Everything but the Girl - Worldwide (1991)

It would be cynical to accuse Everything but the Girl of coasting on Worldwide--especially when the album contains such songs as "Talk to Me Like the Sea" and "Twin Cities." But the bulk of this album finds the duo falling prey to the easy-listening sappiness that's always a danger for those who make loungey acoustic pop. If there were but one or two EBTG albums out there, this one would be a necessity for fans of Tracey Thorn's heavenly voice, but as there are plenty of stronger albums to choose from (check out Idlewild or Amplified Heart), Worldwide is better left for completists. --Randy Silver