Belle and Sebastian Write About Love

History

Belle and Sebastian Write about Love was initially revealed by Belle & Sebastian in early 2010 when they mentioned in the Q&A section of their official website that they had recently visited Los Angeles, California to record the tracks for the album. In a follow-up question, Stuart Murdoch confirmed that producer Tony Hoffer had returned for this album. The album's title was officially announced by Murdoch in a posting on Belle & Sebastian's website on 11 August 2010. On 16 August 2010, Murdoch announced the album cover, release dates, as well as a clip on YouTube of a planned Belle & Sebastian television show.

Two tracks from the album were played by the band during their 2010 tour. "I Didn't See It Coming" is a duet featuring Stuart Murdoch and Sarah Martin, while "I'm Not Living in the Real World" features Stevie Jackson primarily on vocals. On 16 August 2010, another track was announced, titled "I Want the World to Stop". Norah Jones is featured on the track "Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John". The song also features on Jones' compilation album ... Featuring Norah Jones, released one month after Write About Love in November 2010.

On 3 September 2010, the names of five new songs set to feature on the album were shown during the credits of the promotional "Belle and Sebastian TV" programme. These are "Blue Eyes of a Millionaire", "Suicide Girl" and "I Can See Your Future" (all credited to the group), as well as "The Telephone Song" and "If I Can't Help Myself" (both credited to guitarist Stevie Jackson).

The title track, "Write About Love", was announced as the lead single from the album and was also released as a free, limited-time download from Belle & Sebastian's website. The single was released in the US iTunes Store on 7 September 2010, with a worldwide release on 25 September 2010. "I Want the World to Stop" impacted US radio on October 5, 2010.

Track listing

All tracks written by Belle & Sebastian.

Chart positions

Belle & Sebastian Write About Love entered the UK albums chart in its first week of release, peaking at No. 8 as of 19 October 2010. This marks their highest chart placement yet, tied with their previous studio album The Life Pursuit. The album has also risen to No. 21 in Ireland, becoming their highest charting album in that country. It has also topped the UK independent album chart. Additionally, the opening track I Didn't See It Coming entered the UK independent singles chart at No. 38. In the United States the album peaked at No. 15, their highest chart placement there. The album entered the Italian Album Chart at No. 65, just a step backwards compared to the previous The Life Pursuit which reached No. 56 in 2006.