Congregation is the third studio album by the rock band The Afghan Whigs, released on January 31, 1992, by Sub Pop. It was primarily recorded at Bear Creek Studios in Woodinville and Buzz‘s Kitchen in Los Angeles during July to August 1991.
The band’s frontman Greg Dulli produced the album entirely with audio engineer Ross Ian Stein. The album’s production and release were hindered by Sub Pop‘s financial difficulties, which were eventually resolved by the massive commercial success of Nirvana‘s 1991 album Nevermind.
Expanding on the aggressive sound of the band’s previous work, Congregation has more refined musical details and slower songs such as ballads. Its music also incorporates R&B, soul, and funk influences. The album’s cover depicts a nude black woman holding a white baby in her arms, interpreted as a comical allusion to the band’s African American music influences.
The songs explore themes of pleasure and guilt in the context of dysfunctional relationships and sexual deviancy. Conceived during the burgeoning grunge scene, the album has been viewed by music writers as stylistically distinct from other Sub Pop and grunge music.
Congregation was well received by contemporary critics, who praised its musical quality, stylistic elements, and emotional content. It was promoted with two singles, Turn On the Water and Conjure Me, and The Afghan Whigs‘ extensive touring in the United States and Europe.
Although it did not chart, the album helped the band attain a cult following and receive offers from major record labels, leading to their signing to Elektra Records.Since its initial reception, Congregation has been viewed by writers as the band’s breakthrough album and a significant release in rock music during the 1990s.
Tracklist:
- Her Against Me
- I’m Her Slave
- Turn On the Water
- Conjure Me
- Kiss the Floor
- Congregation
- This Is My Confession
- Dedicate It
- The Temple
- Let Me Lie to You
- Tonight
- Miles Iz Ded (hidden track)
The Afghan Whigs
John Curley: bass, photography, vocals
Greg Dulli: producer, rhythm guitar, vocals
Steve Earle: drums
Rick McCollum: guitar, vocals
Additional personnel
Miss Ruby Belle: vocals
Larry Brewer: engineer, second engineer
Chris Cuffaro: photography
Caroline De Vita: design
Lance Ellison: piano, vocals
D.A. Fleischer: photography
Jane Higgins: design
Rick and Bubba: vocals
Jack Skinner: mastering
Shawn Smith: background vocals, vocals
Ross Ian Stein: engineer, producer
Shecky Stein: piano
