Lucky Man (The Verve song)

Last updated

"Lucky Man"
The Verve Lucky Man cover.jpg
Single by The Verve
from the album Urban Hymns
B-side
  • "Never Wanna See You Cry"
  • "MSG"
  • "The Longest Day"
Released24 November 1997 (1997-11-24)
Studio Olympic (London)
Genre Britpop
Length4:53
Label Hut
Songwriter(s) Richard Ashcroft
Producer(s)
The Verve singles chronology
"The Drugs Don't Work"
(1997)
"Lucky Man"
(1997)
"Sonnet"
(1998)

"Lucky Man" is a song by English rock band the Verve. It was written by singer Richard Ashcroft. The song was released as the third single from the band's third studio album, Urban Hymns (1997). It was released on 24 November 1997, charting at number seven on the UK Singles Chart. The song was the band's second top-20 hit on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in the United States, climbing to number 16. In Canada, "Lucky Man" peaked at number 25 on the RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart. It also reached the top 40 in Finland, Iceland, Ireland, and New Zealand.

Contents

Background

In an interview on BBC Radio 2, singer Richard Ashcroft said the song was "inspired by my relationship with my wife, and that sense of when you're beyond the sort of peacock dance that you have early on in a relationship. And you're getting down to the raw nature of yourselves." [1]

Release

"Lucky Man" was released in the United Kingdom on 24 November 1997 across four formats: two CD singles, a 7-inch vinyl single, and a cassette single. [2] [3] An earlier single from the band, "History", is included as a B-side on CD1 of the UK release. [4] The final B-side on CD2, "Happiness More or Less", is a remix of the title track made by guitarist Nick McCabe after another B-side was needed for the release. All of the guitar and most of the vocal parts were taken out, leaving the drums, bass and strings. Another B-side on CD2, "MSG", is an alternate version of "Bitter Sweet Symphony" that features the percussion and bass line from that song, with psychedelic soundscapes added. [5] On 2 March 1998, the same day that follow-up single "Sonnet" was released, a 12-inch vinyl single of "Lucky Man" was also issued. [6] In the United States, the song was serviced to alternative radio on 7 April 1998. [7]

Reception

U2's Bono listed the song as one of six songs released between 1986 and 2006 that he wished he'd written. [8] [9] A review in Cherwell stated that while the track was "not as instantly classically catchy" as Bitter Sweet Symphony, "it's likely to grow on you". [10]

Music videos

The UK version of the video was directed by Andy Baybutt and sees the band in the Thames Reach development, adjacent to the Thames Wharf complex, directly opposite the Harrods Furniture Depository. This is situated near Hammersmith, west London in post code W6 9HA. Richard Ashcroft sings the song whilst playing an acoustic guitar; the rest of the band look on. The Thames Wharf Complex was designed by Sir Richard Rogers. The US version was shot in New York City, featuring the band in an apartment and then travelling to a mountain top.

Track listings

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [33] Platinum600,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref(s).
United Kingdom24 November 1997
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
Hut [2] [3]
2 March 199812-inch vinyl [6]
United States7 April 1998 Alternative radio
[7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beetlebum</span> 1997 single by Blur

"Beetlebum" is a song by English alternative rock band Blur. It was released on 20 January 1997 as the lead single from the band's eponymous fifth album, Blur (1997). Written about Blur frontman Damon Albarn's experiences with heroin, the song features Beatles-influenced music and a mood that Albarn described as "sleepy" and "sexy". Despite fears of the song's uncommercial nature, the single debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Blur's second track to top the chart. It has since appeared on several Blur compilations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Song 2</span> 1997 single by Blur

"Song 2" is a song by English rock band Blur. The song is the second song on their eponymous fifth studio album. Released physically on 7 April 1997, "Song 2" peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, number four on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, and number six on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M.O.R.</span> 1997 single by Blur

"M.O.R." is a song by English rock band Blur from their eponymous album. Released on 15 September 1997, "M.O.R." reached number 15 in the UK Singles Chart on its release as a single in September 1997. Worldwide, it reached number 45 in New Zealand and also charted in Australia, Canada, and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bitter Sweet Symphony</span> 1997 single by the Verve

"Bitter Sweet Symphony" is a song by the English rock band the Verve, from their third studio album, Urban Hymns (1997). It was produced by Youth and released on 16 June 1997 by Hut Recordings and Virgin Records as the album's lead single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Drugs Don't Work</span> 1997 single by the Verve

"The Drugs Don't Work" is a song by English rock band the Verve. The song was written by Richard Ashcroft and is featured on their third studio album, Urban Hymns (1997). It was released on 1 September 1997 as the second single from the album, debuting at number one on the UK Singles Chart. The beginning of the video shows the band walking down the street, following on from the end of "Bitter Sweet Symphony".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Song for the Lovers</span> Song by Richard Ashcroft

"A Song for the Lovers" is a song by English singer-songwriter Richard Ashcroft, included as the opening track on his 2000 album, Alone with Everybody, as well as his first solo single following the break-up of the Verve. The song was released on 3 April 2000 as the first single from the album in the United Kingdom and Australia. "A Song for the Lovers" was originally written by Richard Ashcroft as a demo track for the Verve's studio album Urban Hymns; three different versions were recorded, but the song did not make the final cut. It was inspired by Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart".

