Urban Hymns is not a bashful record. Opening with "Bitter Sweet Symphony,"
the album takes on board suffering, pride and the triumph of the human spirit,
set to driving strings and thundering drums, before it's five minutes old. It
was the single of 1997, and it promised nothing less than greatness.
Urban Hymns refuses to betray that promise, maintaining an almost religious
emotional intensity over its 13 tracks. Where earlier Verve albums sought
release in exploratory, atmospheric jams, Urban Hymns sees the band
channeling its passion into singer Richard Ashcroft's more structured songs.
The result is a set of instant classics, driven by one of the most fluid and
powerful rock bands ever caught on tape.
"The Drugs Don't Work," "Space and Time," "One Day," - this album throws up a
handful of ballads whose deep sadness is matched only by their resilient,
indomitable spirit. These are hymns of redemption, and they stand together as
a testament to a band of rock 'n' roll survivors.
When the final track "Come On" kicks into gear, all the promises of "Bitter Sweet
Symphony" are realized. Ashcroft whips the band into a fury, dragging himself,
his mates and his audience out of the gutter and into the promised land, where
great music saves. "Don't wait to be found," he exhorts, "come along with our
sound." Resistance is futile.
If you like The Verve, check out:
The Verve A Storm In Heaven
The Verve A Northern Soul
Richard Ashcroft Alone With Everybody
The Stone Roses The Stone Roses
Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin III
Sly and the Family Stone There's a Riot Goin' On
