 Despite worries from Blur 's label , EMI , and the music press that the change in style would alienate the band 's predominantly teenage fanbase and that the album would flop as a result , Blur , as well as lead single , " Beetlebum " , reached the top of the UK charts and the album was certified platinum . The album also reached the top 20 in six other countries . The success of " Song 2 " led to Blur becoming the band 's most successful album in the US where the Britpop scene had been largely unsuccessful . The album received positive and mixed reviews from most music critics , many praising the stylistic change as well as Albarn 's improved songwriting . 
