Reviews (page 9 of 14)
Ok so when I heard 90s british indie rock I sighed expecting the worst but this was super enjoyable! It makes me think of Arctic Monkeys if they were in the late 80s early 90s instead of the 2000s. I mostly listened to this as background music but there wasn't a single song that I disliked. Relistening more thoroughly to see if I want to add any to my personal lists but this was fun! Common People Disco 2000!!!!! F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E. Underwear Monday Morning
Cool but not cool enough.
Pulp had their moment right when I was busy starting a family. Too busy changing diapers and listening to Dan Zane’s (fun kid’s music fyi) to keep up with the trends. I probably would have been into this band had I been paying attention. Some good pop with a little bit of an edge. I do recognize “Common People”, which is the clear highlight of the album. Very representative of the early 90’s. Drum machine detected!
I remember first hearing this record when my friend Dave let me borrow it when I was in High School. It really ruined for me what I thought Brit Pop was - because nothing compares with this masterpiece.
I always enjoy this album when I listen to it but I don’t find myself revisiting it that often and considering how much I like it, I don’t know why. I’m gonna fix that.
I've never heard a Pulp album, so first for me. This is alright. Kind of a lesser than Bowie or Smiths. Monday Morning was fun. I probably won't listen to this again, but I'm not mad about having to listen. Middle of the road here, 3.
I'm not aware of any Pulp songs. There's a definite Bowie/Lou Reed thing going on, and I'm here for it. Both statements surprise me considering the album was released in 1995. Different Class as a whole is grandiose and cinematic with a varying blend of a James Bond theme, Serge Gainsbourg, Arcade Fire, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers vibe going on; mysterious, sexy, and thumping. The mix here is great too; spacious with strings that are present but not piercing and a bass line that keeps the lower end moving without getting muddy. Everything if very clean; even the distorted guitars are just a mild distortion. If I had to be picky, I think a bit more fuzz could have blown the roof off of this place; but as it is, it is reaching for the moon and hitting the mark. "Bar Italia" would be a grand finale if every song wasn't shooting for an epic, larger-than-life . . . 'big-ness,' but I don't hate it. There are some quiet parts in some of the big songs, but--again, if I'm going to be really picky--it would be nice to have one slower, quieter song on here that doesn't erupt into a monster at some point. Happy to have found this one. I'm late to the party, but I can hear how this may have influenced other artists who came out a decade later. Amazing album, and mind-blowing that this was going on in 1995.
I remember reading a short review of this album when it first came out, but I never listened to it until now, although I did know "Common People." Nevertheless, this album sounded basically exactly like I was expecting it to. Extremely British in musical and lyrical references as well as subject matter, it's not that surprising that this album never made us splash in the US. I think it's a huge cultural touchstone in the UK, though--another point of cultural differentiation that this list has shown me. As the album's title suggests, a lot of the themes surround class differences, which don't exist exactly in the same way or to the same extent in the US as they do in the UK. The first few songs give us a definitely anthem for the working class, a portrait of a posh girl trying to slum it, and a revenge fantasy by way of adultery with a rich man's wife. The songs are sprawling with a sometimes epic quality (the Kinks - Arthur), the lyrics are wordy and clever (Morrissey), delivered in a warbled or hushed croon (Bowie). This is an album where, for me, the music takes a bit of a back seat to the lyrics and vocals. On the first listen, I felt like I could take it or leave it, but on subsequent listens where I focused on the lyrics more, I felt the album growing on me. I can see why it helped usher in the Britpop era of the '90s. 3.5
Quirky brit pop that is a bit shoe gazer like at times. Sometimes the singer's voice during the more hushed singing reminds me a bit of Michael Hutchence. Not bad at what they do, but this stuff doesn't really grab me.
I was today old when I learned that Disco 2000 was by Pulp. It's that title that you hear on the radio and know quite well after a while without knowing its name or the artist. Well, it looks like this album is one of the better products of the Britpop wave. Still nothing I would relisten on purpose.
mais um álbum extremamente mediano das ideia
recentemente, esse se tornou top 5 albuns da decada de 90 pra mim definitivamente coloca o POP em britpop. um absurdo, synth até o cu fazer biquim como estudante de federal por 6 anos, já conheci gente demais que era super rica e tentava/fingia ser pobre fudido. common people é um clássico.
I like Pulp, but my fave tracks are on other albums. The songs are bright, witty and polished but tracks like Something's Changed and Underwear appeal to me more than the anthems.
Wow, what a bunch of weirdos! Would have thought that this album had come from the 80s. I just didn't love it. Sorry, guys.
Bruh. British new wave, British electronica, and Britpop all in a row? If any string of albums I've gotten so far represents this list perfectly, it's these past three albums I've gotten. And of course, this one happens to be from a band with another album on the list. I'm not too upset though because this album's pretty good. A lot of what I said in my review of the other Pulp album on the list applies here too. My complaints of that album being a bit long and the writing being a bit repetitive are kind of still here, but they're to a much lesser extent so it really doesn't matter at all. The singing is solid and somewhat reminiscent of David Bowie. The sound is my favorite part of Different Class. While some songs are similar in the writing, the sound differs quite a bit between songs, which is something that I like. Comparing songs like "Common People" and "Disco 2000" really show the talent of this album, partially because of those songs feeling different from each other and partially because those songs are great. The other ones are solid too. I don't have a ton to complain about. This is a solid album with an excellent sound and a pretty solid everything else. Did I like Different Class more than This is Hardcore? I'd say so, though I haven't listened to that other one in a while so I'm not entirely sure. 4/5.
I’m not familiar with Pulp but I see this album was released on 10/30 so it makes since why I got it today. Definitely the type of music I like and some catchy songs, such as ‘Disco 2000.’ I would actually give this another listen and check out some of their other music based on this album.
An incredible album that I'm very familar with. Common People is an absolute cracker, Disco 2000 is still great fun, an every song has something going for it.
