Sparks: "A Big Surprise" Single (1977)

Sparks’ "A Big Surprise" backed with "Forever Young", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by CBS Records (catalog number S CBS 5593) on September 30, 1977.

It was the second single from their seventh studio album, Introducing Sparks, marking a transitional phase for the band as they returned to their American roots after their UK glam rock success.

The Single: "A Big Surprise" / "Forever Young"

Release Details:

UK: Released as a 7" vinyl, 45 RPM single on CBS Records (S CBS 5593) on September 30, 1977. The single was pressed with matrix runouts including CBS S 5593 A1 and B1, often with a generic CBS sleeve.

Chart Performance: The single failed to chart in the UK or US, reflecting the commercial struggles of the Introducing Sparks album, which also did not chart.

A-Side: "A Big Surprise" (3:42):

Written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael, produced by Ron Mael, Russell Mael, and Terry Powell, this track is an upbeat, melodic pop-rock song with a slick, radio-friendly sound.

B-Side: "Forever Young" (3:27):

Also written and produced by Ron and Russell Mael with Terry Powell, “Forever Young” is a more energetic, rock-oriented track with a driving rhythm and Sparks’ signature quirky lyrics.

Context and Background

Sparks in 1977:

Sparks, formed by brothers Ron Mael (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals) in Los Angeles in 1971 (initially as Halfnelson), were known for their quirky, theatrical pop-rock. After UK success with Kimono My House (1974, #4 UK) and Propaganda (1974, #9 UK), they returned to the US in 1976, seeking a fresh sound after their glam rock phase.

Introducing Sparks, their seventh album, was recorded with session musicians in Los Angeles and released by Columbia Records (CBS in the UK). It aimed for a polished “American” sound but was a commercial and critical failure, criticized for its slick production and lack of the band’s earlier edge.

The album and its singles, including “A Big Surprise” and “Over the Summer” (both backed with “Forever Young”), did not chart, marking a low point in Sparks’ career. The ironic title Introducing Sparks—for their seventh album and second with Columbia—added to its critical panning.

In 1977, Sparks also made a cameo in the film Rollercoaster, performing “Big Boy” and “Fill-er-up,” reflecting their brief foray into film during this transitional period.

Musical and Cultural Significance:

“A Big Surprise” reflects Sparks’ attempt to adapt to the 1977 music scene, which was dominated by punk (e.g., Sex Pistols) and disco. Its Beach Boys-inspired harmonies and pop sheen were out of step with punk’s raw energy, contributing to its lack of chart success.

The single’s polished production, helmed by the Maels and Terry Powell, contrasts with their earlier Tony Visconti-produced work (Indiscreet, 1975).

It aimed for mainstream US appeal but alienated some UK fans accustomed to their glam rock theatricality.

Despite its commercial failure, the single and album have gained cult status, with reviewers like Jon Young (Trouser Press, 1977) praising the Maels’ originality and “adventurous” sound, calling Ron “one of the most underrated lyricists in the galaxy.”

Critical Reception:

Critics at the time, including a punk zine quoted in Artefact, dismissed Sparks as “outdated” by 1977, with Introducing Sparks savaged for its slick production.

Retrospective reviews are kinder, with ProgArchives calling “A Big Surprise” a highlight for its “memorable melody” and “fun” lyrics, though the album’s inconsistency is noted.

Additional Notes

Musicians and Production:

Produced by Ron Mael, Russell Mael, and Terry Powell, the single features session musicians David Foster (keyboards), Ed Greene (drums), Mike Porcaro (bass), and others, reflecting the album’s polished “American” sound.

Recorded in Los Angeles, the single lacks the theatrical flair of Sparks’ UK recordings with Tony Visconti, aligning more with mainstream 1970s pop-rock.

Cultural Context:

Released in 1977, the single faced a music scene shifting toward punk and disco, making Sparks’ melodic pop-rock seem out of place. Their earlier glam hits had thrived in the UK, but their return to the US and shift in sound struggled to find an audience.

The identical photograph was utilized for the Germany - CBS - 1977, Netherlands - CBS - 1977, and Yugoslavia - CBS - 1977 releases.

The Maels’ 1977 Rollercoaster cameo and admiration for Giorgio Moroder (expressed in a German interview) foreshadowed their pivot to synth-pop with No. 1 In Heaven (1979), a major comeback.

Legacy:

“A Big Surprise” and “Forever Young” are minor entries in Sparks’ catalog but valued by fans for their catchy melodies and quirky lyrics, as noted in ProgArchives and Trouser Press reviews.

The single’s failure marked the end of Sparks’ rock band phase, leading to their influential synth-pop era with Moroder, influencing bands like Pet Shop Boys and New Order.

The Introducing Sparks album, despite its initial flop, has been re-evaluated as a “fascinating mishmash” of styles, with “A Big Surprise” a highlight for its pop craft.