Us and Us Only

Us and Us Only
A photo collage of several men in various positions, pulling various expressions
Studio album by
Released18 October 1999
RecordedMarch–April 1999
Studio
Genre
Length52:22
LabelUniversal
ProducerThe Charlatans
The Charlatans chronology
Melting Pot
(1998)
Us and Us Only
(1999)
Wonderland
(2001)
Singles from Us and Us Only
  1. "Forever"
    Released: 4 October 1999
  2. "My Beautiful Friend"
    Released: 6 December 1999
  3. "Impossible"
    Released: 15 May 2000

Us and Us Only is the sixth album by British rock band the Charlatans, released by Universal on 18 October 1999. After touring for their fifth studio album, Tellin' Stories, wrapped up by the end of 1997, they played minimal shows throughout 1998 and planned its follow-up. They built their own recording studio, aiming to start recording by early 1999; sessions eventually took place in March and April 1999 with the band self-producing. Us and Us Only is a country rock, folk, and roots rock album that strayed from the band's British roots in lieu of American-focused music.

"Forever" was released as Us and Us Only's lead single in October 1999, which was followed by a tour of the United Kingdom. "My Beautiful Friend" appeared as the second single from the album in December 1999; in early 2000, the Charlatans toured the United States with Stereophonics. The Charlatans toured the UK again throughout April 2000, leading to the release of the album's third single, "Impossible", in May 2000. A two-disc edition of the album was released in 2011 by Universal UMC and Island Records.

Us and Us Only received generally favourable reviews from music critics, many of whom praised the songwriting and musicianship. Retrospective reviews continued to praise these aspects, with some referring to it as the Charlatan's best work. It peaked at number two on the album charts in both Scotland and the UK. All three of the album's singles peaked within the top 30 in both Scotland and the UK, with "Forever" charting the highest at numbers 8 and 12, respectively. Melody Maker, NME, and Select included the album on their lists of the year's best releases.