The Deep Blue

{{about|the 2007 album by Charlotte Hatherley|other topics|Deep Blue (disambiguation)}} {{Use British English|date=December 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}} {{Infobox album | name = The Deep Blue | type = studio | artist = Charlotte Hatherley | cover = TheDeepBlue.jpg | alt = A woman's face partially submerged in water | released = 5 March 2007 | recorded = 2006 | studio = * The Red House, Senigallia, Italy * Miloco, London | genre = Post-punk, power pop | length = 53:18 | label = Little Sister | producer = {{hlist|Eric Drew Feldman|Rob Ellis|Charlotte Hatherley}} | prev_title = Grey Will Fade | prev_year = 2004 | next_title = New Worlds | next_year = 2009 | misc = {{Singles | name = The Deep Blue | type = studio | single1 = I Want You to Know | single1date = 26 February 2007 | single2 = Siberia | single2date = 14 May 2007 | single3 = Again | single3date = 28 October 2007 }} }} '''''The Deep Blue''''' is the second studio album by English musician Charlotte Hatherley, released on 5 March 2007 under Hatherley's own label Little Sister Records. She left Ash in January 2006; she visited Australia, where she stayed for two months, and wrote 17 new songs. After contacting Eric Drew Feldman, recording sessions were held at The Red House Studio in Senigallia, Italy, and Miloco Studios in London, with Feldman, Rob Ellis and Hatherley acting as producers. Described as a post-punk and power pop album, ''The Deep Blue'' saw Hatherley's guitarwork being sidestepped, allowing more of an emphasis on other instruments, such as bass, strings, and piano.

''The Deep Blue'' received mixed reviews from critics, some seeing it as an improvement on her debut, while others felt the songs lacked potential. The album charted at number 109 in the United Kingdom. The ''Behave'' EP peaked at number 168 on the UK Singles Chart, followed by the lead single "I Want You to Know" at number 108. The EP was released in December 2006, preceding the release of "I Want You to Know" on 26 February 2007. She went on tour in the UK in February and March 2007, followed by the second single "Siberia" on 14 May 2007. Over the next few months, Hatherley played a series of headlining and festivals shows, as well as supporting Blondie on their UK tour. "Again" was released as the third single on 28 October 2007.

==Background and production== Since 1997, Charlotte Hatherley was the guitarist for Ash.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/artists/biography/4111.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020612023310/http://www.nme.com/artists/biography/4111.htm|title=Ash (1)|work=NME|archivedate=12 June 2002|accessdate=14 November 2020}}</ref> In 2004, as the band were in the process of recording their fourth studio album ''Meltdown'', Hatherley set out to record a solo album concurrently. Dubbed ''Grey Will Fade'', Hatherley's debut studio album appeared in August 2004.<ref name=NMEGood2>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ash-55-1354987|title=Good Charlotte!|work=NME|date=22 May 2004|accessdate=16 January 2021|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112194019/https://www.nme.com/news/music/ash-55-1354987|url-status=live}}</ref> It peaked at number 51 in the United Kingdom. Two of the album's singles – namely, "Summer" and "Bastardo" – both reached number 31 on the UK Singles Chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14829/charlotte-hatherley/|title=Charlotte Hatherley {{!}} full Official Chart History|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=17 January 2021|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805141017/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14829/charlotte-hatherley/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hatherley toured in support of the album a month after its release, which she was able to only due to Ash taking a break from shows.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ash-53-1354811|title=Nu-Acoustic Sounds|work=NME|date=9 September 2004|accessdate=16 January 2021|archive-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119101208/https://www.nme.com/news/music/ash-53-1354811|url-status=live}}</ref> On 20 January 2006, Hatherley left the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ash-59-1357632|title=Exclusive – Charlotte Hatherley quits Ash|work=NME|date=20 January 2006|accessdate=18 November 2020|archive-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119101231/https://www.nme.com/news/music/ash-59-1357632|url-status=live}}</ref> Ash frontman Tim Wheeler stated that it was the band's decision for Hatherley to leave, as she wished to be a solo artist while also remain in the band, where he "could tell her heart wasn't in it".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/ash_to_split|title=Ash to Split?|work=Exclaim!|author=Lindsay, Cam|date=11 June 2007|accessdate=18 November 2020|archive-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119101233/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/ash_to_split|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, Hatherley travelled to Australia for her sister Beatrice's wedding, where she ended up staying for two months.<ref name=CH120806>{{cite web|url=http://www.charlottehatherley.com/index.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061208181534/http://www.charlottehatherley.com/index.php|title=News|publisher=Charlotte Hatherley|archivedate=8 December 2006|accessdate=26 June 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> Here, she had accumulated 17 songs for her next album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ash-29-1355178|title=Ex-Ash guitarist works on 'epic' album|work=NME|date=13 September 2006|accessdate=24 June 2021|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118091806/https://www.nme.com/news/music/ash-29-1355178|url-status=live}}</ref>

