The Best Britpop Bands

Coley Reed
Updated April 23, 2024 98.9K views 52 items
Ranked By
26.6K votes
3.0K voters
6 reranks
Voting Rules
Only groups with 3 or more members.
Latest additions: Feeder, Menswear
Most divisive: The La's
Over 3.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Britpop Bands

At the beginning of the 1990s, Britpop started to dominate the airwaves not only in the UK, but globally as well. At the time though, the British music scene was in flux. Electronic music and indie rock were becoming popular. But, Brit pop, which took elements of guitar rock and pop music to create a new genre of rock. Britpop became a British movement where many working class bands and was a reaction of what was going on in the UK and against grunge music. Britpop brought British alternative rock into the mainstream, and brought several British pop bands into the mainstream.

So, who are considered the best Britpop bands? No Britpop bands list would be complete without Oasis and Blur at or near the top of this poll. Both of these bands are considered the top Britpop bands. Other popular Britpop bands, like Suede, Pulp and James are on here. All Britpop bands should be on this list. Even today, years after the movement ended, Britpop artists continue to put out stellar music, either as a solo artist or with their original band. No matter how you see it, Britpop was a dominant force that put British rock music back on the scene.

That said, it's hard to determine what is the best Britpop band. It's not an easy question to answer, but it's up to you to determine who is considered the greatest Britpop band. This list answers the questions "who are the best Britpop bands of all time?" and "who is the greatest Britpop musician ever?"If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the band's music instead of just voting for the most popular britpop bands that you might've heard of. This Britpop bands list will determine which Britpop musician should be considered the best of all time.{#nodes}

  • Oasis
    1

    Oasis

    1,708 votes

    Fronted by the famously feuding Gallagher brothers, this legendary group became synonymous with Britpop thanks to their anthemic songs and larger-than-life personas. Their undeniable talent for crafting memorable melodies, combined with raw, emotive lyrics, propelled them to international stardom and made them one of the most successful British bands of all time. The group's impact on Britpop is immeasurable, influencing countless artists and cementing their status as icons of the genre.

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  • Blur
    2

    Blur

    1,444 votes

    This iconic quartet dominated the '90s with their distinct blend of British pop sensibilities, thoughtful lyrics, and unique soundscapes that set them apart from their contemporaries. The band's innovative musicianship and ability to create catchy yet meaningful tunes earned them countless accolades and an enduring place in pop culture. As pioneers of the movement, they helped define Britpop as a genre and inspired a generation of musicians who followed in their footsteps.

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    NEW TO THE LIST
    • NEW
      #48
      Feeder
      41 votes
    • NEW
      #41
      Menswear
      2 votes
  • Pulp
    3

    Pulp

    1,101 votes

    Led by the enigmatic Jarvis Cocker, this charismatic ensemble brought a sense of theatricality and wit to Britpop that set them apart from their peers. With their clever storytelling and penchant for injecting social commentary into their songs, they captured the zeitgeist of '90s Britain while showcasing exceptional musicianship. The band's influence on the Britpop scene can still be felt today, having left an indelible mark on both fans and fellow musicians alike.

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  • The Stone Roses
    4

    Fusing together elements of indie rock, psychedelic pop, and dance music, this seminal group was instrumental in shaping the sound of Britpop in the late '80s and early '90s. Their innovative approach to songwriting and their undeniable chemistry as musicians made them one of the most influential bands of their time. Though their tenure was relatively brief, their legacy within the Britpop movement is monumental.

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  • Suede
    5

    Suede

    886 votes

    Often hailed as one of the founding forces behind Britpop, this groundbreaking act combined glam rock influences with raw emotion to create a sound that was uniquely their own. The band's evocative lyrics and skillful instrumentation resonated with audiences far beyond the UK, earning them critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide. Their impact on the genre is undeniable, having paved the way for many of the most celebrated acts in Britpop history.

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  • The Verve
    6

    The Verve

    860 votes

    Known for their sweeping, atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics, this critically acclaimed outfit helped expand the boundaries of what Britpop could be. Their unique fusion of psychedelic rock influences with classic British pop sensibilities allowed them to stand out from their contemporaries while still contributing significantly to the genre's overall impact. Their influence on future generations of musicians is evident in both their commercial success and lasting cultural relevance.

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  • The Beatles
    7

    The Beatles

    651 votes

    Though they predate the Britpop movement by several decades, these legendary Liverpudlians undeniably laid the groundwork for many of the genre's defining characteristics. Their unparalleled ability to craft timeless pop songs with a distinctly British flair has served as inspiration for countless artists who followed in their footsteps. As such, their influence on the development and evolution of Britpop cannot be overstated.

