In It For The Money
Supergrass
1997
Album Summary
In It for the Money is the second studio album by English alternative rock band Supergrass, released in 1997. NME called it "more fun than watching a wombat in a washing machine" and named it the 10th best album of the year. In 1998, Q readers voted it the 68th greatest album of all time, while in 2000 the same magazine placed it at number 57 in its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever.
WikipediaDidn't expect to see this here. Fair enough, it's pretty enjoyable for someone who likes Britpop. Better than Aerosmith anyway. Fun Fact: I went to see Gaz Coombes live in New York, but got so drunk before the gig that I passed out and pissed myself. Fun Fact 2: I went to see Supergrass in Amsterdam, but the day before I eat half a space cake and pissed myself.
NO WAY THEY HAVE TWO SUPERGRASS ALBUMS ON THIS LIST. NOBODY FUCKS WITH THEM LIKE THAT?? i swear this list has so many questionable albums
Amazing, I never really listened to supergrass but I'm definitely slowly becoming a fan
Title track comes on first, but damn this album is long. 71 minutes? IIRC Grass is tattling in the UK. These guys were also linked to another band or a solo act? Ah yes, Mick joined Swervedriver. This is good! Psych pop. Kinda reminds me of a british GBV with harmonies and rock chords. Is that a fucking theremin?
Ah, childhood memories. I've got so much time for Supergrass, especially the first two albums. It's always catchy but also at times heavy, quirky, sophisticated, and most of all a lot of fun. A band who really knows the power of a good chord change. The guitar solo on Late In The Day is an all-time favourite - always makes me smile/shiver. 4.5, but I'm rounding up this time (nostalgia bias innit).
Wow. That was a very good surprise. A lot of mixed rock styles, some of them looking like 60's classics and also some kind of grunge (?) at the end of the '90s. They are not the best in any of these styles and besides some songs, they are not memorable, however, the album looks like a real walk through song style and all very well played. Nothing much more to say. but "Supergrass" will be included in my songs research for the future.
Sick. I had a really good time with this - there was no song that I didn't enjoy. "In It For The Money", "Richard III", "Sun Hits the Sky" and "You Can See Me" were the best of the best for me. Very pleasantly surprised, it's always the albums with the most garbage covers that I seem to enjoy the most in the end. I mean, the cover's not bad, but it (together with the band name) made me think I was going to be listening to bluegrass. (I only listened to what Spotify considers to be "disc 1", since disc 2 is for the bonus tracks according to Wikipedia)
I was excited to give another five stars these weeks, and behold, here they are! This album is very enjoyable from beginning to end. I didn't check the genres at first and thought that this was going to be folk or something but no! It's pure britpop and indie rock insanity, the good kind! It sounds like if a Beatles tribute band suddenly decided to play alternative music, and turned out better than it was expected! 4.6/5
4.5, this was dope. Really good britpoprock with some cool psychedelic elements sprinkled in
I know a few of the songs off the album but never listened to it in full. It's solid. You can also see their influence in taking Brit-Pop from Blur and Oasis to a slightly more frenetic pace that defines (not just in the UK) the post-punk alternative sounds of the late 90s and early 2000s (Kaiser Chiefs, the Strokes, the Vines, etc.). Loved the first half of the album, got a little boring, monotonous, or just not as good in the second half.
Sick album, didn't quite hit the 5 mark but very very close. Would've got there if they tightened up the run time a bit, loses its focus a bit in parts. Hollow Little Reign is the highlight, love the meandering psychadeliea.
A great record, lots of inventive chord twists and turns in the songs. Main songwriter has obviously thoroughly digested his dad's record collection of '60's pop/rock then integrated it into his own unique style. Heaps of great songs I'll be listening to again in the future.
I'm not sure if I've heard of this band before. All of the music was new to me. Occassionally the vocals reminded me of Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins). From time to time the music reminded me a little of a few other bands from the 90s like Beck, Oasis, or the Dandy Warhols. This album sounds like it would have fit in with any of those bands. I liked the album overall. Every track was at least "okay". "Cheapskate" and "Sun Hits the Sky" were my favorite tracks. This album is 3.5 stars --> rounding up to 4.
This is a very accomplished album. Is it as good as I Should Coco, their brilliant and much lauded debut? I'm not the one to ask. You see In It for the Money is my introduction to Supergrass and as such will always hold a unique place for me. Regardless In it for the Money is a GREAT brit pop album and packs a rockers punch that other more celebrated albums of the genre never quite reach for me. Every song has their charms. I had forgotten how good an album this is. 4.5 stars.