After contacting Eric Drew Feldman, who had previously produced ''Grey Will Fade'', she flew to San Francisco, California to meet with him.<ref name=CH120806/> Feldman, Rob Ellis, and Hatherley served as the producers throughout the recording. The majority of the songs were recorded at The Red House Studio in Senigallia, Italy, except for "Cousteau" and "Again", which were done at Miloco Studios in London.<ref name=TDBbooklet/> Choosing to work in Italy, Hatherley said Ellis was aware of a residential studio in the countryside, which enabled them to record without any distractions.<ref name=CH100506>{{cite web|url=http://www.charlottehatherley.com/index.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061005115930/http://www.charlottehatherley.com/index.php|title=News|publisher=Charlotte Hatherley|archivedate=5 October 2006|accessdate=26 June 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> David Lenci acted as the main engineer with assistance from Mano Moccia and Andreas Venetis; "Cousteau" and "Again" were engineered by Finn Eiles.<ref name=TDBbooklet/> Ben Hillier mixed the majority of the recordings at Miloco in June 2006, with assistance from Fergus Peterkin.<ref name=TDBbooklet/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charlottehatherley.com/index.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060824103430/http://www.charlottehatherley.com/index.php|title=News|publisher=Charlotte Hatherley|archivedate=24 August 2006|accessdate=26 June 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> Al Clay and Feldman mixed "Siberia" at Westside Pacific Music, while "Cousteau" was mixed by Ellis and Hatherley. John Dent then mastered the album at Loud in Taunton.<ref name=TDBbooklet/> Sessions lasted for three months, in contrast to the two weeks for ''Grey Will Fade''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedigitalfix.com/music/feature/charlotte-hatherley-interview/|title=Charlotte Hatherley Interview|work=The Digital Fix|author=Docherty, Michael|date=5 October 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626094922/https://www.thedigitalfix.com/music/feature/charlotte-hatherley-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Composition and lyrics== Musically, the sound of ''The Deep Blue'' has been described by critics as post-punk and power pop.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/5124721/charlotte-hatherley-will-take-us-all-away-to-cinnabar-city|title=Charlotte Hatherley Will Take Us All Away To Cinnabar City|work=Idolator|author=Noah|date=6 January 2009|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210625094311/https://www.idolator.com/5124721/charlotte-hatherley-will-take-us-all-away-to-cinnabar-city|url-status=dead}}</ref> The "dreaminess" of the Cocteau Twins, as well as the "whimsical romanticism" of Kate Bush, earned it a comparison to Air.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/perpetua/wonderful-obscure-albums-from-the-00s|title=27 Wonderful Obscure Albums From The '00s|publisher=BuzzFeed|author=Perpetus, Matthew|date=5 November 2014|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109014647/https://www.buzzfeed.com/perpetua/wonderful-obscure-albums-from-the-00s|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=GWreview/> Hatherley said the guitarwork "takes more a backseat", allowing other instruments, such as brass, strings, and piano to be heard more.<ref name=TNSinterview>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalstudent.com/Music/2008-10-09/Interview_Charlotte_Hatherley__from_the_ashes.html|title=Interview: Charlotte Hatherley - from the ashes|work=The National Student|date=9 October 2008|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121043319/https://www.thenationalstudent.com/Music/2008-10-09/Interview_Charlotte_Hatherley__from_the_ashes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The majority of the vocals, guitars, bass, drums, and keyboard parts were done by the trio of Hatherley, Feldman and Ellis. A number of additional musicians contributed to the recordings: Toby MacFarlaine (bass on "Cousteau" and "Again"); Osymyso (samples on "Be Thankful"); Josh Klinghoffer (drums on "I Want You to Know" and "Very Young"); Calina de la Mare (violin on "Again"); Renato Pignieri (trombone on "Wounded Sky"); Terry Edwards (trumpet on "Behave" and "Very Young", saxophone on "Behave", "Love's Young Dream", and "Very Young"); Martina Celli (viola on "Roll Over (Let It Go)"); Andrea Leopardi (violin on "Roll Over (Let It Go)"); Jasser Merlet Valdes (trumpet on "Dawn Treader"); and Dave McCracken (programming).<ref name=TDBbooklet/>

