The Stone Roses: What This Record Means to Me

The 1989 self-titled debut release of Manchester pop-group The Stone Roses will forever be regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. Ian Brown's dreamy, whispered vocals over John Squire's jangling guitars, backed with Reni's immense drumming ability and Mani's impeccable driving basslines makes the record a classic. Due to managerial problems and a turbulent relationship between members of the band, The Stone Roses never seriously reached the heights of their debut LP ever again, however, the incredible tracks on that album have stood the test of time in Britain's indie scene, and will always continue to do so.

Ian Brown c.1989

The opening track, I Wanna Be Adored, speaks out to any lonely soul, not unlike myself, and is relatable to almost anybody. The fact that the lyrics to the song are contained in three repeated lines, although maybe unintentional, emphasise every word in it's simplicity.

The album continues into the dark yet dreamy world of the late '80s Manchester indie scene, She Bangs The Drums providing a sing-a-long for any fan and Waterfall emulating the jingle-jangle guitars of the 1960s. Waterfall flows into it's reverse, a trippy number called Don't Stop.

Track 8 is where, for me, the album becomes relevant. Made of Stone's harrowing chorus, 'Sometimes I fantasise, when the streets are cold and lonely,' embodies the spirit of the band, four dreamers hoping to leave the dingy streets of 1980s Manchester forever. The song connects with me. Living in suburban Worcestershire, the crime rates may not be as high as 1980s Manchester, and the living conditions are most certainly better. However, there is nothing here, which is where the comparison is drawn. I'd love nothing more than to leave this place. For a sixteen year old, Bromsgrove is a prison, where the offenders revel in gossip, God-awful dance music, and the ambition to move on to a bigger, better life.

This Is The One tells the, slightly beautiful and slightly strange, story of a girl's first orgasm. Through cryptic lyrics and the dark, atmospheric silences, one could never guess, apart from, 'A girl consumed by fire, we all know her desire... This is the one she's waited for.'

The Stone Roses c.1989

The record rounds off with I Am The Resurrection; the embodiment of high self-esteem and blasphemy. Whilst jibing at Christianity and promoting self-empowerment, the whole band reveal themselves as true musical geniuses. Brown's anthemic chorus vocals are just as good as John Squire's stunning lead guitar. And Mani's instantly recognisable,  and beautifully composed bassline is just as good as Reni's backing vocals and expert drum fills. The whole band are as good as one another, and the standard is so incredibly high. When the song breaks down for it's final, four minute jam-session and then comes to a sudden halt, you realise that you've spent forty-five minutes in the company of legends.

The album and the band go hand-in-hand as a message of escape, escaping whatever dull life you lead and dreaming of something better. The record will live on forever as it really is a masterpiece.

Myself, holding the Stone Roses LP