Artist: Big Country Album: No Place Like Home

Year: 1991
Duration: 0:0-1

A of No Place Like Home by Big Country: A Journey Through the Music Genre and Band's History

Big Country is a Scottish rock band that emerged on the music scene in the early 1980s, best known for their anthemic songs and atmospheric soundscapes. The sound combines Celtic folk, new wave, post-punk, and rock with unconventional intricacies such as two guitarists playing simultaneously. Their sixth album, No Place Like Home, released in 1991, is their last album with Stuart Adamson, the frontman that gave them their signature sound. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the band's history, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a of their last album with Adamson.
Big Country formed in 1981 in Dunfermline, Scotland, by Stuart Adamson (guitar, vocals), Bruce Watson (guitar, vocals), Tony Butler (bass, vocals), and Mark Brzezicki (drums, percussion). Adamson's distinctive guitar style of using the E-bow invented a unique sound that was their trademark and recognizable on their debut album The Crossing in 1983. In a Big Country became a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, and the band enjoyed commercial success throughout the 1980s with albums such as Steeltown and The Seer. With No Place Like Home, Big Country showcased a return to the classic Big Country sound after a brief hiatus and a nod to Adamson's Scottish roots.
No Place Like Home is a mix of rock, folk, and Celtic instrumentation, a sound that Adamson was looking to revisit as he felt the band's previous work had lost some of the spark from their earlier music. From the opening track We're Not In Kansas, the band delivers a cohesive album that showcases their ability to craft memorable songs as well as experiment with the rock genre. The album features intricate guitar work that interweaves in and out of each other.
The album's best tracks include Republican Party Reptile, Beautiful People, and The Hostage Speaks. Republican Party Reptile stands out with its driving beat and chant-like chorus, while The Hostage Speaks is a prime example of Big Country's storytelling abilities and features a great guitar solo. Beautiful People is a slower ballad that shows the band's softer, emotional side and is an example of how they balance their energetic and mature songwriting.
The most innovative part of the album is how it reflects Adamson's political and social commentary on the world. In addition to Republican Party Reptile, he also explores capitalism and war in John Wayne's Dream. In contrast, Chester's Farm is a more personal song that reflects Adamson's love for the countryside and nature.
In addition to the album's strengths, there are a few weak spots, such as the overly long title track, which seems to drag on with no real payoff. The album's overall vibe may seem a bit dated in today's standards, but it shouldn't deter music fans from experiencing it.
While No Place Like Home may not be Big Country's most iconic album, it's still a strong and satisfying record that showcases the band's musicianship and storytelling abilities. Their unique guitar-driven sound remains one of their trademarks and has solidified their place in music history. While the band's later work may not be as well known, it still deserves a listen, and No Place Like Home is a great place to start for anyone looking to delve into their discography.