LISTEN TO THE BEST RIDE SONGS IN STREAMING

The Thundering Sound of Ride: A Comprehensive Look into their Musical Evolution
As a music lover, you know how picking a favourite band is often like selecting a favourite child - a tough and personal decision. However, it is hard to deny that Ride, the iconic rock band that rose to fame back in the late 80s, has built a strong and loyal following with its unique blend of shoegaze, dream pop and alternative rock. In this article, we are going to get a closer look into Ride's musical journey, highlighting their best songs and performances that every music lover should know about.
The band was formed in 1988 in Oxford, England, by four young musicians - Andy Bell, Mark Gardener, Laurence Colbert, and Steve Queralt, all of them dissociating themselves from the mainstream pop and heavy rock scene prevalent in the UK at that time. With influences from The Byrds and The Jesus and Mary Chain, Ride came to its own with a sound that was characterized by heavy guitar feedback, washed-out vocals and layered/distorted melodies. Their debut album Nowhere released in 1990 is still considered a masterpiece of the shoegaze genre, featuring classics like Vapour Trail, Taste, and Decay.
Following the success of Nowhere, the band released three more studio albums, each with its unique style and sonic direction. Going Blank Again, their second album, saw Ride experimenting with a more upbeat, pop-driven sound while keeping their signature ethereal guitar layers and introspective lyrics. The album's high points include Leave Them All Behind, Chrome Waves, and Twisterella. Carnival of Light, their third album, was more experimental, with heavier layering of sounds, extended instrumentals, and eastern influences. Highlights of Carnival of Light include Birdman, Moonlight Medicine, and Crown of Creation. Finally, Tarantula, released in 1996, marked the end of the band's journey, with a more direct, aggressive rock style, departing from their usual shoegaze sound. Standout tracks include Black Nite Crash, How Does It Feel to Feel? and Dead Man.
As for Live performances, Ride has a long and rich history that spans over a decade of touring all over the world. Their reunion tour in 2015 was a massive success, spanning over fifty dates, and featuring a setlist designed to satisfy both the die-hard fans and the younger generation. Their live shows are known to be loud, energetic, and raw, with the members fully invested in the music and pouring their souls into every song.
It wouldn't be a complete overview of Ride's musical career without going through some of their most cherished and talked-about songs. Vapour Trail, a wistful love song, stands out for its poignant melody coupled with a layer of distorted guitar and ethereal effects. Leave Them All Behind is a quintessential Ride song that represents the band at their most anthemic and guitar-driven. Moonlight Medicine is another standout, boasting a killer bassline and an intricately layered wall of sound that reflects the band's more experimental side. Black Nite Crash, with its krautrock beat and psychedelic riffs, gives a glimpse of the raw energy that characterizes their later years.
Ride was never a band that chased the limelight or the commercial success that follows. It was always about the music, the process of making something unique and special, and pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable. Despite their relatively short career, Ride's music continues to influence and inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike, proving that true artistry knows no limits or boundaries. Whether you are an existing fan or a newcomer to the band, checking out Ride's music will be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.