A Secret History... The Best of the Divine Comedy cover

A Secret History... The Best of the Divine Comedy

The Divine Comedy · 1999

70 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock · Britpop · baroque pop

A witty blend of orchestral pop and sharp lyrical storytelling, capturing British eccentricity with charm.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • witty storytelling with charm
  • steady pacing for relaxed listening
  • sing-along anthems for gatherings
  • lighthearted reflections on life
  • playful narratives with orchestral flair

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid lyrical depth and nuance

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'A Secret History' was released in 1999, The Divine Comedy had established themselves as a distinctive voice in Britpop. This compilation followed their critically acclaimed album 'Casanova' (1996) and showcased their evolution through previous works, solidifying their reputation for clever songwriting and lush arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors
Pulp· Belle and Sebastian· The High Llamas

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 National Express 5:06
  • 2 Something for the Weekend 4:20
  • 3 Everybody Knows (Except You) 3:48
  • 4 Generation Sex 3:29
  • 5 Becoming More Like Alfie 3:00
  • 6 The Summerhouse 4:14
  • 7 Your Daddy's Car 4:03
  • 8 The Pop Singer's Fear of the Pollen Count 3:54
  • 9 The Frog Princess 5:13
  • 10 Gin Soaked Boy 5:03
  • 11 Lucy 4:39
  • 12 Songs of Love 3:23
  • 13 In Pursuit of Happiness 3:29
  • 14 I've Been to a Marvellous Party 3:42
  • 15 The Certainty of Chance 6:12
  • 16 Too Young to Die 4:20
  • 17 Tonight We Fly 2:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata