Released on the 1997 album Palookaville, "The Joker" is a defining track of the big beat genre, characterized by its driving, four-on-the-floor rhythm and distinctive synthesized bassline. The song exemplifies Fatboy Slim's ability to blend electronic production with a gritty, urban aesthetic that became central to his early discography. As a key component of the album's sound, the recording captures the high-energy dancefloor atmosphere that propelled Fatboy Slim to international prominence in the late 1990s. Its enduring popularity stems from its infectious groove and its role in cementing the artist's status as a pioneer of the genre, influencing countless subsequent releases in electronic dance music.