A compelling, energetic and likeable listen from a band who are restlessly throwing everything on the table- even if some of it's a little half-baked. After a more straight-up rock and roll debut in "I Should Coco", Supergrass seem to be going for more of an eclectic feel here, expanding their musical vocabulary slightly. There's more instrumentation, from the brass section in the opener, theremin in propulsive rocker "Richard III", bongo breakdown in "Sun Hits the Sky." Gaz Coombes gives a very assured performance on vocals and the interplay between the three members is terrific- they give the sense that they're firing on all cylinders. Take the title track, an absolutely incredible opener: from the ominous lone organ chord and diminished chord guitar arpeggios to the "We're in it for the money" chant, building up to an explosive riff and vocal which then bridges into an incredible middle-8... it's by far the highlight on the record, and sets the stage for a peerless album. From this point, we're treated to more riff-tastic Britpop, with dialled-up guitars, thick production and embellishments from other instruments. It's all good fun, but I wish Supergrass veered in more directions musically. Their momentum and enthusiasm carries them through the first half, but then things do tail off slightly: "It's Not Me" is a forgettable experiment with balladry that doesn't quite land, "Hollow Little Reign" doesn't offer anything new, and "Sometimes I Make You Sad" is a disappointing closer, with experimentation in vocal percussion and flanging coming off as a gimmick. They had the talent to be much more eclectic than this, and it's a shame we don't see it here. Other songs remain frustratingly uneven, like "Cheapskate", only taking off whenever its chorus kicks in. Even "Late In The Day"'s Beatles-y sing-along refrain (just the right side of irritating) is disrupted by yawning acoustic-driven verses. On the whole though, this album is a lot of fun to listen to and most of the songs remain infectious and energetic. Anecdotal side note: Supergrass were the last band I saw live before the first UK lockdown. Them playing "Sun Hits the Sky" with a guest appearance from Johnny Marr was transcendental, and almost that memory alone brings this album to an easy 4*.
If Billy Corgan had an affair with Britpop, this would be the baby. Well written, well performed, and well produced, but there is a certain special “it factor” that it seems to be missing to really push it to greater heights.
This album sits on the edge between Britpop and 2000s indie rock. The music is enjoyable and driving even if it’s not the most innovative thing I’ve ever heard. The melodies are memorable and remind me a bit of Oasis. The vocals have a Mick Jagger like swagger to them that really suits the music.
Judging an album by the cover, the expectation here is that the listener is either treated to with a well done or cursed with a horribly produced backwoods amalgamation of noise. Au contraire, instead the album opens with a beautifully rhythmic rock and roll sound with "In It For The Money" the title track. The tone has been set, and this is very much a warm welcome. "Richard III" carries on the warm welcome with an energetic yet melodic offering. A few songs in, the inspirations start to come through, notably things that sound like something the Rolling Stones would do. More into the contemporary comparisons, there's a bit of Oasis as well. This album is a bit of a surprise because while these inspirations can be obvious, Supergrass maintains an identity to where the listener can believe they are listening to a contemporary rather than a type-cast-by-genre record label band designed to imitate. The album is a bit heavier than the aforementioned, but that may be to how their songs are mixed. The instruments are balanced nicely, the band has a beautiful grasp of melody and it plays so well. This is in somewhat of a contrast to their "I Should Coco" album (which received 4 stars) where it took a few listens to really narrow that score because of how long it took to become familiar. The band was a bit more diverse in their sound and music. This album on a single listen is markedly better even with a little better predictability, and more so for lack of a runaway hit single as recognizable as "Alright" from their previous release. The focus is split evenly on the album as a whole, without a mega hit to weigh against. Without that distraction, an objective listen is easier to do. This is a really solid album, and it is these now seemingly obscure finds that make 1001 such a great thing to experience. "It's Not Me" has a beautiful acoustic guitar, backed by sound effects reminiscent of Doctor Who, but with an anthemic near ballad-worthy chorus.
This album had an intriguing sound, and definitely picked up right at the end. My favourite songs were Hollow Little Reign, Sometimes I Make You Sad, and You Can See Me.
Always loved it. Still sounds surprisingly innovative and fresh when put on. A little front-loaded but it's alright. Just a great album in every way, just falling short of a five. A great record.
First band I'm giving back-to-back 5 star ratings for (nearly 200 days in!). Crazy fun, super catchy, fuzzy power pop. Really enjoyed this and "I Should Coco". Favorite tracks: "G Song", "Richard III", "Hollow Little Reign"
REALLY good. I've heard the band off and on, of course, but this is the first time I've sat down and closely listened to an album as a whole.
Wow, had not heard of Supergrass and I really like their alt-rock vibe. This band has some incredible musicians. Very sophisticated and well-thought-out stuff!
