Joy (Skids album)

Joy is the fourth and final studio album by Scottish punk rock/new wave band Skids. It was released in 1981 on Virgin Records. The album marked a significant departure from the band's earlier, guitar-driven sound, embracing a more atmospheric and experimental approach.

The album was produced by Colin Fairley, who had previously worked with Elvis Costello and the Attractions. Musically, Joy incorporates elements of art rock, krautrock, and ambient music, showcasing synthesizers and unconventional instrumentation. The lyrics, penned primarily by frontman Richard Jobson, explore themes of disillusionment, societal decay, and spiritual yearning.

While Joy received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since gained recognition as a bold and ambitious work within the Skids' discography. Some critics lauded its innovative soundscapes, while others found it to be overly pretentious and lacking the energy of their earlier material. Despite the varied critical reception, the album spawned the singles "Circus Games" and "Fields." Commercially, Joy performed less successfully than the band's previous albums, failing to reach the UK Top 40. The Skids disbanded shortly after its release.