055: Sparks - Whomp That Sucker (1981) - Suzie Safety

“Suzie Safety” finds Sparks in lighter territory. The arrangement contrasts fuzzy guitars with a naïve, almost childlike piano line, giving the track an innocent, slightly whimsical air. Lyrically, it’s about a character who insists on rules — no smoking, no drinking — making the whole thing feel like a public safety jingle. The panel jokes it could easily fit on Sesame Street, and that’s not far off. While charming in its way, most of us found it one of the weaker songs on Whomp That Sucker — pleasant, but bordering on anonymous compared to the stronger, quirkier tracks surrounding it. Still, the wordless vocals and small production details give it some sparkle, and it does provide a natural breather before the more eccentric songs that follow. Never performed live except during the 2008 “21x21” concerts, it has had the occasional cover on Sparks tribute albums, though its modest character makes it an unlikely choice for reinvention.