Complete List Of Ash Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Ash was formed in 1992 by Tim Wheeler (vocals and guitar), Mark Hamilton (bass guitar), and Rick McMurray (drums). The band first gained attention while the members were still in school, initially performing under the name “Vietnam.” Ash’s sound is characterized by a blend of punk rock vigor and melodic pop, with Wheeler’s distinct songwriting leading the charge.

The band’s first full studio album, 1977, was released in 1996 and was a significant success, named after the year two of the members were born and the release year of Star Wars, which Wheeler is a fan of. The album charted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and secured Ash’s place in the Britpop movement. They went on to release a total of eight studio albums, one live album, six compilation albums, and over two dozen singles. Their studio albums include Trailer (1994), Nu-Clear Sounds (1998), Free All Angels (2001), Meltdown (2004), Twilight of the Innocents (2007), Kablammo! (2015), and Islands (2018). Free All Angels was another standout success, reaching number one in the UK and producing the hit single “Shining Light,” which won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song.

Ash’s music has seen chart success not only in the UK but internationally, with several singles reaching the top 40 on UK Singles Charts. In addition to their Ivor Novello, the band has received nominations for other awards such as the BRIT Awards and has made significant contributions to soundtracks for popular films like Shaun of the Dead and A Life Less Ordinary.

ASH STUDIO ALBUMS

Trailer

Released: October 1994

Trailer is Ash’s debut studio album, a compilation of the band’s early EPs, showcasing the gritty enthusiasm and raw power of their music as teenagers. The album includes influences from punk, grunge, and pop, reflecting the diverse interests of the band members. It’s characterized by energetic guitar riffs and catchy melodies, marking Ash’s entry into the music scene with confidence.

The album featured Tim Wheeler on lead vocals and guitar, Mark Hamilton on bass, and Rick McMurray on drums. It was produced by Ash and Miti Adhikari. Trailer was recorded at The Funny Farm Studios in Edinburgh, Scotland, and at Tascam Studios in Castlereagh, Northern Ireland, from July to September 1994.

CD Track Listings:

“Season” – 3:48
“Jack Names the Planets” – 3:11
“Intense Thing” – 4:35
“Uncle Pat” – 3:11
“Get Out” – 1:44
“Petrol” – 4:23
“Obscure Thing” – 4:24

1977

Released: May 1996

1977, named after the year of the band members’ birth and the year of the “Star Wars” release, captures the peak of Britpop and alternative rock’s mid-90s popularity. This album includes hit singles like “Girl from Mars” and “Goldfinger,” which helped propel Ash to international fame. The record reflects the band’s fascination with adolescence, science fiction, and youthful escapism.

Tim Wheeler (vocals, guitar), Mark Hamilton (bass), and Rick McMurray (drums) returned for this album. It was produced by Owen Morris and the band themselves. 1977 was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales during the winter of 1995-1996.

CD Track Listings:

“Lose Control” – 3:37
“Goldfinger” – 4:31
“Girl from Mars” – 3:30
“I’d Give You Anything” – 4:31
“Gone the Dream” – 3:29
“Kung Fu” – 2:17
“Oh Yeah” – 4:45
“Let It Flow” – 4:42
“Innocent Smile” – 5:52
“Angel Interceptor” – 4:07
“Lost in You” – 4:19
“Darkside Lightside” – 16:47

Nu-Clear Sounds

Released: October 1998

Nu-Clear Sounds marks a departure from the youthful exuberance of 1977, delving into darker and heavier sounds. This album reflects a more mature phase in Ash’s music, exploring themes of disillusionment and introspection. Despite mixed reviews, the album contains powerful tracks that highlight the band’s evolving musical prowess.

The album was performed by Tim Wheeler (vocals, guitar), Mark Hamilton (bass), Rick McMurray (drums), and Charlotte Hatherley (guitar, vocals, who joined the band as a full member). It was produced by Ash, Owen Morris, and Chris Kimsey. The recording took place at various studios, including Normandy Sound in Rhode Island, USA, and Westland Studios in Dublin, Ireland, between 1997 and 1998.

