At a glance
- Artist
- Siouxsie and the Banshees
- Released
- 6 June 1981
- Label
- Polydor
- Catalogue number
- POLS 1034
- Format
- 12″ Vinyl
- Country
- UK
- Tracks
- 9, 41:10
In the issues
Darker and more focused than what came before, Juju helped define gothic rock as it took shape, driven by John McGeoch's guitar work, which Johnny Marr later cited as a direct influence on the Smiths. McGeoch had already proved his experimental instincts in Magazine before joining the Banshees, and here his shimmering, effects-drenched playing became the record's defining texture.
How it was made
Juju was recorded at PRT Studios in London in early 1981, produced by Nigel Gray and the Banshees. With the lineup of Siouxsie, Severin, McGeoch, and Budgie now stable, the band created their darkest and most focused album. McGeoch's guitar work was extraordinary—shimmering, effects-heavy playing that Johnny Marr later cited as a major influence on the Smiths' sound. Budgie's tribal drumming and Severin's melodic bass created a dense, gothic atmosphere. "Spellbound" and "Arabian Knights" became post-punk classics.
Juju reached number 7 on the UK charts and became foundational to gothic rock, though the Banshees resisted categorization. The NME named it album of the year. The band had mastered the balance between accessibility and experimentation, creating music that was commercially successful without diluting their vision.
Listen
Track list
- A1Spellbound3:19
- A2Into the Light4:14
- A3Arabian Knights3:06
- A4Halloween3:42
- A5Monitor5:36
- B1Night Shift6:06
- B2Sin in My Heart3:39
- B3Head Cut4:24
- B4Voodoo Dolly7:03
More by Siouxsie and the Banshees in the issues
- The Scream1978
- Kaleidoscope1980
- A Kiss in the Dreamhouse1982