Classic, no other word. (Urban Hymns - The Verve)

Member Name: Knor

Product:	Urban Hymns - The Verve
Date:	01/09/00 (75 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great lyrics backed by great instrumental talent playing great melodies.

Disadvantages: Don't play it after a break-up!

This double Brit-awarding album is totally classic. After the Verve broke up, they got back together in '97 to make Urban Hymns. They dissolved shortly afterwards, and Richard Ashcroft (band-leader, lead vocals, guitar, song-writer) has a solo carraer. The singles from Urban Hymns are Bitter Sweet Symphony (everyone's heard that. You know, the one with the violins!)Lucky Man (another clssssic) and, ofcourse, Now the Drugs Don't work. Contrary to common beleif this is not that depressing an album. Yes some of the songs are pretty sad, the lyrics are not exactly cheery, but some of the tunes are happy, and in some there's a sense of hope (admittedly in others it all doom, gloom and suicide!) This is different than The Verve's earlier albums. Its more dressed up and probably more mellow. There is a slight hint of influence from the Kinks' Waterloo Sunset and the like. Apart from the occasional hint, its got a rather indepedent sound to it. Rather mellow, but not The Man Who.
One of things about this record is the outstanding lyrics. They are amazing. In the inlay there is a 'montage' of the best lyrics from all the tracks rolled up into one. I am tempted to type it down, but its a bit long. The lyrics are very passionate and meaningful. You'll like them, though not in a feel-good way!
For me the best tracks are the single releases (see above), The Rolling People (being in a group of people wasting away their lives to fashion and stuff), and Weeping Willow. There is no tracks I can say I don't like. One or two are not that special, but as I say, I still like them.
The soundwall is superb. Asisde from Richard's scratchy, inimatable voice singing his equally great lyrics to loads of interesting guitars (acoustic as well as eletric), there are lots of nice little sounds and effects which you can't help thinking 'thats nice!' or 'that gives texture.' You know the thing; a little
ripple of keyboard tinkling, the odd interesting riff, lots of nice little sound effects.

This really is one of those rare, classic things. Ranks along such albums as Different Class, Parklife and (Whats the Story) Morning Glory?. If you don't own it all ready, get out of the house. Now! If you do alreaddy own, you should think of getting a back-up before your original gets warped.!

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