Coming Up

Coming Up

Coming Up is the third studio album by British rock band Suede, released on 2 September 1996 through Nude Records. Following the departure of guitarist Bernard Butler during the tour for their previous album, Dog Man Star (1994), the band recruited Richard Oakes as his replacement. The album marked a significant shift in the band's sound, embracing a more glam rock-influenced style compared to their earlier, more brooding work.

Background

After the critical and commercial success of their first two albums, Suede (1993) and Dog Man Star, Suede faced a major lineup change. The departure of Butler led to the recruitment of seventeen-year-old Oakes, who had sent a demo tape to the band. This lineup change coincided with a shift in the British music scene, with the rise of Britpop – a movement that Suede had been early pioneers of but had somewhat distanced themselves from with the darker, more complex Dog Man Star.

Recording and Production

Coming Up was recorded in 1995 and 1996 with producer Ed Buller, who had worked on the band's debut album. The recording sessions marked a departure from the tension-filled recordings of Dog Man Star, with the band aiming for a more accessible sound. Lead singer and songwriter Brett Anderson sought to write songs that were more direct and concise, a reaction against the sprawling nature of their previous work.

Music and Lyrics

The music of Coming Up features catchy melodies, glam-inspired guitar work, and lush production. The album's sound was a deliberate attempt to connect with a wider audience, with Anderson's lyrics focusing on themes of love, escapism, and the trials of youth. Songs like "Trash", the lead single, encapsulate the band's new direction with its anthemic qualities and optimistic tone.

Release and Reception

Upon its release, Coming Up received widespread critical acclaim and was a commercial success. It spawned five top-ten singles in the UK, including "Trash", "Beautiful Ones", and "Saturday Night", helping to re-establish Suede at the forefront of British music. The album also achieved significant success in Europe and Asia, broadening the band's international appeal.

Critics praised the album for its immediate hooks and accessible sound, though some missed the complexity and depth of Dog Man Star. Nonetheless, Coming Up is often regarded as one of the highlights of the Britpop era and a high point in Suede's discography.

Legacy

Coming Up has been credited with revitalizing Suede's career at a time when they could have faded into obscurity following Butler's departure. It showcased the band's ability to adapt and reinvent themselves, securing their place in the pantheon of British rock. The album's influence can be heard in the work of many bands that followed, and it remains a touchstone for fans of the Britpop era.

Track Listing

The standard edition of Coming Up includes the following tracks:

1. "Trash"
2. "Filmstar"
3. "Lazy"
4. "By the Sea"
5. "She"
6. "Beautiful Ones"
7. "Starcrazy"
8. "Picnic by the Motorway"
9. "The Chemistry Between Us"
10. "Saturday Night"

Personnel

• Brett Anderson – vocals
• Richard Oakes – guitar
• Mat Osman – bass guitar
• Simon Gilbert – drums
• Neil Codling – keyboards, backing vocals

See Also

• Britpop
• Suede (band)
• Dog Man Star
• Glam rock