"The Crossing" is the debut album from the Scottish band, Big Country, released in 1983. The band was led by Stuart Adamson, formerly of The Skids, with Bruce Watson on guitar, Tony Butler on bass and Mark Brzezicki on drums. Known for using traditional Scottish music styles in a new wave setting, Big Country has been lauded for its unique sound.
The album reached number 3 in the UK and the top twenty in the United States. It was certified platinum in the UK, and gold in the US. "The Crossing" brims with the power and vitality of the band's unique blend of guitar-based rock, traditional Scottish music and Stuart Adamson's impassioned lyrics and delivery. The album also spawned the hit single "In a Big Country", which reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 17 on the UK Singles Chart. Other noteworthy tracks include "Fields of Fire" and "Harvest Home".
"The Crossing" is musically characterized by the use of the e-bow, a device that allows a guitar to sound more like bagpipes. This aligns with the band's vision of bringing Scottish traditional music to the global stage, and adds a unique flavor that sets it apart from other rock albums of the era. Big Country's debut remains their most successful album and has come to define their sound. The album continues to be held in high regard by critics and fans, and history has shown it to be a landmark release in Scottish rock music.
