National Average (album)

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National Average (album) is the second studio album by the English punk duo Big Special. It was released as a surprise on 4 July 2025 through SO Recordings and produced by Michael Clarke. The album blends punk energy with funk influences and keeps the duo’s dark humor. It peaked at No. 53 on the UK Albums Chart.

Background and style
- After touring for their 2024 debut Postindustrial Hometown Blues, Big Special began work on National Average.
- They started with jam sessions, wrote lyrics, and by March 2025 had finished 13 tracks from an initial 25.
- The album moves toward a funk-based sound while retaining their punk roots and sense of humor.
- Opening track The Mess is based on a demo rather than a studio jam.

Title and artwork
- The title reflects their shift away from a normal British life and comments on regional culture.
- The cover shows a plate of egg and chips prepared by Joe Hicklin’s father.

Promotion and release
- There was no lead single or major promotional campaign; the album was released as a surprise.
- In the lead-up, artwork projections appeared on London landmarks, and a music video for God Save the Pony was released.
- National Average reached No. 53 on the UK Albums Chart.

Critical reception
- The album received positive reviews:
- DIY gave it 4.5/5, calling it blistering and razor-witted.
- The Line of Best Fit rated it 9/10, describing it as dense, darkly funny, and necessary.
- Louder Than War gave it 4/5, calling it dark and exhilarating.

Track listing
1. The Mess
2. God Save the Pony
3. Hug a Bastard
4. Shop Music
5. Pigs Puddin
6. Professionals
7. Get Back Safe
8. Yesboss
9. Domestic Bliss
10. Judas Song
11. The Beast
12. I Once Had a Kestrel
13. Thin Horses (feat. Rachel Goswell)

Total length: 46:01

Personnel
- Big Special
- Joseph Hicklin – lead vocals
- Callum Moloney – drums
- Additional personnel
- Rachel Goswell – vocals on Thin Horses
- Joe Carroll – saxophone on Domestic Bliss
- Michael Clarke – production, mixing
- Jason Mitchell – mastering
- Michael Hicklin – egg and chips
- Isaac Watson – band photography
- Black Country Type – art direction and sleeve photography
- Alfie Hicks – graphic design

Charts
- UK Albums Chart: 53
- Scottish Albums (OCC): 20
- UK Independent Albums (OCC): 1

Year-end lists
- Louder Than War: Top 100 Albums of 2025 – No. 54
- Rough Trade: Albums of the Year 2025 – No. 85