Ranking the 90's Best Britpop Albums

It wasn't just music - it was an identity!

If you lived through the ’90s—or just wish you had—there’s no escaping the sound of Britpop. Born in the UK as a cheeky, guitar-driven reaction to American grunge, Britpop was all about local pride, catchy hooks, and turning everyday life into an anthem. It wasn’t just music—it was an identity.

With bands like Oasis and Blur duking it out in the charts (and the tabloids), Britpop quickly went from underground to unstoppable. Whether you were in a Manchester pub or a Muskoka living room, the swagger and sound of this era made an impact.

So let’s break it down. Here are our top 10 Britpop albums from the 1990s—ranked, remembered, and still on heavy rotation at The Bay 88.7.

1. Oasis – (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
The crown jewel of Britpop. From “Wonderwall” to “Champagne Supernova,” this album was a cultural moment. It’s got attitude, heart, and just the right amount of arrogance.
Essential track: “Don’t Look Back in Anger”

2. Blur – Parklife (1994)
With its mix of satire, swagger, and pure pop joy, Parklife turned Blur into household names. Damon Albarn's lyrics painted a picture of quirky British life, and the music was just as playful.
Essential track: “Girls & Boys”

3. The Verve – Urban Hymns (1997)
Sweeping, emotional, and genre-defying. Urban Hymns brought depth and introspection to Britpop. “Bitter Sweet Symphony” became an anthem, but the entire album is haunting and heartfelt.
Essential track: “Bitter Sweet Symphony”

4. Pulp – Different Class (1995)
Jarvis Cocker’s kitchen-sink dramas turned indie rock into high art. Equal parts awkward and brilliant, this album captured British life in technicolour.
Essential track: “Common People”

5. Supergrass – I Should Coco (1995)
Their best-selling and most joyful release, I Should Coco was pure, youthful chaos. Supergrass made being young and wild sound like the greatest thing in the world.
Essential track: “Alright”

6. Suede – Coming Up (1996)
Glam, glossy, and totally confident, Coming Up was Suede’s commercial peak. With its sleek production and Brett Anderson’s dramatic flair, it still dazzles.
Essential track: “Trash”

7. Ash – 1977 (1996)
Bringing pop-punk energy to Britpop’s melodic heart, Ash’s 1977 was raw, youthful, and full of massive hooks. This Northern Irish trio stood out with a sound that buzzed with teen energy.
Essential track: “Girl From Mars”

8. Elastica – Elastica (1995)
Sleek and sharp, Elastica’s debut is a masterclass in punk-influenced minimalism. Justine Frischmann’s cool delivery made this one unforgettable.
Essential track: “Connection”

9. Jamiroquai – Travelling Without Moving (1996)

While not classic Britpop, Jamiroquai embodied the same UK cool. With its genre-blending mix of funk, soul, and acid jazz, this record became a global hit.

Essential track: “Virtual Insanity.”

10. Blur – The Great Escape (1995)
Darkly satirical and full of hooks, this album came out at the height of the Blur vs. Oasis feud. It’s aged better than anyone expected.
Essential track: “The Universal”

Why Britpop Still Matters

These albums aren’t just nostalgia trips—they’re time capsules from an era when British bands ruled the airwaves and weren’t afraid to wear their accents or their angst proudly. And thanks to listeners like you, the sound of Britpop is still alive on The Bay 88.7.

Whether you’re revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, there’s something refreshingly real in every track.