Complete List Of The B-52's Albums And Songs

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The B-52s were formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1976. The original lineup consisted of Fred Schneider (vocals), Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboards), Cindy Wilson (vocals), Ricky Wilson (guitar), and Keith Strickland (drums). Known for their quirky style, eclectic sound, and energetic performances, the band quickly gained popularity. They released their self-titled debut album in 1979, which included the hit single “Rock Lobster.” Over the years, The B-52s released a total of seven studio albums: The B-52’s (1979), Wild Planet (1980), Whammy! (1983), Bouncing Off the Satellites (1986), Cosmic Thing (1989), Good Stuff (1992), and Funplex (2008). Additionally, they have put out several live albums and compilations, showcasing their enduring appeal and versatility.

The B-52s experienced significant chart success, particularly with their fifth studio album, Cosmic Thing, which reached number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. This album featured some of their most famous singles, such as “Love Shack” and “Roam.” “Love Shack” became a cultural phenomenon, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing the band’s place in pop culture. The band continued to release successful albums, with Good Stuff reaching number 16 on the Billboard 200 and Funplex peaking at number 11. Throughout their career, The B-52s have been nominated for multiple awards, including MTV Video Music Awards and Grammy Awards, and have maintained a loyal fan base.

In addition to their studio work, The B-52s have released live albums like With the Wild Crowd! Live in Athens, GA (2011) and compilations such as Time Capsule: Songs for a Future Generation (1998). Their innovative blend of new wave, punk, and dance music, along with their flamboyant stage presence, has left a lasting impact on the music industry. The band completed its announced farewell tour in January 2023 but continued playing select concerts and residency dates afterward, including Las Vegas performances in 2026.

THE B-52s STUDIO ALBUMS

The B-52’s (1979)

Released: July 6, 1979

The B-52’s is the debut studio album by the American new wave band The B-52s. It was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, and produced by Chris Blackwell. The album reached number 59 on the Billboard 200 chart. This album includes the iconic single “Rock Lobster,” which became a defining song of the new wave genre.

CD Track Listings:

“Planet Claire” – 4:35
“52 Girls” – 3:34
“Dance This Mess Around” – 4:36
“Rock Lobster” – 6:49
“Lava” – 4:54
“There’s a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon)” – 4:54
“Hero Worship” – 4:07
“6060-842” – 2:50
“Downtown” – 2:57

Wild Planet (1980)

Released: August 27, 1980

Wild Planet is the second studio album by The B-52s, recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, in April 1980. The album was produced by Rhett Davies and The B-52s and reached number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart. This album continued the band’s success with singles like “Private Idaho.”

CD Track Listings:

“Party Out of Bounds” – 3:21
“Dirty Back Road” – 3:21
“Runnin’ Around” – 3:09
“Give Me Back My Man” – 4:00
“Private Idaho” – 3:35
“Devil in My Car” – 4:28
“Quiche Lorraine” – 3:58
“Strobe Light” – 4:00
“53 Miles West of Venus” – 4:54

Whammy! (1983)

Released: April 27, 1983

Whammy! is the third studio album by The B-52s, recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, and released by Warner Bros. Records. The album was produced by Steven Stanley and reached number 29 on the Billboard 200 chart. This album featured more electronic instrumentation compared to their earlier work, with a greater reliance on synthesizers and drum machines.

CD Track Listings:

“Legal Tender” – 3:40
“Whammy Kiss” – 5:20
“Song for a Future Generation” – 4:00
“Butterbean” – 4:14
“Trism” – 3:22
“Queen of Las Vegas” – 4:42
“Moon 83” – 4:00
“Big Bird” – 4:12
“Work That Skirt” – 3:50

Bouncing Off the Satellites (1986)

Released: September 8, 1986

Bouncing Off the Satellites is the fourth studio album by The B-52s. It was recorded primarily at Sigma Sound Studios in New York and produced by Tony Mansfield. Guitarist Ricky Wilson participated in the album’s recording but died in October 1985 while the project was still being completed. The album was released the following year and reached number 85 on the Billboard 200 chart. Devastated by Wilson’s death, the surviving members did not tour in support of the album and subsequently entered a hiatus.

CD Track Listings:

“Summer of Love” – 4:06
“Girl from Ipanema Goes to Greenland” – 4:24
“Housework” – 4:06
“Detour Thru Your Mind” – 5:09
“Wig” – 4:21
“Theme for a Nude Beach” – 4:53
“Ain’t It a Shame” – 5:32
“Juicy Jungle” – 4:51
“Communicate” – 4:08
“She Brakes for Rainbows” – 4:38

Cosmic Thing (1989)

Released: June 27, 1989

Cosmic Thing is the fifth studio album by The B-52s, recorded at Dreamland Recording Studios in New York and Skyline Studios in New York City and released by Reprise Records. The album was produced by Nile Rodgers and Don Was and reached number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. It includes the hit singles “Love Shack” and “Roam.”

CD Track Listings:

“Cosmic Thing” – 3:50
“Dry County” – 4:54
“Deadbeat Club” – 4:45
“Love Shack” – 5:21
“Junebug” – 5:04
“Roam” – 4:54
“Bushfire” – 4:58
“Channel Z” – 4:49
“Topaz” – 4:20
“Follow Your Bliss” – 4:08

Good Stuff (1992)

Released: June 23, 1992

Good Stuff is the sixth studio album by The B-52s. The album was recorded at several studios, including Bearsville Studios in New York, Power Station and Skyline Studios in New York City, and Ocean Way Studios in Hollywood. Produced by Nile Rodgers and Don Was, Good Stuff was recorded without Cindy Wilson, who was taking a break from the band at the time. The album reached number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart, and its title track became a Top 40 hit.

CD Track Listings:

“Tell It Like It T-I-Is” – 5:13
“Hot Pants Explosion” – 4:55
“Good Stuff” – 5:58
“Revolution Earth” – 5:48
“Dreamland” – 7:34
“Is That You Mo-Dean?” – 5:32
“The World’s Green Laughter” – 4:04
“Vision of a Kiss” – 5:56
“Breezin'” – 5:21
“Bad Influence” – 5:43

Funplex (2008)

Released: March 25, 2008

Funplex is the seventh and most recent studio album by The B-52s. Recorded at locations including Elfspace in Key West, John Keane’s Studio in Athens, Georgia, Nickel & Dime Studios in Atlanta, and The Clubhouse in Rhinebeck, New York, the album was produced by Steve Osborne. It reached number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart and marked their first new studio album in sixteen years.