Artist: Big Star Album: In Space

Year: 2005
Duration: 39:17

Big Star's In Space Album: A

Big Star is a band that might not be on the tip of everybody's tongue, but they are definitely a band that music enthusiasts cannot ignore. The Memphis-based band has been influential in power pop and rock for many years. The band's fourth and final studio album, In Space, was released in 2005, thirty-three years after their previous album. In this post, I will delve into the history of Big Star, highlight the music genre of the album, identify the best songs of the album, and critique the innovative aspects of In Space.
Big Star was formed in the early 1970s, made up of members Alex Chilton, Andy Hummel, Jody Stephens, and Chris Bell. The band was ahead of its time, creating music that was a mix of pop, rock, and punk. Despite their talent and influence, Big Star disbanded in the late 1970s after only releasing three studio albums. The band did not gain commercial success during its time, but their music has been an influence on bands like R.E.M., The Replacements, and Wilco.
The In Space album shows Big Star's ability to create a sound that is an amalgamation of their previous work, with a more polished sound. This can be seen in songs like Lady Sweet and Love Revolution, which are upbeat in nature and feature catchy guitar riffs. The album has a mix of slower ballads like A Whole New Thing and The Best Chance We've Ever Had. The album presents a sound that shows the band still had the magic they have always had.
The highlight of the album is undoubtedly Dony, which is a cover of a song by Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso. The song features a mix of pop and bossa nova and showcases the versatility and range of the band. Mine Exclusively is another standout song that shows the band's ability to cover and put their spin on classic songs.
The innovation in In Space lies in the band's ability to create a sound that is a mix of their previous work, but also feel fresh. The album's production is also well done and provides a smooth sound. The album can feel disjointed at times, with some of the songs not fitting into the overall feel of the album. However, this can be overlooked due to the strength of the songs.
The album overall is a solid effort from Big Star, and it was a great way for the band to go out on top. The album provides great individual songs that showcase the band's range, but sometimes feel like they do not fit together well. Fans of Big Star's previous work will enjoy this album, and the album is a great entry point for people who want to get into the band.
Big Star's In Space album is an essential part of power pop and rock history. The album is a testament to the band's talent and showcases their ability to create music that is a mix of genres. The album's best songs, Dony and Mine Exclusively, are the highlights of the album and display the band's versatility. Overall, In Space is a worthy addition to Big Star's catalog and an excellent entry point for people who want to get into the band.