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More than Alot
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| More than Alot | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 13 October 2008 | |||
| Recorded | 2006–08 | |||
| Genres | ||||
| Length | 48:40 | |||
| Label | RAM | |||
| Producer | Chase & Status | |||
| Chase & Status chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from More than Alot | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| Drowned in Sound | 9/10[2] |
| Sputnikmusic | 4.0/5[3] |
More than Alot is the debut studio album by English electronic music duo Chase & Status. The album was released on 13 October 2008, and peaked at number 49 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was re-released on 4 June 2010 with bonus tracks as the "New edition".
Background
[edit]The album debuted on the UK Albums Chart at number 49 on 19 October 2008, and entered the UK Dance Albums Chart at number two on the same week. The album was preceded by the release of the lead single, "Pieces" featuring vocals from rapper Plan B, on 29 September. On 5 October, "Pieces" peaked at number 70 on the UK Singles Chart and at number one on the UK Dance Chart. The album also includes a collaboration with British garage rapper Kano on "Against All Odds", which was later released as the album's second single. The track received considerable play time on the club scene throughout 2008. While the album maintains the duo's drum and bass roots, two tracks – "Eastern Jam" and "Running" – display the duo's ability to produce dubstep tracks with commercial success. "Eastern Jam" was later remixed to become a collaboration, featuring vocals from hip hop artist Snoop Dogg, culminating in the single "Snoop Dogg Millionaire". On 4 July 2010, the album was re-released, with the addition of three new songs and a special tour video. The extra tracks included "Saxon", "Heartbeat" and "In Love". The album later went on to win the Best Album Award at the 2009 drum and bass awards.
Singles
[edit]- "Hurt You", backed by the non-album track "Sell Me Your Soul", was released on 12 October 2007 primarily on vinyl. It peaked at number one on the UK Dance Chart but failed to enter the singles chart.[4] It features uncredited vocals from Yolanda Quartey, as does the following single "Take Me Away".
- "Take Me Away", backed by the non-album track "Judgement (Informer)", was released on 25 July 2008 primarily on vinyl. It also peaked at number one on the UK Dance Chart but failed to enter the singles chart.[5]
- "Pieces" / "Eastern Jam" was released on 29 September 2008, as the lead single from the album. "Pieces" served as the A-side, while "Eastern Jam" appeared as the AA-side. "Pieces" features guest vocals from British musician Plan B. The single managed to peak at number 70 on the UK Singles Chart.
- "Against All Odds" / "Saxon" was released on 23 February 2009 as the fourth and final single from the album. "Against All Odds" served as the A-side, while "Saxon" appeared as the AA-side. "Against All Odds" features vocals from British rapper Kano. The single peaked at number 45 on the UK Singles Chart.
Other singles
[edit]- The VIP mix for the tracks "End Credits" and "Is It Worth It" was released as a single on 16 November 2009 in the UK by RAM Records. "Is It Worth It VIP" served as the AA-side to "End Credits VIP".
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Will Kennard and Saul Milton.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Can't Get Enough" | Takura Tendayi | 3:27 |
| 2. | "Music Club" | 3:43 | |
| 3. | "Against All Odds" (featuring Kano) |
| 2:42 |
| 4. | "Streetlife" (featuring Takura) | Tendayi | 4:18 |
| 5. | "Smash TV" | 3:40 | |
| 6. | "Pieces" (featuring Plan B) | Ben Drew | 4:49 |
| 7. | "Eastern Jam" | 3:59 | |
| 8. | "Foundation Skit" | 0:54 | |
| 9. | "Take Me Away" | 4:27 | |
| 10. | "Hurt You" | 3:47 | |
| 11. | "Running" | Tendayi | 4:48 |
| 12. | "Take U There" (featuring Digga) | 3:12 | |
| 13. | "Is It Worth It" | Tendayi | 4:57 |
| Total length: | 48:40 | ||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14. | "Saxon" | 4:57 | |
| 15. | "Heartbeat" (C&S Mix) |
| 3:56 |
| 16. | "In Love" (featuring Jenna G) |
| 5:55 |
| 17. | "More than a Lot: Tour EPK" (bonus video) | 4:03 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 14. | "Against All Odds" (featuring Kano) (Xample remix) | 5:03 |
| 15. | "Saxon" | 4:57 |
| 16. | "Judgement" | 4:18 |
| 17. | "Brazil" | 3:28 |
| 18. | "Against All Odds" (featuring Kano) (bonus video) | 3:07 |
- Sample credits
- "Against All Odds" samples "Dead End Street" by Lou Rawls and "Apache" by Incredible Bongo Band
- "Smash TV" samples "Welcome to the Jungle (live)" by Guns N' Roses
