"Is This Desire?" is the fourth studio album by English musician PJ Harvey, released on September 28, 1998, by Island Records. This album showcases a shift in Harvey's sound, incorporating more atmospheric and experimental elements compared to her earlier work.
Thematically, Is This Desire? delves into complex emotions surrounding love, longing, and identity, featuring intricate lyrics and haunting melodies. It includes notable tracks such as "A Perfect Day Elise" and "The Wind."
In 2021, the album was re-released on vinyl, alongside a compilation of demo tracks titled Is This Desire? - Demos, offering fans a deeper insight into the creative process behind the album.
Is This Desire? was a pivotal album for PJ Harvey, marking a significant artistic evolution as she moved away from her earlier guitar-driven rock sound toward more atmospheric and introspective soundscapes. The album was recorded over an extended period between April 1997 and April 1998 in Somerset and London, with Harvey collaborating closely with co-producers Flood and Head.
In interviews, Harvey expressed deep pride in the album, highlighting its emotional weight and the challenges she faced during its creation. She noted that despite the difficulties, the album represented a fearless exploration of new musical territory, allowing her to experiment without concern for outside opinions. John Parish, who worked on the album, mentioned how its production involved both small and large studio environments, which led to some compromises in maintaining a cohesive sound.
The album also features printed lyrics for the first time, inviting listeners to engage more deeply with its poetic content. Notably, the track "The Wind" draws inspiration from local geography and cultural traditions, reflecting Harvey's connection to her surroundings.
Overall, Is This Desire? is celebrated not only for its innovative sound but also for the emotional depth and vulnerability that permeate its lyrics.
