Cosmic Thing, the fifth studio album by the American new wave band the B-52’s, was released in 1989 by Reprise Records. This album features hit singles such as “Love Shack,” “Roam,” and “Deadbeat Club,” all of which achieved impressive chart positions on the US Billboard Hot 100, landing in the Top 10, Top 20, and Top 30, respectively. Notably, the “Love Shack” music video won the prestigious Best Group Video award at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards.
Produced by Nile Rodgers in New York City and Don Was in upstate New York, six and four of the album’s songs, respectively, received their magic touch. Cosmic Thing’s incredible success was reflected in its ranking as the 9th best-selling album of 1990 in the US and peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. Moreover, its international triumph included reaching the Top 10 in the UK and claiming the No. 1 spot in Australia and New Zealand. In recognition of its popularity, the album earned 4× platinum status in the US and platinum status in the UK.
Cosmic Thing proved to be a remarkable comeback for the band, especially after the tragic loss of their guitarist, songwriter, and founding member Ricky Wilson in 1985. To promote the album, the band embarked on the worldwide Cosmic Tour, solidifying their resurgence in the music scene.
The album’s creation was a turning point for the band, as they had faced uncertainty following Ricky Wilson’s death and their financially disappointing promotional campaign for their 1986 album, Bouncing Off the Satellites. With encouragement from drummer/guitarist Keith Strickland, the band regrouped and began writing new songs. For singer Kate Pierson, this creative process became a healing journey for herself and the band, helping them cope with Wilson’s passing.
Woodstock and its surrounding areas in upstate New York served as the creative backdrop for much of the album’s writing. These serene locations provided a sense of solace and a connection to nature, which was absent in their previous base, New York City. Throughout approximately a year of songwriting, the band came together and provided each other with crucial support during this trying time, with Strickland noting, “We spent a lot of time just talking, and we needed that. We were our own support group after Ricky’s passing, which was a very traumatic thing for all of us and, in particular, for Cindy.”
