Complete List Of The Verve Albums And Songs

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The Verve was formed in 1990 in Wigan England. The band originally consisted of Richard Ashcroft as the lead vocalist, Nick McCabe on guitar, Simon Jones on bass, and Peter Salisbury on drums. Later, they were joined by Simon Tong, a guitarist and keyboardist. Known for their powerful performances and profound lyrical content, The Verve quickly made a name for themselves in the British music scene.

The Verve released a total of four studio albums during their career. Their debut album, A Storm in Heaven, was released in 1993 and did moderately well, reaching number 27 on the UK Albums Chart. However, it was their third album, Urban Hymns, released in 1997, that brought them international fame and critical acclaim. Urban Hymns included the hit “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” which peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and was a significant success worldwide. This album reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and number 23 on the US Billboard 200. It has been certified multi-platinum in both the UK and the US.

Despite their success, The Verve’s journey was fraught with legal battles and internal conflicts, particularly over songwriting credits and royalties. These issues led to their initial breakup in 1999. They reunited in 2007, producing one more album, Forth, in 2008, which also achieved commercial success by reaching number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and number 23 on the US Billboard 200. However, the reunion was short-lived, and the band disbanded again in 2009. Throughout their career, The Verve received several accolades, including the 1998 Brit Award for Best British Group. Despite their intermittent periods of activity and disputes, The Verve has left a lasting impact on the rock and alternative music genres with their ambitious sounds and emotive music.

THE VERVE STUDIO ALBUMS

A Storm in Heaven (1993)

Released: June 21, 1993

A Storm in Heaven is the debut studio album by The Verve, which showcased their burgeoning talent and introduced their ethereal psychedelic sound to the world. The album received critical acclaim but was a modest commercial success, reaching number 27 on the UK Albums Chart. It features Richard Ashcroft on vocals, Nick McCabe on guitar, Simon Jones on bass, and Peter Salisbury on drums. Produced by John Leckie, the album was recorded at Sawmills Studio in Cornwall, England, during early 1993.

CD Track Listings:

“Star Sail” – 3:59
“Slide Away” – 4:03
“Already There” – 5:38
“Beautiful Mind” – 5:27
“The Sun, The Sea” – 5:16
“Virtual World” – 6:20
“Make It ‘Til Monday” – 3:05
“Blue” – 3:21
“Butterfly” – 6:39
“See You in the Next One (Have a Good Time)” – 3:07

A Northern Soul (1995)

Released: June 20, 1995

A Northern Soul marked a significant evolution in The Verve’s sound, incorporating more robust and emotionally charged rock elements. This album, peaking at number 13 on the UK Albums Chart, further established the band in the Britpop scene. It included contributions from producer Owen Morris and was recorded at Loco Studios, Wales and Olympic Studios, London. The sessions were intense, reflecting the personal and creative pressures the band faced during production.

CD Track Listings:

“A New Decade” – 4:12
“This Is Music” – 3:35
“On Your Own” – 3:32
“So It Goes” – 6:10
“A Northern Soul” – 6:32
“Brainstorm Interlude” – 5:10
“Drive You Home” – 6:41
“History” – 5:24
“No Knock on My Door” – 5:11
“Life’s an Ocean” – 5:42
“Stormy Clouds” – 5:33
“(Reprise)” – 6:09

Urban Hymns (1997)

Urban Hymns[5 CD/DVD][Super Deluxe Edition]

Released: September 29, 1997

Urban Hymns is The Verve’s most successful album, critically and commercially, featuring the iconic single “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” which was a massive global hit. The album reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and number 23 on the US Billboard 200. The album included contributions from producer Youth and was notable for its more accessible rock and pop melodies, recorded at Olympic Studios and Abbey Road Studios in London.

CD Track Listings:

“Bitter Sweet Symphony” – 5:58
“Sonnet” – 4:21
“The Rolling People” – 7:01
“The Drugs Don’t Work” – 5:05
“Catching the Butterfly” – 6:26
“Neon Wilderness” – 2:37
“Space and Time” – 5:36
“Weeping Willow” – 4:49
“Lucky Man” – 4:53
“One Day” – 5:03
“This Time” – 3:50
“Velvet Morning” – 4:57
“Come On” – 15:15

Forth (2008)

Released: August 25, 2008

Forth is the fourth studio album by The Verve, released after their reunion in 2007. The album debuted at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and number 23 on the US Billboard 200, mirroring the success of Urban Hymns. It was produced by Chris Potter and The Verve themselves, recorded at State of the Ark and Olympic Studios in London. This album marked a return to the band’s earlier psychedelic sound, while also blending in their matured alternative rock style.