The Good Will Out

{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}} {{Good Article}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}} {{Infobox album | name = The Good Will Out | type = studio | artist = Embrace | cover = Embrace_TheGoodWillOut_Cover.jpg | alt = Four men, evenly spaced out, walking down a road with buildings behind them | released = 8 June 1998 | recorded = Early 1997 | studio = {{flatlist| * Hook End, Checkendon, Oxfordshire * Whitfield Street, London * Metropolis, London }} | genre = {{flatlist| * Britpop * post-Britpop }} | length = 59:05 | label = {{flatlist| * Hut * Virgin * Mobetta }} | producer = * Dave Creffield * Embrace * Martin "Youth" Glover | next_title = Drawn from Memory | next_year = 2000 | misc = {{Singles | name = The Good Will Out | type = studio | single1 = All You Good Good People | single1date = 27 October 1997 | single2 = Come Back to What You Know | single2date = 25 May 1998 | single3 = My Weakness Is None of Your Business | single3date = 17 August 1998 }} }}

'''''The Good Will Out''''' is the debut studio album by English rock band Embrace, released on 8 June 1998, by Hut, Mobetta and Virgin Records. The band formed in 1993; by 1996, they consisted of vocalist Danny McNamara, his brother, guitarist Richard McNamara, drummer Mike Heaton and bassist Steve Firth, and Tony Perrin had become their manager. A single, "All You Good Good People", was released through Fierce Panda in February 1997, attracting music media and record label interest, resulting in the band signing to Hut. Produced by the band, Dave Creffield and Martin "Youth" Glover, sessions for their debut were held at the Hook End, Whitfield Street and Metropolis studios. Other production staff included Jonny Dollar, who almost produced the album, Steve Osborne, who did additional production on one song, and Hugo Nicolson, who handled recording on another.

On release, reviewers described ''The Good Will Out'' as a Britpop album; it has since been regarded by some reviewers as a post-Britpop album. Keyboardist Mickey Dale, who would join the band during the album's touring cycle, contributed to the recordings, alongside Wil Malone and Craig Armstrong, all three of whom helped with the string sections. Two EPs, ''Fireworks EP'' and ''One Big Family EP'', were released in mid-1997 and promoted with festival appearances and a tour of the United Kingdom. A re-recorded version of "All You Good Good People" was released as the lead single from ''The Good Will Out'' on 27 October 1997, which was promoted with a UK tour. "Come Back to What You Know" was released as the album's second single on 25 May 1998, followed by the third single "My Weakness Is None of Your Business" on 17 August 1998. Following this, the band toured the UK and Japan.

''The Good Will Out'' received generally favourable reviews from critics, some of whom praised the high-quality songwriting and noted comparisons to the work of Oasis and the Verve. The album topped the UK chart and reached number two in Scotland. It went gold in the UK on the first day of release and was certified platinum in that territory by the end of the year. All three singles charted within the top 10 of the UK Singles Charts and Scottish Singles Charts, with "Come Back to What You Know" peaking the highest at number six in the former and number four in the latter, respectively. ''NME'' included the album on their list of the best albums of the year.

==Background== In 1993, vocalist Danny McNamara and his brother, guitarist Richard McNamara, formed Embrace in the English town of Huddersfield, initially under the name Christiania F and later the Bus Conductors.<ref name=RoughEmbrace/><ref>East 2018, event occurs at 1:22–7</ref> At the time, Richard was playing drums for the thrash metal band Gross Misconduct.<ref name=RoughEmbrace>Buckley ed. 2003, p. 337</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/events/search/2018/12/07/lets-be-embraced-embrace-talk-ahead-of-birmingham-gig/|title=Let's be Embraced: Embrace talk ahead of Birmingham gig|work=Shropshire Star|author=Richardson, Andy|date=7 December 2018|access-date=15 July 2021|archive-date=8 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208145607/https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/events/search/2018/12/07/lets-be-embraced-embrace-talk-ahead-of-birmingham-gig/|url-status=live}}</ref> After placing an ad in a local publication, the pair drafted Mike Heaton to play drums.<ref name=DMsiezing/><ref name=AMbio/> Following a handful of live shows, one of which earned an unfavourable piece in ''Melody Maker'', the band took a break from performing to focus on writing material.<ref name=DMsiezing/> Their sound during this time was a mix of Echo & the Bunnymen, Joy Division and the early work of U2.<ref name=RFinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/interviews/embrace.htm|title=Embrace Live @ Carling Bristol Academy|publisher=Repeat Fanzine|date=5 October 2004|access-date=2 September 2022|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614112503/https://www.repeatfanzine.co.uk/interviews/embrace.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> During a performance at the Heineken Festival in Leeds, McNamara had an epiphany where he saw himself as "Ian McCullough or Bono or someone", and decided to perform as himself going forward. The day after, they scrapped all of the material that they had gathered up to that point and started again.<ref name=EmbracePR>{{cite press release|title=Embrace Biography|location=United Kingdom|publisher=Hut Records|date=January 1997}}</ref> Over the next two years, they stayed in a rehearsal room, prior to Richard McNamara finding a recording of "Retread" in Danny's set of demos.<ref name=AMbio/><ref name=EmbracePR/> Richard McNamara felt this song was a turning point for their musical direction as he thought it sounded like no other act.<ref name=RFinterview/>

