The B-52's

The B-52's is the debut studio album by American new wave band the B-52's, released on July 6, 1979. The album's kitschy lyrics and mood and hook-laden harmonies helped establish a fanbase for the band, who went on to release several chart-topping singles. The album cover was designed by Tony Wright (credited as "Sue Ab Surd"). The B-52's peaked at number 59 on the Billboard 200, and the single "Rock Lobster" reached number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2003, the television network VH1 named The B-52's the 99th greatest album of all time. In 2020, The B-52's was ranked number 198 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Critical reception

The B-52's album has received critical acclaim, with music reviewers praising its infectious rhythms and guitar riffs, kitschy lyrics, and party atmosphere. In June 1979, British rock critic Paul Rambali of the New Musical Express wrote: "This is the best debut album of the year. No conditions, no exceptions. As innovative and invigorating as New Boots and Panties or Talking Heads '77, and as wayward yet accessible. That good." Similarly, two weeks later in Record Mirror, British journalist Tim Lott wrote that...