Polly Jean Harvey, better known as PJ Harvey, is one of the most iconic and influential singer-songwriters of the past few decades. Over the course of her career, she has garnered widespread critical acclaim for her unique blend of alternative rock, blues, folk, and punk. From her breakthrough album “Dry” to her most recent work, Harvey has continually pushed boundaries with her music, exploring themes of love, loss, politics, and social injustice. Her raw, powerful voice and intense stage presence have made her a beloved figure in the music industry, and her songs continue to resonate with fans around the world.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the top 10 best PJ Harvey songs of all time. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering her music for the first time, these songs are sure to captivate you with their haunting melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and undeniable energy. From the brooding intensity of “Down by the Water” to the soaring anthems of “Rid of Me” and “The Words That Maketh Murder,” this list is a testament to the enduring power of Harvey’s artistry. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported by the music of one of the greatest songwriters of our time.
1. Dress
“Dress” is a standout track from PJ Harvey’s 1991 debut album “Dry.” The song is a prime example of Harvey’s early raw, bluesy sound, featuring driving guitar riffs and her signature howling vocals. The lyrics, which are often interpreted as a feminist anthem, describe the power dynamics between a man and a woman in a relationship, with Harvey challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations. The chorus, which repeats the line “put on that dress and wait for me,” is both seductive and menacing, creating a sense of tension and unease. The music video, directed by Maria Mochnacz, features Harvey writhing in a black dress in front of a stark white backdrop, adding to the song’s raw, primal energy. “Dress” is a powerful and influential song that showcases Harvey’s unique talent and uncompromising vision.
2. The Dancer
“The Dancer” is a hauntingly beautiful track from PJ Harvey’s 2007 album “White Chalk.” The song features a delicate piano melody and Harvey’s ethereal vocals, creating a sense of otherworldly beauty and introspection. The lyrics describe a young girl who dreams of becoming a dancer but is held back by societal expectations and limitations. Harvey’s evocative imagery and emotive delivery convey a sense of both sadness and hope, as the girl continues to pursue her passion despite the odds. The accompanying music video, directed by John Parish, features Harvey dressed in white, moving slowly and gracefully in a stark, barren landscape. “The Dancer” is a poignant and deeply moving song that showcases Harvey’s ability to convey complex emotions and themes through her music.
3. Down by the Water
“Down by the Water” is one of PJ Harvey’s most well-known and beloved songs, released on her 1995 album “To Bring You My Love.” The song features a catchy, bluesy guitar riff and Harvey’s haunting vocals, creating a sense of foreboding and unease. The lyrics describe a woman who lures a man down to the water’s edge and drowns him, while Harvey’s delivery adds a layer of ambiguity and complexity to the story. The song has been interpreted in many different ways, with some seeing it as a commentary on the abuse of power and others as a reflection on the darker aspects of human nature. The music video, directed by Maria Mochnacz, features Harvey singing on a barge in the middle of a river, adding to the song’s eerie, atmospheric feel. “Down by the Water” is a powerful and unforgettable song that showcases Harvey’s unique talent and ability to tell a compelling story through her music.
4. This Is Love
“This Is Love” is a standout track from PJ Harvey’s 2000 album “Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea.” The song features a driving guitar riff and Harvey’s raw, passionate vocals, creating a sense of urgency and intensity. The lyrics describe the rush and excitement of falling in love, with Harvey’s delivery conveying both joy and desperation. The song’s catchy chorus, which repeats the line “this is love, this is love, this is love that I’m feeling,” is both infectious and emotional, drawing listeners in with its power and energy. The accompanying music video, directed by Sophie Muller, features Harvey performing in a variety of New York City locations, adding to the song’s sense of urban energy and vitality. “This Is Love” is a thrilling and exhilarating song that showcases Harvey’s ability to capture the essence of human emotion through her music.
5. Rid of Me
“Rid of Me” is the title track from PJ Harvey’s 1993 album of the same name. The song features a blistering guitar riff and Harvey’s powerful vocals, creating a sense of raw energy and intensity. The lyrics describe the end of a relationship, with Harvey’s delivery conveying a sense of anger and frustration. The song’s chorus, which repeats the line “Lick my legs and I’m on fire,” is both confrontational and empowering, showcasing Harvey’s ability to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations. The music video, directed by Maria Mochnacz, features Harvey performing in a variety of locations, including a deserted highway and a dingy motel room, adding to the song’s sense of isolation and desperation. “Rid of Me” is a fierce and uncompromising song that showcases Harvey’s unique talent and vision.
