Complete List Of Big Audio Dynamite Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: swimfinfan from Chicago, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

It’s amazing how many people do not realize that Mick Jones, the former guitarist and singer of The Clash, formed Big Audio Dynamite, often known as B.A.D., in 1984. The band was known for its unique rock, reggae, punk, hip-hop, and electronic music blend. Big Audio Dynamite released a total of seven studio albums, several live albums, compilations, and several hit singles throughout their career. B.A.D. was critically acclaimed and left a significant mark on alternative music with chart successes like “E=MC²” and “Rush.”

The band underwent several lineup changes over the years but initially included Mick Jones (vocals, guitar), Don Letts (samples, vocals), Dan Donovan (keyboard), Leo Williams (bass), and Greg Roberts (drums).

This Is Big Audio Dynamite

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Released: October 1985

This Is Big Audio Dynamite was the debut album of Big Audio Dynamite, setting the tone for their innovative sound. It mixed various musical styles infused with heavy use of sampling, which was a relatively new technique at the time. The album featured Mick Jones on vocals and guitar, bringing his distinct style from The Clash into a new context. Don Letts handled the sampling and effects, Dan Donovan was on keyboards, Leo Williams on bass, and Greg Roberts played drums. It was produced by Mick Jones himself, indicative of his hands-on approach to the band’s creative direction. The album was recorded in London.

CD Track Listings:

“Medicine Show” – 6:32
“Sony” – 4:30
“E=MC²” – 5:55
“The Bottom Line” – 4:38
“A Party” – 6:41
“Sudden Impact!” – 5:03
“Stone Thames” – 4:10
“BAD” – 5:54

No. 10, Upping St.

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Released: October 1986

No. 10, Upping St. was the second album by Big Audio Dynamite, signifying a more refined approach to their distinct sound. This album is notable for reuniting Mick Jones with his former The Clash bandmate Joe Strummer, who co-produced and wrote several tracks. The lineup for this album remained largely the same with Mick Jones leading, Don Letts on effects and vocals, Dan Donovan on keyboards, Leo Williams on bass, and Greg Roberts on drums. It was recorded in London, with Mick Jones and Joe Strummer working closely together to fuse their influences and ideas.

CD Track Listings:

“C’mon Every Beatbox” – 5:23
“Beyond the Pale” – 4:49
“Limbo the Law” – 4:42
“Sambadrome” – 4:51
“V. Thirteen” – 4:39
“Ticket” – 4:22
“Hollywood Boulevard” – 4:30
“Dial a Hitman” – 4:38
“Sightsee M.C!” – 4:56
“Ice Cool Killer” – 4:24
“The Big V” – 4:23
“Badrock City” – 3:06

Tighten Up, Vol. 88

Tighten Up Vol. '88

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Released: 1988

Tighten Up, Vol. 88 marked the third album release by Big Audio Dynamite. The lineup for Big Audio Dynamite remained consistent, with Mick Jones leading the band’s creative direction. The production continued to blend diverse musical styles, from rock and reggae to dance and hip-hop, showcasing their signature sound evolving with the times.

CD Track Listings:

“Rock Non Stop (All Night Long)” – 4:30
“Other 99” – 4:50
“Funny Names” – 5:26
“Applecart” – 5:08
“Esquerita” – 2:50
“Dizzy” – 4:24
“The Battle of All Saints Road” – 5:14
“Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy” – 4:02
“2000 Shoes” – 4:45
“Tighten Up Vol. ’88” – 4:23

Megatop Phoenix (1989)

Megatop Phoenix by Big Audio Dynamite (1989-05-03)

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Released: September 1989

Megatop Phoenix is recognized as one of Big Audio Dynamite’s most ambitious works, integrating even more diverse sounds and samples, including elements of world music, dance, and hip-hop, alongside their rock and reggae roots. The band’s lineup continued with Mick Jones at the forefront. Megatop Phoenix was one of the last albums to feature the original lineup of Big Audio Dynamite before subsequent changes.

CD Track Listings:

“Start” – 1:02
“Rewind” – 4:03
“All Mink & No Manners” – 1:07
“Union, Jack” – 4:56
“Contact” – 4:12
“Dragon Town” – 3:38
“Baby, Don’t Apologise” – 3:58
“Is Yours Working Yet?” – 1:02
“Around the Girl in 80 Ways” – 3:02
“James Brown” – 5:08
“Everybody Needs a Holiday” – 5:30
“Mick’s a Hippie Burning” – 4:23
“House Arrest” – 3:57
“The Green Lady” – 4:34
“London Bridge” – 3:54
“Stalag 123” – 3:28
“End” – 0:36

Kool-Aid (1990)

KOOL AID

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Released: 1990

Kool-Aid, initially released as a promotional album, later gained recognition as part of Big Audio Dynamite’s official discography.

CD Track Listings:

“Can’t Wait/Live”
“I Turned Out a Punk”
“Looking for a Song”
“Mr. Walker Said”
“City Lights”
“What Happened to Eddie”
“I Can’t Go On Like This”
“Talk to You”
“Sunday Best”

The Globe (1991)

The Globe

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Released: July 1991

The Globe is perhaps best known for its hit single, “Rush.” . This was the first album released under the band’s new lineup, known as Big Audio Dynamite II. The band featured Mick Jones on lead vocals, and guitar, Nick Hawkins on guitar, Gary Stonadge on bass and Chris Kavanagh on drums

CD Track Listings:

“Rush” – 4:17
“Can’t Wait” – 4:04
“I Don’t Know” – 5:14
“The Globe” – 6:04
“Innocent Child” – 4:45
“Green Grass” – 4:11
“When the Time Comes” – 4:54
“Somebody” – 3:52
“Slender” – 4:16
“Kool-Aid” – 3:32

The Globe achieved widespread recognition and is often seen as a high point in Big Audio Dynamite’s commercial success. The single “Rush” especially gained substantial airplay and remains one of their most recognized tracks.