Song: “How Much Is Enough”
A 1991 hit from a hot ’80s band posed a question that haunts us still . . .
The Fixx became known for their jittery ’80s hits like “Saved By Zero,” “Red Skies,” “One Thing Leads to Another,” “Reach the Beach,” and “Stand or Fall.” If you were around during their peak phase of tight t-shirts and Flock of Seagulls hair, each of those song titles might bring to mind a keening voice, deep grooves, flashes of synths, and piercing guitar stabs — the hallmarks of the Fixx’s soundscape.
In the early 1990s, the band released their 8th album, Ink. It is, to my mind, their most complete album, with great songs throughout despite reflecting the bloat common to releases in the early phase of CDs and their extra capacity.
The album’s second track — after the excellent “All Is Fair” — is today’s featured song.
“How Much Is Enough” reached #11 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, #10 on the Modern Rock Chart, and charted in Canada, the UK, and Australia, as well.
As a songwriter, lead singer Cy Curnin was a keen observer of society, and often poured his observations into his music. “How Much Is Enough” represented a new maturity of Curnin and his bandmates, one that won fans over once again.
The lighted mouth may haunt your dreams . . . and Curnin poses a question we still have to answer satisfactorily.
Enjoy!