XTC

White Music is the debut studio album by the English band XTC, released on 20th January 1978 through Virgin Records. This album marks the beginning of the band's long and influential career in the music industry. It is characterized by its unique mix of punk energy and pop melodies, a combination that was groundbreaking at the time. When it comes to the background of the album, the band was originally formed in Swindon, England, in 1972. They went through a few name changes before finally settling on XTC. White Music was their first full-length album, following their debut three-track single release "3D - EP" in 1977. The band's lineup for this album consisted of Andy Partridge on vocals and guitar, Colin Moulding on vocals and bass, Barry Andrews on keyboards, and Terry Chambers on drums. The album showcases XTC's early post-punk sound, featuring eclectic and energetic tracks like "Radios in Motion" and "Statue of Liberty." Despite the album's somewhat experimental nature, it scored well on the UK album charts, peaking at number 38. The album's lyrics have also received critical attention for their cleverness and creativity, with sardonic social commentary often included in their verses. Other highlights of the album include “I’ll Set Myself on Fire,” which stands as an example of the band’s ability to create impactful ballads amid the more frenetic tracks. Over the years, "White Music" has received praise for its freshness and creativity. While not as polished or commercially successful as some of their later albums, many critics and fans believe that "White Music" is an essential foundation of XTC's discography, showcasing their capacity for musical innovation that would continue throughout their career.