Absolutely loathed the singles in '95 - they were absolutely inescapable, and got played over an over again. The William Shatner / Joe Jackson version of "Common People" did a lot to rehabilitate them in my eyes, and then living in Japan for a while, they're great fun to sing at karaoke. So yeah, this play through was good! Enjoyed pretty much everything. Some of the stuff on the bonus disc I listened to started to grate, but the album itself was solidly enjoyable. Fave tracks - "Common People" from the singles (though I will alway prefer the Shatner version in my heart), and "F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E" from the tracks I hadn't heard before!
glad i gave this one a couple listens bc it grew on me
Really theathrical, and, as such, right up my alley. Theres so much emotion and energy in just the lead vocalists voice, that it in itself pulls you into the experience. Best Song: Mis-Shapes Worst Song: Sorted For E's & Wizz
Really interesting storytelling filled with wit and clever social commentary, added with glam and ironic undertones. It feels deeply personal but universal at the same time, it's also very easy to listen to. Best song: Mis-Shapes Worst song: Pencil Skirt
Class!
Common People // Disco 2000 // F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E. // Underwear // 3.5/5
enjoyable. 3.5 stars
banger innit
Pleasantly surprised
Did not find anything to grab me. This is definitely one of those culture things.
I only liked one song... Pencil Skirt
Wow I liked this so much more than "This Is Hardcore". I'd have to listen back to back to know why. I mostly just remember the other album feeling "samey" and "forgettable". The mood of this album is somehow both sinister, sinuous, and tangible. Hard to pick out a favorite song because I thought it was back to back bangers. Really shocking to get two controversial artists in a row!
Horny british guy sings pretty decent but then starts talking and things get weird. Good instrumentation, I understand why people may enjoy this not for me personally.
good album with some classic bangers!
Didn't like this at all. Sorry everyone!
It's incredibly bland, to be honest. You can tell this band LOVED Bowie growing up. Other than that, It's not special at all. They're trying to be Bowie-ish and Oasis-ish at the same time, but not quite nailing either. It's OK, overall, I guess, but I was surprised when I looked at the run time after the last song and discovered it was "only" 52 minutes. It seemed much longer.
Simply different class
I really enjoyed this and wasn’t familiar with Pulp before. Liked the overall sound of sort of pop indie rock with some depth.
Loved it.
Fuck it 5 stars
Some awesome jams. Disco 2000 🤘Enjoyed this more and more as the album progressed
Must be the OGs of, “They’re big in Europe”
This was different and had some moments. I liked Common people and Disco 2000.
This was a perfectly fine listen. Moments here and there were enjoyable. I liked Common People and Something Changed. But outside of those most of this sounded pretty similar with not a lot of ear-turning standouts.
I enjoyed this. Good energy and personality…dare I say a lil swagger. Kind of blended some new wave with more of a rock feel. Is that fair? 3.5 but I’m not sure I’m quite there to go 4.
Common People nearly pushed this to 4 land on its own but I don’t think the entire album is worthy of that rating. Still an enjoyable listen. 3.5/5
не стал дослушивать ваще не моё первый трек на 4чку а так тоска зелёная какаета
Brit rock from the 1990s really was among the most boring music coming out in the world. Dreadfully bad retreading of terrible Elvis Costello stuff. Not the first time I'd heard stuff from this album. My first contact was the track "I Spy" from this album when it appeared on the Mission Impossible soundtrack. Was one of the weakest tracks on that soundtrack. Best British album that came out in 1995? Not this one. It was David Bowie's OUTSIDE. While bands like Pulp were trying to make albums that sounded like David Bowie from the 1960s and 1970s, David himself had moved on and was making challenging records in new genres. Just like Blur, London Suede, and Oasis, Pulp managed to make another album of boring ass indie rock that is bereft of actual emotion and relies entirely too much on turn of phrase lyrics and not enough on sonically interesting music with good hooks.
Very important britpop album with the amazing classic 'Common People'.
Topalbum. Common People is zo goed gemaakt en heeft een geweldige songtekst, maar ook Disco 2000, Something Changed, Sorted for E's & Wizz etc... zijn allemaal kleppers. 4.5
Entertaining but a bit tiresome after a while. Couldn’t listen to it all in one go but did enjoy a lot of it.
Good dance songs, liked the Bowie vibes
1. We want the things you won’t allow us 2. Watch my conscience disappear now 3. And they burn so bright whilst you can only wonder why 4. I’ll hold your body and make it sing again 5. Would you like to come and meet me maybe? 6. Something beautiful left town 7. Where would I be now if we’d never met? 8. I lost my friends, I dance alone 9. This room has become the centre of the entire universe 10. There’s no way to get out, he’s standing far too near 11. Why live in the world when you can live in your head? 12. ‘Cause I’m fading fast and it’s nearly dawn
Much like the last pulp album, This is hardcore, I really cant stand this brand of brit pop.
Not my jam.
Surprised I hadn’t heard of them before, great discovery, lots of fun tracks (need a closer listen to the lyrics apparently they’re funny). Banger. 8.5/10
Eh. Some of it is reminiscent of Velvet Underground. Pretty bland brit-pop all said.
i think it's better than blur it's one of those albums/bands where i think i could really be into them if i listened to them lots but that also might not be true
One of the bands I think defines britpop for me. This album has a time and a place.
I’m excited to listen to this because of Shatner’s version of common people. I like the first track. Off to a good start. I’m bummed I missed this band in the 90s. I really like this record.
Excellent album
Not a bad 90s alternative album. Common People is a great track.
Solid album. The hits are obviously the best, but this is pretty good as well. Does sound a bit generic, but not as bad as other BritPop.
Ganska mycket klassförakt och upprepade försök att vara svåra och "sexiga". Musiken är inte förlegad, men man vet ändå när det här släpptes. Musikaliskt inget spciellt tyvärr. Det är uppenbart varför två av dom här låtarna blev monsterhits, men resten av plattan når inte riktigt upp till samma nivå.
