Forth
by The Verve
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. Billboard
    80
    Forth not only equals the Verve's best work, but in many cases exceeds it.
  2. Blender
    70
    Forth is that rare comeback record--unafraid to show its age, and better for it. [Sep 2008, p.85]
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  3. cokemachineglow
    68
    Forth is a decent reminder of what makes the Verve great.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    This belated follow-up doesn't have anything as memorable as "Hymns'" 'Bitter Sweet Symphony.' But the soulful single 'Valium Skies' come close. [22/29 Aug 2008, p.125]
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  6. Hartford Courant
    80
    Forth is classic Verve, epic in scope, with layer upon layer of sound.
  7. Los Angeles Times
    63
    This comeback album (after eight years apart, the group reunited in 2007, triumphantly claiming the Coachella main stage this spring), is as solid as a dose of Extra Strength Tylenol.
  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    This album is probably the most solid foundation this quartet have had in 15 years, and it would be a disaster if it wasn’t a springboard for several more.
  9. Paste Magazine
    88
    The album will satisfy those wondering whether the band can achieve the nosebleed heights of its formidable back catalog, and it’s once again evident that Ashcroft needs guitarist Nick McCabe, bassist Simon Jones and drummer Peter Salisbury to keep his shamanistic flights of fancy tethered to earth.
  10. PopMatters
    80
    Forth may contain a few flaws or forced moments, but it has plenty of soul.
  11. Rolling Stone
    80
    The songs skirt standard verse-chorus form; the best of them are just chord patterns that swirl and mutate with slow assurance.
  12. Slant Magazine
    70
    While Forth is certainly flawed and overreaching, there's enough to suggest that the Verve, assuming they're able to keep it together, can use the album as a foundation for something as compelling as their '90s output.
  13. Spin
    80
    Are the Verve back? Maybe. Definitely.
  14. The A.V. Club
    83
    Forth proves that The Verve still has it, and it's all about chemistry.
  15. The New York Times
    70
    In some ways the Verve feels more familiar now than it did a decade ago.
  16. Uncut
    80
    Forth certainly makes it seem like they’ve never been away, the stench of those woeful Ashcroft solo albums extinguished.
  17. Urb
    80
    Time and place be damned, this is a good record, but it will never be anyone’s favorite.

Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Most Discussed Album of 2008
25
#25 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 54
  3. Negative: 5 out of 54
  1. Ricko
    Jan 23, 2017
    8
    Of The Verve's first three albums, I'm firmly in the "Urban Hymns" camp, favoring the bands anthemic rock masterpiece over their interestingOf The Verve's first three albums, I'm firmly in the "Urban Hymns" camp, favoring the bands anthemic rock masterpiece over their interesting but less engaging psychedelia tinged albums "A Storm In Heaven" and "A Northern Soul". 11 years on from the triumphant breakthrough of "Urban Hymns", comes "Forth", an album that stands closer to the bands earlier work than their more commercially successful. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The long gap since "Urban Hymns" took much of the pressure off the follow up . "Forth" is a rocker with emphasis on intricate guitar work rather than the pop aspect of the music. It's long with most of the songs well over the 5 minute mark but for me, the material rarely outstays its welcome. "Love is Noise" and "Judas" are particular standouts. One of the main things that struck from listening to this is just how much meat the rest of the Verve put on Richard Ashcroft's sound. Even his finest solo moments really pale next to The Verve doing their thing.… Full Review »
  2. Charlyrockstar
    Apr 8, 2014
    10
    the great album of the verve, the second best album since Urban Hymns, is an perfect album full of great lyrics & great music, is a beautifulthe great album of the verve, the second best album since Urban Hymns, is an perfect album full of great lyrics & great music, is a beautiful since the begin till the end… Full Review »
  3. saalamov
    Aug 29, 2010
    9
    Ok, I admit, I've always liked their accesible side more, but this album is really something. It's the epic psychedelic journey through theOk, I admit, I've always liked their accesible side more, but this album is really something. It's the epic psychedelic journey through the wonderwall of sound. Most important, this album has the identity which is hard to find now a days. Strong 9.… Full Review »
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