His 'n' Hers
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we explore His 'n' Hers, Pulp’s breakthrough album and the record that laid the foundation for their Britpop dominance. With its sharp observations, lush production, and uniquely British charm, it marked a turning point for the band.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signalled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: the story behind the band, their biggest moments, and their legacy. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Released: 18 April 1994
Artist: Pulp
Genre: Britpop
Label: Island Records
Producer(s): Ed Buller
Singles: "Lipgloss," "Do You Remember the First Time?," "The Sisters EP"
Personnel: Jarvis Cocker – vocals, piano / Russell Senior – guitar, violin / Candida Doyle – keyboards, piano / Steve Mackey – bass / Nick Banks – drums
The Making of His 'n' Hers
Recorded between July 1992 and early 1994 at Britannia Row Studios in London.
Produced by Ed Buller, who brought a polished yet atmospheric touch to the album.
Included a re-recorded version of "Babies," a fan favourite from the band’s earlier work.
Explored themes of voyeurism, class, and relationships, showcasing Jarvis Cocker’s unique storytelling.
The Story Behind His 'n' Hers
Arriving at the dawn of the Britpop explosion, the album marked Pulp’s transition from cult favourites to mainstream contenders.
Tracks like "Lipgloss" and "Do You Remember the First Time?" highlighted the band’s flair for pairing clever lyrics with infectious melodies.
The album’s title captured the dualities explored throughout the songs: love and loss, longing and regret, glamour and grit.
Rise to Prominence
Preceded by singles "Lipgloss" and "Do You Remember the First Time?," which brought Pulp their first real radio and chart success.
Peaked at No. 9 on the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant commercial breakthrough.
Nominated for the 1994 Mercury Music Prize, solidifying Pulp’s place in the Britpop pantheon.
Commercial Success and Critical Reception
Certified Gold in the UK, with sales exceeding 100,000 copies.
Hailed for its witty lyricism and lush production, blending humour and emotional depth.
Retrospective acclaim identifies His 'n' Hers as the precursor to Pulp’s masterpiece, Different Class.
Legacy and Influence
Established Pulp as a leading voice in the Britpop movement.
Solidified Jarvis Cocker’s reputation as one of the most distinctive and charismatic frontmen of the 1990s.
Set the stage for the band’s meteoric rise during the peak of Britpop in the mid-1990s.
Notable Facts
The "British Image 1" marketing campaign accompanying the album showcased the band’s quirky and quintessentially English aesthetic.
"David's Last Summer" is one of Pulp’s most narrative-driven tracks, combining spoken word with melody.
The album earned a place on Q Magazine's list of the 70 greatest albums of all time.
Defining Lyric
"I can’t remember a worse time." — Do You Remember the First Time? (1994)
Tracklist
"Joyriders" – 3:25
"Lipgloss" – 3:34
"Acrylic Afternoons" – 4:09
"Have You Seen Her Lately?" – 4:11
"Babies" – 4:04
"She's a Lady" – 5:49
"Happy Endings" – 4:57
"Do You Remember the First Time?" – 4:22
"Pink Glove" – 4:48
"Someone Like the Moon" – 4:18
"David's Last Summer" – 7:01
Essential Listening
"Lipgloss" (1993): A melancholic yet catchy anthem about heartbreak and identity.
"Do You Remember the First Time?" (1994): A quintessential Britpop track capturing the awkwardness and nostalgia of relationships.
"David's Last Summer" (1994): A vivid, cinematic closer blending spoken word and melody.
Why You Should Be Listening to His 'n' Hers Now
His 'n' Hers captures Pulp on the brink of greatness, blending sharp social observations with lush, melodic songwriting. As an album that helped define the Britpop era, it remains a vital and compelling listen. Rediscover this gem and hear the foundation of Pulp’s journey toward greatness.
See you on down the road.
