Album: Blow Up by The Smithereens (1991)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Record Label: Capitol Records
Format: Album

Description: Blow Up is the title of the fourth full-length studio album by The Smithereens. The album charted at #120 in the U.S. in October 1991. The second single, "Too Much Passion", became the group's second top-40 single, peaking at #37. Top of the Pops was released as the first single of the album.

Blow Up’s cover design is by movie poster/title sequence artist Saul Bass (“Vertigo,” “West Side Story,” “North by Northwest,” “Psycho”).

Artist Background: Dressed in leather, brandishing heavy guitars, and exhibiting an unabashed fetish for British Invasion pop, the Smithereens were an anomaly in the American college rock scene of the late '80s. Lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Pat DiNizio stood out not only with his strange beatnik goatee, but also because his catchy hooks were haunting, not punchy, and because his lyrics were morose. As time wore on, the group became more straightforward, turning into an excellent bar band, one that attacked ... Part of the Carteret, NJ music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Carteret, NJ music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative Rock, 1990s, Album, Capitol Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Blow Up is the title of the fourth full-length studio album by The Smithereens. The album charted at #120 in the U.S. in October 1991. The second single, "Too Much Passion", became the group's second top-40 single, peaking at #37. Top of the Pops was released as the first single of the album.

Blow Up’s cover design is by movie poster/title sequence artist Saul Bass (“Vertigo,” “West Side Story,” “North by Northwest,” “Psycho”).

Blow Up

The Smithereens

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