What makes Down by the Water by PJ Harvey notable?

The album features the hit single 'Down by the Water', which reached number five on the UK Singles Chart and showcased Harvey's unique blend of alternative rock and folk influences. Its impact extended into the cultural sphere as it was emblematic of the mid-90s music scene, contributing to Harvey's status as a pivotal figure in female-led rock. Released in January 1995, 'Down by the Water' marked PJ Harvey's third studio album and solidified her reputation following the critical acclaim of 'Rid of Me'. At this point in her career, she navigated between raw emotional expression and sophisticated songwriting, setting a precedent for future alternative rock artists.

How many songs are on Down by the Water?

Down by the Water has 3 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Down by the Water

PJ Harvey · 1995

11 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

Eerie melodies intertwine with haunting lyrics, creating a dark, atmospheric landscape that lingers long after the last note fades.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Down by the Water — This track is a haunting exploration of loss and longing, characterized by its memorable chorus and stark imagery that resonates throughout the album.
→
Lying in the Sun — The song juxtaposes serene instrumentation with darker lyrical themes, showcasing Harvey's ability to blend beauty with melancholy seamlessly.
→
Somebody’s Down, Somebody’s Name — With its introspective lyrics and somber tone, this track encapsulates the emotional depth of the album, reflecting on identity and connection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The record combines strong songwriting with atmospheric production, making it memorable and distinct within its genre.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent, repetitive bass line that drives the song forward while layered vocals create a haunting atmosphere.
The second track introduces a more subdued tempo with sparse instrumentation, allowing the lyrics to take center stage.
The final track employs a dissonant chord progression that creates tension and leaves the listener with an unresolved feeling.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified PJ Harvey's reputation after critical acclaim of 'Rid of Me'.
Career context: Released in January 1995, 'Down by the Water' marked PJ Harvey's third studio album and solidified her reputation following the critical acclaim of 'Rid of Me'. At this point in her career, she navigated between raw emotional expression and sophisticated songwriting, setting a precedent for future alternative rock artists.
Stylistic neighbors: Anna Calvi· Bat for Lashes· St. Vincent