Their bassist found religion, prompting him to be replaced by Steve Firth in 1996.<ref name=DMsiezing/><ref name=EmbracePR/> Around this time, the band sent demos to potential managers and eventually settled with Tony Perrin.<ref name=DMsiezing/> Leading up to an appearance at the 1996 Sound City festival in Leeds, they compiled 30 copies of a demo tape that was sent out to potential labels, receiving replies from 18 of them. Three showcases were held at the Duchess of York in Leeds; the band eventually signed to major label Virgin imprint Hut Records in September 1996.<ref name=EmbracePR/> They also signed with DGC Records in the United States.<ref name=AMbio/> Embrace were already friends with the head of Hut, who was promoted to the president of Virgin around the same time.<ref name=Gaestelisteinterview/> Perrin said he knew people at Geffen Records, who owned DGC; A&R staff member Tony Berg signed the band to the label.<ref name=DMsiezing/> Independent label Fierce Panda Records released "All You Good Good People", with "My Weakness Is None of Your Business" as its B-side, in February 1997.<ref name=AMbio>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/embrace-mn0000182866/biography|title=Embrace {{!}} Biography & History|publisher=AllMusic|author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas|authorlink=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|access-date=15 July 2021|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819000624/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/embrace-mn0000182866/biography|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title="All You Good Good People"|author=Embrace|date=1997|type=sleeve|publisher=Fierce Panda Records|id=NING 29}}</ref> It was promoted with a tour alongside the Longpigs, and caught the attention of music publications.<ref name=RoughEmbrace/><ref name=DMsiezing>{{cite web|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/interviews/March1997/interviews9804.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030107082100/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/interviews/March1997/interviews9804.asp|title=Embrace - Seizing the 'New-Oasis' Mantle|work=Dotmusic|date=31 March 1997|archivedate=7 January 2003|access-date=15 July 2021}}</ref>

==Recording== Embrace, with Dave Creffield and Martin "Youth" Glover, produced ''The Good Will Out'', which was recorded in early 1997.<ref name=EmbracePR/><ref name=TGWObooklet/> Jonny Dollar, who mixed "Now You're Nobody", was asked to produce the album, but declined for personal reasons. Steve Osborne did additional production on "One Big Family"; Dollar's lack of involvement allowed Osborne to work with Embrace; he had wanted to work again with a rock-centric band.<ref name=DMsiezing/><ref name=TGWObooklet/> The band attempted unsuccessfully to draft Steve Albini as producer, and had turned down Butch Vig previously.<ref name=Gaestelisteinterview/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259945215529553921|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'Steve Albini was going to produce our first album at one...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=15 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515025701/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259945215529553921|url-status=live}}</ref> All the previously released tracks on the final version of the album were re-recorded during the sessions.<ref name=Timesreview/> Danny McNamara explained: "Everyone says we write songs like we're on our third or fourth album, but the early tracks still had the sound of a fledgling band so I wanted more definitive versions."<ref name=DMinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/interviews/May1998/interviews9805.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010702011345/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/interviews/May1998/interviews9805.asp|title=Embrace - Just Don't Compare Them with Oasis|work=Dotmusic|author=Davis, Sarah|date=11 May 1998|archivedate=2 July 2001|access-date=15 July 2021}}</ref>

Dave Creffield and the band produced nearly all the final recordings except for "All You Good Good People" and "Come Back to What You Know" produced by Youth at Hook End Studios, near Checkendon, Oxfordshire.<ref name=TGWObooklet/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259939272641175566|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'CBTWYK. This song was never demoed. We just went to...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|authorlink=Mickey Dale|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716114733/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259939272641175566|url-status=live}}</ref> While Creffield handled most of the recording, Hugo Nicolson recorded "All You Good Good People" and "Come Back to What You Know"; both tracks had additional recording by Creffield.<ref name=TGWObooklet/> Guitars on "The Last Gas" were recorded at an unnamed studio in Nottingham.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259946286033272843|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'Did the guitar parts for this in a studio in Nottingham...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|authorlink=Richard McNamara|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512042222/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259946286033272843|url-status=live}}</ref> The piano on "That's All Changed Forever" was recorded at Whitfield Street Studios in London.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259947156468875272|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'That's All Changed Forever - the piano was recorded at Whitfield...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512115123/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259947156468875272|url-status=live}}</ref> A 24-piece orchestra at Metropolis Studios in London was recorded playing the string arrangements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259939511477420033|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'CBTWYK: We posted a floppy disc and a cassette to Wil...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=14 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514072001/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259939511477420033|url-status=live}}</ref> McNamara thought the orchestra warming up "sound[ed] incredible", and ran into the studio's control room to have it recorded as the intro piece.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259936513367969793|title=Danny McNamara on Twitter: 'All you good food people I remember hearing the orchestra...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Danny|authorlink=Danny McNamara (musician)|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512195635/https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259936513367969793|url-status=live}}</ref> He asked the orchestra to repeat what they had been doing; they could not remember and just improvised.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259936706637299712|title=Danny McNamara on Twitter: 'We then asked the orchestra to do it again, and because they...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Danny|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513140248/https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259936706637299712|url-status=live}}</ref> On the second occasion the band worked with an orchestra, they had the tape rolling; the conductor can be heard filling out Musicians' Union forms.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259936825180852227|title=Danny McNamara on Twitter: 'So the next time we had an orchestra we kept the tape rolling. If...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Danny|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513014044/https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259936825180852227|url-status=live}}</ref> Dale described the piece as capturing the "feel" and "all the excitement and ALL the nerves in the room".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259936432635949057|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'Intro: There's nothing like the feeling of hearing an...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513181638/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259936432635949057|url-status=live}}</ref> "Fireworks{{" '}} piano was recorded at Metropolis as Dollar wanted the band to use the studio's Fazioli piano.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259945414117281793|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'Fireworks - The late Jonny Dollar helped us record this. The piano and...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512032554/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259945414117281793|url-status=live}}</ref> Youth and Nicolson mixed the recordings except "Now You're Nobody". Bunt Stafford-Clark mastered the album at Townhouse Studios in London.<ref name=TGWObooklet/>