- "Eastern Jam" samples "Silsila Ye Chaahat Ka" by Shreya Ghoshal, Ismail Darbar and Nusrat Badr
- "Take Me Away" samples "Ride on Time" by Black Box and interpolates "Love Sensation" by Loleatta Holloway
- "Running" samples "Yah Mo B There" by James Ingram and Michael McDonald
- "Saxon" samples "Wherever I May Roam" by Metallica
Personnel
[edit]- Chase & Status
- Will Kennard – producer
- Saul Milton – producer
- Technical production
- Stuart Hawkes – mastering
- Additional musicians
- Anthony "Digga" McLean – vocals (12)
- Five O – vocals (8)
- Jenna G – vocals (16)
- Kano – vocals (3)
- Nneka – vocals (15)
- Plan B – vocals (6)
- Yolanda Quartey – vocals (9, 10)
- Takura Tendayi – vocals (1, 4, 11, 13)
- Example – vocals (2)
Chart performance
[edit]| Chart (2008) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Albums Chart[6] | 49 |
| UK Dance Chart | 2 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI)[7] | Silver | 60,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Label | Format | Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 13 October 2008 | RAM | Standard edition | RAMMLP12CD |
| 4 June 2010 |
|
New edition | 87454828910 |
External links
[edit]More than Alot at Discogs (list of releases)
References
[edit]- ^ More Than a Lot - Chase & Status | AllMusic
- ^ "More Than a Lot - Chase & Status". Drowned in Sound. 19 September 2008. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
- ^ "More Than a Lot - Chase & Status". Sputnikmusic. 8 May 2010. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
- ^ "Chase & Status - Hurt You / Sell Me Your Soul (Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ^ "Chase & Status - Take Me Away / Judgement (Informer) (Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ^ "Chase & Status - More Than a Lot". αCharts.
- ^ "British album certifications – Chase & Status – More than Alot". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 25 January 2022. Select albums in the Formats field. Type More than Alot Chase & Status in the "Search:" field.
| Studio albums | |
|---|---|
| Singles |
|
| Promotional singles |
|
More than Alot
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background and production
Development
Chase & Status formed as a production duo in 2003 when Saul Milton (Chase) and Will Kennard (Status) reconnected at the University of Manchester, having first met through mutual friends in London's rave scene around 1997 or 1998. Initially emerging from the U.K. garage and breakbeat scenes, they shifted their focus to drum and bass by around 2005, building a reputation through bedroom production and DJing at underground events. Their early work emphasized high-energy tracks suited for raves, reflecting a DIY ethos driven by passion rather than commercial strategy. The duo drew significant inspirations from the vibrant mid-2000s U.K. music landscape, particularly the overlapping influences of U.K. garage, drum and bass, and hip-hop. Pirate radio stations, jungle, and hardcore sounds from London's rave culture shaped their sound, alongside broader references like The Prodigy for electronic energy, Nirvana's grunge for raw emotion, and hip-hop's turntablism and sampling techniques for rhythmic complexity. These elements informed their goal of blending club-focused beats with accessible, genre-crossing appeal, as seen in early releases on labels like Vehicle and Bingo. After gaining underground traction with singles and remixes in the mid-2000s, Chase & Status decided to pursue a full-length album to expand beyond EPs and solidify their presence in the drum and bass scene. This move followed years of building momentum through consistent output, including tracks that showcased their evolving style, though they remained largely independent until securing a major breakthrough. Challenges in the competitive electronic music market, including a prolonged underground phase spanning approximately five years from their formation, delayed formal recognition but honed their production skills. In 2007, after persistent efforts to break into mainstream distribution, they signed with RAM Records, Andy C's influential drum and bass imprint, which provided the platform to develop their debut album. This deal marked a turning point, allowing them to channel their accumulated ideas into a cohesive project while maintaining creative control. During the pre-production phase, they experimented with early demos featuring vocal collaborations, notably enlisting Plan B for what became the track "Pieces," integrating hip-hop-infused lyrics over drum and bass rhythms to test crossover potential.Recording and personnel
