"Big Swing Face" is the eighth studio album by American singer and pianist Bruce Hornsby, released as his first collaboration with his touring band, the Noisemakers, and his final album under RCA Records. Departing from his traditional piano-centered style, this album marked Hornsby's most experimental effort yet.
The album prominently features post-electronica beats, drum loops, and dense synthesizer arrangements, with Hornsby playing minimal piano throughout. Lyrically, the album explores a stream-of-consciousness wordplay that is more eccentric and humorous compared to his previous works.
Notable tracks include "Sticks and Stones," which pays homage to Radiohead's "Everything in its Right Place," and features like the jazz fusion jam "Cartoons & Candy" and Steve Kimock's guitar solo on "The Chill," which nod to Hornsby's jam band influences.
Critics' reactions to "Big Swing Face" were mixed. Some praised it as a refreshing departure and a new direction for Hornsby, while others found it disjointed and criticized the departure from his signature sound. RCA Records provided minimal promotion for the album, leading to poor sales. Subsequently, Hornsby parted ways with the label shortly after its release.
Overall, "Big Swing Face" stands out in Bruce Hornsby's discography for its bold experimentation with electronic and synthesized elements, showcasing his willingness to explore new musical territories despite its divisive reception among critics and fans alike.