6. The Words That Maketh Murder
“The Words That Maketh Murder” is a powerful track from PJ Harvey’s 2011 album “Let England Shake.” The song features a haunting melody and Harvey’s signature vocals, which convey a sense of both melancholy and urgency. The lyrics describe the horrors of war and the toll it takes on both soldiers and civilians, with Harvey’s delivery adding to the sense of pain and despair. The song’s chorus, which repeats the line “What if I take my problem to the United Nations?” is both plaintive and ironic, highlighting the futility of seeking justice through traditional channels. The accompanying music video, directed by Seamus Murphy, features Harvey singing in a stark, barren landscape, adding to the song’s sense of desolation and isolation. “The Words That Maketh Murder” is a haunting and thought-provoking song that showcases Harvey’s ability to tackle complex themes and emotions through her music.
7. To Bring You My Love
“To Bring You My Love” is the title track from PJ Harvey’s 1995 album, and is considered one of her most iconic songs. The song features a haunting guitar riff and Harvey’s raw, powerful vocals, creating a sense of intensity and passion. The lyrics describe a woman’s desperate attempt to win the love of a man, with Harvey’s delivery conveying a sense of both longing and desperation. The song’s chorus, which repeats the line “I’ll bring you my love,” is both seductive and menacing, creating a sense of unease and tension. The music video, directed by Maria Mochnacz, features Harvey writhing in a black dress and singing in a gothic, church-like setting, adding to the song’s sense of otherworldly beauty and darkness. “To Bring You My Love” is a powerful and unforgettable song that showcases Harvey’s unique talent and ability to capture the complexity of human emotion through her music.
8. The Glorious Land
“The Glorious Land” is a politically charged track from PJ Harvey’s 2011 album “Let England Shake.” The song features a somber melody and Harvey’s emotive vocals, creating a sense of sorrow and lamentation. The lyrics describe the impact of war on the land and people of England, with Harvey’s delivery adding to the sense of loss and disillusionment. The song’s chorus, which repeats the line “What is the glorious fruit of our land? Its fruit is deformed children,” is a powerful indictment of the devastating effects of war and the toll it takes on innocent lives. The accompanying music video, directed by Seamus Murphy, features Harvey singing in a desolate, war-torn landscape, adding to the song’s sense of sadness and despair. “The Glorious Land” is a haunting and affecting song that showcases Harvey’s ability to tackle complex and important themes through her music.
9. 50ft Queenie
“50ft Queenie” is a raucous and energetic track from PJ Harvey’s 1993 album “Rid of Me.” The song features a driving guitar riff and Harvey’s fierce vocals, creating a sense of power and defiance. The lyrics describe a woman who refuses to be held back by society’s expectations and limitations, with Harvey’s delivery adding to the sense of rebelliousness and empowerment. The song’s chorus, which repeats the line “Hey, I’m one big queenie, so don’t you mess around,” is both catchy and confrontational, showcasing Harvey’s ability to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations. The music video, directed by Maria Mochnacz, features Harvey performing in a variety of locations, including a boxing ring and a car, adding to the song’s sense of vitality and energy. “50ft Queenie” is a thrilling and empowering song that showcases Harvey’s unique talent and vision.
10. Good Fortune
“Good Fortune” is a standout track from PJ Harvey’s 2000 album “Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea.” The song features a catchy guitar riff and Harvey’s emotive vocals, creating a sense of hope and optimism. The lyrics describe a woman who has found happiness and contentment in a new relationship, with Harvey’s delivery conveying a sense of joy and freedom. The song’s chorus, which repeats the line “It’s good to have you near me,” is both sweet and sincere, showcasing Harvey’s ability to capture the essence of human emotion through her music. The accompanying music video, directed by Sophie Muller, features Harvey walking through the streets of New York City, adding to the song’s sense of urban vitality and energy. “Good Fortune” is a beautiful and uplifting song that showcases Harvey’s versatility and talent as a songwriter.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