The recording of More than Alot was handled primarily by the duo Chase & Status, consisting of producers Saul Milton and Will Kennard, who oversaw production for all tracks on the album.[6] Guest vocalists played a key role in the album's sound, with Takura providing vocals on "Can't Get Enough", "Streetlife", "Running", and "Is It Worth It"; Kano on "Against All Odds"; Plan B on "Pieces" and "End Credits"; and Digga on "Take Me Away" and "Take U There".[6] Additional contributions came from MC Five O on "Foundation Skit", and the track "Music Club" features uncredited lead vocals.[7] Writing credits were shared among the producers and guests, with Milton and Kennard credited on every track, alongside Takura for his vocal contributions, Kano for "Against All Odds", Plan B for "Pieces" and "End Credits", and Digga for "Take U There".[6] The album incorporates sampling techniques, notably in "Running", which samples "Yah Mo B There" by Michael McDonald.[6]Musical style and composition
Genre influences
"More Than Alot" establishes drum and bass as its foundational genre, incorporating rapid breakbeat rhythms characteristic of the style while integrating elements from dubstep's sub-bass lines, hip-hop's rhythmic flows, and R&B's soulful vocal deliveries.[3] This fusion reflects the duo's intent to diversify beyond strict genre boundaries, as they noted in discussions about avoiding repetitive track structures across their debut.[8] Tracks like "Hurt You" exemplify the blend through its liquid drum and bass framework paired with emotive R&B-inflected vocals from Plan B, creating a mid-2000s power liquid aesthetic.[9] Chase & Status drew significant inspiration from the 1990s hardcore and rave scenes, particularly citing The Prodigy as a key influence for their energetic, crossover-appealing sound.[8] They positioned themselves as successors to acts like The Prodigy and Pendulum, who had previously expanded drum and bass into live, mainstream territories.[8] Within the drum and bass community, liquid and atmospheric subgenre elements informed the album's more melodic passages.[10] The incorporation of grime vocals, as heard in "Against All Odds" featuring Kano, adds gritty urban edge over breakbeat foundations, echoing East Coast hip-hop and Bristol sounds like Massive Attack.[10][8] Prior to "More Than Alot," Chase & Status built their reputation through underground releases on labels like Ram Records and Renegade Hardware, focusing on pure drum and bass and jungle since entering the scene around 2004.[8] The album represented a pivotal evolution, blurring underground and mainstream lines by introducing accessible crossover elements that broadened their appeal beyond niche audiences.[8] This shift is evident in the production's polished mixes and genre-spanning collaborations, marking their transition from scene insiders to broader electronic music influencers.[9]Song structures and themes
The album More Than Alot comprises 14 tracks, each ranging from approximately 3 to 5 minutes in length, structured around heavy bass drops and infectious vocal hooks that propel the electronic energy forward.[11] These elements create a cohesive flow, blending high-tension builds with release points typical of drum and bass arrangements, while guest vocalists add layered dynamics across the runtime.[10] Thematically, the songs explore urban life, personal relationships, and escapism, with lyrics delivering a gritty, street-oriented perspective rooted in everyday struggles and nightlife hedonism.[10] Tracks often contrast raw emotional vulnerability with defiant bravado, using vivid imagery of city pressures and fleeting connections to evoke a sense of release through music.[10] In "Pieces" featuring Plan B, the structure features rapid tempo builds that intensify alongside lyrics about heartbreak and emotional shattering, culminating in a powerful drop that underscores the theme of relational breakdown.[12] Instrumentation throughout highlights prominent synth lines for atmospheric tension, crisp breakbeats for rhythmic drive, and strategic guest features that introduce vocal contrasts, fostering dynamic shifts between subdued verses and explosive choruses.[13] This approach amplifies the escapist quality, allowing listeners to immerse in the sonic contrasts amid the lyrical grit.[10]Release and promotion
Marketing strategies
