Becoming X

Released in 1996, Becoming X is the debut studio album by Sneaker Pimps and stands as one of the most commercially successful and critically respected entries in the trip-hop genre. Recorded at Line of Flight Studios in London, the album was primarily the brainchild of founding members Chris Corner and Liam Howe, who initially intended to handle vocals themselves before recruiting Kelli Ali. Her distinctive, ethereal vocal style became the album's signature, though she was famously asked to leave the band following the tour as they shifted toward a more experimental, male-led sound. The record is notable for its heavy use of cinematic samples, most famously the John Barry harp sample from 'Goldfinger' used in the hit single '6 Underground.' Critics at the time, including AllMusic, praised the album for its ability to bridge the gap between underground electronic experimentation and accessible pop hooks. It remains a definitive document of the mid-90s UK electronic scene, blending elements of Britpop's attitude with the rhythmic complexity of downtempo and breakbeat.