Anderson self-released 'O Superman' as a single. The minimalist track, featuring her vocoder-altered voice and haunting melody, unexpectedly climbed the charts in the UK, reaching number two.

The success of 'O Superman' led to Anderson signing a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records, granting her unprecedented artistic freedom within the mainstream music industry.

Anderson released her debut album, 'Big Science,' which included 'O Superman' and other experimental tracks. The album received critical acclaim and further established her as a unique voice in contemporary music.

Anderson staged the epic performance piece 'United States Live,' a multi-hour multimedia spectacle that explored themes of technology, politics, and American identity. It was a massive undertaking and cemented her status as a major performance artist.

Anderson continued to release albums throughout the 1980s, including 'Mister Heartbreak' (1984) and 'Home of the Brave' (1986). These albums showcased her evolving musical style and continued exploration of complex themes.