The Verve was a British rock band formed in Wigan, Greater Manchester, in 1990. The band consisted of Richard Ashcroft, Nick McCabe, Simon Jones, and Peter Salisbury. Throughout their career, The Verve became known for their unique blend of psychedelic rock and indie pop, as well as Ashcroft’s emotive lyrics and powerful vocals. The band’s music resonated with a wide audience, and they are still considered one of the most influential bands of the 90s.
In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best The Verve songs of all time. From their early releases to their chart-topping hits, we will take a closer look at the music that made The Verve one of the most beloved bands of their generation. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, this list is sure to bring back memories and remind you of just how timeless The Verve’s music truly is. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported back to the 90s as we explore the top 10 best The Verve songs of all time.
1. Sit and Wonder
“Sit and Wonder” is a track from The Verve’s 2008 album “Forth,” which was the band’s fourth and final studio album before their disbandment. The song is a slow-burning ballad that features Richard Ashcroft’s distinctive vocals layered over a dreamy soundscape of guitars and keyboards. The lyrics speak of contemplation and self-reflection, as Ashcroft sings lines like “Sit and wonder what the world is like / Sit and wonder how we became so wise.” Despite not achieving the same level of commercial success as some of the band’s earlier hits, “Sit and Wonder” is a fan favorite and a testament to The Verve’s ability to create atmospheric and introspective music.
2. Bittersweet Symphony
“Bittersweet Symphony” is one of the most iconic songs by The Verve, released in 1997 as a lead single from their album “Urban Hymns.” The song features a memorable string sample from the Andrew Loog Oldham Orchestra’s cover of The Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time,” which serves as the backbone for the track’s soaring melodies and Ashcroft’s poignant lyrics. The song became an instant hit, topping charts in numerous countries and earning critical acclaim for its timeless appeal. The music video, which features Ashcroft walking through the streets of London while people and obstacles pass him by, has also become iconic and is frequently cited as one of the best music videos of all time. “Bittersweet Symphony” remains a beloved and enduring classic that continues to resonate with new generations of music fans.
3. A Northern Soul
“A Northern Soul” is the title track from The Verve’s second studio album, released in 1995. The song is an epic, seven-minute-long anthem that showcases the band’s signature sound of psychedelic rock and indie pop. It features Ashcroft’s powerful vocals and deeply introspective lyrics, which touch on themes of disillusionment, longing, and personal growth. The song’s music video, which features the band performing in an abandoned building while Ashcroft sings his heart out, perfectly captures the raw energy and emotional intensity of the track. “A Northern Soul” has become a fan favorite over the years and is often cited as one of the band’s best songs. It’s a testament to The Verve’s ability to create music that is both sonically rich and emotionally resonant.
4. Blue
“Blue” is a song by The Verve that was included in the deluxe edition of their 1997 album “Urban Hymns.” The song features a haunting melody and ethereal vocals from Richard Ashcroft, which are complemented by a lush soundscape of guitars and strings. The lyrics are introspective and melancholic, with Ashcroft singing lines like “See the world in black and blue / See your future in a glass of water.” Despite not being included on the original release of “Urban Hymns,” “Blue” has become a fan favorite over the years and is often cited as one of the band’s most underrated tracks. The song’s atmospheric quality and Ashcroft’s emotive delivery make it a standout in The Verve’s discography and a testament to their ability to create music that is both introspective and deeply moving.
5. Sonnet
“Sonnet” is a track from The Verve’s third studio album, “Urban Hymns,” which was released in 1997. The song is a stunning ballad that features Richard Ashcroft’s emotive vocals layered over a lush soundscape of strings and keyboards. The lyrics speak of love and devotion, with Ashcroft singing lines like “Yes, there’s love if you want it / Don’t sound like no sonnet.” The song’s music video, which features the band performing in a forest while surrounded by dancers and colorful visuals, perfectly captures the dreamy, romantic feel of the track. “Sonnet” is considered one of The Verve’s most beautiful and enduring songs, and it continues to resonate with new generations of music fans. Its lush instrumentation and Ashcroft’s soulful vocals make it a standout in the band’s discography and a testament to their ability to create music that is both emotive and timeless.
