10 Bands And Artists Who Pass The Five Album Test
3. PJ Harvey
An artist who arrived fully formed, PJ Harvey made more than a splash with her 1992 debut Dry. This was an album that came out at the exact right time, with shades of grunge to its crunching chords but a greater sense of playfulness - the frantic "Sheela-Na-Gig" - and cinematic drama - closer “Water”.
The following year’s Rid Of Me was harder edged, thanks in part to Steve Albini’s clanging production. The title track has Harvey roar her lungs out, though the sense of humour remains present on "50ft Queenie" and “Mansize”.
The next few records take things a little darker. To Bring You My Love is a sinister, sensual thing, with the title track grooving on a slinking bassline, and single "Down by the Water" proving a decent hit. The mainstream came calling on 2001’s Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea, a Mercury winner featuring a sublime collaboration with Thom Yorke (“This Mess We’re In”).
Harvey’s next couple of releases weren’t quite as good, but fans would argue she’s released nothing but great work throughout her career, and listening to her latest work, it’s hard to disagree.