Another insanely impressive debut. PJ Harvey’s first album is the definition of raw energy. In her own words, she performed this album as if it would be her only chance to ever make one - and how fortunate we are that she was wrong. It feels like she was exploring another possible evolution of rock - this isn’t following in anyone’s footsteps. She ignores the broader alt-rock and grunge-rock trends and makes a path towards something totally her own. It’s both complementary and completely different to the other guitar rock of the day.

I didn’t register PJ Harvey’s music in youth because I was in my basement reading Guitar World, worshipping 20-year-old classic rock music and the occasional present-day guitar slinging band instead of keeping up with the times. And I would have undoubtedly loved her music. No ragrets, as they say - we’ll undoubtedly come across PJ many more times, and I can’t wait.

Jams

“O Stella”
“Dress”

From the roundup Jamwise #40 - Best Albums of 1992, pt. 2.