Fun and familiar.
Got introduced to this through my brother from another mother. Pulp's one of those bands that to me is good not great -- but this is a pretty damned solid effort. Unexpected bangers: Monday Morning, Something Changed, Pencil Skirt
I liked this is hardcore more. Really dont got really interesting or special at any given point to be honest
Not my favorite, good sounding, but so self absorbed that it is off-putting
Did not know this album but loved it from the beginning. The opening part of Mis-Shapes got me hooked right away. I've listened to it a few more times in the meantime and it does not change. Wonderful and simply very nice.
Very interesting. Liked. Reminded me of something I can’t place.
This was a decent album. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it really was hard to nail down exactly what it was. Overall, I liked it.
It was definitely interesting. My dad probably loved this.
Every time I started getting into it, the lead singer did something whack. 3.
I'm surprised at how much I really enjoyed this album. It reminds me of an edited (for the better) Cure. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5
A couple ok songs, but Pencil Skirt was creepy and left a bad taste in my mouth. Back half of the album is better, but still just super creepy.
Sounded to much like the Cure for my taste
Sir please stop moaning in the mic
No. Terrible pop music sung by someone who can’t sing. I’ve never heard this before and think there is a reason. Yuck
Yeah I don’t love but I don’t hate it, goes alright
50 minutes of this guy muttering nonsense while sucking air through his teeth, with inconsequential pop musical writing. Nothing noteworthy.
I find myself writing the same thing for these albums, it's not bad or good. This is a very adequate (and a bit weird) pop rock album that does the job, although this one sounds really good production wise. But come on give us something substantial to chew on. 1001 albums to hear before you die, my arse.
Reminded me of Bowie minus the good music. Idk boring cracker shit, reminds me of xtc
Different class? More like different album, please!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing bad here really, just sounds unoriginal and at this point, with the amount of albums on here that shouldn’t be that I’ve heard, I’m getting pretty tired of these “must hear albums”
Not great
wow, pulp one day after blur? it's a brit pop bonanza! i knew a few songs from this album already but i really enjoyed it. i know 1001 albums gets a lot of rightful critique for being very 90s brit band heavy but it's actually warranted in this case. rip deborah <3
90s britpop album with weird vocalist singing about sex, check. are some of these songs massive tunes either way? also check. common people is a jam and the "average" song on here is still pretty good. listened twice already, would listen again. favorites: mis-shapes, common people, disco 2000, bar italia
Different class.
Common People is a masterpiece, the other songs were good but not that memorable
One of my favorites!
4 Stars (11/15)
Biased because I've loved this album most of my life, enjoyed an excuse to listen to it again!
If no one in the world hates British pop after the late 1970’s, then I am dead. Probably killed by a Smiths fan
A lot of these Brit bands sound the same to me, although this was a little bolder and sexier than usual
Not for me.
Not my style
Third album in a row that sounds the same as the last one.
The album was ok. Generally good music, but nothing really stood out to me. I think they had a good sound. Nothing extraordinary, at least from my perspective in the present and not when it came out. Favorite song: "Disco 2000" Best representation of the album: "Common People"
The music is catchy and good but I can't get past the omnipresent angry revenge sex vibe.
Catchy songs. I already knew "Common People" and "Disco 2000", but the rest were new to me. Didn't blow me away, but I like their sound.
I’m ignoring the hook in Pencil skirt and focusing on the rest of the album. This is a phenomenal album from start to finish.
Not a fan, but mildly amusing.
Genuinely love this whole endeavor but sometimes I wish someone other than a biritish baby boomer made this list.
I was skeptical when I saw this was a British rock band I hadn’t heard of, but this was actually not bad.
First time through was interesting. Second time through was still interesting
Pretty hit or miss for me, the new wave/indie sound was nice and there were a couple of great songs but the rest didn't really stick
This album is chock full of tracks that bear striking resemblances to massive pop hits that came out in the next 20 years after it's release. It's clear the sounds here we're hugely influential. Some of the riffs sound as if they're going to be a cover of some song or other that I hear on the radio, but they always take a slightly different direction. And the album is great, but it's just soooo close to being incredible. If only they had stumbled into the slightly different versions of some of these licks that went on to become superhits
Gillar ett par av låtarna, tex Common People. Men det är också nåt med det där lobotomerade tonfallet i en den här typen av britpop som jag tröttnar på väldigt snabbt, lyssnar helst inte på ett helt album.
Jag är ju ett fan av Common People så jag blev pepp när jag såg att den var en av låtarna. Jag gillar albumet. Jag började lyssna på högtalare men efter 4 låtar så bytte jag till lurar då sångaren ofta sjöng mjukt och tyst i starten av många låtar. Mycket bättre i bra lurar.
Meh
Tämä on ehkä siedettävin näistä saman muotin birt-pop-rock orkestereista vuosituhannen molemmin puolin. Disco 2000 tuo paljon muistoja mieleen ja nostaa yksistään arvion kolmoseen. Pari muutakin hyvii biisiä joten vahva kolme.
Hyvä kokonaisuus. Pari tuttua hittiä levyllä luomassa nostalgiaa ja kaikki biisit enemmän tai vähemmän hyviä.
Af öllu britpop dæminu fannst mér Pulp alltaf leiðinlegust og hún er alveg smá leiðinleg á þessari plötu líka þótt hún innihaldi slagarana þeirra sem maður þekkir og raular með. Það togar hana upp í hærri einkunn en ég efa að ég setji hana aftur á fóninn.
Maybe it's just not up my alley, so I don't wanna negatively review it based on taste. But it did feel a little repetitive. I liked the new waveness and some of the lyrics but overall not my jam.
Familiarity breeds contempt.
Really fantastic breath of fresh air. Can't believe I went 50 years without know this existed.