''The Deep Blue'' opens with the instrumental song "Cousteau", which channels the sound of Echoes (1971) by Pink Floyd.<ref name=AMreview/> The bassline in "Be Thankful" was reminiscent of the one heard in "Come Together" (1969) by the Beatles.<ref name=PFreview/> The pop-punk track "I Want You to Know" recalled the work of Toyah Willcox, while "Again" was compared to Morcheeba with its orchestral tone.<ref name=DISreview/><ref name=PFreview/> "Wounded Sky" features bongos and calypso guitarwork, and is followed by "Behave", which uses staccato guitar parts.<ref name=GWreview/><ref name=DISreview/><ref name=SGbehave/> Hatherley said the latter was influenced by ''Secretary'', where James Spader's character appeared "so sexy in it, and at the same time so vulnerable".<ref name=ADinterview/> "Roll Over (Let It Go)" starts off quietly, before eventually giving way to a wall of sound.<ref name=OMHreview/> "Very Young" evokes the sassy nature of the Shangri-Las,<ref name=Guardianreview/> and was written about Hatherley losing her virginity to a man in his 40s while she was still a teenager.<ref name=ADinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.atomicduster.com/interviews/charlotte_hatherley_2007/index.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106191107/http://www.atomicduster.com/interviews/charlotte_hatherley_2007/index.php|title=Interview: Charlotte Hatherley|publisher=Atomicduster|author=Tone E|archivedate=6 November 2008|url-status=usurped|accessdate=19 May 2023}}</ref> "Dawn Treader" is a reference to the 1952 book of the same name.<ref name=R13interview>{{cite web|url=http://www.roomthirteen.com/cgi-bin/feature_view.cgi?FeatureID=383|title=Charlotte Hatherley - Charlotte Hatherley Interview|publisher=RoomThirteen|author=Vallance, Jo|date=1 January 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025103238/http://www.roomthirteen.com/cgi-bin/feature_view.cgi?FeatureID=383|url-status=live}}</ref> It was co-written with Andy Partridge of XTC; Hatherley's song publishers set her up with him after learning that he enjoyed ''Grey Will Fade''.<ref name=TNSinterview/> The album closes with the mini-suite "Siberia", which was Hatherley said came out in the vein of David Bowie and Pixies.<ref name=OMHreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/charlotte-hatherley-the-deep-blue|title=Charlotte Hatherley – The Deep Blue {{!}} Album Reviews|work=musicOMH|author=Hogwood, Ben|date=5 March 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208074952/https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/charlotte-hatherley-the-deep-blue|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=R130707/>

