"Big TV" is the third studio album by English post-punk band White Lies. It was released on August 12, 2013, and immediately marked a significant departure from the group's previous work, embracing a more electronic and progressive sound.
The album was produced by Ed Buller, who worked with the band on their previous albums as well. Recorded in Brussels, Belgium, the album went on to reach the 4th position on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing its commercial success.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the album is its concept. Big TV centers around a narrative wherein a girl moves from a small town to a bigger city, with the overall themes exploring elements of consumerism, isolation, and the search for love in a materialistic society. This concept is depicted through the cover art, an astronaut's helmet that has the reflection of a big city.
Moreover, the album launch was accompanied by a distinctive strategy: the band released a track from Big TV every day prior to the album's release, along with an explanation of each song.
Songs from the album, such as "There Goes Our Love Again" and "First Time Caller," received significant mainstream radio airplay, further cementing the popularity of this album. The album also won the "Best Art Vinyl" award in 2013, highlighting the band's creative accomplishment across various facets of music production.
In terms of reviews, "Big TV" was generally well received by critics, who praised the band's evolved sound and ambitious concept. Though some critics felt the second half of the album didn't live up to the promise of the first half, listeners broadly embraced the messages and themes explored in the album, making "Big TV" a meaningful milestone in White Lies' artistic journey.
