Artist profile · 04/07/2026
Sparks
- 20
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 624k
- Last.fm listeners
- 18M
- Last.fm plays
About
Sparks, Innovative art-pop from the Mael brothers since 1970.
Sparks emerged from the California music scene in 1970, spearheaded by Ron and Russell Mael. The band evolved from an initial lineup called Halfnelson to a pioneering duo known for baroque pop, glam rock, and electronic dance experiments. Their 70s breakthrough came in London with landmark albums such as "Kimono My House" (1974) and "Propaganda" (1974), produced by notable figures like Muff Winwood and Tony Visconti. The collaboration with Giorgio Moroder in 1979 introduced a disco-inspired synth-pop phase, notable in "No. 1 In Heaven" and "Terminal Jive" (1980).
Over the years, Sparks blended rock, pop, and orchestral elements with experimental approaches. Their catalog features over 20 albums, including recent releases like "A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip" (2020) and "Mad!" (2025).
Discography
Sparks discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
A Woofer in Tweeter’s Clothing
Sparks
- Vinyl 6
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Introducing Sparks
Sparks
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Pulling Rabbits Out of a Hat
Sparks
- Vinyl 2
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Music That You Can Dance To
Sparks
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Interior Design
Sparks
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Plagiarism
Sparks
- Vinyl
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Two Hands One Mouth
Sparks
- Vinyl
- CD 2
- Cassette
Left Coast Angst: Live Radio Broadcast Recordings 1982-1983
Sparks
- Vinyl 1
- CD
- Cassette
Radio Killed The Video Star (Live 1974)
Sparks
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live on the Moon
Sparks
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live In London
Sparks
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us
- 02Amateur Hour
- 03Angst in My Pants
- 04This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us
- 05Falling in Love with Myself Again
- 06Here in Heaven
- 07Thank God It's Not Christmas
- 08The Number One Song in Heaven
Essentials
3 Sparks albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1974The breakthrough London-era album with hits and production by Muff Winwood; foundational for Sparks’ new wave identity.
10 tracksProduced by Muff WinwoodIsland Records1974 original
#2 · 1979Collaboration with Giorgio Moroder marking Sparks’ dive into disco-infused synth-pop; influential and commercially successful.
10 tracksProduced by Giorgio MoroderVirgin Records1979 original
#3 · 2025Latest studio album with pop rock style, available in limited white label vinyl; multiple pressing options in 2025.
12 tracksLimited editionTransgressive RecordsNumbered pressing
Go further
Artists similar to Sparks
Artists who share part of Sparks's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Sparks
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Kimono My House produced by Muff Winwood
Recorded in London in 1974, this album marked Sparks’ commercial breakthrough with hits like "This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us" produced by Muff Winwood under Island Records.
Giorgio Moroder's influence on No. 1 In Heaven
In 1979, producer Giorgio Moroder worked closely with Ron and Russell Mael to craft a disco and electronic sound that defined the album "No 1 In Heaven", released on Virgin Records.
Mad! Limited Edition White Label Pressing
The 2025 album "Mad!" by Sparks has a numbered white label limited edition pressing on Transgressive Records with high demand among collectors.
Our music is a constant experiment in blending genres and theatricality.— Ron Mael
Halfnelson debut produced by Todd Rundgren
Before becoming Sparks, the band released their first album titled "Halfnelson" in 1971 with production by Todd Rundgren, capturing their early art rock ambitions.
Sparks vinyl discography
See allPre-order New The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte
Sparks
Pop rétro internationalePop
2025-11-13UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$19.90
3 offersThe Seduction of Ingmar Bergman
Sparks
Rock indépendantAlternatif
2024-10-25BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENTFrom$32.28
3 offersExotic Creatures of the Deep
Sparks
Pop rétro internationalePop
2024-10-25BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENTFrom$27.99
3 offersHello Young Lovers
Sparks
Pop rétro internationalePop
2024-10-25BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENTFrom$32.60
2 offersA Steady Drip, Drip, Drip
Sparks
Pop rétro internationalePop
2024-10-25BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENTFrom$54.99
1 offerGratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins
Sparks
Pop rétro internationalePop
2024-10-25BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENTFrom$42.49
3 offersThe Girl Is Crying In Her Latte
Sparks
Pop rétro internationalePop
2023-05-26UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$33.46
1 offerThe Girl Is Crying In Her Latte
Sparks
Pop rétro internationalePop
2023-05-26UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$26.99
3 offersAnnette (Cannes Edition - Selections from the Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Sparks
Musique de FilmsBandes originales (Films, séries, jeux…)
2021-07-09MilanFrom$24.15
1 offer
Sparks CDs
See allKimono My House / Propaganda 50th Anniversary Édition Deluxe
Sparks
2024-12-01EDSEL RECORDSFrom$30.10
1 offerAnnette (Unlimited Edition)
Sparks
Musique de FilmsBandes originales (Films, séries, jeux…)
2021-11-26Sony ClassicalFrom$25.37
1 offer
Recommended accessories
See allBig Fudge 4-in-1 Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit, Brush and Cleaning Fluid | Anti Static Velvet and Stylus Brushes, Storage Pouch, Full Clean in Under a Minute, Gentle on Grooves
$24.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Inner Sleeves, 50 Pack, Acid Free Paper | Heavyweight Construction, Safe for Long Term Storage, Protects LP Albums from Dust, Dirt and Scratches
$21.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Inner Sleeves 50 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches
$21.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Inner Sleeves 25 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches
$14.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Round Bottom Inner Sleeves 50 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches
$21.99
View on Amazon
FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
What year was Sparks formed?
Sparks was formed in 1970 in Los Angeles by brothers Ron and Russell Mael.
Which genre best describes Sparks?
Sparks' music spans art rock, new wave, glam rock, synth-pop, and electronic dance.
What are some key eras in Sparks’ discography?
Key eras include the 70s London new wave rise, late 70s disco-electronic collaboration with Giorgio Moroder, and 2000s art pop resurgence.
Which Sparks albums are essential on vinyl?
Essential vinyl albums include "Kimono My House" (1974), "No 1 In Heaven" (1979), and "Mad!" (2025) among others.
Are there special vinyl pressings of Sparks albums?
Yes, collectors can find limited edition, numbered, and white label pressings, notably for "Mad!" (2025) and others.
Where were the landmark albums "Kimono My House" and "No 1 In Heaven" recorded?
"Kimono My House" was recorded in London, while "No 1 In Heaven" was produced in Los Angeles.
How does Sparks influence contemporary music?
Sparks is cited as an inspiration by many new wave and electro-pop artists thanks to their genre-blending and innovative sound.
Where can I find Sparks vinyl records for French listeners?
Sparks vinyl is available in French stores with releases from labels like Disco-bertus France and Demon Records with European pressings.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.