Huge sound, total party/ cruise vibe. Thunderous bass, crunchy guitars, shouty vocals, groovy drums. 60s-70s influences
When i saw that 'alright' wasn't on this, i was sad, as i thought it was all i knew by them... turns out i was wrong. Banger after banger. Super album.
Great album. Not a lot of time to listen but I can’t wait to sink my teeth into it a bit more!
Gran descubrimiento este disco no conocia ni al grupo ni el disco, muy variado y divertido
Fav songs: - In it for the money - Late in the day - Sun Hits The Sky - Hollow Little Reign - Wait for the Sun
This one was really fun. There's a good chance I'm gonna be a sucker for anything with that much organ and horns.
One of the most under rated British bands. This is my favourite album of theirs..... an easy 5
Some songs are boring or not really that interesting but most of them have a really catchy tune. Love it. Def will listen to them more. Love Sex! Really funny and real song.
Didn't know what to expect from these guys, but I was pleasantly surprised. Funky, edgy, alternative music that has a high relisten value.
This list has made me a Supergrass fan. Between this album and I Should Coco, I'm all in on Supergrass. Thanks 1001 Albums!
This was so much fun! Much better than a lot of 90s rock-pop I've listened to
Supergrass was one of those bands I was aware of but never listened to in the 90's. I'm now very much kicking myself for not having checked this out earlier. This album has so much great stuff in it; kind of seems like a precursor to proggy rock bands like Closure in Moscow. Instant fan.
I loved this. Great songwriting, really cool use of vocal harmonies and guitar. Kinda all over the place. Creative and charismatic.
Simply great album. Sounds a little bit like Oasis, but there is a lot of freshness in their music. Vocal is exciting and doesn't bring nauseating thoughts, like Gallagher brothers (whoever is the singing one). The opening songs are straight up hits, like "In It For The Money", "Richard III", and "Tonight". Really entertaining british rock, looking forward to buying a vinyl record of this album!
This made me feel like I was standing in front of the pyramid stage at Glastonbury Festival, watching the best live set of my life. I had completely underestimated Supergrass until I listened to this album. Fantastic.
Better than I expected. Based on the cover, I thought it would be a kind of folk-punky affair, but it has some really interesting songs. On the higher side of 4.
Strong 4. Great Rock that just rips emotions out of you, excitement and longing alike. Second half is better. Standout Tracks: Late In The Day, Sun Hits The Sky, Going Out, It’s Not Me, Cheapskate, You Can See Me, Hollow Little Reign
This is some absolutely first-rate indie rock. That's it. That's all I can come up with at the moment. This is certainly worth a revisit, but I just like it in a simple way, especially after a bunch of projects I didn't dig in the same way. The melodies are sticky and the songs fly by.
Classic Britpop from happier times. Not quite Oasis v Blur but a good choice nonetheless
Surprisingly good and upbeat rock album which doesnt have any bad songs but also too little great songs to deserve a 5
Only three songs in and I am already loving this album. Super catchy, great energy, just really fun.
I really liked this album. It had some strange mix of folk/punk sounds. Would definitely buy this album.
Well, this was a lot of fun. Never heard of these guys, but glad I have now.
Great album. Didn't love it as much as their previous one but this one was pretty killer
Love me some brit-pop. A bit on the harder side of brit-pop but not a bad thing.
I wasn't sure what to expect. I had heard of Supergrass, but not sure if I've heard their music before. This was really good though. High energy, great production.
Another good album (and surprised that I haven't heard the group before). And, it's a different sound than their first album.
Eine der CDs, die völlig in Vergessenheit geraten war. Als ich das Cover hier gesehen habe, konnte ich mich kein Stück erinnern, sie schon mal ganz gehört zu haben. Und als ich sie dann gehört habe, war ich verwundert, dass ich fast jeden Song mindestens mitsummen kann. Viele Hits. Vielleicht höre ich bald mal wieder rein. Auf jeden Fall fette 4,4 Punkte!
Enjoyable album. More tracks I recognised than I thought I would, good guitars and blends of instruments arranged very nicely. Very good album.
Just classic rock, pretty good to listen to in the background (with maybe the exception of a few exotic fragments).
Stevig album met goeie gitaarriffs. 'Sun hits the sky' is het bekendste nummer. Af en toe een psychedelisch orgeltje erin. Geen fan van de vele fade-outs. luie manier om een song te eindigen.
Ik ben er wel fan van, goed om op de achtergrond op te leggen tijdens het werken.
Really good music. Somehow I hadn’t heard them before, but will listen to their other albums.
honestly super surprised by this album, 3 or 4 saves and overall a great listen