13 is the sixth studio album by the English alternative rock band Blur, released on 15 March 1999. Continuing the band's stylistic shift away from the Britpop sound of their earlier career, 13 explores art rock and electronic styles. Recording took place from June to October 1998 in London and Reykjavík. The album marks a departure of the band's longtime producer, Stephen Street, with his role being filled by William Orbit, who they had chosen after hearing his work on the remix album Bustin' + Dronin' (1998). Relationships between the band members were reported to be strained, with members frequently missing from the sessions. Lyrically, the album is darker and more personal than Blur's previous efforts, being heavily inspired by Damon Albarn's breakup with long-term girlfriend, Justine Frischmann. 13 was the last Blur album for over a decade to feature the original line-up, as Coxon later left the band during the 2002 sessions of their next album Think Tank (2003), before returning in 2009. 13 entered the UK Albums Chart at number one, making it Blur's fourth consecutive studio album to reach the top spot. The album was later certified Platinum. 13 also reached number one in Norway and charted within the top 20 in many other countries. The album produced three singles – "Tender", "Coffee & TV" and "No Distance Left to Run" – which charted at number 2, number 11 and number 14 respectively on the UK Singles Chart. 13 met with favourable reviews and received a nomination for the Mercury Prize, as well as for Best Album at the 2000 NME Awards.
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