The marketing strategies for More Than Alot centered on leveraging Chase & Status's underground credibility to generate pre-release buzz, given the duo's independent status on RAM Records. The album was primarily distributed through RAM Records, an independent label founded by Andy C, with limited major label involvement initially, though a partnership with Vertigo (a Universal Music Group imprint) was later formalized for reissues and expanded reach beginning with the 2010 New Edition.[3][14] Promotional tactics included the release of teaser singles months prior to the October 2008 launch, such as "Take Me Away" in July 2008 and "Pieces" / "Eastern Jam" featuring Plan B on 29 September 2008, which helped build anticipation in the drum and bass and dubstep communities by showcasing the album's genre-blending style.[15] Media campaigns featured interviews in publications like Mixmag and DJ Mag, where the duo discussed their evolution from underground producers to mainstream contenders, emphasizing the album's role in bridging drum and bass with hip-hop and dubstep influences.[8] The album's packaging and artwork were illustrated by Mitchy Bwoy, incorporating urban graffiti aesthetics to resonate with electronic music fans and reflect the raw, street-level energy of their sound.[6] Due to their indie roots and limited initial marketing budget, efforts focused on digital previews via platforms like MySpace and early streaming, as well as targeted radio play, including their BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix on 9 August 2008, which highlighted upcoming tracks and solidified their transition to a wider audience. The album won Best Album at the 2009 Drum & Bass Awards.Singles
Pre-album singles promoting More Than Alot included "Hurt You", released in October 2007, which reached number 1 on the UK Dance Chart.[16] "Take Me Away" followed in July 2008, also peaking at number 1 on the UK Dance Chart.[17] "Pieces" / "Eastern Jam" was issued on 29 September 2008, achieving number 70 on the UK Singles Chart and number 1 on the UK Dance Chart.[18] The only post-album single, "Against All Odds" / "Saxon" featuring Kano, was released in February 2009 and peaked at number 45 on the UK Singles Chart.[19] All singles were available in multiple formats, including digital downloads, vinyl records, and CD singles, with several releases featuring B-sides such as remixes to appeal to club DJs and fans.[3] Promotion efforts centered on music videos, alongside heavy rotation on BBC Radio 1 to build mainstream exposure.[20] Notably, tracks like "Pieces" built significant momentum through underground club play and DJ support prior to official release.[15]Commercial performance
Chart positions
The album More than Alot by Chase & Status debuted at number 49 on the UK Albums Chart dated 19 October 2008, marking its entry following the release on 13 October.[21] It spent 5 weeks in the top 100, reflecting modest mainstream traction amid competition from established drum and bass acts like Pendulum's contemporaneous releases in the electronic genre.[21] The project demonstrated stronger performance in specialized formats, peaking at number 2 on the UK Dance Albums Chart and accumulating over 161 weeks overall as of November 2025, underscoring its enduring appeal within the dance music community due to reissues in 2010 and 2022.[21] No significant international charting occurred for the album beyond the UK.[4] Singles from More than Alot also prioritized dance-oriented success, with several reaching the top of the UK Dance Singles Chart while achieving limited mainstream visibility. "Pieces" featuring Plan B entered the UK Singles Chart at number 70 in October 2008, spending two weeks there but topping the UK Dance Singles Chart.[22] "Against All Odds" featuring Kano followed in February 2009, debuting and peaking at number 45 on the UK Singles Chart over four weeks, and reaching number 2 on the UK Dance Singles Chart, with sustained play in dance circuits contributing to its trajectory.[19] Earlier promotional singles "Hurt You" / "Sell Me Your Soul" and "Take Me Away," released in 2007 and 2008 respectively as vinyl editions, each claimed number 1 on the UK Dance Singles Chart and also entered the main UK Singles Chart, highlighting the duo's underground momentum prior to the album launch.[23][17]| Single | UK Singles Chart Peak (Weeks) | UK Dance Singles Chart Peak | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurt You / Sell Me Your Soul | 56 (4) | 1 | 12 October 2007 |
| Take Me Away | 46 (6) | 1 | 25 July 2008 |
| Pieces (ft. Plan B) | 70 (2) | 1 | 29 September 2008 |
| Against All Odds (ft. Kano) | 45 (4) | 2 | 23 February 2009 |
Certifications and sales
