Advert

New Radicals were a short lived pop band back in 1998 that had two hits (“You Get What You Give” and “Someday We’ll Know”), but they were worth much more than just these two hits. The songs on “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too” are strong, meaningful, and have positive lyrics. The album features songs about love and politics with a carefree positive attitude rather than the '90s angst scene at the time.

What singer/leader Gregg Alexander was writing at this time was deeper and more passionate than any other "so called one-hit wonder" than anything in the teenage mainstream direction that he was headed to. The first track, “Mother, We Just Can’t Get Enough,” immediately catches the ears with fellow band member Danielle Brisebois saying "Make my nipples hard, let’s go." Hearing that line and then Gregg’s shouting "OOOOWWWW!" leads to a funky guitar lick. This lick and Gregg’s vocals instantly bring The Rolling Stones to mind. The track features great use of piano chords, a funky bass line, and very soulful percussion/drum rhythms. Immediately from the first track, it’s obvious that the album is worth the listen.

The next track, “You Get What You Give,” became an instant hit and it will never be forgotten. Featuring similar chord structures, lyrics, and vocals to Todd Rundgren and Carole King, the song really puts across a universally positive attitude for the youth at that time. The track has so much power and attitude that are executed so well within the lyrics. Personally, I never hear mainstream songs with so much passion or heart like this on the radio anymore. Tracks like “I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore” and “Crying Like a Church on Monday” really show this influence of Hall & Oates.

The song that expresses and makes fun of teenage angst is “Jehovah Made This Whole Joint for You.” After “Jehovah Made This Whole Joint for You,” is “Someday We’ll Know.” This song is a beautiful romantic ballad about finding true love. Written by both Gregg Alexander and fellow member Danielle Brisebois, the lyrics are extremely poetic and the song is well crafted with acoustic guitars and piano melodies. The most powerful lines in the song are “I’m speeding by the place that I met you, for the 97th time . . . tonight!” and “If I could ask God just one question, why aren’t you here with me . . . tonight!” What gets me most about these lines is how the emotions continue to be expressed stronger with “for the 97th time” and then extending it even more with “tonight!” Ironically, the song was covered by Hall & Oates in 2003 on their album, “Do It for Love.” “Gotta Stay High” and “Flowers” are also great love songs from the album as well. The title track, “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too,” really sounds like a psychedelic mix of David Bowie and Iggy Pop.

This collection from a short lived band from the '90s is a rare gem. Luckily Gregg and Danielle did not leave the music scene, instead they continued as songwriters/producers. Gregg has worked with artists such as Santana and Michelle Branch (“The Game of Love”), Mel C (ex Spice Girl), Ronan Keating, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Enrique Iglesias, and a new track for INXS called “Remember Who’s Your Man.” Danielle wrote the hit song, “Unwritten,” and co-wrote the song, “Pocket Full of Sunshine,” for Natasha Bedingfield. I often see this album in the bargain bin at used CD stores for an average $3.99 to $7.99. This album is worth the bargain and it is surely worth the memories.

4.5 out of 5

[Recommended Tracks: “Mother, We Just Can’t Get Enough,” “You Get What You Give,” “Jehovah Made This Whole Joint for You,” “Someday We’ll Know,” “Gotta Stay High,” “Crying Like a Church On Monday”]



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8aCFYW5eUU

No Comments have been Posted.

Please Login to Post a Comment.

---