Grunge was a decidedly American style; and perhaps as a reaction against its gloomy posturing, British bands began playing a decidedly upbeat and somewhat frivolous style that was soon dubbed Britpop. By mining their country's rich rock 'n' roll past, groups like Oasis and Blur took the most tuneful qualities of the Beatles, T-Rex, and just about every other quintessentially British band and updated them for a younger generation.

Notable Artists: Suede, Blur, Oasis, Pulp