"New Generation" is the third and final single from the album ''
Dog Man Star
''Dog Man Star'' is the second album by English alternative rock band Suede, released in October 1994 on Nude Records. The album was recorded in London at Master Rock studios in early 1994, and was produced by Ed Buller. It was the last Suede a ...
'' by English rock band
Suede
Suede (pronounced ) is a type of leather with a fuzzy, napped finish, commonly used for jackets, shoes, fabrics, purses, furniture, and other items. The term comes from the French , which literally means "gloves from Sweden". The term was fir ...
, released on 30 January 1995 through
Nude Records. It is the first single to feature music by new guitarist
Richard Oakes. Though the title track is written by Anderson and departed guitarist
Bernard Butler
Bernard Joseph Butler (born 1 May 1970) is an English musician, songwriter and record producer. He is best known as the first guitarist with Suede, until his departure in 1994. He has been hailed by some critics as the greatest guitarist of hi ...
, Oakes contributes on "Together" and "Bentswood Boys". The single reached 21 on the
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart (currently titled Official Singles Chart, with the upper section more commonly known as the Official UK Top 40) is compiled by the Official Charts Company (OCC), on behalf of the British record industry, listing the top-s ...
.
Critical reception
''
Music & Media
''Music & Media'' was a pan-European magazine for radio, music and entertainment. It was published for the first time in 1984 as ''Eurotipsheet'', but in 1986 it changed name to ''Music & Media''. It was originally based in Amsterdam, but later ...
'' wrote: "Brett Anderson, the Bowie of the new generation, excels with a glittering pop song. The voice is put nicely upfront in the production; horns are in the back under layers of guitar." Steve Smith of ''
The Press and Journal
''The Press and Journal'' is a daily regional newspaper serving northern and highland Scotland including the cities of Aberdeen and Inverness. Established in 1747, it is Scotland's oldest daily newspaper, and one of the longest-running newspape ...
'' rated the single four stars out of five, writing: "another one destined to be a hit for a group still in their early years. Brett Anderson is his usual self on vocals – brilliant." Emma Cochrane of ''
Smash Hits
''Smash Hits'' was a British music magazine aimed at young adults, originally published by EMAP. It ran from 1978 to 2006, and, after initially appearing monthly, was issued fortnightly during most of that time. The name survived as a brand ...
'' also rated the single four out of five, and called it a "catchy ‘90s anthem" and a "masterpiece." Craig Fitzsimons of ''
Hot Press
''Hot Press'' is a fortnightly music and politics magazine based in Dublin, Ireland, founded in June 1977. The magazine has been edited since its inception by Niall Stokes.
History
''Hot Press'' was founded in June 1977 by Niall Stokes, who co ...
'' concurred, writing: "Suede do have one thing in their favour – unerringly catchy, hook-filled songs you can actually hum along to."
Music video
The video for the title song was directed by
Richard Heslop, and features the whole band playing in a crowded room surrounded by broken television sets and dilapidated furniture, while a group of children dance or sit around. "New Generation" was the only video from the "Dog Man Star" era where Richard Oakes 'mimes' Bernard Butler's guitar part. It is also notable for its sepia format.
Track listings
All songs were written by
Brett Anderson
Brett Lewis Anderson (born 29 September 1967) is an English singer best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the band Suede. After Suede disbanded in 2003, he fronted The Tears with former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler in 2004- ...
and
Bernard Butler
Bernard Joseph Butler (born 1 May 1970) is an English musician, songwriter and record producer. He is best known as the first guitarist with Suede, until his departure in 1994. He has been hailed by some critics as the greatest guitarist of hi ...
except where noted.
UK CD1 and 12-inch single
# "New Generation"
# "Together" (Anderson,
Richard Oakes)
# "Bentswood Boys" (Anderson, Oakes)
UK CD2
# "New Generation"
# "
Animal Nitrate" (live)
# "
The Wild Ones" (live)
# "Pantomime Horse" (live)
UK cassette single and European CD single
# "New Generation" – 4:32
# "Together" – 4:31
European maxi-CD single
# "New Generation"
# "Together" (Anderson, Oakes)
# "Bentswood Boys" (Anderson, Oakes)
# "Animal Nitrate" (live)
Japanese CD single
# "New Generation"
# "Together" (Anderson, Oakes)
# "Bentswood Boys" (Anderson, Oakes)
# "The Wild Ones" (live)
# "Pantomime Horse" (live)
# "Asda Town" (Anderson)
References
{{Authority control
Suede (band) songs
1995 singles
Song recordings produced by Ed Buller
Songs written by Bernard Butler
Songs written by Brett Anderson