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  • The Charlatans
    8

    The Charlatans

    459 votes

    Combining elements of indie rock, psychedelic pop, and dance music, this innovative group became one of the most enduring acts within the Britpop movement. Their fusion of diverse musical influences allowed them to carve out a unique niche within the genre while still contributing significantly to its overall identity. With a career spanning decades, their influence on both contemporaries and future artists is undeniable.

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  • Supergrass
    9

    Supergrass

    631 votes

    This youthful ensemble brought a fresh energy and exuberance to Britpop with their infectious tunes and charismatic live performances. Their innate ability to create instantly memorable melodies coupled with their distinctive sound made them one of the most beloved bands of the era. Their lasting impact on the genre is evident in their continued influence on new generations of musicians and fans alike.

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  • Manic Street Preachers
    10

    This politically charged trio earned a reputation as one of Britpop's most provocative acts thanks to their unapologetic lyrics and confrontational stage presence. Despite tackling controversial subject matter, their exceptional songwriting skills and undeniable talent as musicians propelled them to widespread acclaim both within and beyond the Britpop scene. Their enduring popularity serves as a testament to their indelible mark on the genre.

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  • Happy Mondays
    11

    Happy Mondays

    330 votes

    This eclectic collective brought a distinctly Mancunian flavor to Britpop with their fusion of indie rock, dance music, and psychedelic influences. Their unconventional approach to songwriting and penchant for blending genres made them stand out from their peers while still contributing to the development of the Britpop sound. As pioneers of the "Madchester" scene, they left an indelible mark on both British music and popular culture as a whole.

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  • Stereophonics
    12

    Stereophonics

    527 votes

    Hailing from Wales, this dynamic trio quickly gained a reputation for their gritty, guitar-driven sound and emotionally charged lyrics. Their distinctive approach to songwriting set them apart from other Britpop bands, earning them widespread acclaim and commercial success both within the UK and internationally. Their enduring popularity and influence on future generations of musicians attest to their significant contributions to the genre.

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  • Lightning Seeds
    13

    This Liverpool-born act masterfully blended elements of indie pop, synth-pop, and psychedelic rock to create a sound that was uniquely their own. Their ability to craft instantly memorable tunes that resonated with audiences far beyond the UK earned them widespread acclaim both within and beyond the Britpop scene. Their lasting impact on the genre is evident in their continued influence on new generations of musicians and fans alike.

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  • The La's
    14

    The La's

    410 votes

    Known for their infectious melodies and jangly guitar sound, this Liverpudlian outfit helped pave the way for many of the defining characteristics associated with Britpop. Though their time together was relatively brief, their impact on the movement cannot be overstated, with many citing them as essential precursors to some of Britain's most successful bands. Their enduring legacy within the genre serves as a testament to their exceptional musicianship and songwriting prowess.

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  • Ocean Colour Scene
    15

    With their heartfelt lyrics and soulful instrumentation, this Birmingham-based quartet quickly established themselves as one of the most beloved acts within the Britpop movement. Their ability to create timeless tunes that resonated with audiences both in the UK and abroad earned them a devoted fanbase that persists to this day. As purveyors of classic British pop sensibilities, their contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.

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  • Ash
    16

    Ash

    379 votes

    This Northern Irish trio brought a punk-infused edge to Britpop with their energetic sound and rebellious spirit. Their raw, catchy songs and unrivaled live performances earned them widespread acclaim both within and beyond the confines of the genre. As trailblazers for a new generation of bands, they left an indelible mark on both the Britpop scene and popular music in general.

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  • Cast
    17

    Cast

    347 votes

    Formed by former members of The La's, this Liverpool-based quartet quickly gained a reputation for their infectious melodies and jangly guitar sound. Their distinctive approach to songwriting set them apart from other Britpop bands, earning them widespread acclaim both within the UK and internationally. With a career spanning decades, their influence on future generations of musicians attests to their significant contributions to the genre.

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  • Elastica
    18

    Elastica

    497 votes

    Fronted by the enigmatic Justine Frischmann, this London-based group quickly gained a reputation for their infectious melodies and razor-sharp wit. Their unique fusion of punk influences with classic British pop sensibilities made them stand out from their peers while still contributing significantly to the overall identity of Britpop. Though their time together was relatively brief, their impact on the genre remains evident in both their enduring popularity and lasting cultural relevance.

