Coming Up cover

Released 30 years ago

Coming Up

Suede · 1996

42 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

Bright, anthemic melodies fuse with glam rock flair and introspective lyrics, creating a vibrant alternative rock landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Beautiful Ones — This track epitomizes the album's glam rock influences with its exuberant chorus and themes of desire and longing, becoming a defining anthem for the band.
  • →
    Trash Start here — Opening with catchy hooks, this song captures the essence of youthful rebellion and celebrates hedonism, making it a standout opener that sets the tone for the album.
  • →
    Filmstar — Blending sharp lyrics with a pulsating rhythm, this track critiques celebrity culture while showcasing Brett Anderson's compelling vocal delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic anthems with introspective moments, showcasing strong melodies and glam influences.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks are high-energy anthems, establishing a driving tempo that is maintained until the fourth track, which introduces a slower, more reflective tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate glam rock elements, such as prominent guitar riffs and theatrical vocal delivery, particularly evident in 'Beautiful Ones' and 'Trash'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • short, punchy songs
  • late-night contemplative moods
  • steady, consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established Suede's status in Britpop with a more accessible sound after previous peaks.
Themes
celebrity culture critique· London nightlife
Career context
Coming Up is Suede's third studio album, arriving after their critical and commercial peak with Dog Man Star. Released in 1996, it marked a shift towards a more accessible sound as the band sought to regain mainstream popularity following lineup changes and the departure of guitarist Bernard Butler.
Stylistic neighbors
Pulp· The Verve· Placebo
New to Suede? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Trash Start here 4:06
  • 2 Filmstar 3:25
  • 3 Lazy 3:19
  • 4 By the Sea 4:15
  • 5 She 3:38
  • 6 Beautiful Ones 3:50
  • 7 Starcrazy 3:33
  • 8 Picnic by the Motorway 4:45
  • 9 The Chemistry Between Us 7:04
  • 10 Saturday Night 4:35

What to play next

Head Music
Listen next

Head Music

1999

Continues the bright melodies with a more polished sound and explores new themes.
Dog Man Star
Go back to

Dog Man Star

1994

Offers a darker, more introspective vibe that sets up the energy shift in Coming Up.
Full Suede discography Where to start with Suede Artists like Suede
alternative rock

If this landed

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Different Class

Different Class

Pulp

Shares a sharp critique of British class and celebrity culture with catchy, anthemic melodies.

(What's the Story) Morning Glory?

(What's the Story) Morning Glory?

Oasis

Combines bright, anthemic rock sounds with introspective lyrics about life in the UK.

Urban Hymns

Urban Hymns

The Verve

Explores themes of urban life and introspection with lush instrumentation and emotive vocals.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata