We have a collection of 2 arrangements for The Verve — Bitter Sweet Symphony
"Bitter Sweet Symphony" by The Verve is a song that was released in 1997 and became one of their most iconic tracks. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Sampling Controversy: The distinctive string arrangement in "Bitter Sweet Symphony" was sampled from an orchestral version of The Rolling Stones' song "The Last Time." The Verve initially obtained permission to use a small portion of the recording, but they ended up using a more extended section, leading to legal issues.
The Andrew Oldham Orchestra: The orchestral arrangement that forms the backbone of "Bitter Sweet Symphony" was originally composed and recorded by The Andrew Oldham Orchestra for a Rolling Stones tribute album titled "The Rolling Stones Songbook" in 1966.
Legal Battles: Due to the unauthorized use of the sample, The Verve faced legal challenges. As a result, they had to give up the rights to the song, and all royalties from "Bitter Sweet Symphony" were assigned to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the primary songwriters of The Rolling Stones.
Richard Ashcroft's Contribution: Despite the legal issues, Richard Ashcroft, the lead singer and songwriter of The Verve, was responsible for the lyrics and the melody of the song. His soulful and emotive vocals are a significant part of what makes the song memorable.
Chart Success: "Bitter Sweet Symphony" enjoyed considerable commercial success. It reached high chart positions in various countries and is often considered one of the defining songs of the late 1990s Britpop era.
Music Video: The music video for "Bitter Sweet Symphony" features Richard Ashcroft walking down a busy London street. The visual has become iconic, capturing the mood and tone of the song. The constant flow of people around Ashcroft in the video is often seen as a metaphor for life's struggles and challenges.
Cultural Impact: The song has been widely used in various films, TV shows, and commercials, contributing to its lasting cultural impact. Its use in the film "Cruel Intentions" and the Nike commercial featuring soccer star Eric Cantona are particularly noteworthy.
Album: "Bitter Sweet Symphony" is the opening track on The Verve's third studio album, "Urban Hymns," released in 1997. The album received critical acclaim and is considered one of the best albums of the 1990s.
Despite the legal challenges, "Bitter Sweet Symphony" remains a beloved and influential song, known for its lush orchestration and poignant lyrics.