"Coming Up" is the third album by the English alternative rock band Suede, released on September 2, 1996, through Nude Records. It was the band's first album following the departure of guitarist Bernard Butler, who was replaced by Richard Oakes. Keyboardist Neil Codling, who is also Simon Gilbert's cousin, joined the band as well.
The album was a commercial and critical success, reaching number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and producing five top ten singles. It was nominated for the 1997 Mercury Prize and received a positive reception both in the UK and the US. Coming Up was instrumental in introducing Suede to a wider international audience, including Europe, Canada, and Asia.
Following the departure of guitarist Bernard Butler and the mixed reception of their previous album Dog Man Star, Suede faced a challenging period as the British music press shifted its focus to bands like Oasis, Blur, and Pulp. In response, frontman Brett Anderson aimed to revitalize the band's image and bring them back into the mainstream. His vision for the new album was a marked departure from the complex and brooding sound of Dog Man Star. Anderson expressed a desire to create a more straightforward, pop-oriented album, aiming for "ten hits" with a simpler approach.
To achieve this, Suede recruited 17-year-old Richard Oakes as their new guitarist. Oakes was selected from over 500 applicants, largely due to an impromptu demo tape he sent to the Suede fan club, which impressed the band. His smooth integration into the band marked a fresh start for Suede.
Despite the renewed energy with Oakes, Anderson was growing weary of touring. His frustration with the touring experience was reflected in the B-side "Have You Ever Been This Low," which captures the band's fatigue during this period. Anderson's desire to return to the studio and focus on new material highlighted the band's readiness for a creative reset and their commitment to finding new success in the evolving music landscape.
