“Rid of Me”
“Rid of Me” is an intense and haunting track from PJ Harvey’s second studio album titled “Rid of Me.” Released in 1993, the song showcases Harvey’s raw vocal delivery. The lyrics delve into themes of desire, obsession, and control, creating a chilling atmosphere that leaves listeners captivated.
“The River”
“The River” is a standout track from PJ Harvey’s 1998 album “Is This Desire?” The song’s haunting melody and thought-provoking lyrics draw listeners into a world of introspection and vulnerability. With her soulful voice and poetic storytelling, Harvey captures the essence of human longing and despair.
“The Words That Maketh Murder”
“The Words That Maketh Murder” by PJ Harvey is a haunting and powerful song that explores the impact of war on individuals and societies. Through vivid lyrics and a driving beat, Harvey creates a sense of urgency and despair as she describes the horrors of conflict and the toll it takes on those caught up in it. The song also critiques the ways in which war is glorified and sanitized in the media and by those in power. Ultimately, “The Words That Maketh Murder” is a poignant and deeply affecting commentary on the devastating human cost of war and violence.
“Down by the Water”
One of Harvey’s most iconic songs, “Down by the Water” was released in 1995 as the lead single from her album “To Bring You My Love.” The track combines blues and rock influences, featuring a catchy melody accompanied by Harvey’s haunting vocals. The dark lyrics tell a story of murder and guilt, revealing Harvey’s storytelling prowess.
"A Perfect Day Elise"
Oppressive and claustrophobic, A Perfect Day Elise is packed with sound: flickering guitar, thick waves of synthesiser, hammering drums, growling bass. The chorus offers a ray of light among the gloom – it sounds oddly uplifting by comparison with the rest of the song – but the real power lies in its dense urgency.
“This Is Love”
Released in 2000, “This Is Love” instantly became a fan favorite. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious energy make it an exhilarating listen. Harvey’s powerful vocals and evocative lyrics highlight the complexities of love and relationships, making it a standout track from her album “Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea.”
"C’mon Billy"
To Bring You My Love saw Harvey abandoning her original guitar-bass-drums trio and expanding her sound: certainly, C’Mon Billy’s luscious strings would have had no place on Rid of Me. But she didn’t diminish the potency of her music: the rawness of her voice snags on the silkiness of the arrangement, the desperation in the lyrics is almost tangible.
“Good Fortune”
“Good Fortune” is a catchy and upbeat track from PJ Harvey’s 2000 album “Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea.” The song combines elements of pop and rock, featuring infectious guitar riffs and Harvey’s signature vocals. Its optimistic lyrics and catchy melody make it a standout in her discography.
“Dress”
“Dress” by PJ Harvey is a seductive and provocative song that explores themes of desire and power. The track is driven by a pulsating bassline and sparse instrumentation, creating a tense and intimate atmosphere. Harvey’s breathy vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and longing, as she sings about the power of clothing and the allure of sex. The lyrics are both sensual and confrontational, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations. “Dress” is a standout track from Harvey’s debut album “Dry,” which established her as a powerful and uncompromising voice in alternative rock.
“To Bring You My Love”
The title track from her critically acclaimed album, “To Bring You My Love” showcases Harvey’s ability to create atmospheric and haunting music. Released in 1995, the song features intense guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and lyrics that explore themes of desire and sacrifice. It remains one of Harvey’s most powerful and evocative songs.
"You Said Something"
Harvey was at pains to suggest that Stories From the City … was not her “New York album”. For all its geographical references to Manhattan, You Said Something sounds weirdly British – there is a distinctly folky lilt to the guitars – making it the perfect summation of the album’s Englishwoman-abroad theme.