"Calm Animals" is the fifth studio album by British rock band The Fixx, released in 1988. The lead single from the album, "Driven Out," gave the band their third chart-topper on Billboard's Rock chart, coming on the heels of their multi-platinum successes in the 1980s with Billboard Top 20 singles "One Thing Leads to Another" and "Secret Separation."
The band, known for their unique mix of new wave, rock, and post-punk influences, consisted of members Cy Curnin (vocals), Rupert Greenall (keyboards), Jamie West-Oram (guitar), Adam Woods (drums), and Dan K. Brown (bass) at the time of the album's release.
"Calm Animals" marked a significant point in The Fixx's career as it was their first release after departing from the MCA label to go to RCA. The album embraces a more mature sound, representing the evolving musical landscape and the band's consistent evolution, with a special focus on driven guitar riffs and profound lyrics. However, despite the success of "Driven Out," the album didn't achieve the commercial success the band had experienced earlier in the decade.
The matured sound, indie-rock vibe, and thought-provoking lyrics offer a different take on the angst, uncertainty, and changes of that time. The evolution in the band's sound and style revealed in "Calm Animals" reflects their adaptability and creativity, setting them apart from other bands of the era. Consequently, even though it wasn't a commercial hit, "Calm Animals" holds a special place in The Fixx's discography and is cherished by their devoted fan base.
