=
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=Certifications=
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for Welcome to the North}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|artist=The Music|title=Welcome to the North|access-date=17 March 2022|relyear=2004|certyear=2005|award=Gold|id=8114-1940-2|refname=UKcert}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}
{{col-end}}
References
Citations
{{reflist}}
Sources
{{refbegin}}
- {{cite AV media notes|author=Robinson, Alan|title=Welcome to the North|others=The Music|year=2016|type=booklet|publisher=Edsel Records|id=EDSK 7108}}
{{refend}}
External links
- [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ny0cFkaaHvkrYlRlPxcrQROyz-rajJzds Welcome to the North] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20040613115019/http://www.welcometothenorth.com/ Welcome to the North] microsite hosted by EMI Music UK
{{The Music}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Virgin Records albums
Category:The Music (band) albums
Category:Albums produced by Brendan O'Brien (record producer)