Artist: Better Than Ezra Album: Friction, Baby

Year: 1996
Duration: 0:0-1

Better Than Ezra’s “Friction, Baby”: A Critic’s Review

When it comes to rock music from the ‘90s, Better Than Ezra is a band that should be on everyone’s radar. This alternative rock band hails from Louisiana and has been making music for over three decades. While they have several albums worth listening to, their third album, “Friction, Baby” particularly stands out. Released in 1996, this album hit the charts with its blend of guitar-heavy alt-rock sound and introspective lyrics. In this post, I’m going to give you a of “Friction, Baby,” along with a brief history of the band, the music genre of the album, the best songs from it, and the most innovative parts that make the album stand out.
Better Than Ezra was formed in 1988 and has since then been making music that captures the essence of alternative rock. Their first album was released in 1990, and the band gained immense popularity in the late ‘90s. However, it was their third album, “Friction, Baby,” which truly established them as a dominant force in the alternative rock scene. The album consists of 11 songs, and each one tells a story of its own, ranging from love, heartbreak, and every emotion in between.
The music genre of “Friction, Baby” can be described as alternative rock, with elements of pop rock and punk rock. The album’s guitar-heavy riffs and melodic hooks are enough to transport you back to the ‘90s alternative rock scene. However, the addition of pop elements and punk rock influences make it stand out from other alt-rock albums of that era.
The best songs of the album, in my opinion, are “Desperately Wanting,” “King of New Orleans,” and “Normal Town.” “Desperately Wanting” is a song that features a catchy guitar riff coupled with Kevin Griffin’s emotional vocals. “King of New Orleans” is a fast-paced, punk rock-inspired track that showcases the band’s versatility. And “Normal Town” is a crowd-pleaser that features sing-along choruses and a catchy melody.
Several innovative parts make “Friction, Baby” stand out from other albums of that era. For instance, the way each song moves from one to another is seamless and flawless. Each track seamlessly flows into the next, making the album feel like an entire experience rather than a collection of individual songs. Moreover, the lyrics of each song are thought-provoking and resonate with the listeners, making “Friction, Baby” a timeless classic that is still relevant today.
However, despite all the great things about this album, it is not without its flaws. One of its main criticisms is that some of the songs sound too similar to each other, making it hard to distinguish between them. It could have also used a few more up-tempo tracks to balance out the slower ballads. Nevertheless, even with its few drawbacks, “Friction, Baby” remains a must-listen album for anyone who appreciates alternative rock music.
In conclusion, Better Than Ezra’s “Friction, Baby” is an album that truly captures the essence of alternative rock. The band’s blend of guitar-heavy alt-rock sound, pop melodies, and punk rock influences make for a unique listening experience that still holds up after all these years. Although the album has a few minor flaws, it remains a timeless classic that deserves a spot in every music lover’s collection. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Better Than Ezra or just discovering them for the first time, “Friction, Baby” is an album that you won’t want to miss.
In conclusion, Better Than Ezra’s “Friction, Baby” is an album that truly captures the essence of alternative rock. The band’s blend of guitar-heavy alt-rock sound, pop melodies, and punk rock influences make for a unique listening experience that still holds up after all these years. Although the album has a few minor flaws, it remains a timeless classic that deserves a spot in every music lover’s collection. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Better Than Ezra or just discovering them for the first time, “Friction, Baby” is an album that you won’t want to miss.