Why We Need a New Smash Mouth Album Right Now

This is the first of the new periodic lengthened article format! Need is a strong word. I am going to argue that it is necessary for me to use. The band Smash Mouth is often mis-attributed to kids’ movies and linked with all the wrong bands. What kind of music do you think I listen to? You may have never guessed that I am loving the new Fiona Apple and Dirty Projectors’ albums at the moment. I am also anticipating the new Animal Collective release. I listen to many types of rock and other sub-genres that push the limits. I have come to the conclusion that this era needs Smash Mouth’s new album, “Magic” that drops September 4th. If you haven’t been following the band since their hit album “Astro Lounge” in 1999, you are really missing out. Just as bands like Animal Collective are refreshingly different and off the wall, Smash Mouth is refreshingly straight forward and honest. With topics including dating a girl who still loves her ex (“Flo”), or being an awkward teen in the suburbs (Seventh Grade Dance), their topics are bound to hit home with the listener. “Everyday Superhero” and “Story Of My Life” apply to everyone. Singer Steve Harwell and company get right to the point, but keep the compositions complex and fascinating in the process. Their distinct timeless sound that started with “Walking On The Sun” has always stuck with the group. They are very talented musicians and impressive songwriters. Taking everyday topics and shaping them into catchy and comforting jams is the charm of the group. Digging into their catalogue, nearly every Smash Mouth song is made for the underdog. Steve Harwell is an underdog himself. He knows how hard small things like finding dates and being made fun of for your style could be. With their new album approaching, I am excited to have topics like this approached again. Smash Mouth are unmatched when it comes to relating to a major band that has gotten regular radio play. Every popular song right now involves the singer getting what he or she wants. How am I supposed to relate to that suave persona? Even if a pop singer claims that they are having a hard time, I can’t believe them when their next single is about how they found the perfect person. It isn’t that Smash Mouth songs are gloomy either. They are upbeat and fun a lot of the time. They usually leave you with hope. “Gather around I’m here to say, you’ll never make everybody’s day”, Harwell sings in “Hold On”. These kinds of encouragements are words of wisdom that I could use when I have lost my way. The deliveries of these lines are very honest and heartfelt. For these reasons, they are the only upbeat band that I could stand when I am in a bad mood. I usually look towards “Grizzly Bear” or “The National” when I am down also. With better hooks and messages than anything on popular radio, I believe that Smash Mouth are going to make a very welcomed return to a lost generation that doesn’t know what we had in the 90’s. Think of your favorite songs on the radio during that time. The songs now barely compare when it comes to making an impact. Smash Mouth have the all around talent to stay one of the greatest acts of this generation. We need an actual BAND to rise above the bubble-gum music that is polluting the radio that the general public listens to. Smash Mouth are our best chance. We need this new album. It is going to contain a cover of the 80’s hit “Don’t You Forget About Me”. Very appropriate. If you thought that Smash Mouth lost it along the way, it could be you that needs to be reminded of how great they are.