Supergrass – Road To Rouen

Road to Rouen is the fifth studio album by Supergrass, released in 2005. It marked a change in direction for the band, moving away from the bright, high-energy pop of their earlier records toward a more reflective and textured sound. Recorded in Rouen, France, the album features longer, looser structures and a broader palette of instruments, including strings, brass and piano. The result is a quieter, moodier record that balances introspection with moments of boldness.

Songs like St. Petersburg and Low C lean into melancholy and atmosphere, while tracks such as Road to Rouen and Kick in the Teeth bring a heavier edge. Gaz Coombes’ vocals are more restrained and nuanced, fitting the album’s contemplative tone. Although less immediate than their previous albums, Road to Rouen was praised for its maturity and honesty, showing the band in transition but still confident in their songwriting.

Reviews

“Road to Rouen will get its spins in my house, but I’m crossing my fingers for the mid-life crisis next time out.” — Pitchfork

“the sound of a band at last hitting their stride, finding out who they are and sounding like it’s finally making them happy.” — NME