What makes Big Shot in the Dark by Timbuk3 notable?

This album marks a significant moment for Timbuk3 as it features the provocative track 'Mudflap Girl,' which sparked controversy for its bold lyrical content and satirical take on American culture. The album received favorable reviews but did not achieve the same commercial success as their earlier work. Big Shot in the Dark is Timbuk3's third album, following their breakthrough success with 'The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades' in 1986. By 1991, they were transitioning from their initial commercial peak into a more experimental phase, exploring deeper themes while retaining their signature sound.

How many songs are on Big Shot in the Dark?

Big Shot in the Dark has 11 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Big Shot in the Dark

Timbuk3 · 1991

43 min · 11 tracks · new wave

A blend of catchy hooks and sardonic lyrics wrapped in jangly guitars and synth-driven melodies, capturing the spirit of early '90s new wave.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mudflap Girl — This track stands out for its sharp critique of consumerism and objectification, exemplifying Timbuk3's knack for blending humor with social commentary.
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God Made an Angel — Opening the album with an ethereal melody and introspective lyrics, this track sets the tone for the exploration of themes like faith and existence.
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Big Shot in the Dark — 'Big Shot in the Dark' encapsulates the album's essence through its catchy chorus and reflections on ambition and missed opportunities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

44 /100

Lowland

Higher than 4% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy hooks with satirical lyrics, showcasing a mix of upbeat and introspective tracks.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with jangly guitars and synth melodies, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes.
Several tracks, including 'Mudflap Girl,' incorporate satirical lyrics that critique American culture, creating a distinct narrative thread.
The album's title track employs a prominent chorus that contrasts with verses featuring more complex arrangements.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 God Made an Angel 4:34
2 Sunshine 4:11
3 Two Medicines 3:08
4 The Border Crossing 3:18
5 Big Shot in the Dark 6:34
6 Mudflap Girl 4:48
7 Dis•••land (Was Made for You & Me) 3:59
8 Wake Up Little Darlin' 2:42
9 '49 Plymouth 4:43
10 The Little Things 3:49
11 Sunshine 1:44

What to play next

Listen next

A Hundred Lovers

1995

Go back to

Eden Alley

1988

Full Timbuk3 discography Artists like Timbuk3

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata