Taking Back Sunday: An Honest Look at Their Career

Taking Back Sunday is one of the most influential emo-rock bands of the early 2000s, and they’ve been thrilling listeners for nearly two decades. From their 2002 debut album Tell All Your Friends to their more recent releases like 2016's Tidal Wave, Taking Back Sunday has gained both critical acclaim and a passionate fan base along the way. Whether fans love them or criticize them, Taking Back Sunday makes an impact on alternative music - but what are some of the good things as well as not-so-great moments throughout this band's career? Read on to explore both viewpoints!

Taking Back Sunday is a band that has had a huge impact on the alternative music scene. Known for their poignant lyrics and catchy hooks, they have been thrilling listeners for nearly two decades. But despite their popularity, they are not without their flaws. From their early days to their most recent releases, Taking Back Sunday has had some great moments as well as some not-so-great ones. In this blog, we will explore the highs and lows of Taking Back Sunday's career, and take an honest look at what makes this band so beloved by fans.

Taking Back Sunday's debut album, Tell All Your Friends, was an instant classic. Released in 2002, it quickly became a fan favorite and is still widely regarded as their best work. The album spawned hits like Cute Without the 'E' (Cut from the Team) and You're So Last Summer, both of which have become emo anthems. The band's lineup at the time included Adam Lazzara on vocals, John Nolan and Eddie Reyes on guitar, Shaun Cooper on bass, and Mark O'Connell on drums. This lineup was a powerful force that brought a raw energy to their music that was unmatched.

However, shortly after the release of their second album, Where You Want to Be, the band underwent a significant lineup change. Founding members John Nolan and Shaun Cooper left the band due to creative differences, which led to the recruitment of guitarist Fred Mascherino and bassist Matt Rubano. Although this lineup change was seen as a setback by many fans, the band continued to produce great music with their third album, Louder Now. This album featured mainstream hits like MakeDamnSure and Liar (It Takes One to Know One), which helped to propel Taking Back Sunday into even greater mainstream success.

Despite their success, Taking Back Sunday has had their fair share of controversy throughout their career. In 2008, former guitarist John Nolan and former bassist Shaun Cooper went public with allegations of mistreatment and financial issues within the band. Nolan and Cooper claimed that they were not properly reimbursed for their contributions to the band's early success, and that they were often treated poorly by the rest of the band. While the band has denied these claims, they still remain a topic of debate among fans.

In recent years, Taking Back Sunday has continued to release new music and tour extensively. Their latest album, Tidal Wave, was released in 2016 and showcased a more mature sound that was still true to their roots. Despite some criticisms about the album's departure from their traditional sound, it was generally well received by fans and critics alike. The band also embarked on a 20th anniversary tour in 2019, which was met with widespread enthusiasm from fans.

Throughout their nearly two-decade-long career, Taking Back Sunday has had their ups and downs. They have released classic albums and anthemic hits that have become staples of the genre, but they have also faced controversies and criticisms along the way. Regardless of these ups and downs, however, the band has remained a beloved presence in the alternative music scene. Their passionate fan base continues to follow them wherever they go, and their impact on the genre cannot be denied. Whether you love them or criticize them, Taking Back Sunday is a band that has made a lasting impact on the world of music.