The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony": the melancholic anthem of the 90s

“Bitter Sweet Symphony” – The Verve (1997)

Released in 1997 as part of the album Urban Hymns, the song became The Verve's most famous track. It's built upon an orchestral sample of a Rolling Stones cover of “The Last Time,” giving it that simultaneously epic and melancholic sound.

It speaks of the struggle between personal aspirations and the limitations of everyday life, of how dreams and reality blend into a bittersweet experience. The repetitive string melody reinforces this sense of an endless cycle, of moving forward without ever escaping one's destiny.

It had a huge cultural impact, becoming a 90s anthem, and its music video, featuring a singer walking down a street without looking at anyone else, is iconic. The legal battle over the sample is also famous, initially resulting in the Rolling Stones receiving the rights and royalties for years.