Why Big Bam Boom is the definitive 80s album and you should listen to the whole thing.

-

BIG.

BAM.

BOOM.



80s music is big, boxy and loud. No album captures the decade like Daryl Hall & John Oates' Big Bam Boom. The album was released in late 1984, right when the decade was really coming together. Phil Collins' Face Value had already introduced the gated reverb, the deep drum sound that dominated 80s hits. However, Big Bam Boom incorporated the synthesizer, deep vocals and lyrics in a more complete, mature, and commercial way. When it comes to 80s music, music being 'commercial' is good. This album is considered the last commercially successful album of the duo. I would disagree, their following album Ooh Yeah! is also very well made. However, there is something special about the unity of the songs in Big Bam Boom and the raw power of the hit songs. This is really what I like to call a 'Blockbuster Album.' It was an international hit that raised to the top of the charts and became the defining sound of late 1984.

Song by song.

"Dance On Your knees"

This is a short piece that introduces the album. It is meant to be heard along with the #1 hit of the album, "Out of Touch." This piece is credited to Arthur Baker, who was very involved with the album and was the real mastermind that put all of the 80s urban musical elements together.

"Out of Touch"

This is 'the' song. There is a 'club version' in the album and there is also a 'video mix' version available. (link below) Both versions add the "Dance On Your Knees" intro. The song expresses a feeling of yearning for a loved one that is "not around." The vocals by Daryl Hall are very good. It is almost as if he was fighting against the distance between him and that who is "not around." The lyrics tell a story of how life is not the same without this person. "The shades all around aren't the colors we used to see." This song also talks about the soul. Daryl Hall revealed that 'Don't lose your soul' was one of the main themes in the album. This 'take' matters because it signals how this music, which is regarded as commercial in a negative way, is actually very thoughtful and profound.

"Method of Modern Love"

The second most successful track of the album. It also features the constant boom of the gated reverb drums in the background and it has a solid 'synth' melody. The melody has been hailed by critics for evolving from 'awkward' to 'flowing' and 'beautiful' just as the relationship described in the song does. 
Just like "Out of Touch," this song also explores the difficulties of distance relationships. The lyrics say:
"I can call you
Got your number
Share my life with you a thousand miles away"
Before the era of social media, telecommunications made distance relationships possible in the 1980s. However, the type of 'love' at the time was distinct from the previous mid-20th century era.

"Bank On Your Love"

This song incorporates string instruments and the saxophone along with the ubiquitous synthesizer and gated reverb. It is a solid track, however, the melody is not as overtly catchy as the other hits in the album. The lyrics try to suggest a deep yearning, but the melody is more upbeat. It is easy to listen to, but it does not evoke the same emotions as powerfully as the rest of the album does.

"Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid"

This is one of the 'lesser hits' of the album. It has an engaging intro that distorts the vocals and plays with the synthesizer. As the drums come in, the song starts picking up speed. The melody is extremely simple and slow at first, but the speed and complexity vary throughout the song. This is a classic feature of 80s songs, which famously appears in Donna Summer's "I Do Believe (I Fell In Love)."
The lyrics suggest a deep regret. It fits with the whole narrative of distance relationships and estranged love. It suggests that when living apart from each other, sometimes lovers need to keep things from each other to avoid hurting each other.

"Going Thru the Motions"

This song changes the tone of the album. The intro is very fun. Completely dominated by the boxy sound of the drums, it really captures the melodic idea of 'BIG BAM BOOM.' The lyrics suggest dancing in a robotic way. However, this can be interpreted in multiple ways. It could be a commentary on relationships where people just 'go through the motions.' 

"Cold Dark and Yesterday"

This song has an air of lamentation and sadness. It reminds of Daryl Hall & John Oats' career in 1984. Big Bam Boom was their last major successful studio album. As the song says "it's  This song was not as successful as the other hits, but it is also very solid.

"All American Girl"

This is the least successful track in the album (by far.) It is a take on the '80s independent life-put-together woman' idea. Other songs, like "Material Girl" by Madonna address this image of big hair, magazine covers, and supermodels. This girl "what she wants" and "what she needs." The lyrics, though interesting and characteristic of the time, contrast with the deeper verses found elsewhere in the album. The melody is upbeat, but not as well planned and executed as the four hits of the album. This song might have made more sense as a single than a part of this album.

"Possession Obsession"

Despite being considered the other 'lesser hit' of the album, this is the hidden gem and really the best song in all of the duo's discography. Unlike the other songs, John Oates is the one who leads the vocals in this song. It raises the question of why he did not lead in more songs. The song puts together the overarching theme of the album of love in the 80s. This song examines the materialistic lifestyle of the time. The song implies that a lover is something you can buy, and you want the best. However "the more that you buy, the less you get back."
The melody is out of this world. It is the arrival of the urban feel of 80s music. They are kicked of with a sweet combination of drums and synthesizer in the intro. John Oates' voice comes in as a refreshing surprise. Unlike "Out of Touch," which has a feeling of restlessness and lamentation, "Possession Obsession" has a borderline playful acceptance of the realities of a materialistic relationship.

Expanded Edition

In the expanded edition of the album, there are a few remixes. There is the aforementioned 'club version' of "Out of Touch." There is an extended mix of "Method of Modern Love," a special mix of "Possession Obsession," and an extended version of "Dance On Your Knees." I recommend all of them, but when listening to the whole album, it is best to listen to the standard versions.

Final Notes

Once again, this is a very powerful 80s album. Filled with ballads and hits, it should be considered one of the most important 80s pop albums. This album confirmed the massive change in the direction of music started by Phil Collins in 1981. Since this album, the urban feel overtook disco to become more widespread and dominating of pop music until around 1993. The following album by Daryl Hall & John Oates is Ooh Yeah! (1988) While it was not as commercially successful, it follows a similar melodic style and it has the undisputable hit "Everything Your Heart Desires."

Links

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Wishlist For Fall 2021

-
Image
Fall 2021 Here are some items that I am trying to get my hands on for this coming Fall term.  1. The Burberry Westminster Trench Coat The Westminster Heritage Trench Coat in Honey - Men | Burberry United States The top item on my wishlist for this fall is the Burberry Westminster Trench Coat. I've had my eyes on this coat since last fall. This coat is light and well made. The signature Burberry gabardine material keeps the interior dry despite the rain. This coat has been used by British Army officers since the world wars. However, it soon took over the fashion world in the second half of the 20th century. It remains 'the' trench coat. There are many fits and ways to wear it. They come in three colours: honey, black, and olive. I prefer a looser fit and to tie the belt (not buckling it.) Though hard to find, you will likely find the one you are looking for at the Burberry flagship store in Regent's Street in London. That store is the largest Burberry in the world. It ha
Read more

Late August 2021 Photos from St. Andrew's

-
Image
On the last day of August... St. Andrew's starts to welcome the colder winds of fall. Cloudy, though not rainy. The town is in a sweet spot in which Summer golfers start to leave and Fall students start to arrive. Neither pictures nor words can capture the beauty of St. Andrew's. However, these are some of my most aesthetically pleasing shots of the architecture and landscape. St. Mary's Quad St. Mary's Quad is the prime location for serious studying. It has some of the oldest buildings of the university, dating back to the 17th century. It's a prime spot for a picnic with some reading or a quick lunch from a restaurant in South Street. This houses the School of Divinity, one of the best in the world. The King James Library This is the oldest reading room in Scotland. It puts the other Brutalist-style library to shame. Unfortunately, the hours are more restricted.   South Street South Street is the home of many of St. Andrew's churches, the Madras College, and t
Read more