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Fusing techno, breakbeat, and punk, this group was known for its explosive, high-energy live shows and anthems like "Firestarter" and "Breathe".
The Prodigy
A swaggering, rock 'n' roll band from Manchester, ???? hook-filled tracks and Beatles-inspired sound made them global superstars. Albums like Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory? produced anthems like "Wonderwall," "Live Forever," and "Don't Look Back in Anger
Oasis
Often cited as the founders of the genre, their album Blue Lines laid the groundwork for the Bristol sound. Tracks like "Unfinished Sympathy" and later hits like "Teardrop" are legendary
Massive Attack
Pioneers of big beat, this duo crafted infectious, psychedelic tracks with distorted beats. Hits like "Block Rockin' Beats" and "Hey Boy Hey Girl" became ubiquitous
The Chemical Brothers
More art-school and ironic than their rivals, ??? led the London-centric side of Britpop. Their album Parklife and hit singles "Girls & Boys" and "Country House" defined the era. They also created the worldwide hit "Song 2"
Blur
Known for their noir-ish, sample-heavy sound and vocalist Beth Gibbons' haunting vocals, their debut album Dummy is a trip-hop landmark. "Glory Box" and "Sour Times" are quintessential tracks
Portishead
The French duo became global superstars with their unique blend of filter disco-house. Their debut album, Homework, and singles like "Around the World" were massively influential
Daft Punk
Hailing from Sheffield, ????'s theatrical, narrative-driven songs and witty social commentary were a breath of fresh air. The single "Common People" became an iconic hymn for the working class
Pulp
Emerging from the Massive Attack collective, Tricky's darkly atmospheric and experimental solo debut, Maxinquaye, is a masterpiece of the genre
Tricky
As one of the most respected figures in electronica, ????? was known for his innovative and experimental tracks. His album Selected Ambient Works 85-92 was a foundational ambient release
Aphex Twin (Richard D. James)
One of the earliest bands to pioneer the scene, ????'s glam rock influences and flamboyant style stood out. Their debut album was the fastest-selling debut in the UK at the time, and their track "Animal Nitrate" was a smash
Suede
His 1996 album, Endtroducing...., created almost entirely from samples, expanded the boundaries of what electronic and hip-hop music could be, with tracks like "Midnight in a Perfect World
Dj Shadow
An early pioneer of the rave scene, ??? achieved mainstream success with his album Play, which famously licensed every track to commercials and films
While initially on the periphery of Britpop, their 1997 album Urban Hymns became a massive hit, featuring the defining track "Bitter Sweet Symphony," a powerful, orchestral rock anthem
The Verve
Led by the soulful vocals of Skye Edwards, ????? created a more melodic and accessible version of trip-hop on albums like Big Calm, featuring tracks like "The Sea"
Morcheeba