Britpop Icons: Exploring the Prominent Bands of the 90s Era

The Big Four

The bands Oasis, Blur, Pulp, and Suede were not called the “Big Four” for nothing. Of the many bands involved in the Britpop scene, the four names were considered the most influential. It was seen by how impactful and successful they were for the Britpop movement in the 90s.

Blur

Blur was formed in London in 1988 with Damon Albarn as the frontman. During their career, the band had experienced the bittersweet of working in the music industry. Their debut album, Leisure, could not give the result they wanted despite having some good songs, and coupled with financial mismanagement at the time, trapped them in quite a large amount of debt. However, it was not until the release of their following albums, Modern Life is a Rubbish and Parklife, that they became successful and helped popularize the Britpop scene, making the band one of the pioneers.

Suede

The London Suede, or what is popular with the name Suede, was an English rock band formed in London in 1989. Suede consisted of Brett Anderson as vocals/singer, Richard Oakes as guitarist, Mat Osman as bassist, Neil Codling as keyboardist, and Simon Gilbert as drummer. Along with Blur, the band was believed to be the very first initiators of the Britpop movement, following their first single, The Drowners, which attracted attention for its contrast to American grunge. Suede then debuted their album in 1993 with the band’s name as the title that topped the UK Albums Chart and became the fastest-selling debut album at that time, helping to popularize the Britpop scene in the music industry.

Pulp

Pulp, the band consisting of Jarvis Cocker as lead singer, was one of the oldest bands in the Britpop era. Despite being in the music industry since formed in 1978 and having released their first two albums, It (1983) and Freaks (1987), Pulp was still hardly known by the public and considerably failed with their music. However, the following two albums, Separations (1992) and His ‘n’ Hers (1994), were a turning point for them. They began to get recognition from people in the UK. With the release of a single titled Common People, which preceded their fifth album, Different Class (1995), they reached their peak popularity and became one of the pioneers of Britpop.

Oasis

Oasis was formed in Manchester in 1991. The band of the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, were considered the most successful among the four bands. Their debut album, Definitely Maybe, was a breakthrough for them, topping the UK Album charts within a week and becoming the fastest-selling debut album in the UK at the time. Moreover, with the second album called (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, the band reached its peak popularity. Songs included in the album, such as Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back in Anger, made them gain massive success, becoming one of the biggest bands in the world at that time.

Song Recommendations

It's time to explore their work, as we have recommended some of the best songs below. Let's find out, and tell us your favorites in the comments!

That was a brief explanation of the Britpop icons for you. Now you know the names of prominent and influential bands during the Britpop era. You also have figured out some of their best work during their music career with the song recommendations.

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