Rating: 6/10 Most of the songs are just decent, the highlights are amazing though. Choice cuts: Common People, Disco 2000
This is nice, but it's very, very similar to the Cure. The big-ticket tracks ("Common People" and "Disco 2000") are really catchy, but the rest of it is pretty ordinary. It's also a bit long and very heavily mannered, but not in an especially fun way (like e.g. Bowie). The guy's not that good a singer, and they don't quite have the sonic diversity of Travis to cover up for it. Bottom line: actually pretty Common.
good album of ok rock songs
More Pulp is a treat. Going into this, I figured I would enjoy it more than 'This Is Hardcore', but I actually felt both albums were pretty close in terms of quality.
🎧British AF. You can’t deny Jarvis Cocker’s panache and droll delivery, especially on Common People which is an absolute banger. Other standouts: Bar Italia, Mis-Shapes. Still, this is not quite my cup of Britpop tea.
Since I couldn’t have afforded to see Bowie in ‘95, I think this would have been an adequate substitute. Took a little while to grow on me, but by the end I was a solid member of the “not sorry I listened to this” camp.
Breathy/whisper rock annoying at times. Odd blend of sorrow and cheer in the music.
I liked this one. I think I need to give it another listen with headphones on, though, as I really couldn't pay attention to the lyrics while driving. There was a mention of breasts and curves, though, which piqued my interest. Overall, I heartily agree with my co-reviewers assessment that this is sort of a poor-man's Bowie, but that's not a criticism. 3.5* with a distinct possibilty of another .5 with a relisten. Not that you'll ever know, though, as there's no way to edit reviews.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Pulp but it reminded me of David Bowie which is one of my favorite artists. I really enjoyed the album and saved it and will be checking out their other music!
Great album. Disco 2000 and Common People are the obvious hits, but it's really consistent. Some of the other highlights include Mis-Shapes, Pencil Skirt, Something Changed, Sorted for Es and Whizz, Feeling Called Love.. basically every track is good I love Jarvis Cocker's lyrics, he can write songs that are wry, satirical or introspective, with the occasional singalong banger for good measure Easy 5*
Classic cheeky camp Brit pop - very nostalgic and reminiscent of ‘when England was good’. Reminds me of pints, classism and schoolboys trying to look down the teachers blouse. Girly blokecore. Also why does young Jarvis Cocker look like James Acaster?
as i got to the end i wished i listened a little closer as i had begun to really enjoy it
Seems like it was meant to be satirical or make a point but it was a little erotic for my taste… some good tunes here and there though. Probably 2.5 stars
I only had time to listen to the first few songs. It was ok
Really strong first half but sadly doesn’t go all the way in the latter half. It has some really strong songs, as you can see from my highlights, they are three in a row. Sometimes it rocks, sometimes it’s really melodic, sometimes it’s creepy etc. It surprises you and I had a good time with it. Highlights: “Common People”, “I Spy” & “Disco 2000”. 4 stars.
pretty enjoyable but I guess I was not vibin as expected
“Common People” is great, and the rest is good. It gets the bump to 4 for this website. But I’m not sure what it is about this band that makes some people lose their minds. 3.5/5
Yet more Britpop. One of the trash genres from the 90s along with New Jack Swing.
Not my thing. One Hit with Common People but the rest is boring.
Better than what I expected.
Among the best British acts of the 90s that don’t get enough consideration in the US compared to Oasis and Blur.
Two good songs: common people and disco2000 the rest is kinda meh
I enjoyed it.
I'm a fan of most 90's Britpop but wasn't familiar with this band or album. I got a bit of a Bowie vibe from the singer at times. Overall, nothing really jumped out at me but not an unenjoyable listen - would probably listen again.
Probably the most interesting and ambitious of the 90’s British alt-rock records I’ve reviewed thus far, even if Jarvis Cocker is a bit of a lech. With Common People’s genre-sprawl, it’s not surprising Pulp didn’t catch on in the US the same way some of their contemporaries did. The masses here tend to like things that can be easily categorized and put into a box. Were the sounds here interesting enough to warrant future revisits? That remains to be seen.
Not a album a knew well. Even the singles have not aged well. Part of the BritPop thing - Cockers lyrics now seem weird and kinda pervy in places.
Good
Okay
Hmm. I should have liked this, but I didn’t. I just feel like there’s already a lot of other 90s Britpop I prefer over this. I’m actually surprised this came out in the 90s; I just assumed this was from the 80s.
Great album.I wish that I had listened to Britpop when it came out in the 90s.I was familiar with the song,"Common People" but not the rest of the album.
Quite fun listen. The "Underwear" one was definitely a vibe.
Impossible to truly love a British person’s voice, but quite fun otherwise
Shite
I really enjoyed this album. "Common People" and "Disco 2000" are the best tracks. Probably the best Britpop album that isn't by Oasis. I quite liked the non-singles. It took 2 weeks to review an album that gets more than a 3. 4 stars for "Different Class".
Not that bad but fuck all the britpop on here
Just bad British music
Skulle säga att Common People och Disco 2000 är två av 90 -talets absolut bästa låtar. 19- åriga Kerstin skulle aldrig förlåta mig om jag satte lågt betyg och det behöver jag inte för skivan är fortfarande guld.
Rent objektivt förstår jag att det är rätt bra. Men jag har aldrig gillat pulp. Inte gillat britpop alla särskilt mycket. Gillar verkligen inte rösten/sången heller. Diggar inte ens hitarna särskilt mycket. Det kan då bli en märklig trea. En kompromiss.
1995 var verkligen peak britpop. Alla låtar på den här skivan rör sig på en skala mellan bra och svinbra.
Nothing special. I listened to it but nothing got stuck in my head.
Lovely stuff!
3.5
Very very good- just needs to grow on me I think- going with a high 3.5- rounded down.
Not a band I am particularly drawn to. This was no exception (6.5) ★★★
I think it starts really strong, but that the quality dips a little towards the end
Starts off great, but fizzles out midway through the album. "Common People" is probably the best song of the Britpop era though. 4 Stars.
