Most famous as the front man of Pulp, Jarvis was a bonafide star of the 90’s Britpop movement. With a string of hit singles and albums, Pulp soared to musical heights, with frequent appearances on Top of the Pops, massive radio presence and even a headlining slot at Glastonbury 95.

Before their breakthrough album in 1994, Pulp had been gigging and recording for 15 years. With various lineup changes and musical direction, the band already had 3 studio albums to their name.

And following the band’s final album in 2001, Jarvis has since gone on to release multiple solo records and musical projects.

I’ll be collectively ranking all the Jarvis projects from 1983 – 2022 which includes 7 Pulp albums and 6 solo projects either credited to Jarvis Cocker or his band JARV IS.

13. Freaks – Pulp (1987)

An incredibly dark record (sonically and tonally), Freaks (Pulp’s second LP) is pretty much unrecognisable as a Pulp album, when compared to their 90’s output. The only record on this list that I dislike.

Track to check out: I Want You

12. Separations – Pulp (1992)

Originally recorded in 1989, Separations was released in 1992 just prior to Pulp’s mainstream breakthrough. With the core members in place, (what went on to be) the recognisable sound of Pulp was established (to some degree) on this record. With a bit more acid house influence scattered liberally through the tracklist Separations stands out as a unique entry on the list.

Track to check out: Countdown

11. It – Pulp (1983)

A very folky collection of tunes on Pulp’s debut album. All very nice and very accessible. It is hard to compare the early work with their later albums as Jarvis and the band were teenagers at the time of recording. It would take a few years to perfect the formula and for Jarvis to properly find his voice. At 25 minutes in length, It is a perfectly breezy little album.

Track to check out: Love Love

10. Room 29 – Jarvis Cocker & Chilly Gonzales (2017)

An absolutely charming, beautifully bittersweet collaboration between Jarvis and Canadian pianist Chilly Gonzales. A concept record about a hotel in LA. The album flits between spoken word pieces, instrumentals and delicate songs.

Track to check out: A Trick of the Light

9. This is Going To Hurt (Original Soundtrack) – JARV IS (2022)

Slightly hard to place on the list. As it’s a score / soundtrack, there’s a lot of incidental music and songs that work better within the context of the drama. But as a stand alone album, it’s still incredibly enjoyable.

Track to check out: Dare to Love

8. Further Complications – Jarvis Cocker (2009)

Taking a punkier approach on his second solo outing, Jarvis teamed up with former Nirvana producer Steve Albini and devlivered a collection of hard and heavy rockers.

Track to check out: Homewrecker!

7. Chansons d’Ennui Tip-Top – Jarvis Cocker (2021)

An absolutely charming record featuring cover versions of French pop songs. An offshoot of Wes Anderson’s 2021 film The French Dispatch (which featured Cocker’s version of Aline on the soundtrack). This album serves as a companion piece to the movie.

Track to check out: Dans ma chambre

6. This is Hardcore – Pulp (1998)

A departure from the shiny happy pop numbers of the mid 90’s. Hardcore was released in early 1998 as the “Britpop” phenomenon was down to its dying embers. Dealing with themes about panic attacks, porn and mortality, the album is dark, brooding, captivating, seductive and utterly brilliant.

Track to check out: A Little Soul

5. His ‘n’ Hers – Pulp (1994)

The album where it all came together. After years of Pulp obscurity His ‘n’ Hers reached the top 10 of the UK album charts, propelling the band to stardom. Featuring anthemic classics such as Babies and Do You Remember the First Time? the formula had been perfected.

Track to check out: She’s a Lady

4. We Love Life – Pulp (2001)

For my money, Pulp’s most underrated masterpiece. The album popped its head round the door of the album charts and then disappeared completely. It’s never gotten anywhere near the airplay or recognition it deserves. With a (pretty blatant) emphasis on nature, the album is filled with songs about Mother Earth (Weeds, The Trees, The Birds in Your Garden, Sunrise etc). As well as an “organic” theme, the album sounds very organic, with a lot more emphasis on acoustic guitars than the previous albums. Quite fitting really that the band’s first album It was something of an alt-folk LP. It seems to have come around full circle on their (currently) final album.

Track to check out: Weeds + Weeds II (The Origin of the Species)

3. Jarvis – Jarvis Cocker (2006)

The first solo album from Jarvis is one of his finest works to date. Heavily influenced by 1960’s jangle-pop, the record is crammed with catchy tunes and fantastic vocals. Two of the songs featured (Don’t Let Him Waste Your Time and Baby’s Coming Back to Me) had previous been recorded by Nancy Sinatra on her self-titled 2004 album.

Track to check out: Running the World

2. Beyond the Pale – JARV IS (2020)

The debut record from Cocker’s music project JARV IS. A spacey collection of art rock soundscapes. Featuring ecclectic instrumentation and experimental recording techniques (a hybrid of live and studio) the album is completely captivating. It’s like entering another Universe for 40 minutes.

Track to check out: Children of the Echo

1. Different Class – Pulp (1995)

I suppose it was inevitable. Some things were just meant to be. One of the greatest albums of the 90’s, Different Class features Pulp’s most famous tracks. Common People, Disco 2000, Mis-Shapes, Something Changed all reached the top 10 of the UK singles chart. Even the deep tracks are superb. This album is generally why my answer to the clichéd Britpop question: “Who do you prefer, Blur or Oasis?” is always Pulp.

Track to check out: Underwear