This Month in Music - Classic Albums from August
Definitely Maybe – Oasis (29 August 1994)
Oasis’s debut album Definitely Maybe dropped on 29 August 1994 in the UK, marking a seismic moment in ’90s Britpop. It smashed records to become the fastest-selling debut of its era, fuelled by swaggering anthems like “Live Forever” and “Supersonic.” Every listen still brims with youthful rebellion and swagger that defined a generation.
Buy Definitely Maybe
Forth – The Verve (25 August 2008)
A triumphant return from one of Britain’s most beloved ’90s bands, Forth arrived on 25 August 2008. It reunited the classic line‑up for the first time since Urban Hymns’ 1997 zenith. From the shimmering, introspective single “Love Is Noise” to symphonic swells across the album, it reminded us all why The Verve matter. Forth showcased their maturity—and soul—two decades in.
Year of the Dog…Again – DMX (1 August 2006)
US rap icon DMX returned with Year of the Dog…Again, released 1 August 2006 in the UK. This album delivered gritty intensity and raw stories over powerful beats—reminding listeners why DMX’s bark was always more powerful than his bite.
Medúlla – Björk (30 August 2004)
Icelandic innovator Björk unleashed Medúlla on 30 August 2004 in the UK—a daring, voice-centric masterpiece. Composed largely of human vocals and experimental sounds, the album stretches the boundaries of what pop can be, from beatboxing to Inuit throat singing. Still singular and mesmerising two decades on.
Buy Medulla on CD
Devotion – Jessie Ware (20 August 2012)
Sophisti-pop star Jessie Ware made waves with her debut Devotion, released 20 August 2012 in the UK. Smooth soul-pop arrangements, lush R&B production, and emotive vocals quickly established her as a fresh and refined voice on the scene.
Unwanted – Pale Waves (12 August 2022)
Manchester’s Pale Waves brought Unwanted to the UK on 12 August 2022—an unapologetically punchy pop-punk album with emotional grit and glam rock flair. This one’s more raw, more angsty, and showcases a band confident in carving their own lane.
Final Thoughts
August is a month that’s delivered genre-defining albums—from Britpop debuts and gritty hip-hop to boundary-pushing experiments and refreshingly modern pop. Each record offers a snapshot of its era, proving that great music truly transcends time.
What August releases are essential to you? Was Definitely Maybe a first listen, or did Medúlla blow your mind? Let us know in the comments or tag us on socials!