Review

The Verve's compilation album, This Is Music: The Singles 92–98, originally released in November 2004, has been reissued in January 2025 to commemorate its 20th anniversary. This collection encapsulates the band's evolution from their early shoegaze influences to their later Britpop prominence. The album features iconic tracks such as "Bitter Sweet Symphony," "The Drugs Don't Work," and "Lucky Man," which highlight Richard Ashcroft's emotive songwriting and the band's dynamic arrangements. Additionally, it includes earlier singles like "Slide Away" and "Blue," showcasing their initial psychedelic soundscapes. Critics have praised the compilation for its cohesive representation of The Verve's impactful career. Pitchfork noted that the album reveals the band's journey from "sprawling, kaleidoscopic, heavens-scraping jams" to more structured compositions. The recent reissue has been lauded for its comprehensive celebration of the band's influence on alternative rock and Britpop. In summary, This Is Music: The Singles 92–98 serves as both a nostalgic reflection and an essential collection for those looking to experience The Verve's most significant contributions to the music landscape.