Truth and Beauty cover

Truth and Beauty

Ian McNabb · 1993

115 min · 23 tracks · new wave

A rich tapestry of new wave sounds woven with introspective lyrics and melodic hooks that linger long after the last note.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    (I Go) My Own Way Start here — Opening the album with an anthemic declaration of independence, this track sets the tone for personal exploration throughout the record.
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    Truth and Beauty — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of introspection and emotional honesty, merging lush instrumentation with poignant lyrics.
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    Great Dreams of Heaven — This song stands out for its sweeping melodies and philosophical reflections on dreams and aspirations, capturing McNabb's lyrical prowess.
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    If Love Was Like Guitars — This track uses guitar metaphors to explore love's complexities, showcasing McNabb's knack for blending clever wordplay with catchiness.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with emotional depth
  • introspective lyrics for reflective moments
  • dynamic journey through varied tempos
  • rich melodic hooks for engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek strictly upbeat party vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — It solidified McNabb's reputation as a solo artist following his debut.
Themes
personal exploration· British rock evolution· emotional honesty
Career context
Truth and Beauty was Ian McNabb's second solo album, coming three years after his debut, which had established him as a significant figure in the UK music scene. Released in 1993, this record followed his earlier success with The Icicle Works, showcasing his evolution as a songwriter and artist during a transformative period in British rock.
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Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 (I Go) My Own Way Start here 5:11
  • 2 These Are the Days 4:29
  • 3 Great Dreams of Heaven 5:07
  • 4 Truth and Beauty 6:50
  • 5 I'm Game 4:32
  • 6 If Love Was Like Guitars 5:07
  • 7 Story of My Life 3:17
  • 8 That's Why I Believe 5:27
  • 9 Trip With Me 3:49
  • 10 Make Love to You 4:42
  • 11 Presence of the One 11:59

Disc 2

  • 1 (I Go) My Own Way (John Leckie version) 5:21
  • 2 Trams in Amsterdam 3:43
  • 3 Great Dreams of Heaven (acoustic version) 4:59
  • 4 Unknown Legend 3:36
  • 5 I'm Game (B-side) 4:26
  • 6 Caroline No 3:07
  • 7 A Pirate Looks at Forty 4:11
  • 8 What's It All About 4:27
  • 9 I'm Game (radio edit) 4:08
  • 10 Play the Hand They Deal You 5:40
  • 11 If Daddy Could See Me Now 3:07
  • 12 For You, Angel 7:44

What to play next

Head Like a Rock
Listen next

Head Like a Rock

1994

Continues the melodic exploration with a more rock-oriented sound.
My Own Way: The Words & Music of Ian McNabb
Go back to

My Own Way: The Words & Music of Ian McNabb
Full Ian McNabb discography Where to start with Ian McNabb Artists like Ian McNabb
new wave

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata