0898 came out in 1992, and it’s the album where The Beautiful South had really hit their stride. Coming after a few solid records, this one feels confident, witty, and effortlessly melodic. The band had perfected their mix of cheeky, often darkly humorous lyrics with smooth, catchy pop arrangements, and 0898 shows them at their playful, satirical best.

The sound is breezy and polished, with jangly guitars, warm rhythms, and the signature vocal interplay between Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott giving the songs plenty of personality. There’s a sophistication to the arrangements that makes the music feel layered without ever losing its accessibility. It’s pop with a wink, sometimes sweet, sometimes sharp, but always catchy enough to sing along to.

Tracks like “Old Red Eyes Is Back” and “36D” highlight their knack for storytelling and clever wordplay, while songs like “We Are Each Other” bring a softer, more reflective side to the album. Even the quieter cuts are full of charm, making the record feel cohesive and balanced from start to finish.

What keeps 0898 fun and worth revisiting is how timeless it feels. The melodies stick, the lyrics still amuse, and the band’s mix of warmth, wit, and melancholy makes it endlessly listenable. It’s the kind of album you can put on any time and immediately be drawn in by its character, charm, and surprisingly sharp observations about life and love.