X - Under The Big Black Sun (1982)

The third X album is often credited as a departure from the style fans had come to expect from the band on Los Angeles and Wild Gift. While I do think that's a valid note, I'd have to qualify it by saying it's certainly not a major one; and in fact, the slight shift in tone serves them well. Under The Big Black Sun just might be my favorite X record. Several songs here are directly influenced by the death of Exene Cervenka's sister Mirielle, and although I'd argue that the "somber and melancholy" mood often attributed to this LP is overstated, it does indeed cast a noticeable shadow on the proceedings.

MEDIAFIRE