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Rating:
THE REVIEW
It was in September 1997, when Urban Hymns was released, that The Verve really began to take the world by storm and be appreciated. Urban Hymns was undoubtedly destined for success; many wonder whether the success was due to the album as a whole, or specifically to two singles: Bitter Sweet Symphony and Lucky Man, but more specifically let's say Bitter Sweet Symphony, which won the Grammy in 1997 for the best single of the year! I literally can't find the words to describe the beauty and completeness of this solemn song, and I believe that if I didn't talk about it, you'd rate me 1/5, and you'd undoubtedly be right.
I first listened to this track at the age of seven, and I was deeply impressed... the purity and beauty of those strings that begin the song are incredible, and then they're immediately accompanied by Peter Salisbury's strong and sculpted drums, after which Richard Ashcroft starts singing with his lovely voice timbre, giving a poetic definition of life: he says life is a bittersweet symphony! This is the most precious gem of the album, undoubtedly followed by Lucky Man, which is another song so simple, yet so beautiful: it opens with Nick McCabe, who brings the acoustic guitar to life obviously accompanied by the group's leader; this is more of an anthem to life, in which Richard narrates his lucky life, as he is. In my opinion, another gem could also be track number three: The Rolling People which surprises us because it deviates from the genre of the album which is predominantly pop-rock; well here it's about a pure rock opening that follows the entire song with some blues melodies; in this other gem, Richard Ashcroft's voice is gritty and powerful, really energizing!! The rest of the album didn't captivate me much, the other singles are very similar and have nothing interesting.
But after reading my review, help me understand one thing: according to you, did The Verve take the world by storm for the integrity of the album, or for the two gems of which they are part??!!
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Summary by Bot
Urban Hymns marked The Verve's global breakthrough in 1997. The review praises 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' for its beauty and Grammy win, alongside 'Lucky Man' and 'The Rolling People'. While some tracks feel repetitive, the album's highlights leave a lasting impression and spark debate on its overall legacy.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
The Verve
The Verve were an English rock band formed around 1990 in Wigan, associated with a shoegaze/psychedelic early sound and later Britpop success. Fronted by Richard Ashcroft, with Nick McCabe’s guitar widely cited as central to their signature atmosphere, they peaked commercially with Urban Hymns before splitting in 1999 and later reuniting for Forth.17 Reviews
Other reviews
By claudio12
"BITTER SWEET SYMPHONY is probably the best hit ever made in the Britpop realm, a true anthem."
"Just one album was enough. Just one. And the Verve rightfully entered history."
By TONI E FURMINI
"Bitter Sweet Symphony" allowed Ashcroft and company to remain forever in the history of their genre and leap to the top of the world charts.
This album is very valid, certainly one of the best in the genre, and its main feature is that it easily spans between Britpop and psychedelia.
By STIPE
‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’: probably never has a song so prophetically and ironically told the truth.
Urban Hymns is the reconciliation of young generations raised on dance floors, with brit pop and the psychedelic vision of the 60s.
