20 of the Best Britpop Album Covers of the ’90s
The Britpop era of the 1990s wasn’t just a revolution in sound — it was a visual explosion too. As the UK music scene clashed with fashion, art, and youthful rebellion, album covers became cultural statements. From moody cityscapes to surreal compositions, Britpop album art helped define a generation.
Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a vinyl collector, here are 20 of the best Britpop album covers from the ’90s that captured the spirit of the era.
1. Blur – Parklife (1994)
A cheeky, iconic image of racing greyhounds captured the essence of working-class Britain and set the tone for Blur’s cheeky confidence.
2. Oasis – (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
Shot on Berwick Street in Soho, this cover reflects the band’s raw energy and everyday cool. It's now a landmark for fans around the world.
3. Pulp – Different Class (1995)
Featuring a wedding photo with strangers as the bride and groom, the cover brilliantly mirrors Pulp’s outsider themes and social commentary.
4. Suede – Suede (1993)
Sensual and ambiguous, this black-and-white photo of two lovers gave Suede their instantly recognizable androgynous image.
5. Elastica – Elastica (1995)
Minimalist yet edgy, the Elastica cover was all about attitude. The stark design mirrored their punchy, punk-inspired sound.
6. Supergrass – I Should Coco (1995)
Bright and cartoonish, the artwork reflected the band’s youthful energy and sense of humor — a refreshing take amid grungy peers.
7. The Verve – Urban Hymns (1997)
Set in a park, the contemplative mood of the photo hints at the introspective and orchestral sound of the album.
8. Blur – Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993)
With a retro painting of a steam train, Blur tapped into themes of nostalgia and cultural identity, establishing their anti-grunge stance.
9. Menswear – Nuisance (1995)
Sharp suits, stark backdrops — this cover captured the band’s mod-inspired aesthetic and Britpop’s fashion obsession.
10. Cast – All Change (1995)
This high-energy, grainy photo of the band in motion perfectly encapsulated the optimism and rush of Britpop's golden years.
11. Sleeper – Smart (1995)
Clean, stylish, and iconic — this cover featured frontwoman Louise Wener, cementing her as a Britpop icon.
12. Gene – Olympian (1995)
With classic black-and-white photography and dramatic lighting, this album leaned into Britpop’s romantic melancholy.
13. The Boo Radleys – Wake Up! (1995)
Colorful, dreamy, and slightly psychedelic, the cover mirrored the album’s sonic ambition.
14. Ash – 1977 (1996)
Though Ash were more alt-rock, their breakthrough album had a Britpop edge. The sci-fi and film-reel references made this one a visual treat.
15. Kula Shaker – K (1996)
Blending Indian art with psychedelic influences, the bold design stood out in a scene full of urban cool.
16. Ocean Colour Scene – Moseley Shoals (1996)
This warm, sepia-toned band shot in Birmingham gave off laid-back, soulful vibes — much like their music.
17. Lush – Lovelife (1996)
Pop-art inspired and tongue-in-cheek, the design reflected the band's shift from shoegaze to upbeat Britpop.
18. The Auteurs – New Wave (1993)
Moody and cinematic, the cover’s noir aesthetic matched Luke Haines’ sharp, sardonic songwriting.
19. Echobelly – Everyone’s Got One (1994)
Featuring a striking portrait of frontwoman Sonya Madan, the cover was bold and empowering, reflecting their unique voice in Britpop.
20. Blur – The Great Escape (1995)
Slick and almost surreal, this cover of a man mid-water slide represented Blur’s satirical take on modern life’s absurdities.
Why Britpop Album Covers Still Matter
These album covers weren’t just promotional tools — they were visual soundtracks that gave fans a deeper connection to the music. In an era before Spotify thumbnails and YouTube autoplay, album artwork played a huge role in identity, style, and storytelling.
Whether it was the mod revivalism of Menswear, the cinematic storytelling of Pulp, or the cheeky Englishness of Blur, every design told its own story.
Discover Iconic Britpop Album Art Today
Love what you see? Reconnect with your favorite ’90s Britpop bands and their unforgettable visuals.