==Composition and lyrics== Musically, the sound of ''The Good Will Out'' has been described as Britpop and post-Britpop.<ref name=PMreview/><ref name=BGfuture>{{cite web|url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/back-future-post-britpop-stalwarts-embrace-202430|title=Back to the future for post-Britpop stalwarts Embrace|work=Blackpool Gazette|date=26 November 2018|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716113330/https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/back-future-post-britpop-stalwarts-embrace-202430|url-status=live}}</ref> It was compared to the works of Oasis and the Verve, which McNamara felt worked as "good promotion" for the release, but clarified that "90% of 'The Good Will Out' was already written when these bands weren't even successful".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.laut.de/Embrace/Interviews/Wir-sind-das-komplette-Gegenteil-von-Britpop-03-07-2000-6|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506040318/https://www.laut.de/Embrace/Interviews/Wir-sind-das-komplette-Gegenteil-von-Britpop-03-07-2000-6|title='Wir sind das komplette Gegenteil von Britpop'|publisher=laut.de|author=Schuh, Michael|date=3 July 2000|archivedate=6 May 2021|accessdate=3 November 2021|language=de}}</ref> ''Consumable Online'' writer Sean Eric McGill avoided making analogies to either act, instead connecting to Embrace's sound to that of Queen, as he explained: "like Queen, Embrace writes finely crafted rock/pop songs that can only be described as 'huge{{single double}}.<ref name=COreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.westnet.com/consumable/1998/09.11/revembra.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010716102204/http://www.westnet.com/consumable/1998/09.11/revembra.html|title=Embrace, The Good Will Out- Sean Eric McGill|work=Consumable Online|author=McGill, Sean Eric|date=11 September 1998|archive-date=16 July 2001|access-date=28 September 2022}}</ref> Wil Malone served as the conductor for a string section of the album, and Mickey Dale added keyboards to the recordings.<ref name=TGWObooklet/> While the album's booklet credits Dale with helping to arrange the strings, Richard McNamara said Craig Armstrong (who worked with Massive Attack at the time) had helped in that regard.<ref name=Gaestelisteinterview/> The album's title is based on the proverb the truth will out, referring to being positive.<ref name=Gaestelisteinterview>{{cite web|url=https://www.gaesteliste.de/texte/show.html?id=61d9c42624312481&_nr=163|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108171016/https://www.gaesteliste.de/texte/show.html?id=61d9c42624312481&_nr=163|title=All you need is lalala...|publisher=Gaesteliste|author=Maurer, Ullric|date=August 1998|archivedate=8 January 2022|access-date=9 January 2022|language=DE}}</ref> It opens with the 40-second "Intro", which consists of an orchestra setting up their instruments, ending with drum hits that segue into "All You Good Good People", which also features said orchestra.<ref name=NMEreview/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://raft.vmg.co.uk/embrace/happening.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19980219225926/http://raft.vmg.co.uk/embrace/happening.html|title=Embrace|publisher=Virgin Records|archivedate=19 February 1998|accessdate=15 July 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> Dale said "All You Good Good People" was the first time he had worked with the band; they required a string arrangement and had asked him for one.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259937085714321410|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'AYGGP: This string arrangement was my first musical encounter...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513033611/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259937085714321410|url-status=live}}</ref> The track began originally as "Mikes Fast", and went through multiple versions before ending up in its final form.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259937178915868674|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'took us so long and through many different versions...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512082903/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259937178915868674|url-status=live}}</ref> Varying tape noises can be heard, the result of the tape with Danny McNamara's vocals being fast-forwarded and rewound.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259937981311455232|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'All those weird tape noises are DAnny going through...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513162634/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259937981311455232|url-status=live}}</ref>

"Sweetness" (1994) by Michelle Gayle influenced "My Weakness Is None of Your Business".<ref>East 2018, event occurs at 16:25–44</ref> McNamara had Leonard Cohen-esque verses for the song for sometime and a call-and-response chorus, before writing the hook after hearing "Sweetness".<ref>East 2018, event occurs at 16:52–17:14</ref> The band intended holding back "Come Back to What You Know" for their second album until publicist Scott Piering heard the song and pushed for its release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259939015563923459|title=Danny McNamara on Twitter: 'Come back to.. we were saving this back to be the first single on...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Danny|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512165516/https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259939015563923459|url-status=live}}</ref> McNamara said an earlier version of "One Big Family" was "a lot more chaotic", influenced by "Naked Cousin (1996) by PJ Harvey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259939933709533187|title=Danny McNamara on Twitter: 'one big family. Originally I used to sing we can work it out to the same...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Danny|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513231434/https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259939933709533187|url-status=live}}</ref> It features Richard McNamara on lead vocals and tambourine; the group vocals consist of friends, partners, and people from the street, under the name the Bricklayers.<ref>Citations for "One Big Family": * Richard McNamara on lead vocals: {{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259940812605067266|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'One Big Family Killer voc from Ricardo here. And whoever did the tambo...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512044830/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259940812605067266|url-status=live}} * Tambourine: {{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259940950656368647|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'me on tambo!!'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512095353/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259940950656368647|url-status=live}} * Friends and partners: {{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259940384958042112|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'All friends girlfriends and wives making up the rabble...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=15 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515061537/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259940384958042112|url-status=live}} * People from the street: {{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259940839100428299|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'one big family, We dragged a load of people off...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512042723/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259940839100428299|url-status=live}}</ref> "Higher Sights" is a power ballad in the vein of INXS, and was inspired by "You Do" (1995) by McAlmont & Butler.<ref name=RSreview/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259941215841157125|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'Heavily influenced by McAlmont and Butler here "You Do{{double single}}|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513224127/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259941215841157125|url-status=live}}</ref> Danny McNamara said he wrote the song after someone told the band they "weren't [B]ritpop enough".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259941353796091905|title=Danny McNamara on Twitter: 'Higher Sights was a song we wrote in response...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Danny|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512175419/https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259941353796091905|url-status=live}}</ref> Dale said the string players had struggled with the song as the scores were written in the wrong key; the players had to transpose the score while recording it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259941812648771595|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'Higher Sights: The strings were super tricky for the players...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513135932/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259941812648771595|url-status=live}}</ref> "Retread", a ballad, details the end of a relationship.<ref name=NMEreview/><ref name=MMreview/> The guitar riff was played on every guitar the band had before they settled on the final tone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259942294658191360|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'Remember recording this riff on every guitar we had...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513110141/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259942294658191360|url-status=live}}</ref> "I Want the World" features the use of wah-wah pedals and feedback, and was compared to the work of Oasis.<ref name=NMEreview/><ref name=Timesreview/> In its original form, the song sounded closer to the Jesus and Mary Chain; Richard McNamara attempted emulating Tim Burgess of the Charlatans.<ref>East 2018, event occurs at 38:35–40</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259943545072386048|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'I remember trying to sound like @Tim_Burgess on this...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513045948/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259943545072386048|url-status=live}}</ref>

