1990s
1995 in British Music
The Battle of Britpop — Oasis vs Blur, Knebworth, and the peak of Cool Britannia.
The Story of 1995
Britpop's imperial phase. The Blur versus Oasis chart battle was the most hyped music event since Live Aid. Blur moved 'Country House' to the same week as Oasis's 'Roll With It' – a manufactured rivalry that the media lapped up. Blur won the single battle, but Oasis won the album war: '(What's the Story) Morning Glory?' was a phenomenon, 'Wonderwall', 'Don't Look Back in Anger' and 'Champagne Supernova' making them the biggest band in the world. Pulp released 'Different Class', their masterpiece, 'Common People' the definitive Britpop anthem. The year defined Cool Britannia – Tony Blair was cosying up to Noel Gallagher, Britpop was in Downing Street, and British culture felt dominant. The Britpop scene was broader than the headlines: Supergrass released 'I Should Coco', with 'Alright' capturing summer perfectly. Radiohead released 'The Bends', showing Britpop could have emotional depth. Tricky released 'Maxinquaye', trip-hop's dark heart. Massive Attack's 'Protection' was beautiful. The Prodigy's 'Firestarter' was recorded. The year was extraordinary in its richness. But the cracks in Britpop's blokey, laddish culture were starting to show.
Key Events
The Blur vs Oasis chart battle — 'Country House' vs 'Roll With It' — becomes a national event
Oasis release (What's the Story) Morning Glory? — the defining Britpop album
Pulp release Different Class, including the anthem 'Common People'
Radiohead release The Bends — Britpop's darker, smarter cousin
Robbie Williams leaves Take That, beginning one of the biggest solo careers in British history
Knebworth — Oasis play to 250,000 people over two nights
Dominant Genres
Notable Trends
- →Cool Britannia puts British culture in the spotlight
- →Blur/Oasis rivalry dominates tabloids
- →Britpop's commercial peak
Key Artists of 1995
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