Roxy Music's self-titled debut album, released in 1972, made an immediate and powerful impact on the music scene, arriving on the back of the success of the standalone single "Virginia Plain". In 2018, band members reflected candidly on both the strengths and shortcomings of their arrival, acknowledging that a lack of clear career strategy and management may have limited how big the band ultimately became.

Guitarist Phil Manzanera discussed the long-delayed super deluxe reissue of the debut album, which features a new 5.1 surround mix by Steven Wilson, sleevenotes and sketches by fashion designer Antony Price. He noted the project had been talked about for eight years before finally being released, reflecting what he described as the band's chaotic, non-existent approach to career planning. Manzanera suggested Roxy Music could have achieved even greater success with stronger management, remarking that the band was often "its own worst enemy".