About this album
Where they were
By the time '21 Singles' was released in 2002, The Jesus and Mary Chain had already established themselves as influential figures in alternative and noise pop music. This compilation served as a retrospective of their career, showcasing hits from their earlier albums while also marking their return after a lengthy hiatus since the release of 'Munki' in 1998.
Why it matters
The album reached number 24 on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting the band's lasting impact on the indie scene despite a reduced profile in the early 2000s. Furthermore, its release helped to reignite interest in their music, influencing a new generation of artists within the shoegaze and noise pop movements.
Essential tracks
- "Just Like Honey" — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its blend of dreamy melodies and gritty guitar noise, making it an enduring favorite.
- "April Skies" — With its infectious chorus and lush instrumentation, 'April Skies' highlights the band's ability to merge pop sensibilities with darker themes.
- "Head On" — 'Head On' showcases a more aggressive sound that reflects the band's punk roots while still maintaining their melodic edge, symbolizing their evolution.
Release Date
May 27, 2002
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Upside Down 2:59
- 2 Never Understand 2:59
- 3 You Trip Me Up 2:26
- 4 Just Like Honey 3:02
- 5 Some Candy Talking 3:18
- 6 April Skies 3:11
- 7 Happy When It Rains 3:05
- 8 Darklands 5:26
- 9 Sidewalking 3:32
- 10 Blues from a Gun 4:43
- 11 Head On 4:09
- 12 Rollercoaster 3:52
- 13 Reverence 3:42
- 14 Far Gone and Out 2:52
- 15 Almost Gold 3:20
- 16 Snakedriver 3:42
- 17 Sometimes Always 2:33
- 18 Come On 3:17
- 19 I Hate Rock n Roll 3:43
- 20 Cracking Up 4:43
- 21 I Love Rock n Roll 2:37