For a lot of people, last week was a significant moment in American history As has happened every four years, another administration stood in front of The White House and announced their plans for the upcoming years. It’s a moment to raise morale and inspire the masses, believing that this country has something worth holding onto. A certain demographic was more than relieved to see someone like Joe Biden there, being sworn in and preparing to lead a speech about how tough the road ahead was. He didn’t mince words, choosing to suggest that America has some dark days ahead but, if one believes and tries hard enough, they will pull through it.
Of course, in much less important news, there was also news that was even more startling. Biden did something that no president had managed to do, and he was only hours into his presidency. He managed to reunite New Radicals.
This may read as a bit confusing to some, especially for those who aren’t aware that the one-hit wonder hasn’t been active since 1999. Their “one day only” reunion was their only gig in 22 years following singer Gregg Alexander’s desire to quit the band. His excuse in 1999 was that he was approaching 30 and didn’t feel the need to be a singer anymore. He wore hats that hid his face because he wanted to hide his lack of enthusiasm. It’s one of those fascinating cases, not unlike 4 Non Blondes, where it’s easy to get lost in a hypothesis about what the band could’ve been if they stuck around.
Though to be completely honest, nobody should be worrying about Alexander. In that time since he became a songwriter for artists like Michelle Branch and Hanson. He was highly praised for his pop skills, even earning an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for the film Begin Again (2014). I’m pretty sure that even without this 2021 gig and a presidential endorsement, he would’ve been fine.
But it all boils down to the quintessential question that everyone asks. This isn’t like X or Phantom Planet randomly appearing after a lengthy hiatus. There is no plan to make music that expands upon their brand all these decades later. This is only one small gig that couldn’t even feature the whole band due to COVID-19 limitations. So, what exactly does this band that only a fraction of the population even remembers have that’s relevant nowadays? Why not just get Billie Eilish or someone that the younger generation enjoys like you did at The DNC?
Every now and then, a story comes along that explains the power of music as a great unifier. It doesn’t need to be the most popular or lasting, but it has to speak to something inside the listener that alters their life significantly. For Biden, it’s a reminder of his son Beau. The president claims that “You Get What You Give” was practically his late son’s personal anthem, where he would walk into the kitchen to it every day. The symbolism even speaks to something crucial to Biden now, which is the idea that even as the world enters dark periods, it’s important to have faith in a brighter tomorrow. Given how the past four years have been, it makes sense why he’d want to share that message with audiences.
This got me wondering if a hypothetical New Radicals concert could work, or if this was always more practical as a one and done song. Sure, it’s an important 10 minutes of your career that will always serve as a stamp of approval in your legacy, but what will happen when new audiences are introduced to their album “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too”? Will they be able to appreciate its magic from a modern context, recontextualizing messages that Alexander sang with such passion?
It all depends on what you’re looking for.
Upon listening to the album, I personally found it to be a premier example of what a one hit wonder’s album would sound like. While I definitely think there’s enough here to have promised an interesting career, I don’t necessarily come out believing that I heard anything revolutionary. The last few tracks in particular began to feel tedious as it was clear that they were more leaning towards jam band aesthetic than the straightforward hooks that made “You Get What You Give” into a sensation. They definitely have a vibe that appeals to those wanting throwback 70s-style rock during a grunge and rap-rock era. Their politically conscious lyrics also help add an air of importance to their listening experience. But, was it any good?
Like I said, it’s fine. I do appreciate the depth of Alexander as a lyricist and his ability to take themes of consumerism, media, and religion and turn them on their head. I do even love that he took the backward approach to gain notoriety with “You Get What You Give.” According to stories, Alexander added the final sting naming random bands to see if the news focused on the important themes or the random references. Predictably, the least important thing about the song ended up outlasting the reputation. In a rare moment of cleverness, Marilyn Manson suggested that he didn’t hate being insulted, but that he was paired with Courtney Love. Similarly, Beck was scared of Alexander due to his big stature.
There’s no denying that this single has all of the power you’d want a big hit to have. Everything is so joyous, pairing dark imagery with the need to push through. Even with cheesy lines like “you got the music in you,” they managed to create one of those motivational feel-good songs that lead into the 21st century with a nice joint to clap along to. Even with the messages baked into the closing, it was a hit that in some ways wasn’t reflective enough of the rest of their work. Sure, the follow-up single “Someday We’ll Know” shares in its optimism and is catchy enough, but you can understand why it never took off.
Also, I think for as enjoyable as the album can be, they do have streaks of being a bit cornball. The music definitely was radical in a fun way, but it doesn’t excuse “I Hope I Didn’t Just Give Away the Ending.” It has an interesting message about sadness and addiction, highlighting the fear of revealing how this predictably bleak story ends. Even then, it’s a song that manages to end, quite comically, with Alexander suggesting that he just gave away an ending. As a motif, it works. However, it’s a bit too self-aware to have any deeper sincerity.
As the album goes along, the political themes feel more abstract, baked into the instrumentation. The grooves find Alexander singing in various inflections to capture his various levels of enthusiasm. Even then, it has some good titles on here like “Jehovah Made This Whole Joint for You” and “Technicolor Lover.” There is vivid imagery here that gives away everything you need to know about this band.
Though with that said, I couldn’t really get into most of it. I’m not a jam band person and at certain points instrumentation just blurs together. “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too” has a fun experimental vibe, but is too hallucinogenic for my tastes. However, it does end with one of my favorites here, “Crying Like a Church on Monday,” which aptly paints how the glory days have passed and we’re all trying to get back to the good moments.
Is that the perfect way to end an album with so much goodwill? I think it’s definitely an interesting blend of every theme they explore, leaving again a desire to find the joy in life. Of course, it’s interesting to note that 1999 was a much different time. Even with rap-rock and nu-metal topping the charts with dark and brooding content, it was a more upbeat time where the economy was actually looking decent. New Radicals simply reflected a need to recognize what made the times great, and they did that so perfectly. I don’t know if they were the greatest message band I’ve ever heard, but I appreciate them for trying.
I’m sure others will appreciate “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too” more than I did. It’s clear that it spoke to the Biden family, and I’m thankful that Alexander respectfully reunited the band for this gig. On a day of celebration, it was nice for them to make this happen and recognize the power of music, proving that even decades later the power for one-hit wonders who barely existed to have a lasting impact on our lives. I’m sure there’s someone out there who cherishes this album a lot more than I do, having it serve as something more formative than a quick listen. I doubt this will grow in personal affection, but its message is one that I hope we live up to in the years ahead. We get what we give, and we need to make the world a better place. Are you willing to help make that happen?
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