Together Alone

Released in 1997, Together Alone served as the debut studio album for Dutch singer Anouk, instantly catapulting her to international stardom. Produced by Barry Hay and George Kooymans of Golden Earring, the record benefits from a classic rock pedigree while leaning heavily into the alternative rock aesthetics of the era. The album is most famous for the lead single 'Nobody's Wife,' which became a massive hit across Europe, defining Anouk's public image as a fierce, independent rock vocalist. Sonically, the album is diverse, ranging from the post-grunge energy of 'It's So Hard' to the soul-baring 'Sacrifice.' Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the maturity of her songwriting and the sheer power of her vocal delivery, which drew frequent comparisons to Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge. The inclusion of 'Mood Indigo' at the end of the tracklist showcases her versatility, hinting at the jazz and soul influences that would become more prominent later in her career. It remains one of the best-selling Dutch rock albums of all time.