The Fixx came out of the London music scene in 1979. The Fixx carved a distinct path within the burgeoning new wave movement. They incorporated elements of post-punk, pop, and rock, resulting in a sound that music fans fell in love with. This innovative approach earned them critical acclaim and commercial success, with their music consistently charting in the US and UK.
Their musical journey began in 1982 with the release of the critically acclaimed single “Stand or Fall,” quickly followed by their debut album, Shuttered Room. Over the next two decades, they released a string of successful albums, including Reach the Beach (1983), Phantoms (1984), and Calm Animals (1989), each showcasing their artistic growth and exploration. In total, The Fixx boasts eleven studio albums, four live albums, and numerous compilations.
Beyond their own success, The Fixx’s influence extends to countless contemporary artists. Their innovative soundscapes and intelligent songwriting helped pave the way for a new generation of alternative rock bands, inspiring acts like The Killers, Snow Patrol, and Coldplay.
Despite disbanding in 1999, The Fixx’s music continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Their reunion tours in 2009 and 2019 showcased their enduring appeal, proving their ability to connect with audiences across generations.
THE FIXX STUDIO ALBUMS
Shuttered Room (1982)
Released May 1982
Shuttered Room is the debut album by British new wave band The Fixx, marking their entry into the music scene with a distinctive blend of new wave, post-punk, and alternative rock. The album features the singles “Stand or Fall” and “Red Skies,” both of which encapsulate the band’s knack for combining catchy melodies with thoughtful, often socially conscious lyrics. Cy Curnin’s distinctive vocals, coupled with Jamie West-Oram’s innovative guitar work, create a sound that is both unique and reflective of the early ’80s new wave era. Recorded in London, Shuttered Room laid the foundation for The Fixx’s sound.
CD Track Listings:
- “I Found You” – 4:00
- “Some People” – 3:00
- “Stand or Fall” – 4:00
- “Cameras in Paris” – 3:30
- “Shuttered Room” – 3:45
- “The Fool” – 5:20
- “Lost Planes” – 3:20
- “I Live” – 3:55
- “Sinking Island” – 3:50
- “Time in a Glass” – 4:10
Reach the Beach (1983)
Released May 15, 1983
Reach the Beach is The Fixx’s critically acclaimed second album, featuring the hit single “One Thing Leads to Another.” The album solidified The Fixx’s place in the new wave movement, with its synth-driven tracks, catchy hooks, and introspective lyrics exploring themes of alienation and existential angst. The album’s title track, along with songs like “Saved by Zero” and “The Sign of Fire,” showcases the band’s ability to blend moody atmospherics with pop sensibilities. Recorded in London, Reach the Beach remains one of The Fixx’s most popular and enduring albums, capturing the spirit of the ’80s while maintaining a timeless quality that continues to resonate with fans.
CD Track Listings:
- “One Thing Leads to Another” – 3:25
- “The Sign of Fire” – 3:50
- “Running” – 4:25
- “Saved by Zero” – 3:40
- “Opinions” – 4:50
- “Reach the Beach” – 4:30
- “Changing” – 3:25
- “Liner” – 3:40
- “Privilege” – 4:15
- “Outside” – 5:25
Phantoms (1984)
Released August 1984
Phantoms is The Fixx’s third studio album, delving deeper into the band’s exploration of complex lyrical themes set against a backdrop of lush, atmospheric soundscapes. The album includes the singles “Are We Ourselves?” and “Sunshine in the Shade,” highlighting the band’s continued evolution in crafting thought-provoking and emotive music. Phantoms further demonstrated The Fixx’s mastery of blending new wave’s electronic textures with rock’s energy.
