046: Sparks - Terminal Jive (1980) - The Greatest Show on Earth

We close out Terminal Jive (1980) with The Greatest Show on Earth, co-written by Ron and Russell Mael with Giorgio Moroder and Harold Faltermeyer. Propulsive bass, a sleek 80s sheen (remarkably forward-leaning for 1979 sessions), and a chorus that sticks make this a surprisingly radio-ready closer — arguably a smarter single choice than Young Girls. While it runs a touch long and never became a live staple, the track bridges Sparks’ Moroder era with their incoming 80s direction and lands, for many listeners, among the album’s stronger cuts alongside “When I’m With You” and “Stereo.” A solid finale to a divisive record.