Feature Photo: Paul Hudson from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Mazzy Star was formed in 1987 in Santa Monica, California. The group is renowned for its ethereal blend of psychedelic rock, dream pop, and folk music. The band was founded by guitarist David Roback and bassist Kendra Smith, both former members of Opal. Hope Sandoval joined as the vocalist after Smith’s departure in 1988, leading to the formation of the classic lineup of Mazzy Star, with Sandoval’s haunting vocals and Roback’s distinctive guitar work defining the band’s sound.
Mazzy Star has released four studio albums: She Hangs Brightly (1990), So Tonight That I Might See (1993), Among My Swan (1996), and Seasons of Your Day (2013). The band’s most successful period came with the release of their second album, So Tonight That I Might See, which peaked at number 36 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified platinum in the United States. The album’s single, “Fade into You,” became their biggest hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite their success, Mazzy Star has never been particularly prolific in releasing live albums or compilations, focusing instead on their studio work and live performances.
Throughout their career, Mazzy Star has maintained a relatively low profile, avoiding the mainstream spotlight despite their commercial success. They have not been known for winning major music awards, instead gaining critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase through their unique sound and artistic integrity. The band’s music has been featured in numerous films and television shows, enhancing their legacy in the alternative music scene.
The band’s activity has been sporadic, with long periods of inactivity between albums. Following the release of Among My Swan, Mazzy Star was on hiatus until their return in 2013 with Seasons of Your Day. Sadly, David Roback passed away in 2020, but the influence of Mazzy Star’s music remains significant, characterized by their atmospheric aesthetics and the evocative voice of Hope Sandoval.
MAZZY STAR STUDIO ALBUMS
She Hangs Brightly (1990)
Released: May 21, 1990
She Hangs Brightly is the debut studio album by American alternative rock band Mazzy Star. This album marks the beginning of the collaboration between vocalist Hope Sandoval and guitarist David Roback, forming a sound that blends psychedelic rock, folk, and dream pop elements. The music’s ethereal and haunting quality laid the groundwork for the band’s distinctive style, characterized by its hypnotic melodies and Sandoval’s languid vocals.
Recorded primarily at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, California, from late 1989 to early 1990, the album features Hope Sandoval on vocals, David Roback on guitars, and production. It also includes contributions from Will Glenn on violin and keyboards and Keith Mitchell on drums.
CD Track Listings:
- “Halah” – 3:15
- “Blue Flower” – 3:35
- “Ride It On” – 3:00
- “She Hangs Brightly” – 5:46
- “I’m Sailin'” – 3:13
- “Give You My Lovin'” – 3:50
- “Be My Angel” – 3:16
- “Taste of Blood” – 5:36
- “Ghost Highway” – 3:28
- “Free” – 3:10
- “Before I Sleep” – 2:10
So Tonight That I Might See (1993)
Released: September 27, 1993
So Tonight That I Might See is the second album by Mazzy Star, featuring their best-known single, “Fade into You,” which brought them widespread recognition. The album continues the atmospheric and moody sound established in their debut but with a deeper exploration into dream pop and shoegaze textures. This album reached number 36 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified platinum in the United States, making it their most commercially successful release.
The album was recorded over several months in early 1993 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, California. Along with Sandoval and Roback, it featured contributions from Suki Ewers on keyboards, Keith Mitchell on drums, and William Cooper on strings and accordion. David Roback also handled the production duties.
CD Track Listings:
- “Fade into You” – 4:55
- “Bells Ring” – 4:32
- “Mary of Silence” – 6:02
- “Five String Serenade” – 4:24
- “Blue Light” – 5:10
- “She’s My Baby” – 4:25
- “Unreflected” – 3:42
- “Wasted” – 5:31
- “Into Dust” – 5:36
- “So Tonight That I Might See” – 7:19
Among My Swan (1996)
Released: October 29, 1996
Among My Swan is the third studio album by Mazzy Star. The album builds on their signature sound with more acoustic elements and refined production. It includes the singles “Flowers in December” and “I’ve Been Let Down,” which highlight the band’s ability to blend melancholic lyrics with lush, atmospheric instrumentation. The album reached number 68 on the Billboard 200, showcasing continued commercial success.
The recording took place throughout 1996 at various studios, including Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. The lineup remained consistent with previous recordings, with Sandoval on vocals, Roback on guitar, and contributions from Jill Emery on bass and William Cooper on keyboards. Production was again managed by David Roback.
CD Track Listings:
- “Disappear” – 4:04
- “Flowers in December” – 4:57
- “Rhymes of an Hour” – 4:12
- “Cry, Cry” – 3:58
- “Take Everything” – 4:53
- “Still Cold” – 4:48
- “All Your Sisters” – 5:16
- “I’ve Been Let Down” – 3:17
- “Roseblood” – 4:51
- “Happy” – 3:58
- “Umbilical” – 4:59
- “Look on Down from the Bridge” – 4:47
Seasons of Your Day (2013)
Released: September 24, 2013
Seasons of Your Day is the fourth studio album by Mazzy Star, coming after a long hiatus of seventeen years. This album returns to the band’s roots with a blend of folk, blues, and psychedelic elements, marked by the languorous vocals of Hope Sandoval and the intricate guitar work of David Roback. The album features guest appearances by the late Bert Jansch and My Bloody Valentine’s Colm Ó Cíosóig.
This album was recorded between 2010 and 2012 in California and Norway. It reached number 42 on the Billboard 200. The production was led by David Roback, who also performed most of the instrumental work with Sandoval’s vocals leading the emotional depth of the record.
CD Track Listings:
- “In the Kingdom” – 5:15
- “California” – 5:23
- “I’ve Gotta Stop” – 4:05
- “Does Someone Have Your Baby Now?” – 4:09
- “Common Burn” – 5:11
- “Seasons of Your Day” – 3:41
- “Flying Low” – 7:37
- “Sparrow” – 4:05
- “Spoon” – 6:10
- “Lay Myself Down” – 4:32