4.5
Solid album. Definitely one of the more essential Britpop releases and Jarvis and band feel at the top of their game here. Common People still an all-timer, frankly different class but Mis-shapes, Disco 2000 and Something’s Changed are quite excellent as well. There are couple of lowlights - the spacey, spoken word verses on FEELINGCALLEDLOVE are a bit of a drag and I Spy goes for a Leonard Cohen Takes Manhattan/Gloria Gaynor I Will Survive combo which doesn’t 100% work for me.
The best Britpop album. Easy. 5 stars
This could be a grower. Nothing sensational but enough to pique the interest. But every class is different.
That’s rapist!
This is one of my favorite albums! It was one of the first CDs I bought and was incredibly formative for me. An album about being a working class nerd who’s bizarrely sexy? What’s not to love? It’s wonderful. The songs range from pop greats like Common People and Disco 2000, to the sort of James Bond-y themed I Spy. Honestly I like something about every song on the album. It’s wonderful.
Classic britpop, 4 stars for common people alone
some fun, but mostly meh. 2.5 stars. Britpop...
another meh british rock album
My favourite Britpop album
I really didn't like the last Pulp album on this list. Here's to hoping... Mis-Shapes is an okay opener -- getting some James Bond vibes towards its conclusion. Common People is an early standout. Nothing really special, just a really well done driven indie pop jam. Disco 2000 is also a really nice and bright indie pop song with appeals to some 80s shoegazey / post-punk tones. Sorted For E's & Wizz reminds me a bit of Flaming Lips in the best of ways. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E. (while terrible to type out) is another great one in here. More moody and contemplative than the rest that is verging on spoken word. Monday Morning is among my favorites on here. Kind of dub/surf-rock infused jam that makes liberal use of echo and reverb to give a spacious feel to the song. Okay, this is leagues better (IMO) than This Is Hardcore. The music is more interesting and varied and plays better to the vocalist's strengths -- ultimately it doesn't come across nearly so pretentious. Expected nothing, came away happy. Solid 4 / 5.
Ehhhh. 2 stars
This Common People song has been on a playlist of mine for probably 10 years. Always odd to hear songs like that in the wild. Other than that song this album didn't really feel like much. The only song that made me perk up was the first song that autoplayed after the album ended.
I like every part of this album except for when he is weirdly whispering and groaning in my ear. Some of the lyrics were also very strange and erotic which I was not a fan of. Perfect example of this was Common People where it started off and I hated it but ended up being an absolute jam when he actually started singing. The actual songs and instrumentals are pretty fantastic. I really like the transitions between low and high energy in each song. This band sounds like if you put the singer of Depeche Mode into the band of Arcade Fire.
This started out better than the last album, then got worse, then got better again. Honestly, I'm not great with lyrics especially on first listens, but this guy is cringy af. The instrumentals are really good though so bumping up.
78% Best: Mis-Shapes; Disco 2000; Something Changed Must-Hear? Must hear to get the full scope of Britpop, but other than that, almost but not quite
The most drab, boring and tasteless bits of Bowie, Arcade Fire and Coldplay combined. This album was a slog and I couldn't wait for it to be over. No distinct style or personality of its own. 1/5
Not really crazy about much of anything about this album. 1995 was a long time ago and really fairly different - musically - than now, so I may have had a much different opinion of the band at that time. Their appearance is... interesting, but I find the music and stage presence kind of boring.
brit pop but without the Oasis or Blur color
Pretty good, especially for British music on the list, but a few songs just made me kind of uncomfortable (the song Underwear comes to mind). That being said, I still like it, and Common People is really good.
Skipping this!
Meh
- Pretty fun! Started off strong - Not much to say though, ultimately... some hits, some misses, had a good time listening but probably won't relisten, etc etc
I could’ve sworn I had gotten this album already. I realized I had made a second project for weekend albums, which I used for exactly one day - and this was the album I received. I wasn’t too impressed on the first listen, and while it’s still not really my thing, I was more forgiving this time around. It has a unique sound to it and a decent amount of variety that saves it from being completely boring. I think two listens was enough for me, though.
Not for me 2.5/5
We are really stretching the limits of credulity here. How does another “fine” English band make the list of albums that we must hear before we die. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with this album it’s just that it’s so just fine. If there hadn’t been so many other “fine” English bands on this list I could perhaps see why this one is on the list but that’s not the case. Meanwhile no Loui Armstrong. WTF!
Different Class by Pulp is the 5th album I have heard from this website, and it is also the only album I had not heard of prior. Because of this, I wasn’t as eager to listen to it as I had been for the other albums. Luckily, the album ended up being one of the best that I have been made to listen to so far. I have never been a big fan of Britpop, but after hearing this album I may reconsider my stance on the genre.
Solid Brit pop.
Helt ok, 3 stars
Good at the first listening
Really enjoyed this one. Common people spoke to me, having lived in a rat-infested Camden flat in my 20s.
This became incredibly grating
Sharp, bittersweet songs about growing up different, finding your tribe on the journey through life, with echoes of the Kinks - a modern take on the swinging 60s. Sly lyrics packed with puns and insight, powerful arrangements with plenty of hooks
Absolutely great kitchen sink pop songs which feel informed by personal experiences. The album title is its own review and summary of the themes, a different class of Britpop.
Solid Britpop record
Common People is one of the greatest songs ever written. Aside from the perfectly observed lyrics it is a text book example in how to build momentum in a song. Absolutely thrilling. But you could take Common People off this album and it would still be 5⭐️ Mis-shapes, Disco 2000, FEELINGCALLEDLOVE, Underwear, Bar Italia, Something Changed, Sorted For E’s & Whizz, I Spy So many brilliant tracks that capture a cross section of mid 90’s Britain It’s angry. It’s hedonistic. It’s romantic. It’s dirty. It’s remorseful. It’s funny. Different Class indeed
p766. 1995. 5 stars. Quality 90s Brit-pop with sharp lyrics, great tunes and a sense of humour. What's not to like?
