Coup de Grace is the fourteenth studio album by the Stranglers, released in 1998 by Eagle Records. It was the last album to feature guitarist John Ellis, who left the band in 2000.
The tracks on Coup de Grace represent a greater writing input from bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel than on more recent outings; he also sings four of the ten tracks. Heavily influenced by the band's troop-entertaining trips to such places as the Falkland Islands and Bosnia, and (in Burnel's words) "life in general", the tracks covered such topics as the ravages of war, religious conflicts, and failed relationships. The album included the minimally-accompanied ballad "In the End".
"Miss You" shares its title with a track on the previous Stranglers album Written in Red, but is a different song.
The album failed to reach the official UK Albums Chart, their first such release not to do so.
Track listing
Cat no/Label: EAGCD042/Eagle
Personnel The Stranglers Paul Roberts – vocals, production Jean-Jacques Burnel – bass, vocals (lead vocals on 2, 5, 7, 9), production John Ellis – guitar, production Dave Greenfield – keyboards, programming, vocals (lead vocals on 1), production Jet Black – drums, production
Additional musicians Lisa George – backing vocals (2) Lizzie Deane – backing vocals (2)
Technical David M. Allen – production, engineering, Pro Tools Chris Jarrett – engineering, programming Matt Hay – engineering Clare, Ben, Neil – engineering assistance Trevor Dawkins – technician Bruce Gooding – technician Stuart Green – packaging
References