Supergrass | History of the Band
Beyond the Britpop Explosion: Supergrass's Journey from 90s Stardom to Solo Success and Lasting Influence
Musical Style and Evolution
Supergrass's sound was a vibrant blend of punk, pop, and Britpop influences, characterized by catchy melodies, lively guitar riffs, and Coombes's distinctive vocals. Their music captured the youthful exuberance and irreverence of the Britpop movement, distinguishing them from their contemporaries with a more upbeat and energetic approach.
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Discography and Notable 90s Albums
"I Should Coco" (1995): The debut, released by Parlophone, was recorded over several months in 1994 at Sawmills Studios in Cornwall, England, under the production of Sam Williams. The band's lineup for this seminal work included Gaz Coombes (lead vocals, guitars), Mick Quinn (bass, vocals), Danny Goffey (drums, vocals), and unofficially at the time, Rob Coombes on keyboards. I Should Coco is a whirlwind of punk energy, ska rhythms, and Britpop sensibilities. It rocketed Supergrass into the limelight, partly thanks to the infectious single "Alright," which became a global hit and encapsulated the spirit of teenage freedom. The album is a mix of high-energy tracks like "Caught by the Fuzz" and "Mansize Rooster," alongside more reflective songs such as "Sofa (of My Lethargy)" and "Time to Go." It showcases the band's versatility, refusing to be pigeonholed into a single genre. Critics praised the album for capturing the Britpop music scene's essence, successfully launching the group into a year and a half of heavy touring.
"In It for the Money" (1997)
Their second album, In It for the Money, departed from the frenetic pace of their debut, showcasing a more mature sound that brought the complexity of their melodies and songwriting to the forefront. The album veers across genres, from glam and pub rock to jazz, without losing the band's intrinsic pop sensibility. Tracks like "Richard III" and "Sun Hits the Sky" combine the band's characteristic energy. At the same time, "Sometimes I Make You Sad" stands out for its unique blend of circus organ and sitar solos, showcasing the band's adventurous spirit and ability to craft pop music with a punch of pure emotion. In It for the Money achieved critical acclaim and solidified Supergrass's status in their home country, peaking at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and finding success internationally.
"Supergrass" (1999)
By the time they released their self-titled third album, Supergrass had firmly established themselves as a mainstay of the Britpop genre, with their ability to infuse their music with a sense of youthful exuberance and musical complexity. This album further demonstrated the band's versatility, blending rock, pop, and experimental sounds to create something uniquely theirs. The album continued to perform well, reflecting the band's enduring appeal and the growing sophistication of their music. Each album in their discography from the 1990s contributed to the Britpop movement and showcased Supergrass's growth as musicians and songwriters, navigating the complexities of fame and musical evolution with a deft touch and undeniable talent.
Influence and Legacy
After Supergrass split in 2010, the members embarked on various solo and collaborative projects, further cementing their influence on the music scene. Gaz Coombes pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as Here Come The Bombs (2012), Matador (2015), and World’s Strongest Man (2018), showcasing his evolution as a musician and songwriter. Mick Quinn formed the DB Band and joined Swervedriver in 2015, expanding his musical horizons beyond the Britpop domain. Danny Goffey also ventured into solo territory, releasing material including the album Schtick in 2018, which allowed him to explore new creative avenues.
Their collective and individual efforts have had a lasting impact on a wide range of artists and bands. Supergrass's energetic performances and distinctive sound, characterized by a blend of rock, pop, and Britpop influences, have left a mark on the music industry, influencing bands and artists across various genres. From their high-energy hits to their more introspective tracks, Supergrass's legacy is evident in the continued popularity of their music and the respect they command among peers and fans. Their reunion in 2019 for performances, including a tribute to Foo Fighters' Taylor Hawkins, further highlights their enduring appeal and the fondness with which they are regarded within the music community.
The band's story, from their explosive entrance onto the Britpop scene with I Should Coco to their later, more mature works and subsequent solo careers, demonstrates their versatility, creativity, and lasting influence on their contemporaries and new generations of musicians. Supergrass's contributions to the 90s music scene and beyond remain a significant part of their enduring legacy as they continue to perform and release new music.
Sources
Wikipedia
Joyzine
Sputnikmusic
Bandsintown