"You've Got to Say Yes" was about Heaton's best friend Dean who had an "incredibly tough life", and was influenced by the work of Curtis Mayfield.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259944294191857665|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'You've Got To Say Yes. Is about my best mate Dean. Who...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512145743/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259944294191857665|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259944512434118657|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'Heavily inspired by Curtis Mayfield this bad...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=14 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514041948/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259944512434118657|url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, the song was called "Shallow Time", had a saxophone, and a section in {{music|time|6|8}} time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259944568650424323|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'Great guitar riff. You've Got To Say Yes Used...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512061009/https://twitter.com/dannymcnamara/status/1259944568650424323|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259944549109190658|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'The original version of this had a saxophone...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=14 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514224017/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259944549109190658|url-status=live}}</ref> For "Fireworks", Danny McNamara sang a soul-esque rendition, before they added their instruments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259945551266754560|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'Cello part written by Jo and altered slightly by...'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512061456/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259945551266754560|url-status=live}}</ref> He wrote the lyrics to it while sat under a mixing desk.<ref name=Xsinterview/> The intro to "The Last Gas" is a snippet from a radio show about orangutans; it includes shouting by the Bricklayers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259946654800764930|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'Last Gas we nicked the into about the Orangutans...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512023317/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259946654800764930|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259946949316354048|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'shouting bricklayers in full effect.... check!'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513091754/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259946949316354048|url-status=live}}</ref> The album's final three tracks are piano-led pieces: "That's All Changed Forever", "Now You're Nobody" and "The Good Will Out".<ref name=NMEreview/> "That's All Changed Forever" was influenced by McNamara falling in love, and the affects love has on a person's life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/502858/embrace-comfort-fans-with-hopeful-first-album/|title=Embrace Comfort Fans With Hopeful First Album|publisher=MTV|author=Devenish, Colin|date=30 October 1998|access-date=15 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716114708/https://cdn.cookielaw.org/scripttemplates/otSDKStub.js|url-status=dead}}</ref> The chorus was inspired after the band saw Superstar, who had a song with a similar sound.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259947918653558787|title=Embrace on Twitter: 'Shout out to the great band Superstar from Scotland. They were supporting...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Embrace|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513081502/https://twitter.com/embrace/status/1259947918653558787|url-status=live}}</ref> The lyrics include a reference to a conversation McNamara and Dale had at Heaton's house in 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259938293753528326|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'My Weakness: There's a line in this song that reminds me of a party...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512172800/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259938293753528326|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259938789272752128|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'My Weakness: I never gave the convo at that party another thought. I was...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512063520/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259938789272752128|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259947413860646912|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'That's All Changed... I was mistaken earlier. This is the...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512171103/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259947413860646912|url-status=live}}</ref> With "Now You're Nobody", Dale said the band took a "very ''Pet Sounds'' approach", like quieting the drum and bass parts, and adding a lot of reverb.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259948224833556482|title=Doctor Synth, MD on Twitter: 'Now You're Nobody - this was the most fun to record...'|publisher=Twitter|author=Dale, Mickey|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513082722/https://twitter.com/MrMickeyDale/status/1259948224833556482|url-status=live}}</ref> Richard McNamara said they dismantled a music box to sample its notes for the song.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259949289167601666|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'dismantled a music box for the squeak then sampled the notes in'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716114742/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259949289167601666|url-status=live}}</ref> "The Good Will Out" was the result of combining two separate songs, and is reminiscent of "Hey Jude" (1968) by the Beatles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259949614024855554|title=Richard McNamara on Twitter: 'Two halves of 2 different songs stuck together'|publisher=Twitter|author=McNamara, Richard|date=11 May 2020|accessdate=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513013741/https://twitter.com/RichardMcNamara/status/1259949614024855554|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/reviews/August2000/reviews14933.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010702004743/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/reviews/August2000/reviews14933.asp|title=Embrace - 'I Wouldn't Wanna Happen to You' (Hut)|work=Dotmusic|author=Fletcher, Bruce|date=10 August 2000|archivedate=2 July 2001|access-date=15 July 2021}}</ref> It had a different verse from what ended up on the album, which Jazz Summers said was acceptable, though McNamara thought he could do better, and subsequently re-wrote it.<ref name=Xsinterview>{{cite web|url=https://www.xsnoize.com/interview-embrace-singer-danny-mcnamara-on-the-21st-anniversary-of-the-good-will-out/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204010410/https://www.xsnoize.com/interview-embrace-singer-danny-mcnamara-on-the-21st-anniversary-of-the-good-will-out/|title=Interview: Embrace singer Danny McNamara on the 21st anniversary of 'The Good Will Out'|publisher=Xs Noize|author=Millar, Mark|date=8 March 2019|archivedate=4 December 2021|accessdate=2 October 2022}}</ref> Discussing the closing "la-la-la" section, McNamara said it was the "most emotional moment during the recording [...] Think about it, everyone understands La-la-la".<ref name=Gaestelisteinterview/>

