Kajagoogoo – “Big Apple”: The Aftershock of Fame
Released on 5 September 1983, “Big Apple” was Kajagoogoo’s first single following the departure of lead singer Limahl, who had been fired earlier that year. The track was written by Nick Beggs, Steve Askew, Stuart Neale, and Jez Strode, and produced by Colin Thurston, known for his work with Duran Duran and Talk Talk. It served as the lead single from their second album Islands (1984), and marked a major shift in the band’s sound and identity—with Beggs stepping up as lead vocalist.
The official music video for “Big Apple” was shot on location in New York City, lending the song’s title a literal backdrop. It was directed by Simon Milne.
More Groove, Less Glitter
“Big Apple” dials back the neon sheen of “Too Shy” and leans into a cooler, more rhythm-driven aesthetic. The production is slick but subdued: crisp drum machines, smooth basslines, and shimmering synths that pulse rather than pop. It’s less about chasing hooks and more about riding a vibe. The track trades glam-pop theatrics for a moodier, funk-inflected groove that feels like a deliberate reset.
Lyrically, it’s cryptic and layered. While the title suggests a nod to New York, the song isn’t a postcard—it’s a metaphor for fame, fallout, and the chaos of chasing big dreams. Lines like “Life in the Big Apple moves very fast and so must you” hint at survival in a world that doesn’t wait. There’s tension beneath the surface, and a sense of reckoning with the cost of success.
The Sound of a Band in Transition
Musically, “Big Apple” sits between New Romantic shimmer and urban pop sophistication. The rhythm section is tight, the synth textures are lush, and Beggs’ vocals bring a grounded, soulful tone that contrasts with Limahl’s glam stylings. It’s polished but not flashy—more introspective than exuberant.
The song reflects a band in flux. Rather than replicate their debut success, Kajagoogoo chose to evolve. “Big Apple” didn’t reach the same heights as “Too Shy,” but it proved they weren’t just a one-hit wonder with a quirky name. It was a statement of intent.
Chart Success and Reception
“Big Apple” became Kajagoogoo’s fourth UK Top 20 hit, peaking at No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart and spending eight weeks in the Top 100. The single also found success across Europe, reaching No. 1 in Iceland, No. 7 in Switzerland, and No. 10 in the Netherlands. It climbed to No. 11 in Ireland, No. 13 in West Germany, and No. 17 in Finland, while landing at No. 27 in Belgium and No. 31 in New Zealand. Although it didn’t chart in the United States, the song helped maintain the band’s momentum abroad and demonstrated their willingness to evolve beyond “Too Shy.”
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Big Apple” didn’t leave a massive cultural footprint, but it remains a fascinating snapshot of a band navigating fame’s fallout. It’s been included in several Kajagoogoo compilations, and its Metro Mix version remains a favorite among synth-pop collectors. The song’s themes of survival and reinvention resonate more deeply in hindsight, especially given the band’s turbulent history.
“Big Apple” isn’t a classic in the traditional sense—but it’s a bold pivot. It captures the tension of a band trying to evolve while the spotlight still burns. And sometimes, quiet reinvention lingers longer than loud repetition.