"Leisure" is the debut studio album by the English rock band Blur, released in the United Kingdom on 27 August 1991 by Food Records. The band consists of singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James, and drummer Dave Rowntree.
Blur's debut album, "Leisure," was presented at the tail end of the 'Madchester' scene and led the start of the 'Britpop' genre. The album's original sounds stemmed from the indie rock and shoegazing styles that were prevalent during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It ultimately played a significant part in shaping the band's career.
"Leisure" includes singles such as "She's So High" and "There’s No Other Way," both of which reached the Top 100 on the UK Singles Chart. While the album was met with mixed reviews upon its release, it was commercially successful. It achieved gold certification in the UK and peaked at number seven on the UK Albums Chart.
Despite the success, the members of Blur have since expressed many regrets about the album. They felt that the band's identity was lost in the process as they tried to fit in with the popular Madchester and Shoegazing scene of the time. Nonetheless, "Leisure" remains crucial in Blur's discography and the evolution of British pop music.
Band members desscribed the album creation period as strenuous due to their swift rise to prominence and the significant number of live shows they performed. They also faced pressure from their record label to produce a successful album.
The album title "Leisure" was inspired by the band's view of the culture and lifestyle around them characterized by idleness and indulgence. The cover art, an abstract piece created by artist Mel Ramos, was chosen because the band felt it represented the album's mood well.
Atual fact, "Leisure" represented a significant foundational period for Blur, setting the stage for their future success and shaping their distinct sound and identity within the Britpop scene.