<i>All You Good Good People</i> 1997 single by Embrace

"All You Good Good People" is the debut single of English rock band Embrace, on the Fierce Panda label. Only 1,300 copies were made in 1997, but the airplay received by key radio shows was enough to gain significant recognition. An extended play containing the song was released on 27 October 1997, peaking at number eight on the UK Singles Chart that November. The 1,300 originals, mixed by dub and electronica artist Ott, are now collectors' items.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sonnet (The Verve song)</span> 1998 single by the Verve

"Sonnet" is a song by the English rock band the Verve and is featured on their third album, Urban Hymns (1997). It was released on 2 March 1998 as the final single from the album. The ballad has the same instrumental layout as "The Drugs Don't Work", consisting of acoustic and electric guitars backed up with a string section mainly consisting of violins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">On Your Own (Blur song)</span> 1997 single by Blur

"On Your Own" is a song by English rock band Blur. It was released as a single on 16 June 1997 from the band's fifth studio album, Blur (1997). It charted at number five on the UK Singles Chart. Although it was not released under the Gorillaz name, Damon Albarn, frontman of both musical projects, has since referred the song as 'one of the first ever Gorillaz tunes'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Will You Be There (In the Morning)</span> 1993 single by Heart

"Will You Be There (In the Morning)" is a song by American rock band Heart. The ballad was written by veteran songwriter and producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who was responsible for writing Heart's US number-two single "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You" in 1990, and was released as the first single from the band's 11th studio album, Desire Walks On (although "Black on Black II" was released to radio first). Unlike the majority of Heart songs, which feature Ann Wilson on lead vocals, the lead singer on the song is Nancy Wilson. The song was released in the United Kingdom in November 1993 and was released in the United States the following month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Block Rockin' Beats</span> 1997 single by the Chemical Brothers

"Block Rockin' Beats" is a song by British big beat duo the Chemical Brothers. Released in March 1997 as the second single and opening track from their second studio album, Dig Your Own Hole (1997), it topped the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number 40 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. It received a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nancy Boy</span> 1997 single by Placebo

"Nancy Boy" is a song by British alternative rock band Placebo, released on 20 January 1997, as the fourth single from their debut self-titled album, released on Hut Records. As with their first single "Come Home", the single edit is a re-recorded version, noticeably different from the album version. "Nancy Boy" contains themes of drugs, sex, gender confusion and bisexuality. "Nancy Boy" became their breakthrough single, peaking at number four in the UK Singles Chart a month after the single's release. While Placebo originally charted at number forty upon its release, after the release of "Nancy Boy" the album re-entered the UK Albums Chart at number five in February, staying on chart for thirteen weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Every You Every Me</span> 1999 single by Placebo

"Every You Every Me" is a song by British alternative rock band Placebo, released as the third single from their second album, Without You I'm Nothing, on 25 January 1999. It was released as a 2-CD set and on cassette, but promotional copies on 12-inch vinyl exist. The single managed to chart at number 46 in Australia, number 99 in Germany, and number 11 on the UK Singles Chart. There are two versions of the video, both filmed live at London's Brixton Academy; one includes clips from the film Cruel Intentions. An alternative video taking place at a casino was filmed in November 1998 but would not be released until 18 years later as part of the promotion for A Place for Us to Dream.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Little Bit More</span> 1976 single by Dr. Hook

"A Little Bit More" is a song written and performed by American musician Bobby Gosh, released on his 1973 album Sitting in the Quiet. American rock band Dr. Hook recorded the first hit version which was released as a single in 1976. It charted at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spent two weeks at number nine on the Cash Box Top 100. It reached number two on the UK Singles Chart in July 1976 for five consecutive weeks, being held from the top spot by Elton John and Kiki Dee's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart". It was Dr. Hook's joint second-best UK chart placing, matching "Sylvia's Mother" and surpassed only by "When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Star People (song)</span> 1997 single by George Michael

"Star People '97" is a song by British singer George Michael, released as the fifth single from his third studio album, Older (1996). It was written and performed by George Michael and was released by Virgin Records in the United Kingdom and DreamWorks Records in the United States. The lyrics make reference to the materialism and frivolity of certain (unspecified) people in show business, suggesting that those behaviours are derived from some insecurity or a bad childhood. The single version is titled "Star People '97", on most issues, because the track was re-recorded for the single release.

