Graham Coxon’s five greatest Blur riffs
When discussing touring with Blur after a hiatus, Graham Coxon spoke about how much he loves being in the band and making music with them. He specifically talks about sharing the stage with his friends, getting to see what they’re doing, thriving off their talent, and enjoying playing music all the more because of it.
“I relish looking around and seeing what we’re all doing on stage. In the old days I got submerged in myself and found it more and more difficult to enjoy,” he admitted, “I enjoy watching Alex – he’s such an underrated bass player and Dave is right in the midst of it. Damon is the same, as good as ever.”
While this is sweet, and Coxon might admit that he struggled to enjoy the music as much when he obsessed over it, it was during this period in the ‘90s that he produced some of his greatest guitar work. The legacy of Blur remains timeless, and the music they released at the height of Britpop cements that legacy. At the heart of everything, alongside his admittedly excellent bandmates, is the guitar work of Graham Coxon.
Whether you want something slow and melodic or upbeat and heavy, Coxon is there. The variety he has displayed throughout his time in Blur is exceptional, as he needs to be recognised as one of the greatest guitarists to take to the stage in recent decades. Here are some of the greatest riffs that Graham Coxon ever wrote for Blur.
The best guitar riffs by Graham Coxon:
‘Song 2’
Who are we to say where great songs should come from? Blur have previously admitted that the track ‘Song 2’ initially started as a joke, as the band wanted to write a song which would appease their label and be radio-friendly. However, while executing this joke, Blur made one of their most iconic tracks.
The song’s success lies with Coxon’s outstanding guitar riff. The simple power chords are necessary to give us something that combines the worlds of indie, rock, and grunge in one neat package. This is Blur at their heaviest, but the band slides into the style of music because of how comfortably Coxon delivers this iconic riff.
‘Chemical World’
It’s difficult to imagine where Blur would be without their iconic record, Modern Life is Rubbish. While most fans would argue their most acclaimed album is Parklife, their legacy, which continues to stand the test of time, wouldn’t be the same without the band’s second album from 1993.
It’s not a record filled with many skips, as each track seamlessly reels on from the last, and they all contribute to one another. Right in the middle, where many albums run the risk of going through a drab period, you get ‘Chemical World’. The song as a whole is good, but Coxon takes the limelight, delivering a riff that has since gone almost unrivalled.
‘Coffee & TV’
This might be one of the best songs that Coxon has ever written. It is the most beautiful contradiction of itself. The theme of the track revolves around Coxon giving up alcohol and entering a life of sobriety. He speaks in a borderline mundane way as he reveals his new vices are coffee and TV.
What’s genius about the song is its upbeat, intricate, and exciting instrumentation. The fun music paired with ironically sad lyrics is a genius move and makes for an exceptional listen. In addition to delivering a great riff, he also gives listeners an exceptional solo, which stands out as a musical highlight for many Blur fans.
‘There’s No Other Way’
There are few songs from the Britpop era that can grip you as quickly as ‘There’s No Other Way’ does. The moment Coxon’s sliding riff starts playing, the track demands your attention, and those few seconds of musicianship have been used as dancefloor fodder since the day the track was released.
The riff continues to loop throughout the track, and while it’s only a few seconds long, it’s never something that the listener tires of. Pair that with this song’s great lyrics, harmonies and rhythm section, and you have a contender for one of the best Blur has ever released.
‘Charmless Man’
Again, who is to say where good songs should come from? While ‘Song 2’ started as a joke by the band, ‘Charmless Man’ started as a joke by a stranger in passing. As Damon Albarn got off the train to visit his grandmother, he used the public toilets and saw graffiti of a similar disposition to the song’s title on the wall. Thus, the idea of the track was born.
Of course, you can recite all the graffiti you want, but for a song to work, you need the music to back up what’s being said, and Coxon indeed turns up on this song. Limiting praise solely to the riff almost feels harsh, as his guitar work throughout the track is exceptional. It’s some of his best work for the band and a standout of the Britpop era.
