XTC's first full album shows the band going full-throttle in true punk spirit. More dissonant than their latter period, the young band shines with directionless energy and a good sense of humor. Highlights include the catchy singles, "This Is Pop" and "Radios in Motion" as well as a jumpy version of "All Along the Watchtower." Their first release, 3D EP, has been appended to the CD version.

A cult classic of raw punk pop, XTC's debut album charts in the U.K. Top 30. An off-kilter homage to the confection that is pop (i.e., "white") music, the album jumps with virtually live-in-the-studio energy.

Geffen CD Release 1991 includes seven tracks not on original album: the alien-ated "Science Friction", stuck-in-67 "She's So Square", darkly romantic "Hang On To The Night", and pogo-ish "Traffic Light Rock" (written by Partridge), and the girl-loves-a-tan "Heatwave", frothy "Dance Band", and pop culture koan "Instant Tunes" (written by Moulding). "Science Friction" appeared previously on album only on Waxworks: Some Singles 1977-1982, released on Geffen 1984 on LP/Cassette only.

A working title for this album was Black Music, but this name was rejected by Virgin as it was thought the title might suggest a blues or soul album.

Andy: “In case you ever wondered, it's a can of Heineken that's airbrushed out of Barry's hand on the cover of the WHITE MUSIC album.”