"Let's Go Round Again" was a single released by the Scottish funk and R&B group Average White Band. The single charted at UK No. 12, US Pop No. 53, US R&B No. 33 and US Disco No. 24 The corrected title "Let's Go 'Round Again" can be seen in their printed 1994 compilation album Pickin' Up the Pieces: The Best of Average White Band 1974-1980.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Day We Find Love</span> 1997 single by 911

"The Day We Find Love" is a song by English boy band 911. It was released in the United Kingdom through Virgin Records on 10 February 1997 as the fourth single from their debut studio album, The Journey (1997). The song debuted at number four on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That Girl (Maxi Priest song)</span> 1996 single by Maxi Priest

"That Girl" is a song by English reggae singer Maxi Priest featuring Jamaican reggae musician Shaggy. It was released on 10 June 1996 as the first single from Priest's sixth album, Man with the Fun (1996). The song samples the 1962 instrumental "Green Onions" by Booker T. & the M.G.'s. "That Girl" reached the top 20 in at least eight countries, including the United Kingdom, where it peaked at No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart. It also peaked at No. 3 on the Finnish Singles Chart, No. 4 on the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, No. 7 on the Australian Singles Chart and No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Summertime (The Sundays song)</span> 1997 single by the Sundays

"Summertime" is a song by English alternative rock band the Sundays. Written and produced by guitarist David Gavurin and lead singer Harriet Wheeler, the song was recorded for the band's third and final studio album, Static & Silence (1997), and released on 8 September 1997 as the first single from the album. Wheeler and Gavurin were inspired to write the song after several of their friends joined a dating service, and the lyrics reflect on how the pursuit of perfect romantic relationships can become taxing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cry (The Sundays song)</span> 1997 single by the Sundays

"Cry" is a song by English alternative rock band the Sundays. Written and produced by guitarist David Gavurin and lead singer Harriet Wheeler, the song was recorded for the band's third and final studio album, Static & Silence (1997), and released on 10 November 1997 as the second single from the album. The song reached number 43 on the UK Singles Chart.

References

  1. Evans, Chris (20 December 2018). "Richard Ashcroft – Lucky Man". BBC Radio 2 . Retrieved 1 May 2022 via Facebook.
  2. 1 2 Sexton, Paul (29 November 1997). "The Verve's Drugs Work After All" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 14, no. 48. p. 10. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  3. 1 2 "New Releases: Singles". Music Week . 22 November 1997. p. 37.
  4. 1 2 Lucky Man (UK CD1 liner notes). The Verve. Hut Records. 1997. HUTDG 92, 7243 8 94745 2 7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  5. 1 2 Lucky Man (UK CD2 liner notes). The Verve. Hut Records. 1997. HUTDX 92, 7243 8 94746 2 6.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. 1 2 "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 28 February 1998. p. 27.
  7. 1 2 "Be on the Lookout". Gavin Report . No. 2200. 3 April 1998. p. 43.
  8. Lapatine, Scott. "Songs U2 Wish They Wrote" . Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  9. "The Song They Wished They'd Written". U2. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  10. Cee Brandson (21 November 1997). "Speed of Sound: The Verve - Lucky Man". Cherwell . Vol. 219, no. 7. p. 12.
  11. Lucky Man (UK cassette single sleeve). The Verve. Hut Records. 1997. HUTC 92, 7243 8 94745 4 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. Lucky Man (Australian CD single disc notes). The Verve. Hut Records, Virgin Records. 1997. HUTCDF92, 7243 8 94752 2 7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. Lucky Man (UK 12-inch single sleeve). The Verve. Hut Records. 1997. HUTT92, 7243 8 94745 6 5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. Lucky Man (Australian & New Zealand VHS single liner notes). The Verve. Hut Records, Virgin Records. 1997. 724349050235.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. "The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart - Week Ending 30 Aug 1998". ARIA. Archived from the original on 2 October 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  16. "The Verve – Lucky Man" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  17. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 3592." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  18. "Top RPM Rock/Alternative Tracks: Issue 3620." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  19. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 14, no. 50. 13 December 1997. p. 17. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  20. "The Verve: Lucky Man" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  21. "The Verve – Lucky Man" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  22. "The Verve – Lucky Man" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  23. "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (22.1 – 29.1. 1998)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 23 January 1998. p. 22. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
  24. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Lucky Man". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  25. "The Verve – Lucky Man". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  26. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  27. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
  28. "Alternative Airplay" . Billboard . 20 June 1998. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  29. "Adult Alternative Airplay" . Billboard. 20 June 1998. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  30. "Najlepsze single na UK Top 40–1997" (in Polish). Archived from the original on 4 June 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
  31. "RPM's Top 100 Hit Tracks of '98" (PDF). RPM . Vol. 63, no. 12. 14 December 1998. p. 20. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  32. "Most Played Modern Rock Songs of 1998". Airplay Monitor . Vol. 6, no. 52. 25 December 1998. p. 36.
  33. "British single certifications – Verve – Lucky Man". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 21 September 2020.