CD Track Listings:

“Projects” – 3:53
“Low Ebb” – 5:00
“Jesus Says” – 4:44
“Wildsurf” – 3:27
“Death Trip 21” – 4:07
“Folk Song” – 4:28
“Numbskull” – 3:10
“Burn Out” – 4:05
“Aphrodite” – 4:17
“Fortune Teller” – 3:22
“I’m Gonna Fall” – 5:13

Free All Angels

Released: April 2001

Free All Angels saw Ash returning to the melodic hooks and energetic pop-punk that initially brought them fame. It includes the hit “Shining Light,” which won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song. This album is often celebrated for its blend of vigorous energy and catchy, anthemic choruses, resonating with both critics and fans alike.

Tim Wheeler (vocals, guitar), Mark Hamilton (bass), Rick McMurray (drums), and Charlotte Hatherley (guitar, vocals) all contributed to this record. It was produced by Owen Morris and recorded at El Cortijo Studio in Spain during late 2000.

CD Track Listings:

“Walking Barefoot” – 4:12
“Shining Light” – 5:08
“Burn Baby Burn” – 3:28
“Candy” – 4:50
“Cherry Bomb” – 3:16
“Submission” – 3:33
“Someday” – 4:31
“Pacific Palisades” – 1:56
“Shark” – 3:17
“Sometimes” – 4:06
“Nicole” – 3:22
“There’s a Star” – 4:19
“World Domination” – 2:17

Meltdown

Released: May 2004

Meltdown showcases Ash’s experimentation with a heavier, more guitar-driven sound. This album veers into hard rock and grunge, featuring robust riffs and an aggressive tone. It’s known for its energetic performances and solid songwriting.

The lineup remains Tim Wheeler (vocals, guitar), Mark Hamilton (bass), Rick McMurray (drums), and Charlotte Hatherley (guitar, vocals). Produced by Nick Raskulinecz, Meltdown was recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, California, from late 2003 to early 2004.

CD Track Listings:

“Meltdown” – 3:41
“Orpheus” – 4:15
“Evil Eye” – 3:26
“Clones” – 4:00
“Starcrossed” – 4:50
“Out of the Blue” – 3:22
“Renegade Cavalcade” – 3:26
“Detonator” – 3:38
“On a Wave” – 4:42
“Won’t Be Saved” – 3:40
“Vampire Love” – 3:45

Twilight of the Innocents

Released: July 2007

Twilight of the Innocents is often noted as a significant work in Ash’s discography, representing a shift back towards more melodic pop influences while maintaining the band’s signature energy. The album was intended to be their last conventional album at the time, focusing on crafting a complete artistic statement.

CD Track Listings:

“I Started a Fire” – 4:26
“You Can’t Have It All” – 3:35
“Blacklisted” – 3:46
“Polaris” – 4:31
“Palace of Excess” – 3:37
“End of the World” – 4:19
“Ritual” – 3:44
“Shadows” – 3:54
“Princess Six” – 3:54
“Dark and Stormy” – 4:17
“Shattered Glass” – 5:01
“Twilight of the Innocents” – 6:18

Kablammo!

Released: May 2015

Kablammo! marks a return to the band’s roots with its classic power pop and punk influences, filled with energetic tracks that harken back to their earlier days. This album was celebrated for its vigor and catchy melodies, reminiscent of their late 90s output.

The album was again performed by Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton, and Rick McMurray. It was produced by the band and recorded at Atomic Heart Studios in New York throughout 2014.

CD Track Listings:

“Cocoon” – 3:24
“Let’s Ride” – 3:04
“Machinery” – 3:04
“Free” – 3:35
“Go! Fight! Win!” – 3:16
“Moondust” – 5:51
“Evel Knievel” – 2:23
“Hedonism” – 3:51
“Dispatch” – 3:27
“Shutdown” – 3:16
“For Eternity” – 4:09
“Bring Back the Summer” – 3:44

Islands

Released: May 2018

Islands continues to capture Ash’s ability to blend catchy melodies with rock dynamics. The album explores themes of love, loss, and redemption across a variety of musical landscapes. It’s noted for its lyrical depth and mature songwriting.

Performed by Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton, and Rick McMurray, and produced by Tim Wheeler, Islands was recorded at Atomic Heart Studios in New York. The recording process took place throughout 2017.