In February 1994, the first single for over a year, 'Good As Gold (Stupid As Mud)', was released. It did moderately well and the album, Miaow, followed in March- unfortunately the critics didn't like the South's new mellow sound. This didn't help an already depressed Paul, who was having personal troubles as well as the stress of the band. A split looked more likely everyday. The record company weren't happy with the poor sales and suggested a Greatist Hits package to revive the band's career. This was against Paul's ethos completely, but in the end the record company got the last word. The Greates Hits would contain all 14 of The Beautiful South's singles to date, and a limited edition extra CD of B Sides would also be put out. No one could have predicted the success it would have...
'Carry On Up The Charts' went straight to No. 1 when released in November and stayed there for 7 weeks. At the time it was the third fastest selling album in British history. Everything was falling into place- the band regained belief in themselves and Paul was beginning to think ending it all would be a bad idea. They were now also in the big time money wise- the 2 and a half million copies of 'Carry On Up The Charts' had paid well! Any lingering doubts about dissolving the band had been dispelled by early 1995.
Albums released: Miaow, Carry On Up The Charts
Singles released: Good As Gold (Stupid As Mud), Everybody's Talkin', Prettiest Eyes, One Last Love Song, Pretenders To The Throne
Tours: Miaow Tour, Carry On Around The Country, Summer Gigs, Hard Times Tour, Hard Times II: Harder Times Tour.