I can’t ever see a day when we grow tired of genuine surprises here at Classic Pop, and the last 12 months saw its fair share of unexpected moments.
Leading the charge was the wonderful return of Blur. While I’m rather fond of the smashand-grab informality of 2015’s Magic Whip whose release equally blindsided fans, there was something more coherent, consistent and considered about this year’s The Ballad Of Darren. With their new cuts justifiably earning their keep in the band’s 2023 festival sets and stadium shows, Damon Albarn wasn’t the only one reduced to tears by the emotional impact of their comeback.