Pulp – His N Hers (2LP)
His ’n’ Hers, released in 1994, was the breakthrough album for Pulp and one of the defining records of the Britpop era. After years on the fringes, Jarvis Cocker and his bandmates hit their stride with a collection of songs that combined sharp social observation, playful wit, and irresistible melodies. It was the record that transformed Pulp from cult outsiders into one of Britain’s most vital groups.
The album brims with stories of everyday life, desire, and awkward romance, delivered with Cocker’s trademark mix of irony and empathy. Joyriders opens the record with a swaggering tale of mischief, while singles like Do You Remember the First Time? and Lipgloss capture the messy, sometimes humorous realities of relationships. Babies, originally released earlier as a single, became one of the band’s most beloved songs, its narrative of adolescent longing perfectly summing up Pulp’s unique ability to make the ordinary feel extraordinary.
Musically, His ’n’ Hers blends synth-driven textures with guitar pop, creating a sound that’s both danceable and dramatic. Candida Doyle’s keyboards add warmth and atmosphere, while Steve Mackey’s basslines give the songs a propulsive edge. The result is a record that feels at once glamorous and grounded.
Critically acclaimed at the time, His ’n’ Hers set the stage for Pulp’s massive success with Different Class two years later. It remains a witty, vibrant, and highly entertaining listen, capturing the moment when the band’s unique perspective finally connected with a wider audience.