Better Than Ezra: The Guilty Pleasure of '90s Rock

If you've ever fallen asleep in the middle of a party, only to jolt awake when someone plays an annoyingly upbeat song from Better Than Ezra, then you already know that the music of this critically acclaimed New Orleans-based artist can be better left unheard. Seriously though - even though there is no disputing that Better Than Ezra churns out songs with infectiously catchy choruses and singable lyrics, anyone who's been around long enough knows that their discography has more than its share of oversaturated pop-rock tunes. So if you're looking for something funny and cutting to say about one of '90s rock's guilty pleasures (which I am!), read on!

It's hard to deny the allure of '90s rock - the era saw the rise of iconic bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and the Smashing Pumpkins. But not all bands of the era were created equal. For every grunge masterpiece, there were countless pop-rock acts churning out catchy tunes that certainly weren't breaking any new ground. One such band that falls squarely in the latter category is Better Than Ezra. The New Orleans-based group may not be mentioned in the same breath as some of their more respected contemporaries, but there's no denying that their songs are earworms that will stick with you long after the first listen.

Despite their commercial success (their breakthrough hit Good reached no. 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Charts in 1995), Better Than Ezra have often been dismissed as just another generic pop-rock band, and for good reason. Their songs often feature the same basic chord progressions, predictable builds, and insipid lyrics that plague many other similar groups of the era. One need only listen to Desperately Wanting or King of New Orleans to get a sense of what I'm talking about. But despite all this, there's something undeniably fun about singing along to these tunes at the top of your lungs. They may be cheesy, but they're catchy as hell.

It's worth noting that Better Than Ezra have always had a sense of humor about themselves and their place in the world of '90s rock. Case in point: their 1996 album Friction, Baby features a cover that parodies Duran Duran's iconic Rio cover art. The title itself is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the band's reputation for being a bit of a one-trick pony. Even if their music doesn't always hold up to close scrutiny, one has to admire their willingness to poke fun at themselves.

Of course, not all of Better Than Ezra's songs are created equal. While some of their tunes are indeed guilty pleasures, there are a few that rise above the rest. Take Rosealia, for example - it's an upbeat, jangly track that features some of the band's best songwriting and musicianship. The song's lyrics, which tell the story of a blooming romance between two people from different worlds, are surprisingly touching. Other standout tracks include Good (which, despite its overplayed status, remains undeniably anthemic) and At the Stars, which features a soaring chorus that's impossible not to sing along to.

At the end of the day, it's hard to argue that Better Than Ezra are one of '90s rock's guilty pleasures. Their music may not be groundbreaking, but it's certainly memorable. While it's easy to dismiss their songs as generic pop-rock, there's no denying that they're catchy, fun, and always good for a singalong. So the next time Good comes on the radio, don't be ashamed to turn up the volume and sing along - after all, we all need a guilty pleasure every once in a while.

Better Than Ezra may not be the most critically acclaimed band of '90s rock, but they hold a special place in the hearts of many. Their catchy, infectious songs may not be groundbreaking in terms of musical innovation, but they're undeniably fun to listen to. Whether you're in the mood for a guilty pleasure singalong or just need a little bit of pop-rock escapism, Better Than Ezra has got you covered. So the next time you're at a party and Good comes on, don't be afraid to join in - after all, life is too short to not dance to cheesy pop-rock tunes.