Manchester is and always will be a city of music. From The Hollies in the sixties, to contemporary chart-toppers like The 1975 and Blossoms – the city has produced more than its fair share of world-class musicians.
Today people flock here from all over the world to share in the city’s musical heritage, which is evident on almost every street corner – from Salford Lads’ Club, the site of the iconic Smiths photo, to the apartment block that was once the Hacienda, the birthplace of the Madchester era.
While Wonderwall may be the first thing people think of when it comes to Manchester music, our city’s musical legacy runs much deeper than that. Here are some of the best albums made by Manchester bands and musicians.
5. Take That – Beautiful World (2006)
This 2006 album marked a hugely successful return to music for the pop four-piece – two of whom are from Manchester (Howard Donald is the other famous person from Tameside). It includes hits “Patience,” “Shine” and “Rule the World.” (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) | Getty Images
6. The Smiths – The Queen is Dead (1986)
If you’re unfamiliar with The Smiths and only recognise a couple of songs, they’re probably on this album. It includes the title track “The Queen is Dead” and “Bigmouth Strikes Again” – a phrase that can be used to describe anything Morissey does these days… (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
7. The Charlatans – Tellin’ Stories (1997)
The fifth studio album from The Charlatans includes the song “One to Another,” released after the band supported Oasis at their legendary Knebworth gig. (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images) | Getty Images
8. 10CC – The Original Soundtrack (1975)
The Original Soundtrack by 10CC, the band’s third studio album, is the record that gave the world the classic song “I’m Not in Love.” (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images) | Getty Images