Super Hits cover

Super Hits

Big Audio Dynamite · 1999

51 min · 10 tracks · post-punk

Eclectic sounds blend reggae, hip-hop, and rock in a vibrant exploration of urban life and culture.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    C'mon Every Beatbox — This track stands out for its infectious groove and inventive use of samples, embodying the album's spirit of playful experimentation. It demonstrates the band's knack for merging technology with musicality, making it a highlight of their catalog.
  • →
    The Globe — With its expansive soundscape and socially conscious lyrics, this track encapsulates the global perspective that underpins much of Big Audio Dynamite's work. Its dynamic structure showcases the band's ability to blend genres seamlessly.
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    Medicine Show — This song features a catchy chorus and sharp lyrical commentary on societal issues, reflecting the band's post-punk roots while appealing to contemporary listeners. Its narrative style is emblematic of the band's storytelling prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic blend of styles and energetic execution mark it as a notable return for the band.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, blending genres fluidly.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • inviting reflective moments

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1999, Super Hits captures Big Audio Dynamite during a period of reinvention after their original break-up in the early '90s. This album marked their return with a fresh approach to blending genres, showcasing a matured sound while still retaining their experimental roots. It followed the band's earlier work and signaled a transition to a more commercially viable aesthetic.
Stylistic neighbors
The Clash· Public Image Ltd.· Talking Heads

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Bottom Line 4:37
  • 2 C'mon Every Beatbox 5:28
  • 3 Rush 4:18
  • 4 The Globe 6:05
  • 5 Just Play Music 4:13
  • 6 V. Thirteen 4:39
  • 7 Sightsee M.C.! 4:54
  • 8 Contact 4:40
  • 9 E=mc² 5:56
  • 10 Medicine Show 6:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata