"Different Class" is the fifth studio album by English rock band Pulp, released on October 30, 1995, by Island Records. The album marked a significant moment in the Britpop movement, achieving both critical and commercial success. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize in 1996. The album features four top-ten singles in the UK: "Common People," "Sorted for E's & Wizz," "Disco 2000," and "Something Changed." "Common People" became particularly iconic, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and solidifying Pulp's status as a leading band in the Britpop era. As of 2020, Different Class has been certified four times platinum by the British Phonographic Industry, with over 1.33 million copies sold in the UK.
Frontman Jarvis Cocker drew inspiration for the album's title from a phrase used by a friend, which he liked for its dual meaning related to social class. This theme of class and societal observation runs throughout the album's lyrics, highlighting the complexities of British life and culture. The phrase "We don't want no trouble, we just want the right to be different" encapsulates the album's spirit.
The album's cover features a wedding photograph that includes members of the band alongside the bride and groom, Dom and Sharon O'Connor. The creative process behind the cover involved a photographer who was busy with Pulp but managed to incorporate the wedding into the band's visuals. The unique sleeve design was complemented by multiple alternative covers included in initial copies, allowing listeners to "Choose your own front cover."
Different Class is celebrated as one of the greatest albums of the Britpop era and has received accolades over the years, including ranking highly in lists of the best albums of all time by publications like NME and Rolling Stone. The album remains a defining work for Pulp, showcasing their distinctive blend of witty lyrics and compelling melodies.
