On their 2nd LP, the Verve have managed to use all their influences: 

Can, Led Zepplin, Miles Davis, Nick Drake, and more, yet have crafted 

original, powerful, timeless rock and roll. Every song is heartfelt 

and emotional with Richard's Ashcroft's painfully honest lyrics and 

soulful singing. Nick McCabe's guitar work here is miles ahead of any of 

his peers. His playing ranges from towering and immense to subtle and 

understated, but always tasteful, beautiful, and unique. Plus, the Verve

have the benefit of having the best rhythm section in the world. Simon 

Jones' original basslines give songs an added rythmic flavor other bands 

fail to use ("Life's An Ocean" being the best example). Peter Salisbury 

displays his masterful drumming, which, not unlike McCabe's guitars, can 

provide full-on power or a quiet, underlying flow. All four elements 

combine perfectly, with a chemistry rarely seen in bands today. A 

Northern Soul offers touching ballads ("On Your Own" and "History"), 

experiments in noise ("A Northern Soul" and "Brainstorm Interlude"), 

straight ahead rock music ("This Is Music" and "No Knock On My Door"), 

and much more. With its densely layered production, it is the kind of 

record where you will hear new sounds with each listening. This is a 

dark, yet cathartic album of potent songs that will leave you 

wanting more and more. Here the Verve offer you what their name 

suggests: music full of life, passion, and vigor. Key tracks: every

single one of them.