What makes Song 2 by Blur notable?

The album features the hit single 'Song 2', which reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and has since become one of Blur's most recognizable tracks. Its signature chorus has been widely used in sports contexts and advertisements, cementing its place in pop culture and influencing alternative rock bands in the late 90s. Released on April 7, 1997, 'Song 2' came during Blur's transition into a more aggressive sound following their commercially successful album 'The Great Escape'. This shift was marked by a departure from their earlier, more melodically driven work, embracing a grunge-influenced aesthetic that would redefine their identity.

How many songs are on Song 2?

Song 2 has 4 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Song 2

Blur · 1997

15 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

Explosive guitar riffs and anthemic choruses collide in a frenetic burst of Britpop energy and raw, lo-fi exuberance.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Song 2 — The song’s explosive energy and catchy chorus epitomize the album's shift towards a rawer sound, making it an enduring anthem of the era.
→
Get Out of Cities — This track showcases the band's experimentation with soundscapes and dynamics, blending driving rhythms with introspective lyrics, representing their evolving artistry.
→
Polished Stone — With its layered instrumentation and reflective themes, this song highlights Blur's ability to merge melodic hooks with deeper lyrical content, adding depth to the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The record showcases energetic compositions and varied arrangements but lacks strong cohesion across tracks.

What we noticed

The title track 'Song 2' features a powerful, distorted guitar riff that drives the song, while the chorus is characterized by its explosive energy and repetitive lyrics.
Following 'Song 2', 'Get Out of Cities' shifts to a more subdued tempo with layered instrumentation, creating a contrast in mood.
The third track, 'Polished Stone', employs a minimalist arrangement with a focus on rhythmic elements and vocal delivery, diverging from the high-energy opener.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Blur's reputation with the hit 'Song 2' during a sound transition.
Themes: urban life chaos· grunge-infused Britpop· explosive guitar energy
Career context: Released on April 7, 1997, 'Song 2' came during Blur's transition into a more aggressive sound following their commercially successful album 'The Great Escape'. This shift was marked by a departure from their earlier, more melodically driven work, embracing a grunge-influenced aesthetic that would redefine their identity.
Stylistic neighbors: Oasis· Pulp· Radiohead