When you talk about British indie music, 'The Stone Roses' - both the band and their self-titled debut album - are basically legends.
Released in 1989, this album helped shape the 'Madchester' scene, a psychedelic swirl of rock, dance, and a whole lot of swagger. It's the kind of album that made the band's bowl cuts and oversized jackets look effortlessly cool.
Today, we’re going to break down the album, give some much-needed props to the band members, and (attempt) to make sense of the trippy lyrics.
The Band: A Quick Roll Call of The Stone Roses
Let’s start by introducing the team behind this masterpiece, a quartet who couldn’t have looked more ’80s if they tried:
1. Ian Brown – The frontman with a voice like he’s half-asleep but still cooler than your entire family tree. He doesn’t so much sing as he casually drawls lyrics like he's too chill for life.
2. John Squire – Guitar wizard. He probably spent more time on his elaborate guitar riffs and solos than Brown spent learning to sing in tune (I say that with love).
3. Mani (Gary Mounfield) – The bassist who makes you want to sway like you’re standing in a field at a music festival, and life is just vibes.
4. Reni (Alan Wren) – The drummer with some of the silkiest rhythm you’ll hear. Reni’s ability to create beats you can dance to while still being a rock legend is the stuff of legends.
Now that we’ve got the band together, let’s dive into the actual music.
1. “I Wanna Be Adored” – The Anthem of Self-Absorption
What better way to kick off your debut album than with a song about wanting blind adoration? Ian Brown basically whispers his desires over a pulsating bassline. The intro is slow, creeping up on you with that smooth groove before the guitar swirls in like you’ve just been hit with a wave of cool.
Lyrically, it’s pretty straightforward. Ian wants to be adored—don’t we all? There’s a certain ego here, but the kind of ego that’s somehow endearing. It’s like saying, “I want to be adored, but I’m not going to try too hard.” The chorus is simple, almost hypnotic, and if you don’t find yourself muttering "I wanna be adored" by the third listen, you might be immune to good music.
2. “She Bangs the Drums” – The Indie Dancefloor Banger
Ah, the love song. But this isn't some cheesy, sappy ballad. No, “She Bangs the Drums” is a love letter to music itself. The lyrics suggest that music, not a person, is the true love interest here. With lines like "the past was yours but the future’s mine," it’s about embracing change, seizing the moment, and giving the middle finger to nostalgia.
The jangly guitars and tight rhythm section could make a statue start dancing. This is a song you want playing during a slow-motion montage of your life going epically right.
3. “Waterfall” – Escape Anthem for the Dreamers
Here’s where we get dreamy. "Waterfall" starts with John Squire’s iconic guitar riff that sounds like it was crafted by angels in a guitar shop. The song tells the story of a woman breaking free—presumably from a bad situation—and escaping to something better. The waterfall in the song could be a metaphor for rebirth, freedom, or, who knows, maybe just an actual waterfall. But you get the idea: this is about running away and starting fresh.
Also, bonus points for the subtle political undertones. Is the song a critique of Thatcher-era Britain? Probably. But who needs politics when the song makes you feel like you’re flying through a lush forest on the back of a unicorn?
4. “Don’t Stop” – Wait, Is This “Waterfall” Played Backwards?
Yes. Yes, it is. “Don’t Stop” is literally the backing track of “Waterfall” played in reverse, with new lyrics added. It’s like someone hit rewind, and the band just rolled with it. Trippy? Absolutely. But surprisingly, it works. The reversed guitar and vocals give the song an eerie, hypnotic quality, like you’ve stumbled into an alternate dimension where everything is sort of familiar but slightly off.
5. “Bye Bye Badman” – Revolution, But Make It Catchy
On the surface, this song might sound like another light-hearted groove. But dig deeper, and you’ll find it’s actually about the May 1968 student riots in Paris. "Bye Bye Badman" refers to the protesters saying goodbye to oppressive forces. You wouldn’t know it just from listening, though, because the upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm disguise the heavier meaning underneath.
The mention of citrus fruits in the lyrics is a nod to the protesters who used lemons to neutralize tear gas. So next time you’re singing along, remember: this isn’t just a banger, it’s revolutionary history.
6. “Elizabeth My Dear” – Short, Sweet, and Anti-Monarchy
This track is barely over a minute, but it doesn’t need to be longer. The melody is a reworking of the old folk song “Scarborough Fair,” but the lyrics take a sharp anti-monarchy stance. Basically, Ian Brown is telling Queen Elizabeth where to stick it. It’s cheeky, it’s bold, and it’s over before you even have time to wonder if you just listened to something treasonous.
7. “(Song for My) Sugar Spun Sister” – Candy-Coated Sadness
This track is more ambiguous. It's either about the superficiality of materialism, a bittersweet love story, or Ian Brown’s sugar addiction (okay, maybe not the last one). The lyrics are vague, but the chorus is pure sweetness. It’s another reminder of the band’s ability to blend melancholy with danceable rhythms.
8. “I Am the Resurrection” – The Greatest Breakup Song Ever?
The album ends with “I Am the Resurrection,” a triumphant middle finger to a lover, a friend, or maybe just life in general. The title suggests rebirth, rising from the ashes, and coming out stronger. And then there’s the infamous outro, a nearly five-minute instrumental jam that’ll make you want to air-guitar until your fingers cramp.
It’s an explosive finale, leaving no doubt that 'The Stone Roses' didn’t come to play - they came to conquer.
Conclusion: The Legacy of 'The Stone Roses'
In a nutshell, 'The Stone Roses’ debut album is a masterpiece that perfectly blends jangly guitars, rhythmic grooves, and a dose of nonchalant swagger.
Each track has something special, from dancefloor anthems to politically charged statements wrapped in catchy melodies. It’s the kind of album that, once you’ve heard it, you can’t help but think: "I wanna be adored" too.
Buy your Stone Roses prints
Now you've reminisced and remembered what a classic album 'The Stone Roses' was and, equally reminded yourself what a legendary band The Stones Rose were, why not have a browse of Striped Circle's range of music prints inspired by the iconic band. Have a gander here --> Stone Roses prints collection celebrates the iconic Manchester band – Striped Circle
And - a link to WIKI to read more about The Stone Roses is here too --> The Stone Roses - Wikipedia
