Album of the Day

With PARKLIFE, Blur became the toast of the U.K. rock scene, but if they were feeling pressured for a follow-up, 1995's THE GREAT ESCAPE doesn't sound like it. The album's “The Universal” “Stereotypes” and “Charmless Man” all soared up the English singles chart, and its “Country House” became the quartet's first U.K. No.1 (famously beating out Oasis' “Roll With It” for the top slot). But a closer look at Damon Albarn's lyrics reveal that, behind the inventive and highly melodic music, the album is preoccupied with loneliness and the grind of daily life - a contrast that helps make the collection one of Blur's most satisfying works. THE GREAT ESCAPE drew wide acclaim from the English music press upon its release 25 years ago today, and it remains one of the crowning glories of Britpop.