Artist: Everclear Album: So Much for the Afterglow

Year: 1997
Duration: 48:50

Why Everclear's So Much for the Afterglow is a Classic 90s Album: A Critical Review

If you are a fan of 90s alternative rock, then you most definitely have heard of Everclear and their iconic album So Much for the Afterglow. This album was released back in 1997 and is considered one of the best alternative rock albums of all time. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of the band, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and provide a thorough critique of the album.

Before we dive into the album itself, let's learn a little bit about Everclear. The band was formed in Portland, Oregon, in 1991 by frontman Art Alexakis. The band went through various lineup changes, but the core members were always Art, bassist Craig Montoya, and drummer Greg Eklund. Everclear's sound is a blend of alternative rock, grunge, and punk rock influences, making them a staple in the 90s alternative rock scene.

So Much for the Afterglow is their third studio album, which was released on October 7, 1997. The album features some of Everclear's most iconic and recognizable tracks, including Father of Mine, I Will Buy You a New Life, and Everything to Everyone. The album is emotionally charged, featuring themes of family, relationships, and growing up.

One of the best things about this album is the way that it captures the sound of the 90s alternative rock scene. The album features a perfect mix of grunge, punk, and pop influences that create a unique and unforgettable sound. The guitar riffs are hard-hitting, and the lyrics are raw and emotional.

As for the best songs on the album, Father of Mine is undoubtedly the standout track. The song is a heartbreaking and emotional story about Art's own relationship with his absent father. I Will Buy You a New Life is a more upbeat track that still manages to capture the raw emotion of the album. Other standout tracks include the hard-hitting El Distorto De Melodica and the nostalgic White Men in Black Suits.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the way that it mixes genres. It's not often that you hear a punk rock band playing songs with pop-infused choruses, but Everclear manages to pull it off seamlessly. The song arrangements are precise, and the production is top-notch.

Of course, no album is perfect, and So Much for the Afterglow is no exception. The album is front-loaded, with most of the best tracks appearing in the first half. The second half of the album is still good, but it doesn't quite match the quality of the first half. Additionally, some of the tracks can be a bit repetitive and overbearing.

Overall, So Much for the Afterglow is an essential album for any fan of 90s alternative rock. It's an emotional and nostalgic journey that captures the sound and spirit of the era perfectly. While it may have a few flaws, it's still a classic album that stands the test of time. If you haven't listened to it in a while, give it a spin and let yourself get lost in the memories and emotional weight of each track.