"Cosmic Thing" is the fifth studio album by The B-52's, an American rock band. It was released on June 27, 1989, by Reprise Records. The album was produced by Nile Rodgers and Don Was. Marking a substantial shift in the band's sound, "Cosic Thing" moved away from their more experimental roots towards a pop-oriented, commercial approach.
This album was a critical and commercial success for the band, marking their breakthrough into mainstream pop music. It contains several of their most iconic songs, including "Love Shack" and "Roam", which both became Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. These singles additionally gained significant airplay on MTV, largely contributing to the band's exposure.
The release of "Cosmic Thing" came after a difficult period for the band, following the death of Ricky Wilson, guitarist and founding member. It was the band's first album without Wilson and they decided to take a hiatus before working on it. This album is seen as a strong comeback for the band, ushering in a second act for their career. It peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it the band's highest-charting album to date. As of 2000, it has been certified four times platinum by the RIAA for shipping four million copies in the United States. Overall, it showcases the band's quirky vibe and energy, mixing their traditional sound with a pop sensibility that resonated with a wider audience.
