Babylon Zoo - The Boy With The X-Ray Eyes (2LP) - Numbered Turquoise Vinyl

"The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes" is the debut album by British band Babylon Zoo, released in 1996. The album is best known for its lead single, "Spaceman," which became a massive hit after being featured in a Levi's jeans commercial. The song's success catapulted the band, and particularly its frontman Jas Mann, into the spotlight, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the fastest-selling single in the UK at the time.

The album itself is a blend of glam rock, electronic, and alternative rock influences, reflecting the eclectic tastes and ambitious vision of Jas Mann. The title track, "The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes," sets the tone with its futuristic themes and layered production. Mann's distinctive voice and the album's spacey, otherworldly soundscapes are consistent throughout, creating a cohesive, if somewhat uneven, listening experience.

Critically, "The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes" received mixed reviews. While "Spaceman" was praised for its catchy hook and innovative sound, the rest of the album struggled to live up to the expectations set by the single. Some critics felt that the album was overproduced and lacked the same energy and originality that made "Spaceman" a hit. Others appreciated the ambitious nature of the project and Mann's willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles.

Despite the mixed critical reception, the album holds a certain cultural significance as a snapshot of mid-90s British music, capturing the era's fascination with futuristic themes and electronic music. The success of "Spaceman" also highlighted the power of advertising in the music industry, as the Levi's commercial played a significant role in the song's popularity.

Other standout tracks on the album include "Animal Army," which features a driving beat and anthemic chorus, and "Is Your Soul for Sale?," which showcases Mann's lyrical exploration of themes like consumerism and identity. "Caffeine" and "I'm Cracking Up I Need a Pill" further demonstrate the band's ability to blend rock and electronic elements, though they did not achieve the same level of commercial success as "Spaceman."

In terms of awards, "Spaceman" was nominated for several accolades, and its success helped the album achieve commercial success, reaching number 6 on the UK Albums Chart. However, the band struggled to maintain the momentum generated by their initial hit, and subsequent releases did not achieve the same level of success.

Overall, "The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes" is an album that captures a unique moment in music history. While it may not have lived up to the hype generated by its lead single, it remains an interesting exploration of the intersection between rock and electronic music in the 1990s. For fans of the era or those interested in the evolution of British music, it offers a glimpse into the ambitious vision of Babylon Zoo and the fleeting nature of pop stardom.