What makes This Is How It Feels by Inspiral Carpets notable?

This album received critical acclaim and helped solidify Inspiral Carpets' position in the burgeoning Madchester movement. It peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and was pivotal in influencing a generation of Britpop bands that followed. The title track is particularly notable for its commercial success and enduring popularity in alternative rock playlists. Released on March 1, 1990, This Is How It Feels marked Inspiral Carpets' debut studio album, following their earlier EPs. At this point in their career, they were beginning to gain traction within the Madchester scene, which blended alternative rock with dance music influences. The album set the stage for their subsequent rise as key players in the UK music landscape.

How many songs are on This Is How It Feels?

This Is How It Feels has 4 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

This Is How It Feels

Inspiral Carpets · 1990

19 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A vivid blend of jangly guitars and energetic rhythms that captures the essence of early '90s British alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Is How It Feels (extended mix) — The title track showcases the band's signature blend of catchy melodies and driving rhythms, encapsulating the spirit of the era. Its extended mix allows for a deeper exploration of their sound.
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Gold Top — This track combines an infectious hook with a distinctive use of keyboards, reflecting the band's knack for merging guitar-driven sounds with danceable beats. It's a great representation of their unique style.
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Biggest Mountain (Kammer mix) — Offering a different sonic perspective through its remix, this track emphasizes the band's ability to reinterpret their work while maintaining an engaging groove, showcasing their versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album captures early '90s alternative rock with catchy hooks and jangly guitars but lacks depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

The first track features a prominent jangly guitar riff that sets a lively tone, while the subsequent tracks maintain a similar upbeat tempo.
The extended mix of the title track introduces additional instrumental layers and extends the song's length, creating a more immersive experience.
Each track employs repetitive melodic hooks that are characteristic of the early '90s alternative rock sound.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 — This album solidified their position in the Madchester movement, gaining wider recognition.
Themes: Madchester scene· danceable rhythms· early '90s energy
Career context: Released on March 1, 1990, This Is How It Feels marked Inspiral Carpets' debut studio album, following their earlier EPs. At this point in their career, they were beginning to gain traction within the Madchester scene, which blended alternative rock with dance music influences. The album set the stage for their subsequent rise as key players in the UK music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: The Charlatans· Happy Mondays· Oasis