Under The Big Black Sun

A lot of people consider 1982's Under the Big Black Sun to be X's best album. And even those people who don't think it's their best album still consider it one of the best albums of the '80s. That's because it's their most personal and fearless record. The death of Exene Cervenka's sister spurred her to write some of the most wrenching, evocative lyrics ('Riding with Mary' and 'Come Back to Me') of her career, and the band departed from their hard-and-fast roots to explore everything from Latin-cum-surf-tinged Tin Pan Alley ('Dancing with Tears in My Eyes') to something close to country rock ('The Have Nots'), while still serving up some anthemic rock and roll with 'The Hungry Wolf.' Essential music from a legendary L.A. band.