Blur famously performed “Song 2,” the explosive alternative-rock hit released by the English band in 1997. The track appeared on Blur’s self-titled fifth studio album and became one of the group’s most recognizable songs, largely because of its shouted “woo-hoo” refrain and heavily distorted guitar sound.
Written by Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree, “Song 2” began partly as an experiment. Blur had been exploring a rougher, noisier sound, and the recording’s grunge-like energy contrasted with the band’s earlier reputation for polished Britpop. Its title was deliberately simple because it was initially treated almost like a placeholder.
The song is sometimes mistaken for an American grunge recording because of its sound and because it became popular at sports events and on alternative radio. Blur, however, came from England and was a leading Britpop band alongside acts such as Oasis and Pulp. “Song 2” reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and remains Blur’s signature international hit.