We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our site, provide personalised content and advertising, analyse our traffic, and ensure you see more of what you love. Review: One of the most successful British bands of the last 3 decades, Blur are back with their first new album in over 8 years: The Ballad of Darren. Side 1 of the first record is crazy, been air guitaring all over my home since breaking the seal on this thing. Although Blur had long been recognised as one of the premier bands responsible for the reinvigoration of Britpop in the 1990s, it is 1994's Parklife that truly provided the template for the entire movement. I am sure I am not the only other person who has wondered this so thought id get a discussion going as it would be a shame if we don't get to see this again on a vinyl format.

Despite worries from Blur's label, EMI, and the music press that the change in style would alienate the band's predominantly teenage fanbase and that the album would flop as a result, 'Blur', as well as lead single, 'Beetlebum', reached the top of the UK charts and the album was certified platinum.Fortunately, The Ballad of Darren, the band's first new album since 2015, is a giddy blast from the past - and reportedly one recorded in a much more cooperative and good-humoured atmosphere than expected.

I honestly felt like Damon was in the room on a few tracks (especially Beetlebum) and Grahams guitar parts piercing through the stellar mix.Despite lasting all of 57 minutes, the album seems to breeze by in an instant as the band hops from one style to another.