"Conscious Consumer" is the second and final studio album by the British punk rock band, X-Ray Spex. The album was released in December 1995, nearly two decades after their first studio album, "Germfree Adolescents". Unlike their debut album, which was a critical success, "Conscious Consumer" received mixed reviews by critics.
Lead vocalist Poly Styrene had founded X-Ray Spex in 1976, but the group disbanded in 1979. They sporadically reformed and "Conscious Consumer" was produced during one such occasion. Known for their fusion of punk rock with other genres, X-Ray Spex continued their trend by incorporating jazz, reggae, and heavy metal elements into this album.
Poly Styrene's lyrics throughout the album address a host of social issues, reflecting her interests in environmentalism and spirituality, and engaging with broader themes of modern consumerism and its impact on society. The album opens with the track "Crysella", a mournful critique of the beauty industry, and ends with the optimistic "Sophia", a celebration of the divine feminine in all women. Despite the different reception, "Conscious Consumer" preserved the band's distinctive mix of energetic music and thought-provoking lyrics.