CD Track Listings:
- “Lose Face” – 3:03
- “Less Cities, More Moving People” – 3:53
- “Sunshine in the Shade” – 2:26
- “Woman on a Train” – 3:58
- “Wish” – 4:08
- “Lost in Battle Overseas” – 4:06
- “Question” – 3:27
- “In Suspense” – 3:46
- “Facing the Wind” – 3:20
- “Are We Ourselves?” – 2:29
- “I Will” – 3:54
- “Phantom Living” – 3:50
Walkabout (1986)
Released June 1986
Walkabout is the fourth studio album by The Fixx, continuing the band’s journey through the rich landscapes of new wave and alternative rock. The album features the hit “Secret Separation,” which showcases The Fixx’s ability to craft infectious melodies intertwined with introspective and poignant lyrics. Walkabout blends rhythmic grooves with atmospheric synths and guitars, creating a sound that is both accessible and thoughtfully layered. Tracks like “Built for the Future” and “Treasure It” exemplify the band’s talent for marrying catchy hooks with deep lyrical content, exploring themes of personal discovery and existential reflection. Recorded in London and Montserrat.
CD Track Listings:
- “Secret Separation” – 3:51
- “Built for the Future” – 4:07
- “Treasure It” – 4:39
- “Chase the Fire” – 4:27
- “Can’t Finish” – 4:08
- “Walkabout” – 4:03
- “One Look Up” – 3:12
- “Read Between the Lines” – 4:11
- “Sense the Adventure” – 3:42
- “Camphor” – 3:51
Calm Animals (1989)
Released November 1989
Calm Animals represents a pivotal moment in The Fixx’s discography, showcasing a matured sound that delves into more introspective and philosophical themes. The album is marked by its title track and singles like “Driven Out,” which encapsulate the band’s continued evolution in blending new wave sensibilities with a more rock-oriented approach. The lyrics explore the complexities of human nature and the modern world, set against a backdrop of compelling melodies and intricate musical arrangements. Recorded in London.
CD Track Listings:
- “I’m Life” – 4:05
- “Driven Out” – 3:58
- “Gypsy Feet” – 4:30
- “Californian” – 5:05
- “Cause to Be Alarmed” – 4:05
- “Calm Animals” – 4:03
- “Shred of Evidence” – 4:27
- “The Flow” – 4:27
- “Worldwide” – 4:03
- “Survive” – 4:27
Ink (1991)
Released September 1991
Ink explores the darker and more reflective side of The Fixx, with its lyrical content delving into personal and social themes against a backdrop of sophisticated, layered soundscapes. The album features the standout track “How Much Is Enough,” which became a notable hit for the band.
CD Track Listings:
- “All Is Fair” – 4:25
- “How Much Is Enough” – 4:03
- “No One Has to Cry” – 4:28
- “Crucified” – 4:38
- “Falling in Love” – 4:38
- “Make No Plans” – 4:17
- “Still Around” – 4:18
- “All the Best Things” – 4:13
- “Yesterday, Today” – 5:13
- “One Jungle” – 5:25
Happy Landings & Lost Tracks (1996)
Released 1996
Happy Landings & Lost Tracks is a compilation album by The Fixx, featuring a collection of B-sides, rarities, and previously unreleased tracks that provide a deeper look into the band’s creative process. This album offers fans a unique insight into the band’s versatility and experimental side, with songs that range from alternative rock to more experimental new wave tracks. The compilation serves as a treasure trove for dedicated fans.
CD Track Listings:
- “Happy Landings” – 4:27
- “Going Without” – 4:35
- “Freeman” – 5:08
- “Is That It?” – 4:25
- “Yesterday’s Gone” – 4:45
- “Woman on a Train” (Live) – 4:15
- “Mayfly” – 5:02
- “Falling in Love” (Remix) – 4:38
- “Throw the Warped Wheel Out” – 5:11
- “Going Overboard” – 3:57
Elemental (1998)
Released June 1998
Elemental marks a return to form for The Fixx, blending their classic new wave roots with contemporary production techniques. The album features the single “Two Different Views,” Recorded in London.
CD Track Listings:
- “Happy Landings” – 4:20
- “We Once Held Hands” – 5:10
- “Two Different Views” – 5:00
- “Going Without” – 4:25
- “Confidence” – 4:15
- “Fatal Shore” – 4:55
- “Ocean Blue” – 4:30
- “Life’s What’s Killing Me” – 4:45
- “Silent House” – 5:15
- “Yesterday’s Gone” – 4:40
1011 Woodland (1999)
Released 1999
1011 Woodland is an acoustic album by The Fixx, showcasing a different side of the band with stripped-down versions of their classic hits and fan favorites. This collection highlights the band’s musical versatility and the strength of their songwriting, with acoustic arrangements that bring a new depth and intimacy to their well-known tracks. Songs like “Red Skies,” “Secret Separation,” and “Saved by Zero” are reimagined in this setting, offering fans a fresh perspective on The Fixx’s enduring catalog. Recorded in an acoustic setting, 1011 Woodland provides a unique listening experience that underscores the band’s ability to adapt their music to different formats while retaining the essence of their sound.
