Under the Big Black Sun


Under the Big Black Sun is the third studio album, and major label debut, by American rock band X. It was released on Elektra Records in July 1982 and reissued on Rhino Records in 2001 with bonus tracks. It was re-released in its original format by Fat Possum Records in 2018.
Under the Big Black Sun marked a departure from their trademark sound. While still fast and loud, with raw punk guitars, the album displayed evolving country leanings. The album was influenced by the death of Cervenka's elder sister Mirielle in a 1980 car accident. Three songs on the album all directly relate to the tragedy. A fourth, a high-speed version of Al Dubin and Joe Burke's 1930 "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes", was, years later, indirectly attributed to Cervenka's mournful state of mind. The stark black-and-white cover art and title were also a reflection of the somber mood of the band during this time. Cervenka has said it is her favorite X album.
The cover art illustration was drawn by Alfred Harris.

Reception

In The Boston Phoenix, Sally Cragin reviewed the album in terms of the relationship between the band’s married leaders, singer Exene Cervenka and bassist/singer John Doe, "who set themselves apart by making their marriage into a public paradigm for love in the LA ruins." Cragin felt that "Under the Big Black Sun's producer, Ray Manzarek, wisely keeps out of view, letting X's meaty dance reverberations speak for themselves. But the honeymoon is over for John and Exene's songwriting. Whereas Wild Gift balanced their voices, Big Black Sun certifies their nimble moves without advancing them. The discovery of married tension songs has turned into a self-conscious trademark... Now, the main cliffhanger is: will John and Exene survive as a major-label marriage?"

Track listing

All tracks written by John Doe and Exene Cervenka except where noted.

Side A

  1. "The Hungry Wolf" – 3:45
  2. "Motel Room in My Bed" – 2:32
  3. "Riding with Mary" – 3:40
  4. "Come Back to Me" – 3:43
  5. "Under the Big Black Sun" – 3:23

Side B

  1. "Because I Do" – 2:21
  2. "Blue Spark" – 2:06
  3. "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes" – 2:20
  4. "Real Child of Hell" – 2:59
  5. "How I " – 2:12
  6. "The Have Nots" – 4:44

Bonus tracks (2001 reissue)

  1. "Riding with Mary" – 3:12
  2. "X Rewrites 'El Paso'" /"Because I Do" – 2:56
  3. "Universal Corner" – 4:08
  4. "Breathless" – 2:20
  5. "How I " – 2:20

Personnel

;X
;Additional personnel