Fin de Siècle (album)

Fin de Siècle is the ninth studio album by the Northern Irish pop band The Divine Comedy, released in 1998. The title, French for "end of the century," reflects the album's themes of societal anxieties, cultural shifts, and introspection on the cusp of the 21st century.

The album is noted for its lush orchestral arrangements and sophisticated songwriting, characteristic of The Divine Comedy's frontman Neil Hannon. Fin de Siècle blends baroque pop with elements of electronica and chamber music, creating a distinctive and ambitious soundscape.

Lyrically, the album explores various aspects of modern life, from consumerism and celebrity culture to historical events and personal relationships. Tracks such as "National Express" and "Everybody Knows (Except You)" gained significant popularity, becoming signature songs for the band.

Fin de Siècle was a critical and commercial success, solidifying The Divine Comedy's position as a leading act in the Britpop landscape of the late 1990s. It is considered by many to be one of their finest and most conceptually cohesive works. The album's artwork and overall aesthetic further contribute to its fin de siècle mood, evoking a sense of decadence, ennui, and anticipation.