CD Track Listings:
- “Woman on a Train” – Acoustic Version
- “Driven Out” – Acoustic Version
- “Secret Separation” – Acoustic Version
- “Saved by Zero” – Acoustic Version
- “Precious Stone” – Acoustic Version
- “Red Skies” – Acoustic Version
- “Stand or Fall” – Acoustic Version
- “One Thing Leads to Another” – Acoustic Version
- “Camphor” – Acoustic Version
- “Deeper and Deeper” – Acoustic Version
- “The Fool” – Acoustic Version
- “Are We Ourselves?” – Acoustic Version
Want That Life (2003)
Released September 2003
Want That Life is The Fixx’s ninth studio album, encapsulating a sense of reflection and introspection within its tracks. The album explores themes of longing, existential contemplation, and the search for meaning, all set against the band’s signature blend of rock, new wave, and pop. Songs like “Touch” and “Are You Satisfied?” resonate with listeners through their poignant lyrics and the band’s thoughtful musical arrangements. Want That Life stands as a testament to The Fixx’s enduring ability to connect with the human experience through their music, offering a collection of songs that are both emotionally resonant and musically engaging.
CD Track Listings:
- “Touch” – 4:03
- “Want That Life” – 4:27
- “Are You Satisfied?” – 4:14
- “We Don’t Own the World” – 4:22
- “No Hollywood Ending” – 3:46
- “You Know Me” – 3:55
- “Slavedriver” – 4:10
- “Falling Through the Floor” – 3:28
- “Just Before Dawn” – 4:18
- “Where Do We Go From Here?” – 4:31
Beautiful Friction (2012)
Released July 17, 2012
Beautiful Friction marks The Fixx’s return to the studio, delivering an album that combines their classic sound with contemporary influences. The album’s tracks, including “Anyone Else” and “Just Before Dawn,” showcase the band’s talent for crafting songs that are both catchy and thought-provoking. The Fixx delves into themes of societal change, personal growth, and the complexities of the modern world, all while maintaining their distinctive musical style. Recorded with a mix of electronic and traditional instruments, Beautiful Friction exemplifies The Fixx’s ability to evolve with the times without losing the essence of what has made them a lasting force in the music industry.
CD Track Listings:
- “Anyone Else” – 4:42
- “Just Before Dawn” – 3:52
- “Take a Risk” – 4:24
- “Beautiful Friction” – 4:06
- “What God?” – 4:11
- “Second Time Around” – 4:12
- “Follow That Cab” – 3:58
- “Shaman” – 4:13
- “Something Ahead of You” – 4:43
- “Girl With No Ceiling” – 3:45
- “Small Thoughts” – 4:32
Every Five Seconds (2022)
Released 2022
Every Five Seconds is the latest addition to The Fixx’s discography, showcasing the band’s continued innovation and relevance in the modern music landscape. The album presents a collection of new material that reflects on the rapid pace of change in today’s world, with themes ranging from the personal to the global. The Fixx’s signature sound is evident in tracks like “Wake Up” and “A Life Survived,” which blend melodic hooks with thought-provoking lyrics. Every Five Seconds demonstrates the band’s ability to adapt and thrive, offering listeners a compelling mix of nostalgia and contemporary sensibility, further cementing The Fixx’s place in the annals of new wave and rock music.
CD Track Listings:
- “Every Five Seconds” – 4:15
- “Wake Up” – 3:49
- “A Life Survived” – 4:28
- “Take What You Want” – 3:55
- “Encounter” – 4:02
- “Closer” – 4:18
- “Lonely As a Lighthouse” – 3:47
- “Give It Up” – 4:11
- “Changing” – 4:06
- “Damage” – 4:22