==Release== thumb|left|alt=Charlotte Hatherley performing onstage playing and singing into a microphone|Charlotte Hatherley performing in Europe. On 24 November 2006, ''The Deep Blue'' was announced for release in early 2007.<ref name=NMEannounce>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/charlotte-hatherley-9-1342410|title=Ex-Ash guitarist names new album|work=NME|date=24 November 2006|accessdate=24 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626094923/https://www.nme.com/news/music/charlotte-hatherley-9-1342410|url-status=live}}</ref> The EP ''Behave'' was released on 18 December 2006; it consisted of "Mr. Ed", a longer version of "Cousteau" and a remix of "Behave" that Smith made.<ref name=R13interview/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://drownedinsound.com/releases/8946/reviews/1490232-|title=Single Review: Charlotte Hatherley - Behave / Releases|work=Drowned in Sound|author=Cowen, Nick|date=11 January 2007|accessdate=24 June 2021|archive-date=20 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620193612/https://drownedinsound.com/releases/8946/reviews/1490232-|url-status=dead}}</ref> The music video for "Behave" was posted online on 3 January 2007.<ref name=SGbehave>{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/4238/new_charlotte_hatherley_video_behave/news/|title=New Charlotte Hatherley Video – 'Behave'|work=Stereogum|date=3 January 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626094924/https://www.stereogum.com/4238/new_charlotte_hatherley_video_behave/news/|url-status=live}}</ref> "I Want You to Know" was released as a single on 26 February 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://drownedinsound.com/releases/9363/reviews/1676032-|title=Single Review: Charlotte Hatherley - I Want You To Know / Releases|work=Drowned in Sound|author=Cooper-Gavin, Dan|date=2 March 2007|accessdate=24 June 2021|archive-date=20 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620192016/https://drownedinsound.com/releases/9363/reviews/1676032-|url-status=dead}}</ref> The song's animated music video, directed by Joe Cornish of Adam and Joe, features Hatherley in a boxing ring. She said the lyrics were "quite comic book-ish", with Cornish wanting to something with manga.<ref name=R13interview/> In February and March 2007, she went on a tour of the UK, with support from Shuffle, which featured Hatherley's sister Beatrice.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/charlotte-hatherley-11-1344636|title=Charlotte Hatherley heads out on UK tour|work=NME|date=31 January 2007|accessdate=24 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626094924/https://www.nme.com/news/music/charlotte-hatherley-11-1344636|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecnj.com/review/030107/music030107_01.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626094925/http://www.thecnj.com/review/030107/music030107_01.html|title=The Girl from Mars is out of this world|work=Camden New Journal|author=Carroll, Rory|date=1 March 2007|archivedate=26 June 2021|accessdate=25 June 2021}}</ref> Her backing band consisted of guitarist Luke Smith, bassist John Clayton, drummer Stuffy, keyboardist Angie Pollock, and multi-instrumentalist Jen Marco.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/charlotte-makes-the-break-3972261|title=Charlotte makes the break|work=Business Live|date=1 March 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626094925/https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/charlotte-makes-the-break-3972261|url-status=live}}</ref>

