Shampoo
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 introduce Shampoo, a bubblegum-punk duo whose catchy hooks, irreverent lyrics, and neon-drenched aesthetic were a riotous part of Britpop’s rise.
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 signaled 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: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. 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
Originated in: Plumstead, London, England
Active years: 1993–2000
Associated genres: Bubblegum-punk, power pop
Record labels: Icerink Records, Food Records, Parlophone, EMI
Members: Jacqui Blake – vocals / Carrie Askew – vocals
Formation and Early Years
Childhood best friends Jacqui Blake and Carrie Askew met at Plumstead Manor School in London.
Began their journey writing fanzines for the Manic Street Preachers and Fabulous.
The duo’s name, Shampoo, was inspired by their schoolyard nickname, “The Shampoo Girls,” referencing their tongue-in-cheek excuse to avoid dates.
Released their first single, "Blisters and Bruises", on Saint Etienne’s Icerink Records in 1993.
Rise to Prominence
Broke into the mainstream with "Trouble" in 1994, reaching No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart and landing a spot on Top of the Pops.
Their debut album, We Are Shampoo, sold over a million copies globally, gaining major traction in Japan and Asia.
“Trouble” was featured in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995) and became a 1990s anthem of youthful chaos.
Gained fans in both the alternative and mainstream scenes, partly due to their ties to the Manic Street Preachers fandom.
Commercial Success and Albums
Released We Are Shampoo (1994), featuring hits like "Dirty Old Love Song" and "Shiny Black Taxi Cab", showcasing their mix of punk attitude and pop sensibility.
Followed up with Girl Power (1996), released just as the Spice Girls’ era began, but its performance marked a decline in sales.
Their third album, Absolute Shampoo (2000), was released solely online, showcasing their continued commitment to their unique brand of pop-punk.
Later Activities and Legacy
After parting with Food Records, their focus shifted toward international markets, particularly Japan.
Influenced later generations of pop-punk acts with their bold, feminist-forward attitude and unapologetic embrace of fun.
Disbanded in 2000, with both members moving on to quieter lives and family.
Their music has since seen a resurgence in cult popularity, celebrated for its infectious energy and ironic humor.
Notable Facts
Chart Breakthrough: “Trouble” reached No. 11 in the UK Singles Chart and was featured prominently in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.
Pop Culture Pioneers: Their single “Girl Power” predated the Spice Girls’ use of the slogan, cementing Shampoo as early champions of the movement.
Global Phenomenon: We Are Shampoo became a massive hit in Japan, outselling many of their UK contemporaries.
Defining Lyric
“Uh-oh, we’re in trouble” – Trouble (1994)
Discography
We Are Shampoo (1994)
Girl Power (1996)
Absolute Shampoo (2000)
Essential Listening
"Trouble" (1994): Their breakout hit, packed with rebellious energy and unforgettable hooks.
"Delicious" (1995): A perfect slice of Britpop’s sugary side, blending pop and punk with flair.
"Girl Power" (1996): A spirited anthem that predated and encapsulated the “Girl Power” zeitgeist.
Why You Should Be Listening to Shampoo Now
Shampoo’s music captures the irreverence, humor, and punk spirit of 1990s Britpop with an undeniable pop sheen. Their influence on both pop-punk and feminist pop culture remains strong, offering a soundtrack for anyone ready to embrace a little chaos.
See you on down the road.
