The 25 best albums of 1997

21 January 2024, 08:00 | Updated: 11 March 2025, 17:05

Do you remember the year of Urban Hymns, OK Computer, Monkey Wrench, Around The World and Be Here Now...?

By Radio X

@RadioX

1. Daft Punk - Homework: released on 20th January 1997

   The French dance duo released their debut album, which included Da Funk and Around The World.

   

2. David Bowie - Earthling: released on 3rd February 1997

   Bowie's 21st LP was his "drum & bass" album; it featured the tracks Little Wonder, I'm Afraid Of Americans and Dead Man Walking.

   

3. Blur - Blur: released on 10th February

   Damon Albarn and co released their self-titled fifth album, which included the hits Song 2 and Beetlebum.

   

4. Mansun - Attack Of The Grey Lantern: released on 17th February 1997

   Chester's finest released their debut concept album, which included Taxloss, Wide Open Space and Stripper Vicar.

   

5. James - Whiplash: released on 24th February 1997

   

   The Manchester band's seventh album featured the tracks Tomorrow, Waltzing Along and She's A Star.

6. U2 - Pop: released on 3rd March 1997

   The Irish band's follow-up to the hugely-successful Achtung Baby and the experimental Zooropa received a mixed response from fans, although it scored a No 1 single in Discotheque. Also included were the tracks Staring At The Sun, Last Night On Earth and If God Will Send His Angels.

   

7. The Chemical Brothers - Dig Your Own Hole: released on 7th April

   The duo release their second album, which included Setting Sun (which featured Noel Gallagher) and Block Rockin' Beats.

   

8. Depeche Mode - Ultra: released on 14th April 1997

   The ninth album from the Basildon electro-pioneers included the tracks It's No Good and Barrel Of A Gun.

   

9. The Charlatans - Tellin' Stories: released on 21st April 1997

   The band released their fifth album, which included One To Another and North Country Boy.

   

10. Supergrass - In It For The Money: released on 21st April 1997

    The trio released their second album, which included the singles Richard III and Late In The Day.

    

11. Foo Fighters - The Colour And The Shape: released on 20th May 1997

    Dave Grohl's band released their second album, which included Monkey Wrench and Everlong.

    

12. The Seahorses - Do It Yourself: released on 26th May 1997

    John Squire's post-Stone Roses project issued their only studio album, which included Love Is The Law and Blinded By The Sun.

    

13. Radiohead - OK Computer: released on 16th June 1997

    The band's game-changing third album is released. Tracks include Paranoid Android, Karma Police and No Surprises.

    

14. Spiritualized - Ladies And Gentlemen, We Are Floating In Space: released on 16th June 1997

    Jason Pierce's space rockers release their third album, which includes I Think I'm In Love and Broken Heart.

    

15. Paul Weller - Heavy Soul: released on 23rd June 1997

    The Modfather's fourth solo album included the hit Peacock Suit.

    

16. The Prodigy - The Fat Of The Land: released on 30th June 1997

    The band's third album features the controversial Smack My Bitch Up and the No 1 hit Firestarter.

    

17. Primal Scream - Vanishing Point: released on 7th July 1997

    Bobby Gillespie and co's fifth album featured the singles Kowalski, Star and Burning Wheel.

    

18. The Dandy Warhols - ...The Dandy Warhols Come Down: released on 15th July 1997

    The second studio album from the Portland, Oregon outfit featured the solid gold bangers Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth and Every Day Should Be a Holiday.

    

19. Oasis - Be Here Now: released on 21st August 1997

    The brothers Gallagher released their third album, the follow-up to the hugely-successful (What's The Story) Morning Glory? It becomes the fastest selling UK album to date. Hits include Stand By Me and D'You Know What I Mean?

    

20. Stereophonics - Word Gets Around: released on 25th August 1997

    One of the strongest debuts for a long time, the Welsh trio's first outing featured an impressive roster of hits: Local Boy In The Photograph, A Thousand Trees, More Life In A Tramp's Vest and the evergreen Traffic.

    

21. Super Furry Animals - Radiator: released on 25th August 1997

    The second album from the Welsh wizards featured The International Language Of Screaming and Play It Cool.

    

22. Travis - Good Feeling: released on 8th September 1997

    The band's debut album is released, and included All I Want To Do Is Rock and Happy.

    

23. Finlay Quaye - Maverick A Strike: released on 22nd September 1997

    The Scottish musician's acclaimed debut included the hits Sunday Shining, Even After All and It's Great When We're Together.

    

24. The Verve - Urban Hymns: released on 29th September 1997

    Richard Ashcroft's band released their third album this year. It included Bittersweet Symphony, Lucky Man, Sonnet and the No 1 hit The Drugs Don't Work.

    

25. Green Day - Nimrod: released on 14th October 1997

    The pop punk trio's fifth full-length album featured 18 tracks, the most famous of which was Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life).