New Radicals emerged in the late 1990s with a distinctive blend of pop, rock, funk, and soul centered on frontman, songwriter, and producer Gregg Alexander. Although often described as a traditional band, New Radicals functioned largely as Alexander’s project, supported by a changing group of musicians and collaborators. The recordings drew heavily from the soulfulness of 1970s pop and the polished R&B sounds of the 1990s.
Before forming New Radicals, Gregg Alexander released two solo albums, Michigan Rain in 1989 and Intoxifornication in 1992. Neither album found mainstream commercial success, but the experience helped Alexander develop the songwriting and production style that would later define New Radicals.
Danielle Brisebois became Alexander’s most important creative collaborator, contributing vocals, percussion, and songwriting. The album sessions also featured musicians including guitarist Rusty Anderson, keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, bassist John Pierce, drummer Josh Freese, and numerous additional studio players.
New Radicals released their debut and only studio album, Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too, in 1998. Its lead single, “You Get What You Give,” became an international hit, while “Someday We’ll Know” followed as the second single.
Gregg Alexander disbanded New Radicals in 1999, shortly before the release of “Someday We’ll Know.” He subsequently became a successful songwriter and producer for other artists. Alexander co-wrote “The Game of Love,” recorded by Santana and Michelle Branch, and later co-wrote “Lost Stars” with Danielle Brisebois for the film Begin Again.
New Radicals briefly reunited in 2021 to perform “You Get What You Give” during the presidential inauguration celebrations. In 2024, Alexander revived the name for the group’s first new studio recordings in twenty-six years, releasing covers of “Murder on the Dancefloor” and “Lost Stars.”
New Radicals Studio Album
Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too (1998)
Released: October 20, 1998
Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too is the sole New Radicals studio album. Released by MCA Records, the album combines pop, rock, funk, soul, and alternative music with Gregg Alexander’s melodic songwriting and socially observant lyrics.
The album became best known for “You Get What You Give,” but the full record contains an unusually strong collection of songs. “Someday We’ll Know,” “Mother We Just Can’t Get Enough,” “I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore,” and “Crying Like a Church on Monday” demonstrate the breadth of Alexander’s writing and the contributions of the musicians surrounding him.
The recordings primarily took place at Mondo Studios and Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. It remains disappointing that New Radicals never followed the album with a second full-length release.
CD Track Listings:
- “Mother We Just Can’t Get Enough”
- “You Get What You Give”
- “I Hope I Didn’t Just Give Away the Ending”
- “I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore”
- “Jehovah Made This Whole Joint for You”
- “Someday We’ll Know”
- “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too”
- “In Need of a Miracle”
- “Gotta Stay High”
- “Technicolor Lover”
- “Flowers”
- “Crying Like a Church on Monday”
New Radicals Standalone Recordings
“Murder on the Dancefloor” (2024)
New Radicals returned to the studio in 2024 with a cover of “Murder on the Dancefloor.” Gregg Alexander had co-written the song years earlier before Sophie Ellis-Bextor recorded the version that became an international hit. The New Radicals recording marked the project’s first newly released studio performance since the original album era.
“Lost Stars” (2024)
New Radicals also released a 2024 version of “Lost Stars,” the song Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois wrote for the 2014 film Begin Again. The composition received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song after appearing in the film in versions performed by Adam Levine and Keira Knightley.
“You Get What You Give”
“You Get What You Give” remains the song most closely associated with New Radicals. Its uplifting melody, energetic performance, and sharp commentary helped it become one of the defining pop-rock singles of the late 1990s.
The song is completely captivating and still sounds fresh decades after its original release. Its soul-influenced energy and rhythmic drive bring to mind the spirit of bands such as JoBoxers.
Continue exploring related artists on ClassicRockHistory.com with our features on Prince album covers, the Top 10 Santana songs, and the Top 10 Michelle Branch songs.
Updated August 2, 2026.
Complete List Of New Radicals Albums And Songs article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026
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