What makes Songs About Fucking by Big Black notable?

The album is noted for its abrasive sound and explicit themes, contributing to the conversation around censorship in music during the late '80s. It received significant attention from critics, appearing on various year-end lists, and has influenced numerous alternative and punk bands that followed. Released in 1987, Songs About Fucking marked Big Black's final studio album before disbanding, solidifying their status in the noise rock scene. Following the critical success of their earlier EPs, this album showcased the band's unrelenting sonic intensity while pushing their provocative themes further into mainstream consciousness.

How many songs are on Songs About Fucking?

Songs About Fucking has 14 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

Songs About Fucking

Big Black · 1987

31 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

Aggressive noise rock collides with sardonic lyrics, creating a raw and confrontational exploration of sexuality and societal norms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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He's a Whore — This track exemplifies Big Black's biting social commentary through its exploration of commodified relationships, blending infectious riffs with a critical perspective on masculinity.
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Colombian Necktie — With its relentless rhythm and graphic imagery, this song stands out as a visceral examination of violence intertwined with sexual themes, showcasing the band's ability to provoke thought and discomfort.
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The Power of Independent Trucking — Opening the album, this track uses sharp guitar work and relentless energy to set the tone for the entire record, embodying the confrontational spirit of Big Black.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's aggressive sound and sardonic lyrics create a unique exploration of themes, solidifying its place in noise rock.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features a driving rhythm and aggressive guitar riffs, setting a confrontational tone.
The lyrics often employ dark humor and irony, with vocal delivery that is both sardonic and intense, enhancing the thematic exploration of sexuality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 The Power of Independent Trucking 1:27
2 The Model 2:34
3 Bad Penny 2:33
4 L Dopa 1:40
5 Precious Thing 2:20
6 Colombian Necktie 2:14
7 Kitty Empire 4:01
8 Ergot 2:27
9 Kasimir S. Pulaski Day 2:28
10 Fish Fry 2:06
11 Pavement Saw 2:12
12 Tiny, King of the Jews 2:31
13 Bombastic Intro 0:35
14 He's a Whore 2:37

What to play next

Listen next

Thanksgiving EP

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Pigpile

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Full Big Black discography Artists like Big Black

alternative rock post-hardcore post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata