Artist: Big Country Album: The Crossing

Year: 1983
Duration: 1:15:05

A of Big Country's Album The Crossing

Big Country was a Scottish rock band formed in 1981, and their debut album, The Crossing, was released in 1983. The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching #3 on the UK charts. The Crossing features a distinct sound that combines Celtic folk music and rock, creating a unique flavor that sets it apart from other albums in the era. In this post, we will take a critical look at Big Country and their album The Crossing, discussing the artist's brief history, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critic to the album.
Big Country's sound reflected the group's Celtic heritage, incorporating elements of traditional folk music into their songs. The album's lead single, Fields of Fire, is one of the best examples of this, with its energetic guitar riffs and soaring vocals. Another standout track is In a Big Country, a driving anthem that showcases the band's unique sound. With its catchy chorus and memorable guitar solos, it's no wonder why this song became a Top 20 hit in the US.
While The Crossing received critical acclaim, some critics note that the album's sound can be formulaic, with many of the songs following a similar structure. However, what sets the album apart is the use of bagpipes, a unique instrument that was rarely used in rock music at the time. The track The Crossing is a perfect example of this, with its haunting bagpipe intro that gives way to a driving guitar riff.
Another innovative aspect of The Crossing is the poetic lyrics that speak to the anxieties and hopes of the time. Chance is a song that reflects the fear of nuclear war prevalent during the Cold War era, while The Storm talks about finding one's place in the world. These songs showcase the depth and introspection that Big Country was capable of in its lyrics.
Overall, The Crossing was an exciting and innovative album that still resonates with listeners today. It's clear to see why the album was a commercial success and why the band continued to release music throughout the 80s and 90s. Big Country's fusion of rock and Celtic folk music created a sound that's still unique and timeless. While the structure of the songs may be similar, the addition of bagpipes and the poetic depth of the lyrics more than make up for it. At the end of the day, The Crossing is an album that's worth revisiting for any music listener, both for its historical significance and its enduring quality.