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

This Is HardcorePulp

Pulp – This Is Hardcore (Kids Version)

After an album becomes a massive hit, the next one is where a rock band’s true worth is put to the test—or maybe not; I’m not sure.

What is certain, though, is that after Pulp scored a hit with the 1995 album Different Class, they had an incredibly hard time making their next record, This Is Hardcore.

With the public expecting them to top their previous release, tensions flared within the band, and the result was a heavy, oppressive sound that seemed to mirror that situation exactly.

Cut Some RugThe Bluetones

Cut Some Rug

The Bluetones are a London rock band that made a big splash in 1995, at the height of the Britpop movement.

They specialize in indie rock and guitar pop, and are particularly acclaimed for their guitar pop.

Their sound is exceptionally delicate, and stands out as distinctive among the bands active during the Britpop era.

Their classic album is Expecting to Fly.

Even now, long after the end of Britpop, the band continues to be active.

Be sure to check them out.

AlrightCast

Alright

Cast, the rock band from Liverpool that garnered overwhelming popularity.

They were especially active during the Britpop movement of the 1990s, and after their debut they placed ten consecutive songs in the UK Top 10.

When it comes to their classic album, many people likely think of All Change.

This was their debut album and it sold over one million copies worldwide.

Their live performances are also highly acclaimed, so be sure to check out live shows where songs from this album are performed.

What’s Inside Is More Than Just HamFeet

FEET – What’s Inside Is More Than Just Ham [Official Audio]

Feet are a British rock band known to those in the know.

They debuted in 2019, so they weren’t right in the thick of the Britpop movement, but they’ve clearly inherited the sound and atmosphere of that era.

Some aspects of their sound feel relatively fresh, but it’s largely shaped into something nostalgic that evokes the time.

On their classic album “What’s Inside Is More Than Just Ham,” you can savor a contemporary take on Britpop.

LovelifeLush

Lovelife

Lush are a London-based rock band formed in 1987.

Known for their distinctive use of feedback noise, they were active during the heyday of Britpop.

As their frequent use of falsetto vocals suggests, their sound is gentle, and they excel in genres like dream pop and noise pop.

Their album Lovelife is a classic that showcases their unique musicality, which stood out as unconventional within Britpop at the time.

Lucky ManThe Verve

Lucky Man (Remastered)

Lucky Man is a track included on The Verve’s third album, Urban Hymns, released in 1997.

It’s a quintessential Verve song, where the sweeping string arrangement pairs perfectly with Richard Ashcroft’s soaring vocals.

Beyond The Verve, Richard Ashcroft has also contributed vocals to The Chemical Brothers’ electronica track The Test and to U.

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, James Lavelle’s project, on the song Lonely Soul.

If The Verve caught your interest, be sure to check those out too!