Few bands embody the spirit of the 1990s quite like Blur. Born out of London’s indie scene, they rose to prominence during the Britpop explosion, but quickly proved they were more than just part of a cultural moment. Over the course of their career, Blur have constantly shifted their sound, moving from wry social commentary and pop anthems to experimental textures and deeply personal songwriting.

Their early albums defined an era. Parklife captured the quirks and contradictions of British life with sharp wit, producing instant classics such as the title track and Girls & Boys. The mid-90s also gave us The Universal, one of the band’s most enduring ballads, and the raw, emotional Beetlebum. In 1997, Blur’s self-titled album delivered Song 2, a two-minute blast of distorted guitars and shouted refrains that became an international hit and remains a staple of sports arenas and festivals worldwide, not to mention being the inspiration behind this chart topping podcast! 

The band’s willingness to evolve saw them embrace new sounds on 13 and Think Tank, records that pushed into lo-fi production, electronic influences, and more introspective themes. Even after periods of hiatus, Blur’s reunions have been marked by renewed creativity, most recently with The Ballad of Darren in 2023, which showed the group still capable of crafting songs that resonate with both long-time fans and new listeners.

Tonight’s programme revisits key tracks from across their career, including Parklife, The Universal, Song 2, Beetlebum, and Tender. Together they tell the story of a band that defined a generation, but never stood still.

The Artist Hour: Blur airs tonight at 8pm on Today Radio