Stories from the city, stories from the sea was released on 23 October 2000 and arrived at a particularly exciting point in PJ Harvey's career. By then, she had already built a reputation for making bold, intense and often challenging records, but this album felt a little different. Rather than stripping things back or pushing further into darkness, she channelled that energy into a collection of songs that felt immediate, confident and surprisingly accessible. It went on to become one of her most celebrated releases and remains a key part of her catalogue.

What makes the album so appealing is the way it balances raw rock energy with a sense of excitement and possibility. Inspired in part by time spent in New York, the songs have the feeling of being swept along by a busy city at night - full of movement, emotion and flashes of romance. The guitars are powerful without being overwhelming, the melodies are memorable, and PJ Harvey sounds completely in command throughout. There's a warmth and openness here that sets it apart from some of her earlier work, while still retaining the edge that makes her music so distinctive.

Standout tracks are easy to find, from the driving rush of 'Big Exit' and the infectious 'Good Fortune' to the brilliant duet 'This Mess We're In' with Thom Yorke. 'This Is Love' brings another burst of energy, while the closing 'We Float' leaves the album on a beautifully uplifting note. More than two decades later, the record still feels fresh because it captures a perfect balance between artistic ambition and pure listenability. It's the sort of album you can put on for a single favourite track and end up playing all the way through. That's a big part of its lasting appeal and why it's still such a rewarding album to revisit.