This is a cool album, good 90s alt. Common people is a hit, but I also enjoyed, mis-shapes, feelingcalledlove, and bar italia
Two Pulp albums out of 1,001 and I get them both within six albums of each other. They call Pulp glam rock, which I did not understand when reviewing This is Hardcore but I get now. Disco 2000 is a great song. This album has a much more upbeat feeling than This is Hardcore. I know they were super popular but I don't remember it at all. This is like pop Nine Inch Nails. Much better than expected, I was pleasantly urprised by this album.
Cool
This is one of the better examples of Britpop. I love the feeling Pulp brings in some of their songs and I like a decent chunk of their work. Common People is a great song.
Sonically overall it's fine but kind of becomes a grey blob. Common People is some how catchy. The vocal stylings do the same thing too much and made me ignore the lyrics.
No complaints. Solid
I generally can't stand the 80s sound. There are albums from the 80s that I enjoy thoroughly, but other than this one, I can't name one that I've enjoyed that also sounds like it's from the 80s. Maybe because the Gen X ennui doesn't sound so self-serious here.
I didn't know this band, but I recognized Common People, and I do like that song. However, though the actual music was agreeable enough, there were too many times where the lyrics just killed it for me. For example, Disco 2000 (which sounds like Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) mixed with Bruce Springstein, but not really anything unique itself) has a good pop rock song structure. But the lyrics make me cringe, and I can't get past it, especially when the music itself isn't anything groundbreaking. Like yeah, this guy would definitely be on r/theredpill. I didn't feel this way with every song. I really like the lyrics for Sorted for E's & Wizz, actually. But overall, it's not a high ranking album for me.
Great for Common People alone.
breathy class consciousness with The Misogynist Bryan
Lemppari: Underwear
Kind of a Bowie/90s vibe. I liked it.
It's like Elvis Costello met the Cure. It's music for the scene in the film where the boy chases the girl through the streets in a whirlwind romance.
Ordentliches Britpop-Album, das sich durch seine eingängigen Melodien und cleveren Texte auszeichnet. Das Highlight des Albums ist “Disco 2000”, der mit seinem mitreißenden Rhythmus und nostalgischen Texten begeistert. Ein echter Geheimtipp ist “Underwear”, das durch seine intime Atmosphäre und eine charismatische Stimme besticht. Obwohl das Album keine großen Ausreißer nach oben hat, bleibt es durchweg hörbar und bietet eine angenehme Mischung aus tanzbaren Tracks und nachdenklichen Balladen. Es ist definitiv ein Album, das man immer wieder gerne hört. Bedeutung für den Britpop Das Album thematisiert das britische Klassensystem und spricht die Frustrationen und Hoffnungen der Mittelklasse an. Songs wie “Common People” wurden zu Hymnen für eine Generation, die sich gegen die gesellschaftlichen Normen auflehnt - damit fängt es die Essenz des Britpop ein.
Surprised I didn’t know this band! Solid 4
Seemed like it could be the soundtrack to a pretentious indie movie I don't want to watch. Not entirely bad, just forgettable.
Really well structured songs with a unique sound andsome great storytelling that brings on memories of growing up. Oh, it looks like I’m gonna be hitting the five stars rating… yep, here I go.
Ok
Litt kjedelig, men Common People drar opp
Great voice with not much to say.
Kind of generic bri'ish pop/rock Lead singer mediocre and/or mixed too low Many of the songs were samey 3
Not for your boy
I kept getting confused the this album was from sometime in the 70s/80s rather than 1995 because it was so New Wavey and not Blur/Oasis brit pop. Pleasant listening though
A musical blind spot for me, but enjoyable. I imagine if I were more familiar I would like it even more. It. sounded more like 80s new wave (e.g. the Cure) vs. the 90s Britpop it was described as (e.g. Oasis)
Wow, this guy is really down bad! Some of the songs are pretty good but other ones are just a lot of whispering. Sometimes it's too serious and it's not great at that. A real mixed bag. Favorite songs: Mis-Shapes, Underwear
1.MIs-Shapes: very British would call it perhaps a British Smash Mouth but so far alright. Political 👍 +1 2.Pencil Skirt: THIS SONG IS FUCKIN SO WEIRD -5 3.Common People: most popular song but another weird trippy 90s synth fuck music . Maybe I’m not hearing the music and just listening. Could see this in a movie. David Bowie influenced??? 4.
This had the potential to be good. Some nice riffs and rocking grooves -but there was also too much forced angst, drama and urgency with the vocals that didn’t seem even a little authentic.
Um, fine? I wasn’t paying that much attention and I’m not going back right now. It was fine in the background—clever, probably, but I wasn’t clocking it.
This album was really good songs, and also some overly dramatified bads ones. However, when it was all over, there was more good than bad. This stuck with me: "She doesn't have to go to work But she doesn't want to stay in bed 'Cause it's changed from something comfortable To something else instead." Clever songwriting.
I wasn't a big fan of this album. It's not bad but it's just not that good to my ears either. I've never been a big fan of British pop from the 90s (or any other time to be honest).
this is a good one ☝️
Pre-listening thoughts: Oliver insists I’ve heard Pulp but I cannot remember any of their stuff. Post/during listening thoughts: Really loving the sound of this so far. It’s more poppy than some of our previous listens which I needed. Very very British once again but this time I’m not opposed to it. It reminds me a little of Bowie? Like if Bowie’s lyrics were a little more incel-ish. There are definitely elements of disco in some of these tracks too. A really nice genre blend with lots of upbeat, fun moments that I think could hook anyone. Common People alone bumps this up a point. 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: lowkey yeah Fav tracks: I Spy, Disco 2000, Common People, Monday Morning Least fav tracks: n/a
ok
Modern classic
Title says it all. What a joy to listen to this album, in full, in the order it was designed to be listened to. Pure class.