''The Deep Blue'' was released through Hatherley's own label Little Sister Records on 5 March 2007.<ref name=NMEannounce/> She had no success finding a label to put the album out, so she opted to found her own with her manager Ann-Marie Shields.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/features/28202/|title=In Charge Of Her Destiny - Charlotte Hatherley|work=Gigwise|author=Gregory, Jason|date=20 February 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626094926/https://www.gigwise.com/features/28202/|url-status=live}}</ref> "Siberia" was released as a single on 14 May 2007; the CD version featured "Last Night", "This Is Pop", and a remix of "Siberia" as extra tracks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/siberia-mr0002286619|title=Siberia - Charlotte Hatherley {{!}} Release Info|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=24 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626095038/https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/siberia-mr0002286619|url-status=live}}</ref> Following this, Hatherley embarked on tours of Europe and Japan.<ref name=R130707>{{cite web|url=http://www.roomthirteen.com/features/475/Charlotte_Hatherley_Interview_Summer_2007.html|title=Charlotte Hatherley - Charlotte Hatherley Interview Summer 2007|publisher=RoomThirteen|author=Couper, Tara|date=6 July 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210627115004/http://www.roomthirteen.com/features/475/Charlotte_Hatherley_Interview_Summer_2007.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She played a handful of headlining and festivals shows in June and July 2007, prior to supporting Blondie on their UK tour, and appearing at the Reading and Leeds Festivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/news/33062/|title=Charlotte Hatherley Prepares New Single|work=Gigwise|author=Gregory, Jason|date=14 June 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602122215/https://www.gigwise.com/news/33062/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hatherley went on an acoustic tour of the UK in September and October 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/charlotte-hatherley-10-1343063|title=Charlotte Hatherley announces acoustic tour|work=NME|date=19 September 2007|accessdate=24 June 2021|archive-date=20 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220074733/https://www.nme.com/news/music/charlotte-hatherley-10-1343063|url-status=live}}</ref> "Again" was released as a single on 28 October 2007, with an acoustic version of the song as an extra track.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/again-single/265223853|title=Again - Single by Charlotte Hatherley|publisher=Apple Music|accessdate=24 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211021/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/again-single/265223853|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception== {{Album ratings | rev1 = AllMusic | rev1score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=AMreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-deep-blue-mw0001901523|title=The Deep Blue - Charlotte Hatherley {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|author=Severa, Alan|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=24 June 2021|archive-date=30 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730205729/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-deep-blue-mw0001901523|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev2 = ''DIY'' | rev2score = 7/10<ref name=DIYreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisfakediy.co.uk/articles/albums/charlotte-hatherley-the-deep-blue/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605031714/http://www.thisisfakediy.co.uk/articles/albums/charlotte-hatherley-the-deep-blue/|title=Charlotte Hatherley - The Deep Blue {{!}} Album Reviews|work=DIY|author=McCaighy, Stuart|date=5 March 2007|archivedate=5 June 2011|accessdate=24 June 2021}}</ref> | rev3 = ''Drowned in Sound'' | rev3score = 6/10<ref name=DISreview>{{cite web|url=https://drownedinsound.com/releases/9536/reviews/1727387-|title=Album Review: Charlotte Hatherley - The Deep Blue / Releases|work=Drowned in Sound|author=Ross, Daniel|date=13 March 2007|accessdate=24 June 2021|archive-date=20 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620192631/https://drownedinsound.com/releases/9536/reviews/1727387-|url-status=dead}}</ref> | rev4 = ''Gigwise'' | rev4score = {{Rating|7|10}}<ref name=GWreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/news/29049/|title=Charlotte Hatherley - 'The Deep Blue' (Little Sister)|work=Gigwise|author=Ando, Jeff|date=9 March 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626094928/https://www.gigwise.com/news/29049/|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev5 = ''The Guardian'' | rev5score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=Guardianreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/mar/09/popandrock.shopping5|title=Charlotte Hatherley, The Deep Blue {{!}} Pop and rock|work=The Guardian|author=Clarke, Betty|date=9 March 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118093713/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/mar/09/popandrock.shopping5|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev6 = ''NME'' | rev6score = 7/10<ref name=NMEreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/charlotte-hatherley/8209|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228131635/https://www.nme.com/reviews/charlotte-hatherley/8209|title=Reviews - Charlotte Hatherley: The Deep Blue|work=NME|author=Martin, Dan|date=23 February 2007|archivedate=28 February 2007|accessdate=24 June 2021}}</ref> | rev7 = ''Pitchfork'' | rev7score = 7.8/10<ref name=PFreview>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9909-the-deep-blue/|title=Charlotte Hatherley: The Deep Blue Album Review|work=Pitchfork|author=Raposa, David|date=5 March 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=12 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212000113/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9909-the-deep-blue/|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev8 = Playlouder | rev8score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=PLreview>{{cite web|url=http://playlouder.com/review/+the-deep-blue/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070319224154/http://playlouder.com/review/+the-deep-blue/|title=Charlotte Hatherley: The Deep Blue (2007) review|publisher=Playlouder|author=Allen, Jeremy|date=15 March 2007|archivedate=19 March 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021}}</ref> | rev9 = RTÉ | rev9score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=RTEreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/music-reviews/2007/0315/449485-hatherleyc/|title=Charlotte Hatherley - The Deep Blue|publisher=RTÉ|author=Foley, Anne-Louise|date=15 March 2007|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626095003/https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/music-reviews/2007/0315/449485-hatherleyc/|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev10 = ''The Skinny'' | rev10score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name=Skinnyreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/reviews/albums/charlotte-hatherley-the-deep-blue|title=Charlotte Hatherley - The Deep Blue|work=The Skinny|author=Hamilton, Billy|date=11 April 2007|accessdate=25 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626094932/https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/reviews/albums/charlotte-hatherley-the-deep-blue|url-status=live}}</ref> }} ''The Deep Blue'' was met with mixed reviews from music critics. ''DIY''{{'s}} Stuart McCaighy saw the "production quality and the artistic freedom" as an improvement on her debut. He said Hatherley had "grown as a songwriter", with the album displaying "purity of heart at work".<ref name=DIYreview/> AllMusic reviewer Alan Severa said the album "decidedly veer[s] away" from acts that influenced her debut, "show[ing] a self-assured Hatherley setting up a panorama of unique song compositions".<ref name=AMreview/> Dan Martin of ''NME'' wrote that there was a "dense richness" to the majority of the material that "reveals more tricks and truths the longer you navigate."<ref name=NMEreview/> ''Pitchfork'' contributor David Raposa referred to the album as a "trainspotter's nirvana", with Hatherley's influences on full display, as all "these little moments, vocally and musically, come off as nods and respectful homages instead of outright thefts".<ref name=PFreview/> ''The Guardian'' contributor Betty Clarke considered it "[h]igh on introspection and atmospherics", with Hatherley using the sea as a "metaphor for her fluctuating insecurities."<ref name=Guardianreview/>

