[UK Music] A Britpop masterpiece. One recommended album.

Richard IIISupergrass

Richard III

Even though we lump it all together as “Britpop,” the sounds vary widely—from styles close to hard rock to those bordering on shoegaze.

If you’re someone who just wants clear, dynamic tunes above all else, Supergrass is highly recommended.

Formed around the strikingly sideburned vocalist-guitarist Gaz Coombes, Supergrass’s hallmark is a catchy, pop-leaning sound with a punk edge.

Their second studio album, In It for the Money, released in 1997, offers a refreshing rock sound brimming with exhilarating drive.

The Drugs Don’t WorkThe Verve

The Drugs Don’t Work

The Verve is a band whose great appeal lies in the charisma and vocal prowess of frontman Richard Ashcroft.

Their third album, Urban Hymns (1997), is a career-defining record that showcases a grand, psychedelic rock sound enriched with strings and piano.

In addition to the single The Drugs Don’t Work, it features timeless classics like Bitter Sweet Symphony—songs that seem to loop in your head forever after a single listen.

Be sure to experience The Verve’s signature, floating soundscape!

BeetlebumBlur

Beetlebum

Blur, a band that influenced the global alternative rock scene in the 1990s.

Their impact at the time was tremendous, and in the UK they were hailed as the second coming of The Kinks and The Beatles.

This acclaimed album, The Best of Blur, showcases that legacy.

Many tracks blend alternative rock with strong indie rock elements, and each piece stands out with its own distinctive character.

As one of the quintessential Britpop bands, it’s a must-check for anyone looking to dive into Britpop.

ConnectionElastica

Connection

Elastica is a great band you can’t ignore when talking about Britpop.

Hailing from London, they excel at alternative rock, indie rock, punk rock, and post-rock.

They had a huge following from their 1992 debut, but gained even greater popularity after releasing their self-titled album, Elastica.

It’s an album that showcases their high level of musicianship—delivering a full-fledged rock sound while enjoying idol-like popularity.

TattvaKula Shaker

Kula Shaker Tattva

Kula Shaker is a band formed around Crispian Mills, a handsome vocalist-guitarist who also worked as a model.

The band’s musical theme is, quite simply, “India.” Their major appeal lies in a sound brimming with the groove of 1960s psychedelic rock, faithfully recreated, and a distinctive worldview infused with Crispian’s love for India—he is also a Buddhist.

Perhaps due to resentment over Crispian’s upper-class background, they faced heavy media bashing and disbanded after releasing two albums.

They reunited in 2006, have performed at Fuji Rock, and continue to enjoy enduring popularity.

CarouselsDoves

Carousels

Doves are a rock band from Manchester.

They originally performed under the name Sub Sub.

The band excels in alternative rock, psychedelic rock, and indie rock, and among the groups that thrived during the Britpop movement, their sharp, punchy sound is particularly striking.

The Universal Want is one of their standout albums, a latest release where you can experience their evolved rock sound.

SleepMarion

Marion – Sleep

Marion, a rock band from Manchester that won popularity among many listeners for their distinctive musical style.

They’re a band marked by the striking contrast between their pleasantly clear vocals and their extremely rough-hewn guitar sound—a combination that has earned them high praise even from hardcore Britpop aficionados.

A classic album packed with Marion’s appeal is This World & Body.

Although the band eventually faded away, the songs they left behind still shine today.

Be sure to check them out.