We've Got A Fuzzbox And We're Gonna Use It - Big Bang!

Big Bang! is Fuzzbox's 1989 album, praised for its slick production and energetic pop, though some reviews note it's a departure from their earlier, more "DIY" sound. Highlights include the singles "International Rescue" (their biggest hit), "Self!" (featuring Brian May), and "Pink Sunshine," along with a cover of Yoko Ono's "Walking on Thin Ice". While some tracks are considered stronger than others, the album is generally seen as a fun, well-crafted pop record that was a commercial success. 

Review by Matthew Rudd

Fuzzbox, or We’ve Got A Fuzzbox And We’re Gonna Use It!!, were for everyone in 1989. Girls loved their swaggering brand of colourful feminism, boys just thought they looked fantastic. After not displaying a jot of seriousness on their 1986 debut Bostin’ Steve Austin (befitting three of the quartet’s adolescence) they returned with one of the slickest, most radiant dance pop albums you’ll ever hear.

The three hit singles were summertime roadshow staples, especially second smash Pink Sunshine, irresistible and with an element of lyrical maturity, but singer Vickie Perks showed there was more to her than unusual microphone usage, with semi-operatic showstopper Irish Bride.For the most part, though, the album just rejoiced in a relentless, vivacious pop motif, with killer hooks and harmonies on Do You Know? and Fast Forward Futurama. Jamaican Sunrise gave them an opportunity to slow things down while a cover of Walking On Thin Ice works for sheer nerve alone. They even sample Slave To The Rhythm on Versatile For Discos And Parties.

With a recent reunion, the years have been kind to Fuzzbox’s reputation and Big Bang! forms the basis of that. It’s simply one of the best pop albums of the 80s.

Ripped to MP3

A1 Pink Sunshine

A2 Fast Forward Futurama

A3 Jamaican Sunrise

A4 Walking On Thin Ice

A5 Versatile For Discos And Parties

B1 International Rescue

B2 Self!

B3 Irish Bride

B4 Do You Know?

B5 Beauty