There are few tracks that embody the magic of dance music’s crossover moment quite like Inner City’s “Big Fun.”
This track, in particular, holds that essential nostalgic power. For many, including me, the moment they first heard it was a defining turning point. I remember being at school and borrowing a tape from a friend; the second those buoyant synth chords and driving beat hit, I was instantly and forever hooked on house music. It wasn’t just a song; it was an introduction to a completely new world.
The record represents the perfect fusion of Detroit Techno’s futuristic, driving percussion (courtesy of the legendary Kevin Saunderson) and the soulful, instantly accessible vocals of Paris Grey.
This isn’t just a great beat; it’s a wonderfully constructed song. The lyrics are fantastic, delivering a simple, universal message of release and joy that resonated globally. Those unforgettable elements manage to be both sophisticated and utterly euphoric.
“Big Fun” didn’t just top the charts; it acted as one of the key tracks that brought the sound of the club basement out into the wider world, proving that dance music could be popular without sacrificing its energy or its fantastic, time-travelling groove. An absolute essential for your playlist.