Supernaturals (The)
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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 The Supernaturals, a Glasgow-based quintet whose upbeat melodies and relatable lyrics earned them a loyal following and a place on countless 1990s soundtracks.
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: 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: Glasgow, Scotland
Active years: 1993–2002, 2012–present
Associated genres: Indie rock, Britpop, power pop
Record labels: Parlophone, Food, Koch
Members: James McColl – vocals, guitar / Mark Guthrie – bass / Gavin Crawford – drums / David Currie – guitar / Joseph Greatorex – keyboards
Former members: Alan Tilston – drums / Ken McAlpine – keyboards / Derek McManus – guitar / Steve Jeffrey – keyboards / Sean Guthrie – keyboards / Paul Malcolm – guitar
Formation and Early Years
Formed in Glasgow in 1991 by James McColl, Derek McManus, Gavin Crawford, and Mark Guthrie.
Released their first cassette, Big 7, in 1992, followed by Dark Star in 1993, building a strong local following.
Keyboardist Ken McAlpine joined in 1994, rounding out their sound with lush, melodic arrangements.
Their extensive touring schedule and quirky live sets—often featuring covers of The Monkees and The Move—cemented their reputation as one of Scotland’s most charming live acts.
Rise to Prominence
Signed to Food/Parlophone Records in 1995 after catching the attention of Andy Ross.
Released their debut single, "Lazy Lover," in 1996, followed by tours with Britpop heavyweights Dodgy, Sleeper, and The Bluetones.
Achieved breakout success with "Smile" in 1997, which became synonymous with optimism and featured in numerous adverts and TV shows.
Their debut album, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore (1997), peaked at number 9 on the UK Albums Chart, driven by hits like "The Day Before Yesterday’s Man" and "Love Has Passed Away."
Commercial Success and Albums
A Tune a Day (1998) solidified their reputation with tracks like "I Wasn’t Built to Get Up," used in UK Direct Debit adverts, and "Sheffield Song," a heartfelt ode to everyday life. The album reached number 21 on the UK Albums Chart.
The Supernaturals toured extensively, including a 30-date arena tour with Robbie Williams and The Divine Comedy in 1999.
Released What We Did Last Summer (2002) on Koch Records, showcasing their evolution with tracks like "Finishing Credits," though the album faced challenges in the post-Britpop landscape.
Took a hiatus after their third album but reunited in 2012 to begin work on new material.
Later Activities and Legacy
Released 360 in 2015, marking a comeback with a reflective, polished sound.
Followed up with Bird of Luck (2019) and It Only Gets Worse (2023), showcasing their enduring ability to craft catchy, heartfelt tunes.
Their music continues to appear in TV shows and films, keeping their legacy alive for new audiences.
The band returned to live performances, supporting Britpop contemporaries like Sleeper and Embrace and playing festivals including Belladrum and Star Shaped Festival.
Notable Facts
"Smile" became an advertising staple, featuring in campaigns for Smile.co.uk and Sky Movies, among others, and was parodied in Phoenix Nights.
Nominated for an Ivor Novello Award in 1998 for "Smile," alongside Radiohead and The Verve.
Keyboardist Ken McAlpine later became a cameraman for shows like Dragons' Den and House Guest.
Their music’s charm has transcended decades, with songs like "Life Is a Motorway" and "Monday Mornings" appearing in modern shows like Homes Under the Hammer.
Defining Lyric
"Everything's gone grey but used to be so black and white" - Smile (1997)
Discography
It Doesn’t Matter Anymore (1997)
A Tune a Day (1998)
What We Did Last Summer (2002)
360 (2015)
Bird of Luck (2019)
It Only Gets Worse (2023)
Essential Listening
"Smile" (1997): The band’s signature tune, encapsulating the breezy optimism of Britpop.
"I Wasn’t Built to Get Up" (1998): A relatable anthem for reluctant risers everywhere.
"The Day Before Yesterday’s Man" (1997): A poignant exploration of nostalgia and self-reflection.
Why You Should Be Listening to The Supernaturals Now
The Supernaturals’ knack for combining clever lyrics, infectious melodies, and a healthy dose of humour makes their music timeless. Their optimistic outlook and charm remain a perfect antidote to modern-day worries, ensuring their place as Britpop gems.
See you on down the road.