==Release and promotion== ===Pre-album singles and EPs=== The ''Fireworks EP'' released on 5 May 1997, featured "The Last Gas", "Now You're Nobody", "Blind" and "Fireworks".<ref name=EPM/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.embrace.co.uk/discography/tgwo/fireworks.cfm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010510014533/http://www.embrace.co.uk/discography/tgwo/fireworks.cfm|title=Embrace: Fireworks|publisher=Embrace|archivedate=10 May 2001|access-date=15 July 2021}}</ref> The music video for "The Last Gas" sees the band perform in a darkly-lit room, while a lyric video for "Fireworks" consists of shots of a desert landscape.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH4J6cbuYrs|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827125240/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH4J6cbuYrs|title=The Last Gas|author=Embracemusic|date=2 September 2017|archivedate=27 August 2022|accessdate=27 August 2022|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-at17nDHvY|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827130116/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-at17nDHvY|title=Fireworks|author=Embracemusic|date=7 July 2017|archivedate=27 August 2022|accessdate=27 August 2022|via=YouTube}}</ref> Following this, Embrace went on a sold-out UK tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://raft.vmg.co.uk/embrace/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970618220659/http://raft.vmg.co.uk/embrace/|title=Embrace|publisher=Virgin Records|archivedate=18 June 1997|accessdate=15 July 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ''One Big Family EP'' released on 7 July 1997, featured "One Big Family", "Dry Kids", "You've Only Got to Stop to Get Better" and "Butter Wouldn't Melt".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.embrace.co.uk/discography/tgwo/onebigfamily.cfm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010510014626/http://www.embrace.co.uk/discography/tgwo/onebigfamily.cfm|title=Embrace: One Big Family|publisher=Embrace|archivedate=10 May 2001|access-date=15 July 2021}}</ref> In the music video for "One Big Family", footage of the band performing the track is cut with shots of them at an amusement park.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q1sCWFyhKE|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827125338/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q1sCWFyhKE|title=One Big Family|author=Embracemusic|date=7 July 2017|archivedate=27 August 2022|accessdate=27 August 2022|via=YouTube}}</ref> The band promoted it with appearances at Glastonbury, T in the Park, Phoenix, V and the Reading Festivals, as well as a three-date residency at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://raft.vmg.co.uk/embrace/happening.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970619005700/http://raft.vmg.co.uk/embrace/happening.html|title=Embrace|publisher=Virgin Records|archivedate=19 June 1997|accessdate=15 July 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The re-recorded version of "All You Good Good People" was released as a single on 27 October 1997. Two versions were released on CD: the first, dubbed the ''All You Good Good People EP'', with "You Don't Amount to Anything – This Time", "The Way I Do" and "Free Ride", while the other included a Perfecto remix of "One Big Family", the Fierce Panda version of "All You Good Good People", as well as an orchestral version of it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.embrace.co.uk/discography/tgwo/allyougoodgoodpeople.cfm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010510013626/http://www.embrace.co.uk/discography/tgwo/allyougoodgoodpeople.cfm|title=Embrace: All You Good Good People|publisher=Embrace|archivedate=10 May 2001|access-date=15 July 2021}}</ref> The music video for "All You Good Good People", which was directed by Mary Scanton, consists of a mix of black-and-white and colour performance footage.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucpc2bkWWT8|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827125801/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucpc2bkWWT8|title=All You Good Good People Virgin|author=Embracemusic|date=2 September 2017|archivedate=27 August 2022|accessdate=27 August 2022|via=YouTube}}</ref> The band went on a tour of mainland Europe, before touring the UK in November 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://raft.vmg.co.uk/embrace/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19980120144157/http://www.raft.vmg.co.uk/embrace/|title=Embrace|publisher=Virgin Records|archivedate=20 January 1998|accessdate=15 July 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref>

"Come Back to What You Know" was released as a single on 25 May 1998. Two versions were released on CD: the first with "Love Is Back", "If You Feel Like a Sinner" and "Perfect Way", while the other featured live versions of "Butter Wouldn't Melt" and "Dry Kids", as well as an orchestral version of "Come Back to What You Know".<ref name="Embrace">{{cite web|url=http://www.embrace.co.uk/discography/tgwo/comebacktowhatyouknow.cfm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010510014104/http://www.embrace.co.uk/discography/tgwo/comebacktowhatyouknow.cfm|title=Embrace: Come Back to What You Know|publisher=Embrace|archivedate=10 May 2001|access-date=15 July 2021}}</ref> The music video for "Come Back to What You Know", which was directed by Olly Blackburn, features people in different locations that meet up by its end, interspersed with clips of the band performing.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNDhCOPsdMc|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827130409/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNDhCOPsdMc|title=Come Back To What You Know|author=Embracemusic|date=7 July 2017|archivedate=27 August 2022|accessdate=27 August 2022|via=YouTube}}</ref> Coinciding with this, the band embarked on a short four-date tour of the UK.<ref name=ABSsleeve/>

===Album promotion and later singles=== Hut, Mobetta and Virgin Records released ''The Good Will Out'' on 8 June 1998.<ref name=TGWObooklet/><ref name=DMinterview/> The album cover was photographed on Christopher Street in New York City; the shoot cost around £25,000 according to Danny McNamara.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/photos/the-secret-life-of-album-sleeves-1424266|title=The secret life of album sleeves|work=NME|date=17 March 2010|accessdate=27 March 2017|archive-date=28 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328102351/http://www.nme.com/photos/the-secret-life-of-album-sleeves-1424266 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>East 2018, event occurs at 32:58–33:02</ref> The chosen image was taken by photographer Mary Scanlon, who spent a day following the band around, during the evening.<ref>East 2018, event occurs at 33:11–6, 34:00–5</ref> It was promoted with an in-store performance and signing session at HMV's flagship store on Oxford Street in London.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-103-1390453|title=Embrace Launch Album with Special Show|work=NME|date=27 April 1998|access-date=15 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712090210/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-103-1390453|url-status=live}}</ref> Following this, the band performed at Glastonbury Festival.<ref name=NMEwrap/> The US release of the album, on 28 July 1998, featured a re-recorded version of "Blind" subtitled the "road version".<ref name=Embracenewsletter/><ref>''CMJ'' 1998, p. 70</ref> It was promoted there with "All You Good Good People", which was issued to modern rock radio stations.<ref>Ross ed. 1998, p. 1</ref> They had tried to tour US, but were unable to when Geffen Records dropped them from the roster, despite "All You Good Good People" performing well at radio stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridmagazine.com/music/0705/embrace.shtml|title=Interview with Danny McNamara|publisher=Hybridmagazine|author=DeVoe, David|access-date=2 September 2022|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712124002/http://www.hybridmagazine.com/music/0705/embrace.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