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  • James
    19

    James

    495 votes

    Combining introspective lyrics with lush, atmospheric instrumentation, this Manchester-based outfit became one of the most critically acclaimed acts within the Britpop movement. Their unique approach to songwriting allowed them to transcend genre boundaries while still contributing significantly to the development of Britpop as a whole. With a career spanning decades, their influence on both contemporaries and future artists is undeniable.

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  • Keane
    20

    Keane

    223 votes

    Hailing from East Sussex, this piano-driven trio carved out a unique niche within Britpop by eschewing guitars in favor of lush, atmospheric arrangements. Their emotive lyrics and soaring melodies quickly earned them critical acclaim and commercial success both within the UK and internationally. With a career spanning decades, their influence on future generations of musicians attests to their significant contributions to the genre.

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  • Catatonia
    21

    Catatonia

    276 votes

    This Welsh outfit brought a distinctly Celtic flavor to Britpop with their fusion of indie rock, folk, and pop influences. Fronted by the charismatic Cerys Matthews, they quickly gained a reputation for their powerful live performances and evocative lyrics that resonated with audiences far beyond the UK. Their unique contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.

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  • Space
    22

    Space

    239 votes

    This Liverpool-born outfit masterfully blended elements of indie rock, electronic music, and psychedelic pop to create a sound that was uniquely their own. Their ability to craft instantly memorable tunes that resonated with audiences far beyond the UK earned them widespread acclaim both within and beyond the Britpop scene. Their lasting impact on the genre is evident in their continued influence on new generations of musicians and fans alike.

  • Embrace
    23

    Embrace

    107 votes

    Hailing from West Yorkshire, this emotionally charged quintet quickly gained a reputation for their powerful live performances and evocative lyrics that resonated with audiences far beyond the UK. Their unique blend of anthemic melodies and introspective themes made them stand out from their peers while still contributing significantly to the overall identity of Britpop. Their lasting impact on the genre is evident in their continued influence on new generations of musicians and fans alike.

  • The Bluetones
    24

    The Bluetones

    284 votes

    With their jangly guitar sound and infectious melodies, this London-based quartet quickly established themselves as one of the most beloved acts within the Britpop movement. Their ability to create timeless tunes that resonated with audiences both in the UK and abroad earned them widespread acclaim both within and beyond the genre. Their enduring popularity and influence on future generations of musicians attest to their significant contributions to Britpop.

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  • Sleeper
    25

    Sleeper

    289 votes

    Fronted by the enigmatic Louise Wener, this London-based group quickly gained a reputation for their catchy tunes and razor-sharp wit. Their unique fusion of punk influences with classic British pop sensibilities made them stand out from their peers while still contributing significantly to the overall identity of Britpop. Though their time together was relatively brief, their impact on the genre remains evident in both their enduring popularity and lasting cultural relevance.

  • The Divine Comedy
    26

    Led by the enigmatic Neil Hannon, this Northern Irish outfit became one of the most critically acclaimed acts within the Britpop movement thanks to their lush orchestral arrangements and witty lyrics. Their unique approach to songwriting allowed them to transcend genre boundaries while still contributing significantly to the development of Britpop as a whole. With a career spanning decades, their influence on both contemporaries and future artists is undeniable.

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  • Shed Seven
    27

    Shed Seven

    338 votes

    Hailing from York, this guitar-driven quintet quickly established themselves as one of the most beloved acts within the Britpop movement. Their heartfelt lyrics and soulful instrumentation resonated with audiences far beyond the UK, earning them widespread acclaim and commercial success both within and internationally. Their enduring popularity and influence on future generations of musicians attest to their significant contributions to the genre.

  • Echobelly
    28

    Echobelly

    278 votes

    This multicultural ensemble brought a fresh perspective to Britpop with their thoughtful lyrics and diverse musical influences. Their ability to create captivating tunes that resonated with audiences both in the UK and abroad earned them a devoted fanbase that persists to this day. As purveyors of classic British pop sensibilities, their contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.

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  • Super Furry Animals
    29

    Known for their eclectic blend of musical styles and unconventional approach to songwriting, this Welsh collective became one of the most innovative acts within the Britpop movement. Their fusion of diverse influences allowed them to carve out a unique niche within the genre while still contributing significantly to its overall identity. As pioneers of a new wave of experimental British bands, they left an indelible mark on both popular music and popular culture as a whole.

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  • Travis
    30

    Travis

    466 votes

    This Scottish quartet brought a melodic, introspective edge to Britpop with their heartfelt lyrics and lush instrumentation. Their unique approach to songwriting allowed them to stand out from their peers while still contributing significantly to the genre's overall identity. With a career spanning decades, their influence on both contemporaries and future artists is undeniable.

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