What does Different Class sound like?

A sharp, satirical exploration of class and culture wrapped in infectious melodies and vivid storytelling. Rooted in alternative rock and indie rock. Start with "Mis‐Shapes".

Is Different Class a good place to start with Pulp?

Yes, Different Class is recommended as a starting point for new Pulp listeners. A sharp, satirical exploration of class and culture wrapped in infectious melodies and vivid storytelling. Released on October 30, 1995, Different Class was Pulp's fifth studio album and the follow-up to their breakthrough record, His 'n' Hers. At this point, frontman Jarvis Cocker had firmly established himself as a leading voice in Britpop, with the band transitioning from cult status to mainstream success.

Who is Different Class for?

Different Class works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, observational storytelling through vibrant sound and sing-along choruses for group enjoyment.

How many songs are on Different Class?

Different Class has 12 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Released 31 years ago this October

Different Class

Pulp · 1995

52 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A sharp, satirical exploration of class and culture wrapped in infectious melodies and vivid storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mis‐Shapes Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Common People — This track serves as a manifesto for the class struggle, combining catchy hooks with biting lyrics that critique the romanticization of working-class life by the affluent.
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Disco 2000 — With its nostalgic yearning and upbeat tempo, this song encapsulates the desire for connection amidst social barriers, showcasing Cocker's knack for storytelling.
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Sorted for E’s & Wizz — This track offers a candid look at youth culture and drug use during the 90s, blending humor with an infectious chorus that captures the hedonism of the era.
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Pencil Skirt — The song stands out for its playful yet pointed lyrics about attraction and superficiality, illustrating Cocker's keen observational style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

Different Class combines sharp social commentary with catchy melodies, making it both distinctive and impactful.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving beat and layered instrumentation that sets a brisk pace, maintaining energy through the first half.
Each track features distinct lyrical narratives that explore themes of class and culture, often delivered with a conversational tone.
Several songs incorporate unexpected tempo shifts, such as 'Sorted for E's & Wizz', which contrasts its upbeat verses with a more reflective chorus.
The final track, 'Bar Italia', slows down significantly, creating a contemplative close that contrasts with the earlier high-energy tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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 journey with emotional peaks
observational storytelling through vibrant sound
sing-along choruses for group enjoyment
sharp wit and social commentary
for carefree afternoons

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek consistent, uniform pacing

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Pulp's reputation and brought wider recognition with iconic singles.
Themes: class disparity· 90s Britpop culture· rave scene critique
Career context: Released on October 30, 1995, Different Class was Pulp's fifth studio album and the follow-up to their breakthrough record, His 'n' Hers. At this point, frontman Jarvis Cocker had firmly established himself as a leading voice in Britpop, with the band transitioning from cult status to mainstream success.
Stylistic neighbors: Suede· Blur· The Auteurs