Meh. Fine. Not 1000 albums before I die great.
Best Britpop album of all time...
I love cock- I mean Jarvis Cocker. Listening to it I’ve realised that I’ve heard most of the songs already thanks to my mum and her impeccable music taste. It made me think about her and that’s made me happier. Nostalgia and reminiscing aside it was also great music obviously if my mum liked it. Jarvis cocker would’ve loved being a theatre kid and you would agree if you’ve seen him live. 9/10.
Dramatic storytelling
It's a good album but it lacks an edge for me that would take it to the next level
british people should stop trying to be sexy. it ain't gonna work
I dunno about pulp. Jarvis Cocker goes on about being working class and all that, but i'm not sure he really is. Maybe he was monetarily challenged at certain points in his life but spiritually... I mean he's called Jarvis FFS With all that being said, solid album musically.
Very Northern british sense of humour here. Cocker and Heaton excelled at it during this period and its cutting, vitroilic and utterly enhanced by the upbeat soundtrack which belies the darkness underneath. Clearly, these are most uncommon people.
The irony of the fact that Jarvis Cocker grew up quite comfortably in a family with a politician mother and had their biggest hit claiming to be poor is not lost on me. Riding the wave that was Britpop, Pulp were ok. Not great, not terrible, just ok. They were in the right place at the right time.
band kid type beat. mis shapes- 5 or 6 pencil skirt- oh. 3 or 4. or 2..... common people- 4. too long i spy- 4 disco 2000- 2 or 3 live bed show- stop. 3 something changed- 3 im not doing this gang this shit is ass
holy shit isch das britisch. common people isch no geil mitem sirene-mässige synthi. und s thema isch halt huuuere britisch. klasse und so. i spy isch sogar bitz james bond type musig. weiss etz nöd obs de spoken word teil bruucht. ok "smoking your cigarettes drinking your brandy" isch funny. er het en guy gecuckoldet. grass is something you smoke. finds gad no cool disco 2000 isch so bitz disco? chli sehr la la la für mich. live bed show jääääh nöd mini tasse tee kei ahnig. wiener singt isch mit de ziit astrengend vilicht chönti mi dra gwöhne. aber s isch afoch seeeeehr bowie ohni de bowie z sii. so ething changed isch chli overproduced, mit dem meini chli viel instrument. weniger isch mengmol meh. feelingcamledlove isch huuuere horny alte. underwear het d britpop changes (aso für mich: 1-3dur-6-4moll) jo sie leaned her in 4 moll ine. und s isch au wieder huuuuere horny. counter melodies zum gsang sind super. monday morning isch no cool. aber s passiert etz sit es paar songs nüt neus meh
uii hans zerst ener langwilig gfundr aber de refrain gfalltmer mega, vill ebene common people isch ihre berüehmtiste lied und cheggs schochli, no funny lyrics, mega geile ufbau vomene refrain wo recht vill wiederholt wird I spy hani rig sehr gern gha aber 6 min unnötig lang, sorr disco 2000 isch en BAMGEEEWRRRR funnyyy sie chömmed vo sheffield wie arctiv monkeys feeling called love findi seeehr ass hä han im chopf gha dasser nöd so weak gsunge het OFFBEAT oke bar italia findi noaml sehr cool, immerno weaki stimm aber es passt jz OH BRIDGE jaa es paar lieder findi echt cool, es paar sind seehr naja, drum würdi uf es 3 plädiere
The Bowie-esque theatrics are nice, but this album felt kinda bland to me, not sure why either. Think this one needs a re-listen for me to appreciate it further.
Love a couple tracks on here, common people, pencil skirt and disco
Fantastic album, no bad tracks, all good stuff
Genuinely interesting and unexpected use of 90s sounds to make a wide variety of moods.
Ew British
This bloke is trying to sound sexy the whole time and honestly it just comes across as creepy. Some of these songs are really good, but as a whole package I’m not completely sold. Favorites were Common People, I Spy, and Something Changed.
не люблю палп; ура можно снова забанить!
3.5
Favorite Track: Disco 2000
Not terrible, but uninspiring altish rock. Meh.
This is a lot better than the last one. The songs are much more dynamic and the singer is doing a lot more. Very very british though. Getting a lot of bowie vibes. Ok song actually is basically a 60s/70s bowie cover album Common people rocks - sick power pop. Production is big on this album - great to listen to in a car Very flamboyant and like theatric vocals. Not really my thing but it's more interesting than the verve.
Everyone keeps telling me about how great Pulp is and all I've been familiar with is their legacy. Now that they are back touring for a few shows the talk is at a fever pitch. So this is the second time I've given this album a spin in a months and it's slowly growing on me. The Bowie influence is great and not too heavy handed or anything, the songwriting is fun, layered, and a bit cheeky, and best of all it's a good time. I can't be mad at these guys and looking forward to hearing more! Will be listening again, it is always strange when an artist like this has escaped me for so long when they've made such an impact for so many people.
Fond memories of this from the mid 90s. It was nice to have a relisten, but I'm a bit offended on behalf of my poor, innocent teenage ears. Jarvis was one horny bugger!
Musically average brit-pop with questionable lyrics. Nothing incredible or groundbreaking was done on this record in my opinion.
I don’t like britpop that much, but this is pretty good
Never heard of Pulp but from this album they sound like pretty generic David Bowie / The Cure inspired Brit prog rock. Honestly the lead vocalist sounded so much like Jermaine from Flight of the Conchords (definitely inspired some of their sound) I had a tough time taking them seriously.
Waaaaaaaay too horny and kinda rapey. Seriously, bro needs a cold shower and a re-think of his life choices.
common people has always been a favorite - it's one of those songs that feels like it must be a cover, in that it feels like it's just always been around. but it hasn't, and it's not even from the 80s, though it definitely has that new wave/post punk sneer feel to it. i also love the way they channel bowie on live bed show.
good
Common People might be one of the best songs of the 90's. Iconic. The rest of the record is no slouch either.