In the United Kingdom, More than Alot did not receive a British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certification upon initial release due to falling short of the 60,000-unit threshold for silver status. However, cumulative sales reached 100,000 units by 2022, including equivalent streams, earning the album a Gold certification from the BPI on 6 January 2022.[24] No international certifications were awarded. Revenue streams have been supported by digital downloads and streaming platforms, alongside niche physical formats like vinyl targeted at collectors in the drum and bass community. None of the album's singles received BPI certifications. Overall, More than Alot underperformed against commercial expectations for a debut in the electronic genre but successfully cultivated a dedicated fanbase that supported Chase & Status's future releases.Critical reception
Initial reviews
Upon its release in October 2008, More than Alot received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its energetic production, genre-blending approach, and strong guest features that showcased Chase & Status's versatility in drum and bass. Drowned in Sound awarded the album 9/10, describing it as "the best drum and bass album since [Pendulum's] Hold Your Colour" and commending its diverse styles, including "intelligent, liquid forms of the genre, a smash hip-hop hit and even some well-seasoned dubstep treats."[5] The publication highlighted tracks like "Pieces" featuring Plan B and "Against All Odds" with Kano for their crossover appeal, noting the duo's ability to balance underground roots with mainstream accessibility.[5] AllMusic lauded it as "a tour de force in exhilarating British dance music" that fully lived up to endorsements from artists like Pharrell Williams and Snoop Dogg, emphasizing the album's high-energy tracks and polished sound.[25] EthnoTechno echoed this enthusiasm, calling it a "masterful piece of music" with creative fusion of drum and bass, dubstep, and hip-hop elements, particularly spotlighting "Hurt You" for its powerful kick-drum stomp and overall innovation.[26] Sputnikmusic gave it 4/5 stars, appreciating its adventurous scope beyond a single sound and the momentum-building closer "Is It Worth It."[10] While most contemporary responses focused on the album's club-ready potential and production quality, some noted minor inconsistencies in pacing, with the front half stronger than later tracks. Aggregate critic scores averaged around 83/100 based on limited professional reviews, reflecting its solid reception in electronic music circles.[27]Retrospective assessments
In the years following its release, More Than Alot has been reevaluated by critics as a cornerstone of drum and bass, often hailed for bridging underground electronic scenes with broader commercial appeal. Publications have described it as a "classic album" that captured the raw energy of late-2000s UK bass music, blending drum and bass with dubstep and hip-hop elements to create a hybrid sound that felt both innovative and accessible.[28][29] This perspective contrasts with some initial reviews that noted its modest chart performance, positioning it instead as a foundational work that elevated the duo's status in the genre.[30] The album's influence on drum and bass is widely credited with popularizing experimental fusions of electronic styles, inspiring subsequent producers to incorporate hip-hop vocals and dubstep basslines into high-energy tracks. Retrospective analyses highlight how tracks like "Sell Me Your Soul" nodded to renegade hardware influences while pushing the genre toward mainstream viability, contributing to the evolution of UK bass music as a whole.[9][26] Fans and industry observers in online discussions have echoed this, viewing it as a catalyst for the genre's diversification in the post-2008 era, though formal critiques emphasize its role in sustaining drum and bass during a period of stylistic flux.[31] More Than Alot received formal recognition with the Best Album award at the 2009 Drum and Bass Awards, affirming its immediate impact and setting the stage for the duo's later career accolades, including nominations for overall contributions to electronic music.[32] In cultural terms, the album is seen as a product of the late-2000s UK bassline scene's maturation, emerging from the underground rave culture and northern club circuits that fused garage, grime, and drum and bass into a distinctly British sound.[29] This digital accessibility has introduced the record to younger audiences, reinforcing its enduring relevance in electronic music retrospectives.[31]Track listing
| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Can't Get Enough" | Takura | 3:27 |
| 2 | "Music Club" | Example | 3:43 |
| 3 | "Against All Odds" | Kano | 2:41 |
| 4 | "Streetlife" | Takura | 4:18 |
| 5 | "Smash TV" | 3:39 | |
| 6 | "Pieces" | Plan B | 4:49 |
| 7 | "Eastern Jam" | 3:56 | |
| 8 | "Foundation Skit" | 0:53 | |
| 9 | "Take Me Away" | 4:26 | |
| 10 | "Hurt You" | 3:46 | |
| 11 | "Running" | Takura | 4:47 |
| 12 | "Take U There" | Digga | 3:11 |
| 13 | "Is It Worth It" | Takura | 4:56 |