"Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches," the third studio album by Happy Mondays, marked a pivotal moment for the English rock band upon its release on November 5, 1990, under Factory Records. Collaborating with disc jockey (DJ) Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne, who had previously worked on remixes for the band, proved to be a turning point. Their successful collaborations paved the way for the production of "Step On," a cover of the John Kongos song, which became a standout track for Happy Mondays.
 
Following a tour of the United States, where the creative sparks continued to fly, the band commenced recording their next album alongside Oakenfold and Osborne at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, California. Upon returning to the United Kingdom, further recording sessions unfolded at Eden Studios in London until September 1990. The album, often categorized as a quintessential Madchester record, benefited greatly from the collaborative efforts of Oakenfold and Osborne, with the former crafting loops while the latter expertly handled song arrangements.
 
Upon its release, "Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches" garnered widespread acclaim from music critics, many of whom hailed it as the band's creative zenith. It soared to number four on the UK Albums Chart and made notable appearances on charts in Austria, New Zealand, and Sweden. In the UK alone, it achieved platinum certification, selling over 400,000 copies. Hits like "Step On" and "Kinky Afro" climbed the charts, earning gold and silver certifications respectively in the UK, while also making waves on various Billboard charts in the US. Tracks such as "Loose Fit" and "Bob's Yer Uncle" further solidified the album's success, with the former cracking the UK top 20 and the latter finding a place within the top 30 on two US charts.
 
"Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches" didn't just make waves upon its release; it made a lasting impact. It earned spots on year-end and decade-end lists from esteemed publications like Melody Maker, NME, and Select, cementing its status as a timeless classic in the annals of British rock music.