"My Weakness Is None of Your Business" was released as a single on 17 August 1998.<ref name=NMEwrap>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-99-1388446|title=Embrace Wrap Their Arms Around Biggest UK Tour|work=NME|date=8 June 1998|access-date=15 July 2021|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712090209/https://www.nme.com/news/music/embrace-99-1388446|url-status=live}}</ref> The CD version included "Feelings I Thought You Shared" and "Don't Turn Your Back on Me", while the 12" vinyl version featured those two songs and the Perfecto remix of "One Big Family".<ref name="Embrace"/> An edition dubbed ''The Abbey Road Sessions'', recorded at Abbey Road Studios, was also released with versions of "My Weakness Is None of Your Business", "Higher Sights" and "Retread".<ref name=ABSsleeve>{{cite AV media notes|title=The Abbey Road Sessions|author=Embrace|date=1998|type=sleeve|publisher=Hut/Virgin Records/Mobetta|id=HUTDX103/7243 895297 2 2/ABBEY 1}}</ref> The music video for "My Weakness Is None of Your Business" consists of stop-motion movement of McNamara being assaulted in a club and thrown in the back of a car. He is then taken to the roof of a building, and it ends with a shot of him hanging off the side of it as people watch from below.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-zV9AQQ6Bc|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827130711/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-zV9AQQ6Bc|title=My Weakness Is None Of Your Business|author=Embracemusic|date=7 July 2017|archivedate=27 August 2022|accessdate=27 August 2022|via=YouTube}}</ref>

Embrace embarked on a tour of the UK in September 1998, and then Japan and played three shows in the US.<ref name=ABSsleeve/><ref name=NMEwrap/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/embrace/articles/story/5924842/good_will_hunting|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509044820/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/embrace/articles/story/5924842/good_will_hunting|title=Good Will Hunting|magazine=Rolling Stone|author=Turman, Katherine|date=8 September 1998|archivedate=9 May 2006|accessdate=15 July 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> Before embarking on a European tour at the end of the year, touring keyboardist Mickey Dale was made an official member. ''The Good Will Out EP'' was released on 30 November 1998, consisting of the previously released live version of "Butter Wouldn't Melt" and "Dry Kids", as well as the "road version" of "Blind". ''The Abbey Road Sessions Part 2'' was also released with session versions of "All You Good Good People", "That's All Changed Forever" and "You've Got to Say Yes".<ref name=Embracenewsletter>{{cite web|url=http://www.embrace.co.uk/newsletters/nov98.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19991128185827/http://www.embrace.co.uk/newsletters/nov98.html|title=Newsletter - November 1998|publisher=Embrace|date=November 1998|archivedate=28 November 1999|accessdate=12 July 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Reissues and related releases=== "All You Good Good People", "My Weakness Is None of Your Business", "Come Back to What You Know", "One Big Family", "Fireworks" and "The Good Will Out" were included on the band's first compilation album, ''Fireworks (Singles 1997–2002)'' (2002).<ref name=Fireworksbooklet>{{cite AV media notes|title=Fireworks (Singles 1997–2002)|author=Embrace|year=2002|type=booklet|publisher=Hut/Virgin Records|id=CDHUT74/724381208328}}</ref> "All You Good Good People", "Come Back to What You Know", "One Big Family" and the "road version" of "Blind" were included on the band's third compilation album, ''The Essential'' (2007).<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=The Essential|author=Embrace|year=2007|type=booklet|publisher=Virgin Records|id=5047602}}</ref> The band performed ''The Good Will Out'' live in its entirety for a series of shows in 2019.<ref name=BGfuture/> The London show at the Roundhouse was recorded and released as the live album ''The Good Will Out (Live)'' that same year.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=The Good Will Out (Live)|author=Embrace|year=2019|type=booklet|publisher=Mobetta|id=MOBCD01}}</ref> Firth reasoned that they had "never done a live album", funding the release of it through PledgeMusic. When asked if the studio version would be reissued, he explained that as they had large debts with their former labels, they had no financial incentive to do so: "it'd just be a vanity project really. There'd be no money in it for us".<ref name=PBMinterview>{{cite web|url=https://pennyblackmusic.co.uk/Home/Details?id=25361|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921204048/https://pennyblackmusic.co.uk/Home/Details?id=25361|title=Embrace - Interview|publisher=Pennyblackmusic|author=Lewis, Richard|date=24 December 2018|archive-date=21 September 2021|accessdate=31 August 2022}}</ref> The studio version was re-pressed on vinyl, with their second studio album ''Drawn from Memory'' (2000) and their third studio album ''If You've Never Been'' (2001), in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Embrace-To-Reissue-Early-Albums-On-Vinyl-For-The-First-Time-20200130|title=Embrace To Reissue Early Albums On Vinyl For The First Time|publisher=BroadwayWorld|author=Miligan, Kaitlin|date=30 January 2020|access-date=12 July 2021|archive-date=13 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713074210/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Embrace-To-Reissue-Early-Albums-On-Vinyl-For-The-First-Time-20200130|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Critical reception== {{Album ratings | rev1 = AllMusic | rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=AMreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-good-will-out-mw0000600052|title=The Good Will Out - Embrace {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|publisher=AllMusic|author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=26 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426141319/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-good-will-out-mw0000600052|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev2 = ''Dotmusic'' | rev2Score = 8/10<ref name=DMreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/reviews/May1998/reviews11133.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030117091717/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/reviews/May1998/reviews11133.asp|title=Embrace - reviews - 'The Good Will Out'|work=Dotmusic|date=25 May 1998|archivedate=17 January 2003|access-date=15 July 2021}}</ref> | rev3 = ''Encyclopedia of Popular Music'' | rev3Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=EPM>Larkin 2007, pp. 950–951</ref> | rev4 = ''NME'' | rev4Score = 9/10<ref name=NMEreview>{{cite journal|author=Oldham, James|title=Reviews|journal=NME|date=June 1998}}</ref> | rev5 = ''Melody Maker'' | rev5Score = 9/10<ref name=MMreview>{{cite journal|author=Sutherland, Mark|title=Album Reviews|journal=Melody Maker|date=6 June 1998}}</ref> | rev6 = ''PopMatters'' | rev6Score = 5.7/10<ref name=PMreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/e/embrace-good.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20001030014451/http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/e/embrace-good.html|title=Embrace, The Good Will Out|work=PopMatters|author=Zupko, Sarah|archivedate=30 October 2000|access-date=15 July 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev7 = ''Q'' | rev7Score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name=Qreview>{{cite journal|author=Collins, Andrew|title=Reviews|journal=Q|date=June 1998}}</ref> | rev8 = ''Rolling Stone'' | rev8Score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name=RSreview>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/embrace/albums/album/155860/rid/5940304/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509044057/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/embrace/albums/album/155860/rid/5940304/|title=Embrace: The Good Will Out : Music Reviews|magazine=Rolling Stone|author=Diehl, Matt|date=3 August 1998|archivedate=9 May 2006|accessdate=15 July 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> | rev9 = ''The Times'' | rev9Score = {{Rating|7|10}}<ref name=Timesreview>{{cite journal|author=Pattenden, Mike|title=Reviews|journal=The Times|date=June 1998}}</ref> }} ''The Good Will Out'' was met with generally favourable reviews from music critics. James Oldham of ''NME'' saw the album as a collection of "uplifting optimism that substitutes vulnerability for bravado, and heartfelt sentiment for boisterous thrills". His only complaint was the band's "not so confident [...] crazed hedonism", concluding the release was "one of the great debut albums of the past decade".<ref name=NMEreview/> ''Melody Maker''{{'s}} Mark Sutherland said after his first listen to the album, he was immediately struck "not its arrogance, but it's humility". He expanded on this by saying the band were "at their least engaging when they resemble their caricature [...] and merely endearing when pulling self-consciously 'classic' tricks".<ref name=MMreview/> AllMusic reviewer Stephen Thomas Erlewine said the album had a lot of expectation on release; it was viewed as the "heir apparent to the lad-rock throne", and one listen of the album "illustrates why -- the group ingeniously combines the anthemic hooks and monolithic roar of Oasis with the sweeping aural majesty of the Verve". He said the songs were "quite good, and they're performed passionately".<ref name=AMreview/>

