About this album
Where they were
Released on March 30, 1992, 'Dry' was PJ Harvey's debut album, establishing her as a vital voice in the British alternative rock scene. At this point, she was a burgeoning artist making her mark after previous work in the band Automatic Dlamini. The album set the stage for her distinctive sound that would evolve throughout her career.
Why it matters
'Dry' received critical acclaim upon release, noted for its bold lyrical content and raw production. It positioned Harvey as a significant figure in the '90s music landscape, influencing countless artists and contributing to the alternative rock movement that defined the era.
Essential tracks
- "Sheela-Na-Gig" — This track features aggressive instrumentation coupled with lyrics that challenge societal norms around femininity, marking its significance in feminist rock discourse.
- "Oh My Lover" — The emotional depth and vulnerability expressed in this ballad showcase Harvey's lyrical prowess and ability to convey complex feelings through simple melodies.
- "Dress" — 'Dress' combines stark imagery with sexual themes, embodying the tension between desire and power that permeates the album's narrative.
- "Happy and Bleeding" — With its haunting arrangement and introspective lyrics, this track exemplifies Harvey's unique blend of raw emotionality and musical sophistication.
Release Date
March 30, 1992
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Oh My Lover 4:02
- 2 O Stella 2:30
- 3 Dress 3:18
- 4 Victory 3:15
- 5 Happy and Bleeding 4:50
- 6 Sheela-Na-Gig 3:10
- 7 Hair 3:46
- 8 Joe 2:33
- 9 Plants and Rags 4:09
- 10 Fountain 3:54
- 11 Water 4:35
- 12 Oh My Lover (demo) 2:30
- 13 O Stella (demo) 3:16
- 14 Dress (demo) 3:16
- 15 Victory (demo) 4:19
- 16 Happy and Bleeding (demo) 4:44
- 17 Sheela-Na-Gig (demo) 3:15
- 18 Hair (demo) 3:37
- 19 Joe (demo) 3:16
- 20 Plants and Rags (demo) 3:32
- 21 Fountain (demo) 3:05
- 22 Water (demo) 4:32
