LABEL: Capitol
VINYL RELEASE DATE: 07/25/2025
ALBUM RELEASE DATE: 1997
VARIANT: Black Vinyl LP

Originally released in 1997, The Verves third studio album, Urban Hymns, saw the band reach their commercial peak. Fueled by the worldwide smash, Bitter Sweet Symphony, the album expertly caught the mood of the late 90s and went on to become one of the all-time classic British albums. The multiplatinum record also includes the iconic tracks, Lucky Man, Sonnet, and The Drugs Dont Work. 2 LP set on 180g black vinyl.

Album Info Hide Show Artist: The Verve Album: Urban Hymns Released: Worldwide, 2022 Tracklist: A1 Bitter Sweet Symphony Lyrics By – Richard Ashcroft Written-By – Keith Richards, Mick Jagger A2 Sonnet Written-By – Richard Ashcroft A3 The Rolling People Written-By – The Verve B1 The Drugs Don’t Work Written-By – Richard Ashcroft B2 Catching The Butterfly Written-By – The Verve B3 Neon Wilderness Written-By – McCabe, The Verve C1 Space And Time Written-By – Richard Ashcroft C2 Weeping Willow Written-By – Richard Ashcroft C3 Lucky Man Written-By – Richard Ashcroft C4 One Day Written-By – Richard Ashcroft D1 This Time Written-By – Richard Ashcroft D2 Velvet Morning Written-By – Richard Ashcroft D3 Come On Written-By – The Verve Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store We are a small independent record store located at 211 High St, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir) We buy and sell new and used vinyl records – if you have a collection you’d like to sell please click here . We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post. Free Shipping for orders $150 and over. You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout. We also ship internationally – prices vary depending on weight and location. We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records. In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times. If you order an in stock item together with a pre order or back order (listed as available from supplier rather than in stock) then the order will be shipped together when all items arrive. If you would like the in stock items shipped first please place two separate orders or contact us to arrange shipping items separately. We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn’t arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record. If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store. You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at [email protected] Happy Listening! Description Hide Show The Verves Urban Hymns is a landmark album that encapsulates the essence of the late 90s Britpop movement while also transcending it, creating a sound that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in its era. Released on September 29, 1997, this third studio album from the band not only solidified their place in music history but also showcased their evolution as artists, blending rock, psychedelia, and orchestral elements into a cohesive and powerful collection of songs. From the very first notes of the opening track, “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” listeners are drawn into a lush soundscape that perfectly captures the album’s themes of longing and existential reflection. The iconic orchestral sample from The Rolling Stones “The Last Time” sets a grand tone, while Richard Ashcrofts haunting vocals convey a sense of yearning that resonates deeply. This track became an anthem for a generation, and its critical acclaim is reflected in its nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. The songs introspective lyrics and sweeping instrumentation make it a standout, and it remains one of The Verves most beloved tracks. Following this opener, the album continues to explore a range of emotions and musical styles. “Sonnet” is another highlight, showcasing Ashcrofts lyrical prowess and the bands ability to weave intricate melodies with rich instrumentation. The songs ethereal quality, combined with its poignant lyrics about love and loss, creates a moment of pure beauty that feels both personal and universal. The lush production, courtesy of the band and producer Youth, adds layers of depth, making it a fan favorite that has stood the test of time. One of the most remarkable aspects of Urban Hymns is its ability to balance grandiosity with intimacy. Tracks like “The Drugs Dont Work” delve into themes of despair and mortality, with Ashcrofts emotive delivery making the listener feel every word. The songs slow build and climactic finish are masterfully crafted, showcasing the bands knack for creating an emotional journey within a single track. This song, too, received significant acclaim, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and further cementing the albums status as a classic. The album is not just a collection of singles, though; it flows seamlessly from one track to the next, creating a cohesive listening experience. Songs like “Lucky Man” and “Catching the Butterfly” add to the albums rich tapestry, with the former being a triumphant anthem that celebrates personal victory and the latter offering a more introspective, almost dreamlike quality. The juxtaposition of these tracks highlights The Verves versatility and their ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. Critically, Urban Hymns was met with widespread acclaim upon its release. It was praised for its ambitious sound and lyrical depth, with many publications hailing it as one of the best albums of the 1990s. NME, for instance, lauded the album for its “epic soundscapes” and “soulful lyrics,” while Rolling Stone recognized it as a defining moment in Britpop. The albums success was not just limited to critical reception; it also achieved commercial success, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart and eventually being certified multi-platinum. The cultural significance of Urban Hymns cannot be overstated. It captured the zeitgeist of a generation grappling with themes of disillusionment and hope, and its influence can still be felt in contemporary music. The Verves ability to blend rock with orchestral elements paved the way for future artists to explore similar sonic landscapes, making this album a touchstone for many who followed. In retrospect, Urban Hymns is more than just an album; its a profound exploration of the human experience, wrapped in lush melodies and poignant lyrics. The Verve, with Richard Ashcroft at the helm, created a work that resonates with listeners on multiple levels, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and evoke emotion long after its release. Whether youre revisiting it or experiencing it for the first time, Urban Hymns is an album that demands to be listened to, cherished, and celebrated. Product Reviews Hide Show Write a Review