The Verve’s classic Urban Hymns album is set to return to vinyl, with the pre-order available as a 2-LP pressing on June 6.
Originally released in September 1997, the London rock group’s third studio album signaled their reunion following a breakup during the promotion of 1995’s A Northern Soul. With the addition of guitarist and keyboard player Simon Tong, Urban Hymns is one of the seminal albums of the ‘90s.
The album featured five singles: “The Drugs Don’t Work,” “Lucky Man,” “Sonnet,” “The Rolling People,” and “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” Their signature song, “Bitter Sweet Symphony” peaked at No. 2 and No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100, respectively. The single received nominations for Best British Single at the 1998 Brit Awards and Best Rock Song at the 1999 Grammy Awards, and was used as the dramatic closing track for 1999’s Cruel Intentions film.
Urban Hymns doubled as both an all-time classic British record and the group’s most successful project, topping the charts in Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, and their native UK. The album also became the fifth fastest-selling album in the UK and is certified 11 times platinum by the British Phonographic Industry.
Quickly after their commercial peak, The Verve disbanded in 1999. The band later reunited in 2007, releasing their fourth album Forth in 2008 before breaking up for the third time the following year. Back in January, the band celebrated the 20th anniversary of their greatest hits collection, This Is Music: The Singles, with a first-ever vinyl release.
The Verve’s founder and lead singer, Richard Ashcroft, became a solo act in 2000. He recently released the single “Lover,” his first new music since 2018’s Natural Rebel album. Ashcroft will also join Oasis on their reunion tour dates in the UK and Ireland, which kicks off on July 4.
Buy The Verve’s Urban Hymns on vinyl now.
