2024 will forever be remembered as the year of Shed Seven. Not only did the band achieve their first-ever UK Number One album with A Matter of Time in January, but they followed it up in September with another chart-topper, Liquid Gold. This staggering accomplishment places them among an elite group of just 20 artists to claim two UK Number One albums in a single calendar year. With A Matter of Time, Shed Seven didn’t just return—they roared back to the forefront of British music, reminding us why their brand of Britpop brilliance remains so beloved.
A Record Worth the Wait
Released on January 5, 2024, after a six-year wait, A Matter of Time feels like a culmination of Shed Seven’s 30-year journey. The album dives headlong into the band’s roots while embracing a renewed sense of creative energy. Each track radiates confidence, passion, and purpose, showing a band that has not only grown but also remained firmly connected to their identity. It’s an exhilarating mix of euphoric anthems, reflective ballads, and moments of raw vulnerability—all woven together with the unmistakable flair of Rick Witter’s vocals and Paul Banks’ sharp song writing.
Unforgettable Live Moments: York Museum Gardens
For fans, the magic of A Matter of Time was brought vividly to life at Shed Seven’s homecoming show at York Museum Gardens as well as huge tour dates across the UK. This electrifying performance wasn’t just a gig—it was a celebration of their legacy and future. The adrenaline-pumping opener, “Let’s Go,” set the night ablaze with its high-octane riffs and pounding rhythm, encapsulating the energy that fuels the entire album.
“Talk of the Town” soared with its intricate blend of acoustic and electric textures, while the poignant closer, “Throwaways” (featuring Pete Doherty), left the audience spellbound. To see the album’s highlights performed in such an iconic setting was a reminder of Shed Seven’s ability to turn songs into communal experiences, binding generations of fans together in shared euphoria.
Track Highlights for Editor-in-Chief Adam Graver
- “Let’s Go”: At just over two minutes, this opener is a relentless burst of energy. Its rock-and-roll swagger, driven by tight percussion and choir-like backing vocals, immediately grabs your attention. It’s a mission statement: Shed Seven are here to make their mark.
- “Talk of the Town”: This track pairs a steady, acoustic-driven verse with a dynamic, distortion-heavy chorus. The melodic interplay of guitar and vocals creates a sense of movement and urgency, capped off with a thrilling middle-eight that builds to an anthemic final refrain.
- “Throwaways” (featuring Pete Doherty): The album’s emotional centre-piece and its longest track, “Throwaways” is a beautifully layered masterpiece. Doherty’s distinct vocals blend seamlessly with Witter’s, creating an achingly raw duet that lingers long after the final note. Strings and harmonies nod to Britpop’s orchestral heyday, closing the album on an unforgettable high.
A Historic Achievement
Shed Seven’s accomplishments with A Matter of Time and its follow-up, Liquid Gold, are nothing short of historic. Securing two UK Number One albums in a single year is a feat that places them in a rare air of acts like Adele and Arctic Monkeys. It’s a testament to the band’s enduring appeal, their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, and their unparalleled connection with their fans.
This milestone also speaks to their relevance in a changing musical landscape. While A Matter of Time is steeped in Britpop’s glory days, its themes of longing, resilience, and rediscovery resonate across generations, making it as vital today as Shed Seven’s classic hits were in the ‘90s.
A Landmark Year for a Landmark Album
What makes A Matter of Time such a triumph is its emotional scope and musical richness. It’s an album that captures the joy of rediscovery, the bittersweetness of reflection, and the thrill of moving forward. Every track feels meticulously crafted, yet bursting with the raw energy and sincerity that have always defined Shed Seven’s music.
For longtime fans, this album is a reward for decades of loyalty, a reminder of why Shed Seven became a defining voice of their era. For new listeners, it’s a perfect entry point—a record that captures everything that makes this band great while standing proudly as a modern masterpiece.
The Front Row Verdict: An Instant Classic
Shed Seven’s A Matter of Time isn’t just one of the best albums of 2024—it’s one of the defining albums of their career. It’s a bold, heartfelt statement from a band at the height of their powers, proving that their music can still unite, inspire, and thrill like never before.
Here’s to Shed Seven, A Matter of Time, and a year that will forever be etched in Britpop history. Stay tuned for more entries in our Albums of the Year 2024 series right here on The Front Row.
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