The staff at ''Dotmusic'' said the album "challenges The Verve and Oasis out to compare the size of their anthems and the sweetness of their ballads". They added that while the album, "sounds massively important, it lacks the soul of [[Richard Ashcroft|[frontman Richard] Ashcroft]] & co".<ref name=DMreview/> ''Rolling Stone'' reviewer Matt Diehel said the band "drag out all the Brit-pop devices" on the album from the "obvious Beatles references [...] to Stone Roses-ish hubris". He added the band's "main problem is lack of personality".<ref name=RSreview/> In a review for ''The Times'', Mike Pattenden wrote that when the band "put the bluster to one side they hit a genuinely soulful note", but "when they try and rock their impact is diminished".<ref name=Timesreview/> ''PopMatters'' editor Sarah Zupko said the tracks "don't quite possess the instant hooks" that Oasis member Noel Gallagher "is a master" of. Despite this, she called it "a pretty good album of middle-of-the-road Britpop".<ref name=PMreview/> ''Q'' writer Andrew Collins said tracks like "The Last Gas" and "All You Good Good People" were the band's "stock-in-trade" which was "rousing in short doses but punishing over an hour, chiefly due to Danny McNamara's limited voice". He noted strings were "employed relentlessly but the result is like underlining a shopping list for effect".<ref name=Qreview/>

==Commercial performance and accolades== ''The Good Will Out'' peaked at number one in the UK and number two in Scotland.<ref name=UKchart/><ref name=Scochart/> It ranked at number 52 on the UK's year-end chart for 1998.<ref name=UKYEchart/> The ''Fireworks EP'' charted at number 34 in Scotland and the UK.<ref name=UKhistory>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15415/embrace/|title=Embrace {{!}} full Official Chart History|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=12 July 2021|archive-date=30 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630075755/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/15415/embrace/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19970511/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=11 May 1997|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=13 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013091135/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19970511/41/|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''One Big Family EP'' charted at number 21 in the UK and number 22 in Scotland.<ref name=UKhistory/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19970713/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=13 July 1997|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=5 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505174931/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19970713/41/|url-status=live}}</ref> "All You Good Good People" charted at number seven in Scotland and number eight in the UK.<ref name=UKhistory/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19971102/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=2 November 1997|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716114710/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19971102/41/|url-status=live}}</ref> "Come Back to What You Know" charted at number four in Scotland and number six in the UK.<ref name=UKhistory/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19980531/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=31 May 1998|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128024242/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19980531/41/|url-status=live}}</ref> "My Weakness Is None of Your Business" charted at number seven in Scotland and number nine in the UK.<ref name=UKhistory/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19980823/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=23 August 1998|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=3 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603021015/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19980823/41/|url-status=live}}</ref>

''The Good Will Out'' went gold on its first day of release, and was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) by the end of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/news/June1998/news11081.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010716171651/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/Embrace/news/June1998/news11081.asp|title=Embrace Debut at Number One|work=Dotmusic|date=15 June 1998|archivedate=16 July 2001|access-date=15 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/6963-1384-2|title=Embrace The Good Will Out|publisher=British Phonographic Industry|accessdate=15 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716114710/https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/6963-1384-2|url-status=live}}</ref> The album is ranked number 993 in ''All-Time Top 1000 Albums'' (3rd. edition, 2000).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/virgin_1000_v3.htm |title= Rocklist |accessdate= July 22, 2018 |archive-date= 8 July 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130708063650/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/virgin_1000_v3.htm |url-status= usurped }}</ref> ''NME'' ranked the album at number 12 on their list of the best albums of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/top201998.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000817094522/http://www.nme.com/reviews/top201998.html|title=NME|website=NME|archivedate=17 August 2000|access-date=15 July 2021}}</ref>

==Track listing== All songs written by Danny McNamara and Richard McNamara.<ref name=TGWObooklet/>

