Forth
by The Verve
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

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  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 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 commerciallyOf 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.… Expand
  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 beautiful since the begin till the end
  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 the wonderwall of sound. Most important, this album has the identity which is hard to find now a days. Strong 9.
  4. Jamiechud
    Feb 14, 2009
    1
    Awful awful album. There's not one song on there that is remotely redeeming. The first single love is noise and it's absolute disgracefull woo woo woooo chorus makes me weep for all the previous albums nostalgic feelings. Y'know the ones where you say I want to listen to anything they did prior to this. Yeah. Rich. You killed em. At least the frat boys can go woo woo woo woo now.
  5. MofoMan
    Nov 21, 2008
    9
    Awesome album! Typical Verve album, but its great to have them back after so long.
  6. SyrthaG
    Sep 22, 2008
    10
    Comparing to past albums by The Verve, Forth is a full epic story without single highlights, while Urban Hymns is nothing but couple of singles. Which I find as an essential value for making rather great albums, then bestselling singles.
  7. Ramirez
    Sep 11, 2008
    6
    there are some moments of brilliance here: especially I See Houses, Rather Be and the fantastic, anthemic single Love Is Noise (although i would take a life to hear this song without being drowned in the repetitive and continuous ooh-ooh-oh-oh-ooh's, which sound nostalgic and cool during the chorus or intro but through the entire song...well, that's just a bit too much)...aside there are some moments of brilliance here: especially I See Houses, Rather Be and the fantastic, anthemic single Love Is Noise (although i would take a life to hear this song without being drowned in the repetitive and continuous ooh-ooh-oh-oh-ooh's, which sound nostalgic and cool during the chorus or intro but through the entire song...well, that's just a bit too much)...aside these highlights the album lacks epic climaxes and often seems to wander off, as in the moaning directionless Sit+Wonder and the two last tracks that are way too long. Too often you're waiting for something special to happen during these songs, yet they're going on and on based on 1 single idea, very Ashcroft that is maybe but it doeasn't always work. Not a bad album, as it features some phenomenal songs, but overproduced and as for the comeback of The Verve I'm dissapointed.… Expand
  8. neil
    Sep 8, 2008
    4
    Utterly disappointing. awesome live when they roll back the years, as they proved at glastonbury, but this doesn't do anything for me at all.
  9. JoeM
    Sep 5, 2008
    10
    Oh my God, it's been so long since they've made an album and this... this is so beautiful and perfect.
  10. ShaunL
    Aug 29, 2008
    10
    This new album came out sounding very innovative and beautiful. Not their best, but they done a damn good job in making it sound great.
  11. Dan
    Aug 28, 2008
    9
    The album combines many of the better traits of The Verve's previous 3 albums. Spacey jams, epic anthems and tearful ballads are all here and many songs rank among the Verve's finest work. There are a few downsides though. There's nothing on par with "Bittersweet Symphony" here, and "I See Houses" feels like an Ashcroft solo leftover. As a whole though this is a worthy The album combines many of the better traits of The Verve's previous 3 albums. Spacey jams, epic anthems and tearful ballads are all here and many songs rank among the Verve's finest work. There are a few downsides though. There's nothing on par with "Bittersweet Symphony" here, and "I See Houses" feels like an Ashcroft solo leftover. As a whole though this is a worthy addition to The Verve's catalogue and will take you on a dreamy journey in ways only The Verve can.… Expand
  12. Stephen
    Aug 28, 2008
    8
    8 is about right, great album, very consistant. Not a scratch on Urban Hymns tho. Noise Epic / Valium Skies / I see houses / Love is noise are the highlights.
  13. YokozunaA
    Aug 27, 2008
    8
    Numbness - Sounds Pink Floydish on Mc Cabe's Guitar playing. Valium Skies - Harkens classic Verve, swirling guitars and shoegaze anthems - my favorite track so far... Noise Epic - Channels Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream.
  14. MGra
    Aug 27, 2008
    8
    Solid album, aside from a couple songs (ie. Numbness, I See Houses). McAbe enjoys a lot of creative license and it shows. The album is really a synthesis of old and new Verve, tapping into both their early psychedelic swirlings and their later knack for singalong melodies. A worthy comeback.
  15. JSchandel
    Aug 27, 2008
    10
    A storm in the sonic soup!
  16. kaya
    Aug 26, 2008
    10
    Awesome album.I'm happy,that The Verve didn't repeat any of 3 albums and came out with new style.
  17. AlreadyThere
    Aug 26, 2008
    10
    They're back and their amazing chemistry remains intact!
  18. ElaineS
    Aug 26, 2008
    10
    Best album of the millenium so far!
  19. Gregor
    Aug 26, 2008
    8
    Exactly what I wanted.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. Hot Press
    60
    Men out of time, The Verve were a neo-psychedelic jam-rock outfit who got fortuitously swept up in the Britpop boom and stumbled upon a timely form of Big Music.
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  2. 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.
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  3. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Their second reunion carries the listener a good third of the way into this punningly titled fourth album. Trouble is, the second two-thirds are a very long slog indeed.
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