"Better Living Through Chemistry" is the debut studio album by British electronic music producer Fatboy Slim, released on September 23, 1996. The album marked a significant moment in the late 1990s big beat movement, a genre characterized by heavy breakbeats, synthesizer-generated loops, and prominent basslines.
Fatboy Slim, the stage name for Norman Cook, emerged as one of the most prominent artists in the electronic and dance music scene during this period. Before adopting the Fatboy Slim persona, Cook was involved in several other music projects and bands, including The Housemartins and Beats International. His transition to electronic music production proved to be successful, allowing him to innovate within the genre.
The album "Better Living Through Chemistry" includes notable tracks such as "Everybody Needs a 303" and "Going Out of My Head," which showcase Cook’s knack for blending eclectic samples with infectious beats. The title of the album alludes to a DuPont advertising slogan, which ironically emphasized the benefits of chemical technology during the mid-20th century.
Receiving critical acclaim upon its release, the album is credited with helping to popularize the big beat genre, coming at a time when electronic music was gaining significant traction in both the UK and the United States. The success of this album laid the groundwork for Fatboy Slim’s subsequent releases and solidified his place as a pioneer in the electronic dance music landscape.