6. The Drugs Don’t Work
“The Drugs Don’t Work” is one of The Verve’s most poignant and emotional songs, released in 1997 as a single from their album “Urban Hymns.” The song features a simple yet powerful arrangement of acoustic guitar, strings, and Richard Ashcroft’s haunting vocals. The lyrics deal with the devastating effects of drug addiction and loss, with Ashcroft singing lines like “Like a cat in a bag, waiting to drown / This time I’m coming down.” The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the UK singles chart and earning critical acclaim for its raw and honest depiction of pain and suffering. “The Drugs Don’t Work” is widely considered one of The Verve’s best and most enduring songs, and it continues to resonate with listeners around the world for its universal themes of love, loss, and redemption.
7. All in the Mind
“All in the Mind” is a track from The Verve’s debut album, “A Storm in Heaven,” which was released in 1993. The song features a swirling, psychedelic sound that was characteristic of the band’s early work, with Nick McCabe’s guitar work taking center stage. Richard Ashcroft’s vocals are dreamy and ethereal, adding to the song’s otherworldly quality. The lyrics are abstract and impressionistic, with Ashcroft singing lines like “All in the mind, it’s what you want to find / All in the mind, it’s what you’re waiting for.” “All in the Mind” showcases The Verve’s unique sound and their ability to create music that is both experimental and accessible. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s early work and influence on the psychedelic rock genre.
8. Lucky Man
“Lucky Man” is one of The Verve’s most beloved and enduring songs, released in 1997 as a single from their album “Urban Hymns.” The song features a simple yet beautiful arrangement of acoustic guitar, strings, and Richard Ashcroft’s emotive vocals. The lyrics are introspective and bittersweet, with Ashcroft singing lines like “Happiness, more or less / It’s just a change in me, something in my liberty.” The song’s music video, which features the band performing on a beach while surrounded by fireworks, perfectly captures the sense of wonder and optimism that the song embodies. “Lucky Man” became a massive hit, reaching the top 20 in numerous countries and earning critical acclaim for its timeless appeal. It remains one of The Verve’s most beloved songs and a testament to their ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and universally relatable.
9. Gravity Grave
“Gravity Grave” is one of The Verve’s earliest and most experimental songs, released in 1992 as a single and later included in their debut album “A Storm in Heaven.” The song features a complex, swirling arrangement of guitars, drums, and keyboard effects, with Richard Ashcroft’s vocals taking on an almost hypnotic quality. The lyrics are cryptic and abstract, with Ashcroft singing lines like “Watching the stars, passing me by / Suddenly speeding up, the past becomes a blur.” “Gravity Grave” showcases The Verve’s unique sound and their willingness to experiment with unconventional structures and textures. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s early work and influence on the shoegaze and psychedelic rock genres. The song’s trippy, ethereal quality is perfect for fans of experimental music and those looking to explore The Verve’s lesser-known tracks.
10. She’s a Superstar
“She’s a Superstar” is a track from The Verve’s second album, “A Northern Soul,” released in 1995. The song features a powerful, driving rhythm section and soaring guitars, with Richard Ashcroft’s vocals delivering a sense of urgency and intensity. The lyrics speak of adoration and obsession, with Ashcroft singing lines like “She’s a superstar / She’s got a promise of everything, yeah.” The song’s music video, which features the band performing in a stark, black-and-white environment while Ashcroft writhes and dances, perfectly captures the song’s raw energy and frenzied emotion. “She’s a Superstar” is a fan favorite and a testament to The Verve’s ability to create music that is both edgy and emotionally charged. It’s a must-listen for fans of the band’s early work and those looking for powerful, guitar-driven rock music.
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.