{{Tracklist | headline = ''The Good Will Out'' track listing | extra_column = Producer | title1 = Intro | extra1 = {{hlist|Dave Creffield|Embrace}} | length1 = 0:46 | title2 = All You Good Good People | extra2 = Youth | length2 = 6:06 | title3 = My Weakness Is None of Your Business | extra3 = {{hlist|Creffield|Embrace}} | length3 = 3:17 | title4 = Come Back to What You Know | extra4 = Youth | length4 = 4:10 | title5 = One Big Family | extra5 = {{hlist|Creffield|Embrace|Steve Osborne ({{abbr|add.|additional production}})}} | length5 = 4:05 | title6 = Higher Sights | extra6 = {{hlist|Creffield|Embrace}} | length6 = 3:44 | title7 = Retread | extra7 = {{hlist|Creffield|Embrace}} | length7 = 3:39 | title8 = I Want the World | extra8 = {{hlist|Creffield|Embrace}} | length8 = 5:44 | title9 = You've Got to Say Yes | extra9 = {{hlist|Creffield|Embrace}} | length9 = 3:42 | title10 = Fireworks | extra10 = {{hlist|Creffield|Embrace}} | length10 = 3:58 | title11 = The Last Gas | extra11 = {{hlist|Creffield|Embrace}} | length11 = 3:44 | title12 = That's All Changed Forever | extra12 = {{hlist|Creffield|Embrace}} | length12 = 4:13 | title13 = Now You're Nobody | extra13 = {{hlist|Creffield|Embrace}} | length13 = 4:23 | title14 = The Good Will Out | extra14 = {{hlist|Creffield|Embrace}} | length14 = 7:00 }}

==Personnel== Personnel per booklet, except where noted.<ref name=TGWObooklet>{{cite AV media notes|title=The Good Will Out|author=Embrace|year=1998|type=booklet|publisher=Hut/Virgin Records/Mobetta|id=CDHUT46/7243 8 46015 2 2}}</ref> {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''Embrace''' * Danny McNamara – lead vocals * Richard McNamara – guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals (tracks 5 and 8) * Mike Heaton – drums, backing vocals * Steve Firth – bass

'''Additional musicians''' * Mickey Dale – keyboards, string arrangements * Wil Malone – conductor {{col-2}} '''Production and design''' * Martin "Youth" Glover – producer (tracks 2 and 4), mixing (all except track 13) * Dave Creffield – producer (all except tracks 2 and 4), additional recording (tracks 2 and 4), recording (all except tracks 2 and 4) * Embrace – producer (all except tracks 2 and 4), design * Steve Osborne – additional production (track 5) * Hugo Nicolson – mixing (all except track 13), recording (tracks 2 and 4) * Jonny Dollar – mixing (track 13) * Bunt Stafford-Clark – mastering * Blue Source – design * Mary Scanlon – photography {{col-end}}

==Charts and certifications== {{col-begin}} {{col-3}}

===Weekly charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+Chart performance for ''The Good Will Out'' |- ! scope="col"| Chart (1998) ! scope="col"| Peak position |- {{album chart|Scotland|2|date=19980620|rowheader=true|accessdate=3 September 2020|refname=Scochart}} |- {{album chart|UK2|1|date=19980620|rowheader=true|accessdate=3 September 2020|refname=UKchart}} |} {{col-3}}

===Year-end charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+1998 year-end chart performance for ''The Good Will Out'' |- ! scope="col"| Chart (1998) ! scope="col"| Position |- ! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref name=UKYEchart>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-artist-albums-chart/19980104/37502/|title=End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 1998|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=3 September 2020|archive-date=18 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818054800/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-artist-albums-chart/19980104/37502/|url-status=live}}</ref> | 52 |} {{col-3}}

===Certifications=== {{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for ''The Good Will Out''}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|artist=Embrace|title=The Good Will Out|accessdate=15 July 2021|relyear=1998|certyear=1998|award=Platinum|id=6963-1384-2}} {{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}} {{col-end}}

==See also== * ''Urban Hymns'' – the 1997 album by the Verve, also produced by Youth

==References== '''Citations''' {{reflist}}

'''Sources''' {{refbegin}} * {{cite book|editor-last=Buckley|editor-first=Peter|title=The Rough Guide to Rock|publisher=Rough Guides|year=2003|isbn=9781843531050|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7ctjc6UWCm4C&pg=PA337|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716114707/https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Rough_Guide_to_Rock/7ctjc6UWCm4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA337&printsec=frontcover|url-status=live}} * {{cite AV media|last=East|first=Jamie|author-link=Jamie East|title=Virgin Radio Classic Album - Embrace - The Good Will Out|date=7 October 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OUNrvtMWSE|publisher=Virgin Radio UK|via=YouTube}} * {{cite book|last=Larkin|first=Colin|author-link=Colin Larkin|title=Encyclopedia of Popular Music|year=2007|publisher=Oxford University Press|edition=4th|isbn=978-0195313734|title-link=Encyclopedia of Popular Music}} * {{cite journal|editor-last=Ross|editor-first=Sean|title=Rock Highlights|journal=Rock Airplay Monitor|date=31 July 1998|volume=5|issue=31|oclc=60627318|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/Billboard-Rock-Airplay/1998/Billboard-Rock-Airplay-Monitor-1998-07-31.pdf|archive-date=6 December 2023|access-date=21 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206010246/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/Billboard-Rock-Airplay/1998/Billboard-Rock-Airplay-Monitor-1998-07-31.pdf|url-status=dead}} * {{cite magazine|title=Just Out|magazine=CMJ New Music Monthly|date=August 1998|issue=60|issn=1074-6978|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_CkEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA70|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716114709/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=_CkEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA70&pg=PA70|url-status=live}} {{refend}}

==External links==  * [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l4TE9Gb04tPwkMeYaSd-3t-rzB0udbZhQ ''The Good Will Out''] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Good Will Out, The}} Category:1998 debut albums Category:Embrace (English band) albums Category:Hut Records albums Category:Virgin Records albums Category:Albums produced by Youth (musician)