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The Great Escape is the fourth album by Blur. It was released in 1995, with high expectations, as the follow-up to the much-adored Parklife. The Great Escape received glowing reviews and was a big seller in its initial release, reaching #1 in the United Kingdom album chart and was their first to crack the US charts (even if at a lowly # 150).
When Oasis' (What's the Story) Morning Glory? outsold The Great Escape, Blur appeared to lose face in their well-publicised rivalry. Nonetheless, the album continues the run of inventive hit singles: "Country House" (their first #1 single, which infamously beat out Oasis' "Roll With It"), "The Universal", "Stereotypes" and "Charmless Man".
Damon Albarn subsequently revealed that most, if not all the songs on The Great Escape were about himself, in some form or another (i.e. "Dan Abnormal" is an anagram for "Damon Albarn"). However, dissension over musical direction between Damon and guitarist Graham Coxon would result in a stunning change in style for the next release, 1997's Blur. The closing track "Yuko and Hiro" reflects Damon love for Elastica frontwoman Justine Frischmann.
Track listing
All tracks written by Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree. Blur - Stereotypes song sample.ogg
- ''Contains an untitled hidden track.
- Japanese release includes "Ultranol" and "No Monsters In Me" (also released as B-sides to "The Universal").
- French release includes "To The End (La Comedie) (with Françoise Hardy)", a comedy of "To The End" (also released as B-side to "Parklife").
"The Great Escape (album)"