Sparks (September 30, 1977) – "A Big Surprise" b/w "Forever Young" Single: UK
"A Big Surprise" was released by Sparks on September 30, 1977 as a single from the group's seventh studio album, Introducing Sparks. Written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael, the single continued the promotional campaign for an album that marked the duo's second and final release for Columbia/CBS.
Despite the title Introducing Sparks, the album was far from a debut release. The title carried an element of irony, as it was neither the group's first album nor their first release for the label. Upon release, the album struggled commercially and failed to chart in either the United Kingdom or the United States.
"A Big Surprise" followed the earlier single "Over The Summer". Both singles featured "Forever Young" as their B-side and neither generated significant sales or radio exposure at the time of release.
Although initially overlooked, Introducing Sparks has undergone considerable critical reassessment in later decades, with some writers and fans now viewing it as one of the more underrated albums in the Sparks catalogue.
RECORDING
"A Big Surprise" was written by Ron Mael and Russell Mael.
Production duties were shared by Tony Powell, Ron Mael and Russell Mael.
The B-side, "Forever Young", was also written by Ron and Russell Mael and produced by the same team.
STYLE & THEMES
No style information was supplied specifically for the single.
The parent album represented a change in direction for the group, with contemporary reviewers noting a more American-oriented sound compared with Sparks' earlier releases.
TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES
• A Big Surprise — Released as the second single from Introducing Sparks. Written by Ron and Russell Mael and selected as a follow-up to "Over The Summer".
• Forever Young — Used as the B-side and also paired with the earlier single "Over The Summer".
RELEASE HISTORY
The single was issued in the United Kingdom on September 30, 1977 through CBS Records.
Additional releases followed in Germany and the Netherlands during 1977, while a Yugoslavian edition appeared during 1978. Promotional pressings were also produced in both the United Kingdom and Germany.
Unlike earlier Sparks singles from the mid-1970s, "A Big Surprise" failed to achieve notable commercial success and did not establish a chart presence.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
AMERICA
No chart entries supplied.
EUROPE
No chart entries supplied.
PACIFIC
No chart entries supplied.
CERTIFICATIONS
This single did not receive any certifications.
AWARDS
This single did not receive any awards.
PERSONNEL
Sparks — Artist
Ron Mael — songwriter, producer
Russell Mael — songwriter, producer
Tony Powell — producer
PRODUCTION
Produced by Tony Powell, Ron Mael and Russell Mael
Label: CBS Records
Parent Album: Introducing Sparks
NOTES
• Released on September 30, 1977 as a single from Introducing Sparks.
• The single was written by Sparks founders Ron Mael and Russell Mael, who also shared production responsibilities with Tony Powell.
• "Forever Young" was selected as the B-side and had previously appeared as the flip side of the earlier single "Over The Summer".
• The release formed part of the promotional campaign for Introducing Sparks, the seventh studio album by the group.
• Introducing Sparks became the band's second Columbia/CBS album and ultimately their final release for the label.
• Contemporary reception to the parent album was mixed, with some critics objecting to what they perceived as a move toward a more conventional American rock sound.
• Commercially, the album failed to chart in either the United Kingdom or the United States.
• Neither "Over The Summer" nor "A Big Surprise" achieved major sales or significant radio airplay upon release.
• For many years Introducing Sparks remained one of the least-discussed albums in the group's catalogue and was unavailable on CD until 2007.
• Later reassessments led some critics and fans to regard the album as an overlooked release worthy of greater recognition.
• Contemporary reviewer Pete Makowski of Sounds described the album as one of Sparks' most adventurous musical projects and praised Ron Mael's songwriting.
• The single was issued in multiple European territories including the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands, with a Yugoslavian release following in 1978.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
Sparks | A Big Surprise | CBS | UK | S CBS 5593 | September 30, 1977 | 7" Single |
Sparks | A Big Surprise | CBS | UK | S CBS 5593 | 1977 | 7" Promo |
Sparks | A Big Surprise | CBS | Germany | CBS S 5593 / 5593 | 1977 | 7" Single |
Sparks | A Big Surprise | CBS | Germany | CBS S 5593 | 1977 | 7" Promo |
Sparks | A Big Surprise | CBS | Netherlands | CBS 5593 | 1977 | 7" Single |
Sparks | A Big Surprise | Suzy / CBS | Yugoslavia | CBS 5593 | 1978 | 7" Single |
TRACKLIST TABLE UK
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
7" Single | S CBS 5593 / CBS 5593 | A. A Big Surprise B. Forever Young |
7" Promo | S CBS 5593 | A. A Big Surprise B. Forever Young |
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