"Tubthumper" is Chumbawamba's eighth studio album and their debut on a major label, released on September 1, 1997, by EMI. Departing from their anarcho-punk origins, the album blends pop rock, dance-pop, and alternative rock styles. It serves as a social commentary on various political issues, particularly class conflict. Produced primarily by Chumbawamba with Neil Ferguson, the album features singles like "Tubthumping", "Amnesia", and "Drip, Drip, Drip". A reissue in Europe included "Top of the World (Olé, Olé, Olé)" from the FIFA World Cup compilation.
Critically praised for its distinctive sound and subtle social commentary, "Tubthumper" gained global success driven by its lead single, "Tubthumping". It reached number three in the US and the top ten in multiple countries. The album sparked controversies, including debates over the band's integrity after signing with a major label and vocalist Alice Nutter's provocative remarks in interviews. Despite this, "Tubthumper" remains Chumbawamba's most commercially successful album, selling over 3.2 million copies in the US alone.
