"Big Thing" is the fifth studio album by the English pop rock band Duran Duran, released on 17 October 1988 by EMI Records. Produced by the band along with Jonathan Elias and Daniel Abraham, it continues the sonic evolution initiated with their previous album, Notorious (1986).
In contrast to Notorious, which was more funk and R&B oriented, Big Thing adopts a diverse approach. The first side features intense techno tracks characterized by synthesized bass lines and rhythmic guitar riffs, while the second side leans towards a more avant-garde sound with a postmodern atmosphere. Drummer Sterling Campbell and guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, who began collaborating with the band on Notorious following Andy Taylor's departure, both became official members in 1989.
The album achieved moderate commercial success, reaching number 15 on the UK Albums Chart and number 24 on the US Billboard 200. While it received mixed reviews from critics, some praised its experimental compositions and the band's evolving musical style. The album produced two top 20 hits: "I Don't Want Your Love," which peaked at number 14 in the UK and number 4 in the US, and "All She Wants Is," which reached number 9 in the UK and number 22 in the US, marking the last of Duran Duran's top 10 hits of the 1980s.
Similar to Notorious, Big Thing developed a cult following due to the band's changing musical direction. A CD reissue with one bonus track was released in 1994, and the album was reissued again by EMI in 2010.
