"Walkabout" is the fourth studio album by British new wave band, The Fixx, first released in 1986. Produced by Rupert Hine, this album features the hit single "Secret Separation," which topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
Emerging during the British new wave scene, The Fixx is notable for its strong lyricism rooted in sociopolitical commentary and its distinct synth-driven sound. The band's works, including "Walkabout", are characterized by their creative interplay of keyboards and guitar, backed by a resilient rhythm section.
"Walkabout" was an important milestone in The Fixx's career. The album maintains consistency to their established sound, while also introducing a certain level of sophistication in their songwriting. It reflects the band's exploration of different styles, decreasing the utilization of synth-pop elements and instead opting for a more guitar-oriented approach.
The album art, which displays an aboriginal symbol, mirrors the album's title, "Walkabout". This term refers to a rite of passage in Australian Aboriginal society, where adolescents would undergo a journey during adolescence, living in the wilderness for a period as long as six months to make the spiritual transition into manhood. This symbolizes self-discovery and self-exploration, which is mirrored in the depth of the band’s lyrics.
Despite its strong messages and innovative sound, "Walkabout" didn't achieve the same commercial success as the band's previous works. However, it further cemented The Fixx's reputation as a band unafraid to experiment stylistically and expand the thematic range of their music.
