Everything But the Girl's Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn have crafted a unique musical legacy, blending heartbreak with dancefloor energy. Thirty years after Walking Wounded, here are their 20 greatest songs, ranked.
20. Night and Day (1982)
Releasing a cover of the Cole Porter standard as a debut single could have been hubris, but EBTG's version is fantastic: dolefully understated, relocating the song to a grim British bedsit in the early 80s.
19. British Summertime (1991)
From Worldwide, their least-loved album, the demo version strips away production gloss to reveal a simple piano ballad, both careworn and lovely.
18. 25th December (1994)
Revived during recent shows, this track features Ben Watt on vocals, melding sparkling guitars with doleful festive sentiment—a Christmas visit to parents prompts reflection on time's passage.
17. Mine (1984)
A left turn from their jazz-inflected debut, reflecting their fascination with the Smiths. It's a wonderful song filled with empathy for an impoverished unmarried mother.
16. Wrong (1996)
Often seen as Missing part two, but too confident to dismiss. Note the slight skip in rhythm that presages UK garage.
15. Oxford Street (1988)
A gently heartbreaking reflection on Thorn's youth, a dry run for her memoir Bedsit Disco Queen.
14. The Future of the Future (1998)
A collaboration with Deep Dish, noticeably upbeat and gently euphoric—a rare emotion for the duo.
13. No One Knows We're Dancing (2023)
From Fuse, this captures the peculiar atmosphere of Sunday clubbing, the intriguing characters, and the illicit thrill.
12. Before Today (1996)
The opener of Walking Wounded, with drum'n'bass rhythm amping up eager anticipation.
11. I Must Confess (1984)
EBTG balked at being labeled jazzy pop, but here the bossa nova influence is naturally integrated into a unique sound.
10. Come on Home (1986)
A big orchestrated ballad with timpani and strings, faintly mad it wasn't a huge hit.
9. Single (1996)
Influenced by Thorn's work with Massive Attack, this slow-motion track has a moody atmosphere, with a superb Photek remix.
8. This Love (Not for Sale) (1985)
A somber portrait of post-miners' strike Britain, blending jazz influences with simmering fury.
7. Driving (1990)
From the slick pop-soul album The Language of Life, this is super-smooth pop perfection.
6. Cross My Heart (1986)
The crowning glory of Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, with strings and brass evoking mid-60s Dusty Springfield—soulful and luxurious.
5. Run a Red Light (2023)
From Fuse, extraordinarily beautiful and desperately sad, subtly alive to modern sonic developments.
4. Walking Wounded (1996)
Their first venture into drum'n'bass, perfectly allied to Metalheadz-influenced beats and classic heartbreak.
3. Rollercoaster (1994)
From Amplified Heart, musically restrained and lyrically fragile, entirely wonderful.
2. Each and Every One (1984)
A gentle melody masks a lyric livid at patronising male journalists. Enchanting and supremely pissed off.
1. Missing (1994)
Their most famous song, incredible in any version. The original is moody and beautiful; Todd Terry's remix transformed it into a perfect confection of heartbreak and dancefloor power. The Lite Mix strips it to bare bones. Whichever version, it stops you dead.
