Goodbye Brat summer, hello Britpop fall!
With the news that rock legends Oasis have reunited after a 15 year split, my love for the mid-1990s music movement, Britpop, is bigger than ever. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks going down endless rabbit holes on the music, culture, and most alluring, the rivalries of the time.
Britpop houses many other iconic bands such as Blur, Suede, Pulp, Elastica, The Verve and Supergrass. Arguably the most pivotal moment in the era's history, though, was “The Battle of Britpop.”
The British press coined “The Battle of Britpop” as a representation of the chart war between Oasis and Blur in August of 1995.
Blur, formed in 1988, featured band members Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree. In 1994, they released their critically acclaimed third album, Parklife. The vibrant album features catchy lyrics that reflect 1990s British popular culture. Blur was characterizing their music to speak on British life, embracing the “cool Britannia” movement of the time (think Spice Girls Union Jack dress).
Oasis, fronted by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, rose to fame with the release of their debut album, Definitely Maybe, in 1994. The band's music had a more honest and raw sound, which resonated especially with young adults. Many of their Britannia references went over American audiences’ heads because they were hidden under the rock 'n' roll aspects of their music.
At the Brit Awards in February of 1995, Parklife and Definitely Maybe went head to head. At this point, it appeared that the two bands had mutual respect for each other. Blur ended up being the big winner of the night, as Parklife won them four Brit Awards that year, breaking the record for most Brit Awards won by an artist in a single night. During their acceptance speech for winning Best British Group of the Year, Damon famously said “I think this should have been shared with Oasis”: This showed fans and the media that even the bands recognized each other's talents and the rising competition between them.
This would mark the beginning of one of the biggest rivalries in British music history.
Both bands were set to release new albums in 1995, Oasis’s being (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and Blur’s being The Great Escape. What sparked tension, though, is that both bands decided to release singles for their albums on the exact same day. The media decided to capitalize on this and began using “The Battle of Britpop” in all things Blur versus Oasis. The battle spread like wildfire. People took sides with their favorite band as they waited to see who would top the charts on the week of the releases. As the pressures from fans and the press grew, the bands began to participate in the rivalry through media interviews.
Blur once again took the victory with their single “Country House,” hitting number one on the charts over Oasis’s “Roll With It.” It’s interesting that the big moment in “The Battle of Britpop” came down to the chart war between these two songs because neither are a great representation of the band’s work: Nobody really associates these songs with the band’s big hits anymore. Nonetheless, Blur was awarded the slot on the hit TV show, Top of the Pops, and Alex wore an Oasis t-shirt while they played, just to rub it in.
It was more than determining which band was better, as it also became a competition between the north and south sides of England. Oasis was proudly from the north, specifically Manchester, and many viewed them as representing the working class. Blur started while they were in college in London. Oasis would often tease Blur for being spoiled art school kids. This distinction of class and geographical pride within the respective bands only added more fuel to the fire behind the tensions.
By the time the 1996 Brit Awards came along, both band’s respective albums were out and the competition was still going strong. Oasis finally took a win, gaining three Brit Awards that night. During their speech for winning Best Album, Liam and Noel mockingly sang the chorus of Blur's title track, “Parklife,” sending a message right back to their rivals.
The feud would continue on even after Blur split in 2003 and Oasis in 2009. Fans today still take a stance on whether they are team Blur or Oasis, which often manifests as arguments online over which one is better. People jump straight into the rivalry just because it was such an iconic moment in pop culture, but the continuation of online discourse leaves me to wonder: Why can’t we just leave it in the ’90s?
Both bands played major roles in propelling British music onto the world stage. They each came out with critically acclaimed albums that brought hope back into the lyrics of rock and pop music, a response to the often pessimistic grunge movement going on in 1990s America.
Oasis gave the Gallagher brothers a megaphone that amplified their already large personalities. Liam, with his authentic outspoken personality and unique vocals, was a perfect lead singer for Noel’s illustrious songwriting. Arrogant, but brilliant, they represented “Rock ’n’ Roll”.
Even if you don’t know what Blur is, you probably know some of their songs. For example, their 1997 hit, “Song 2,” is a sporting event classic. It even played at the big Miami vs University of Cincinnati game this past weekend. Blur also paved the way for Damon to create his next project: He revolutionized the music scene once again with the virtual band, Gorillaz, which released their first album in 2001.
With Oasis getting ready to go on their reunion tour in 2025 and Blur having recently finished their own reunion tour in 2023, it’s a good reminder that these bands have both individually created a huge impact on music and feature timeless hits that we should all still be listening to.
Here are a few personal favorite songs from both bands that are a great start for your Britpop fall playlists:
“Tender” by Blur
From their 1999 album, 13, “Tender” is a heartbreak anthem about searching for love again. Featuring poignant lyrics and a power gospel choir’s backing vocals, this song is my all time favorite Blur track. It also gets bonus points for being used in a scene in the 2022 film, Aftersun, that makes me cry every time I watch it.
“Don’t Look Back In Anger” By Oasis
The fourth track on (What's the Story) Morning Glory? is an anthem that if you’re lucky enough to hear in a large crowd (such as a sporting event or the Oasis reunion tour…) will get everyone singing along.
“The Universal” By Blur
Off of the 1995 The Great Escape album, “The Universal” is one of those songs that makes me feel like I could levitate (a power the good use of string instruments often has over me).
“Slide Away” By Oasis
Once you listen to the Definitely Maybe album version, I highly recommend looking up the video for the 2009 iTunes Festival performance. It was recorded just a couple of weeks before the band’s split and you can really feel the tension between the brothers.
“Beetlebum” By Blur
With lyrics largely speculated to be about drug addiction, “Beetlebum” comes from Blur’s 1997 self titled album that stepped away from the catchy pop tunes and fell into a more alternative indie sound that gave the band a new wave of life.
“Half The World Away” By Oasis
This acoustic song featuring Noel on lead vocals was originally a B-Side track to single, “Whatever” from Definitely Maybe. It soon became a staple of Noel’s acoustic set during Oasis concerts and reflects feelings of wanting to move away and find life in a new place (very relatable as a senior in college).
You can find these songs and some extra favorite tunes on a playlist here.
It’s time to put the “Battle of Britpop” behind us and celebrate the music for what it was made for.
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