Daniel Ross of ''Drowned in Sound'' wrote that the album "never fully takes off", with the absence of "a fucking great single," while some of its songs were a "little dull and lacking in charm".<ref name=DISreview/> ''Gigwise'' writer Jeff Ando said that a lot of the album "floats over you and at times drifts into the worrying genre of 'mood music'". Though, "when it does show its teeth, such as on 'I Want You To Know' or the excellent 'Very Young', there is great pogoing potential".<ref name=GWreview/> Anne-Louise Foley of RTÉ said the album was "full of promise", albeit "[a]t times patchy". She added that it "might not make the massive splash Hatherley was hoping for", though it could "undoubtedly lead to greater waters."<ref name=RTEreview/> Playlouder{{'s}} Jeremy Allen wrote that in spite of the album's bigger production value, it still had the same issue that Hatherley had on her debut, the lack of song quality. He exaplined that in her "bid to write a cogent and credible second album, she's maybe toiled a smidgen too hard, thus rendering some of it confused or lacking appeal".<ref name=PLreview/> ''The Skinny'' writer Billy Hamilton was highly critical of the album, calling it "aimless and cluttered", with "little else here match[ing the] carefree ambition" of "I Want You to Know".<ref name=Skinnyreview/>

''The Deep Blue'' reached number 109 on the UK Albums Chart. On the UK Singles Chart, ''Behave'' appeared at number 168, followed by "I Want You to Know" at number 108.<ref name="UK Chartlog">{{cite web|url=http://zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_H.HTM|title=UK Chartlog: H|publisher=Zobbel.de|accessdate=5 March 2011|archive-date=17 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717091830/http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_H.HTM|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Track listing== All tracks written by Charlotte Hatherley, except "Dawn Treader" by Hatherley and Andy Partridge.<ref name=TDBbooklet/>

# "Cousteau" – 1:51 # "Be Thankful" – 5:23 # "I Want You to Know" – 2:43 # "Again" – 4:21 # "Wounded Sky" – 3:37 # "Behave" – 4:02 # "Love's Young Dream" – 4:04 # "Roll Over (Let It Go)" – 4:24 # "Very Young" – 2:53 # "Dawn Treader" – 4:01 # "It Isn't Over" – 3:19 # "Siberia" (includes hidden track "Lost in Time") – 12:40

==Personnel== Personnel per booklet.<ref name=TDBbooklet>{{cite AV media notes|title=The Deep Blue|others=Charlotte Hatherley|year=2007|type=booklet|publisher=Little Sister Records|id=LSRL 003 CD}}</ref> {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''Musicians''' * Charlotte Hatherley – vocals, guitar, bass (tracks 6, 9, 11 and 12), keyboards (tracks 8 and 10) arranger * Toby MacFarlaine – bass (tracks 1 and 4) * Eric Drew Feldman – keyboards (all except track 4), bass (tracks 3, 5, 7 and 8), backing vocals (track 8), arranger * Rob Ellis – keyboards (tracks 1, 2, 4–7 and 10–12), percussion (track 1), drums (all except tracks 1 and 10), backing vocals (tracks 2, 3, 5, 7–9 and 11), arranger * Osymyso – samples (track 2) * Josh Klinghoffer – drums (tracks 3 and 9) * Calina de la Mare – violin (track 4) * Renato Pignieri – trombone (track 5) * Terry Edwards – trumpet (tracks 6 and 9), saxophone (tracks 6, 7 and 9) * Martina Celli – viola (track 8) * Andrea Leopardi – violin (track 8) * Jasser Merlet Valdes – trumpet (track 10) * Dave McCracken – programming {{col-2}} '''Production and design''' * Eric Drew Feldman – producer, mixing (track 12) * Rob Ellis – producer, mixing (track 1) * Charlotte Hatherley – producer, mixing (track 1) * David Lenci – engineer * Mano Moccia – assistant * Andreas Venetis – assistant * Finn Eiles – engineer (tracks 1 and 4) * Ben Hillier – mixing * Fergus Peterkin – assistant * Al Clay – mixing (track 12) * John Dent – mastering * Karl Bolander – design * Marius W Hansen – photography * Duncan McKellar – painting {{col-end}}

==Charts== {|class="wikitable sortable" |+Chart performance for ''The Deep Blue'' |- !Chart (2007) !Peak position |- {{album chart|UKZobbel|109|date=070317|accessdate=26 June 2021}} |}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links==  *[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kS3rLQ6VyHx4R5VhLro1LSqTMpYUP3wl8 ''The Deep Blue''] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Deep Blue, The}} Category:2007 albums Category:Charlotte Hatherley albums