Origins of Britpop

By: Emily Eade

Trying to find a new genre of music to listen to? I can suggest the pop sub-genre Britpop. This sensation that emphasized Britishness had its earliest developments in 1992. This genre is seen as a catchier alternative rock that took many influences from 1960s pop music, glam and punk rock of the 1970s, and 1980s indie pop. 

Britpop was popularized by the “Big Four”: Blur, Oasis, Pulp, and Suede. 

Blur are known for their songwriting, smart delivery, and unique stylistic range that no other ‘90s band could match. The London-formed band was founded in 1988 by members; Damon Albarn (singer), Graham Coxon (guitarist), Alex James (bassist), and Dave Rowntree (drummer). Throughout the years the band would disband a few times, most recently getting back together in 2023. Their discography consists of nine albums, the most popular being Blur (1997). The band would have an influence on musicians such as Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand just to name a few. 

Oasis was known for their nasally sound, incendiary lyrics, and rebellious antics. The band was founded in Manchester, England during the early years of the 1990s by members; Liam Gallagher (lead vocals), Noel Gallagher (lead guitarist), Paul Arthurs (guitarist), Paul McGuigan (bassist), and Tony MaCarroll (drummer). The Manchester band would disband in 2009 indefinitely after a feud between the Gallagher brothers. Their discography consists of seven studio albums, the most known being Definitely Maybe (1994). The band would influence many musicians from the Killers to the Strokes. 

Pulp are known for their rock sound, sardonic antics, and wise yet provocative lyrics. The Sheffield band was founded in 1978 by member; Jarvis Cocker, during their peak the band consisted of Jarvis Cocker (vocals), Russell Senior (guitarist), Paul Arthurs (guitarist), Candida Doyle (keyboardist), Nick Banks (drummer), Steve Mackey (bassist), and Mark Webber (guitarist). The band was considered to be Britpop due to them reaching the peak of their popularity during the 1990s, but tried their hardest to stay as far away from that title as possible. Their discography consists of seven studio albums, the most popular being Different Class (1995). 

Suede also known as The London Suede were known for their depictions and combination of glam rock and post-punk, as well as their stage presence. The London band was founded in 1989 by Brett Anderson (singer), Justine Frishmann (guitarist), and Mat Osman (bassist). The band was dubbed by Melody Maker to be “The best new band in Britain” in 1992 which led to the band getting more attention from the music press. Their discography consists of nine studio albums, the most popular being their self-titled album (1993). The band would disband indefinitely in 2003 after commercial disappointment. 

There are so many bands that are considered to be Britpop, but these are the “big four.” Blur is considered to be the founder of this subgenre. Blur and Oasis continue to be the face of what we know as Britpop, whereas Pulp and Suede didn’t care for the title and would like to stay as far away from it as possible