SPARKS (October 15, 1977) – "A Big Surprise" b/w "Forever Young" Format: 7" Single: NLD

Oct 14, 1977

2 min read

Released in the Netherlands on October 15, 1977, "A Big Surprise" was issued by CBS Records under catalogue number CBS 5593. The single paired "A Big Surprise" with "Forever Young" and was credited to Sparks, the group formed by brothers Ron Mael and Russell Mael. The release formed part of the group's late-1970s CBS period and showcased the songwriting partnership of Ron and Russell Mael on both sides of the single. According to release information published by the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40, the Dutch issue was released on October 15, 1977.

The single had been issued earlier in the United Kingdom on September 30, 1977 under catalogue number S CBS 5593.

RECORDING

"A Big Surprise" was written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael.

"Forever Young" was written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael.

Both sides were produced by Tony Bongiovi, Ron Mael and Russell Mael.

STYLE & THEMES

The single presents two compositions written entirely by the Mael brothers and reflects Sparks' distinctive late-1970s songwriting style.

"A Big Surprise" was chosen as thefeatured A-side, while "Forever Young" provided the accompanying B-side, together presenting the band's characteristically crafted pop songwriting approach.

TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES

• A Big Surprise — Written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael. Selected as the A-side for both the UK and Dutch releases.

• Forever Young — Written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael. Issued as the B-side companion track.

RELEASE HISTORY

The single was released in the United Kingdom on September 30, 1977 by CBS Records under catalogue number S CBS 5593.

A Dutch issue followed on October 15, 1977 through CBS Records under catalogue number CBS 5593.

The Dutch release date is sourced from release information published by the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40.

PERSONNEL

Ron Mael — songwriter, producer

Russell Mael — songwriter, producer

PRODUCTION

Produced by Tony Bongiovi, Ron Mael and Russell Mael

Label: CBS Records

NOTES

The Dutch release date was taken from Release Info magazine issued by the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40.

Both tracks were written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael.

Both sides were produced by Tony Bongiovi, Ron Mael and Russell Mael.

The UK issue preceded the Dutch release by approximately two weeks.

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Title	Label	Country	Catalogue	Date	Format
Sparks	A Big Surprise / Forever Young	CBS	UK	S CBS 5593	September 30, 1977	7" Single
Sparks	A Big Surprise / Forever Young	CBS	Netherlands	CBS 5593	October 15, 1977	7" Single

TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
7" Single	S CBS 5593	A. A Big Surprise B. Forever Young
7" Single	CBS 5593	A. A Big Surprise B. Forever Young

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts.

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