Third album I've listened to. Lol, it was the most British thing I've ever heard, I liked it tho.
This sounds a bit like a rock opera I do like the focus on class and that struggle for status and looking for something to make the struggle worthwhile. Will listen again
Wow I really liked this!
Superb album. Somethings Changed a beautiful song.
Fantastic album, though I kind of feel their 1998 album is a bit better.
Not sure if I'd heard of this band before...enjoyed the album.
Never heard the band or these songs. This is why I enjoy this list. This was an immediate like for me, can't get enough of the 80's style music and hooks. "Skin stretched tight over high cheekbones And thousands of tiny dryness lines beating a path"
Never listened to this before. I liked the second half better than the first.
Musically this is not bad and it has provocative lyrics but overall didn't really do it for me.
Never heard this band before…interesting lyrics.
Pulp is a weird one I think. There are a few songs I absolutely love e.g. underwater. But then there are loads that I just find so cringe! But maybe it is meant to be a bit cringe, they lean into humour a lot. I'm drawn to the storytelling too, I like that. But yeah some times I think it's a bit beige. What are you about Pulp?! Maybe that's a compliment that I cannot easily box them up. There hits tip this into a 4 for me
I love this album. Such a great sound, some absolutely bangers. Yeah it's a little cheesy in places but I think it's on purpose and adds to the complete album.
Better than the other one they have on here, but still meh at best
Theatrical album, dramatic. Interesting and varied songs about class struggles, lust, finding meaning in the mundane, and lost opportunities. Great listen. Black Country, New Road meets David Bowie. Stays lighter and more tongue in cheek. Standouts: Common People, Disco 2000, Something Changed, F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E., Underwear, and Monday Morning.
brit rock, some catchy songs, kind of annoying at the same time, not my cup of tea. some bowie progressions, space oddity in first track
The tracks are fun but forgettable like one of those cooking videos. I will not return to this record. 3/5
Songs to listen to after your besties funeral? 😭😭 idk man that's just the vibe I'm gettin
3.7 - Enjoyed this, but their big hitters outweigh the whole album. Kind of a much better version of madness. No idea why but they are in the same category in my head
Better than I expected. Consistent, mostly still about the hits, but there were more than I remembered - Sorted for Es & Wizz, brilliant song name. Fave Tracks: Common People, Sorted for Es & Wizz, F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E 4.2/5
It's alright, the band is good at music.
Very Bowie inspired and good album.
Me gusto. Si pudiera le pondria un 3,5 pero bueno. Me sorprendio no habia escuchado nunca a pulp, si bien hay alguna canciones que medio no me gustaron considero que es fecil de escuchar. Me da la sensacion que el vocalista es parecido a bowie
Epic album. “Smiled and Held My Hand”
Het album begint en ik word meteen volledig tegen m'n zin in door een enorme huismerk Bowie met m'n snufferd in een ketel theatrale drek geduwd waar de honden geen brood van lusten. De zanger ergert me en ik kan niet goed langs hem af turen. De band lijkt het met vlagen best leuk te doen en technisch is het geluid van de muziek prima in orde, maar die Engelse Tony Neef staat ervoor met gehijg en gefluister afgewisseld met Bowie-imitaties met keurig afgemeten snik in de stem. Wat een aansteller. Wat een lul zou je zelfs kunnen zeggen. Heel af en toe doet 'ie enigszins normaal en dan is de muziek pruimbaar. Ali Express Bowie, Robert Smith van de Action. Op track 8 klinkt 'ie als Stewie Griffin, dat vind ik dan wel weer grappig. 1 ster minimum + 1 ster voor de bandleden die er echt nog wel wat van proberen te maken.
With every listen, I am less likely to read this book.
Britain pop is fun, is witty, it's classic :)
Not for me. However i find it interesting that this was a 5th album by Pulp. Right now artists are forced to succeed with their first efforts.
Average British pop. Not much to note and didn't want to finish the album. 5/10 (2.5/5)
Pencil Skirt is echt verschrikkelijk. Wat een ongelooflijk vies nummer, de zanger die in mn oor hijgt ook, godverdomme, ik ga hierna douchen maar dan niet op een vibey R&B manier. Common People is dan wel weer een prima poprock achtig nummer. Maar het grootste deel van dit album voelt als iemand met te veel eye liner op die in een donkere kamer zn beste vampierimitatie doet(Pencil Skirt, I Spy) en ik ben daar gewoon niet echt ready voor. Sommige nummers zijn geinig, ik vind de zanger gewoon een vies mannetje. 2/5 too edgy 4 me FAVO: Common People, Disco 2000
A good album, but could have been tighter and lost a couple of tracks. One of the better Britpop bands
I liked a lot of the pop-y post punk stuff (similar to Bowie and the Smiths) but it occasionally dabbles in sad vampire music, which….wasn’t as nice.
Para los que nos declaramos no conocedores profundos del britpop es muy bueno este disco porque permite encontrar trazos que escuchamos en artistas y discos posteriores. Muy bueno
6/28/24. Britpop is a secret favorite genre of mine, although I've done myself a disservice for not listening to more Pulp. This album epitomizes the sound and allows itself to explore numerous sonudscapes and subjects. Great album!
Kind of like New Wave David Bowie . . . but not as interesting.
Its a solid 3.5 Is Jarvis an egotistical nerd? Probably but I like him. Saw him wandering around a festival once, looking normal. Thats my claim to fame with Jarvis Cocker
Common People and Disco 2000 are classics, I don’t love the other songs as much though
oh fuck yea yea it's a w album what can i say
The mysterious, dark lyrics are noticeable immediately. I had to listen several times for the music to open up a bit, though. Really interesting. Sometimes I feel that the sound itself isn’t particularly memorable. It’s like the anti-Oasis: whereas Oasis is light, positive, catchy, meaningless, this is darker, paranoid, and you have to dive through it.