Embrace
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce Embrace, the West Yorkshire band known for their soaring anthems and heartfelt ballads that captured the emotional core of Britpop.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signaled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: Bailiff Bridge, West Yorkshire, England
Active years: 1990–2006, 2013–present
Associated genres: Alternative rock, post-Britpop, indie rock, Britpop (early)
Record labels: Fierce Panda, Hut, Virgin, Mobetta, Independiente, Cooking Vinyl
Members: Danny McNamara – vocals / Richard McNamara – guitar / Steve Firth – bass / Mickey Dale – keys / Mike Heaton – drums
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1990 by brothers Danny and Richard McNamara, beginning as a small project in an outbuilding in Bailiff Bridge.
Early songs were created using a cassette recorder and drum machine before adding permanent members Mickey Dale (keyboards) and Mike Heaton (drums).
Performed under various names before settling on "Embrace," with approval from Ian MacKaye of the American band of the same name.
Bassist Steve Firth joined in 1996, solidifying the band’s lineup.
Rise to Prominence
Released debut single, “All You Good Good People,” on Fierce Panda Records in 1997, gaining critical attention.
Their debut album, The Good Will Out, released in 1998, entered the UK Albums Chart at number 1, selling over 500,000 copies.
Known for their epic, emotional soundscapes, their debut established them as a leading voice in Britpop’s second wave.
Commercial Success and Albums
Second album, Drawn from Memory (2000), showcased a more experimental sound, supported by a tour with Coldplay as the opening act.
Follow-up album, If You’ve Never Been (2001), demonstrated a more introspective and tender approach.
Achieved a major comeback with Out of Nothing (2004), which included the single "Gravity," written by Chris Martin of Coldplay.
Released This New Day (2006), featuring the England World Cup anthem "World at Your Feet."
Later Activities and Legacy
After a hiatus, the band returned in 2014 with a self-titled album, Embrace.
Their 2018 album, Love Is a Basic Need, focused on the essential human experience of love.
The 2022 album How to Be a Person Like Other People marked their eighth consecutive UK Top 10 album.
Notable Facts
Embrace's debut album, The Good Will Out, was certified gold on its first day of release, one of the fastest-selling British debut albums.
They recorded England's official FIFA World Cup 2006 song, "World at Your Feet," which reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
Their 2004 single "Gravity" was written by Coldplay's Chris Martin as a gift to the band.
Defining Lyric
"Everything that you've done keeps you from me" – "Come back to what you know"
Discography
The Good Will Out (1998)
Drawn from Memory (2000)
If You've Never Been (2001)
Out of Nothing (2004)
This New Day (2006)
Embrace (2014)
Love Is a Basic Need (2018)
How to Be a Person Like Other People (2022)
Essential Listening
“All You Good Good People” – Their breakout anthem, brimming with soaring optimism.
“Gravity” – The Chris Martin-penned track that revitalized their career.
“World at Your Feet” – The rousing official England World Cup 2006 song.
Why You Should Be Listening to Embrace Now
Embrace’s music is timeless in its ability to connect with listeners through themes of resilience, love, and hope. Their anthems continue to resonate, offering solace and inspiration in equal measure.
See you on down the road.
