Complete List Of Sunny Day Real Estate Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Incase Designs, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Sunny Day Real Estate was formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1992. The band initially consisted of Jeremy Enigk (vocals, guitar), Dan Hoerner (guitar, vocals), Nate Mendel (bass), and William Goldsmith (drums). They are widely recognized as one of the early pioneers of the emo genre, merging intricate guitar work with introspective lyrics and dynamic, expansive song structures. Sunny Day Real Estate released four studio albums: Diary (1994), Sunny Day Real Estate (1995), also known as LP2 or “The Pink Album,” How It Feels to Be Something On (1998), and The Rising Tide (2000).

Their debut album, Diary, released on the independent label Sub Pop, is considered a seminal work in the emo genre, though it did not chart at the time of its release. It has since gained a cult following and significant critical acclaim. Their follow-up LP2 was marked by internal band turmoil and the departure of Nate Mendel and William Goldsmith, who joined the Foo Fighters. Despite these changes, the album was well received. How It Feels to Be Something On marked the band’s reunion and charted at number 135 on the Billboard 200, showcasing a maturation in their sound and lyrical depth. Their final album, The Rising Tide, released through Time Bomb Recordings, reached number 97 on the Billboard 200, making it their highest-charting album.

Throughout their career, Sunny Day Real Estate underwent several breakups and reunions, often involving lineup changes, notably the fluctuating involvement of Mendel and Goldsmith due to their commitments with the Foo Fighters. Despite never winning major awards, their influence on the emo and indie rock genres is profound, with their music inspiring a wide array of bands and musicians. The band also released a live album, Live (1999), and a compilation, The Rising Tide (2000), which helped further cement their legacy as one of the foundational acts of the emo movement.

SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE STUDIO ALBUMS

Diary

Released: 1994

Diary is the debut studio album by Sunny Day Real Estate, one of the foundational albums in the emo genre. Its raw emotional intensity and intricate musicianship set a new standard for the scene. The album was recorded at Idful Music Corporation in Chicago and produced by Brad Wood. It features Jeremy Enigk on vocals and guitar, Dan Hoerner on guitar and vocals, Nate Mendel on bass, and William Goldsmith on drums. Diary did not chart on the Billboard 200 at the time but has since become a cult classic within the genre.

CD Track Listings:

“Seven” – 3:37
“In Circles” – 4:58
“Song About an Angel” – 6:13
“Round” – 4:09
“47” – 4:34
“The Blankets Were the Stairs” – 5:47
“Pheurton Skeurto” – 2:33
“Shadows” – 4:46
“48” – 4:46
“Grendel” – 4:53
“Sometimes” – 5:44

Sunny Day Real Estate

Released: 1995

Also known as LP2 or “The Pink Album,” Sunny Day Real Estate is the band’s second album. Recorded during a period of tension within the band, it features a collection of songs that continue the emotional and sonic explorations of their debut. The album was produced by Brad Wood and recorded at Bad Animals Studio in Seattle, Washington. Despite its fragmented creation, the album has been praised for its compelling fusion of melody and dissonance. It did not make a significant impact on the Billboard 200 but is revered in the post-hardcore and emo scenes.

CD Track Listings:

“Friday” – 2:28
“Theo B” – 3:04
“Red Elephant” – 3:18
“5/4” – 3:33
“Waffle” – 4:24
“8” – 5:27
“Iscarabaid” – 4:46
“J’Nuh” – 4:52
“Rodeo Jones” – 5:08

How It Feels to Be Something On

Released: 1998

How It Feels to Be Something On marked a return for Sunny Day Real Estate after a brief disbandment, showcasing a more mature and refined approach to their signature sound. The album features lush, intricate compositions and thoughtful lyrics. Recorded at Studio Litho and Hall of Justice in Seattle, Washington, it was produced by Greg Williamson and the band. This album achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at number 135 on the Billboard 200.

CD Track Listings:

“Pillars” – 5:00
“Roses in Water” – 3:41
“Every Shining Time You Arrive” – 4:31
“Two Promises” – 4:38
“100 Million” – 5:37
“How It Feels to Be Something On” – 3:56
“The Prophet” – 5:12
“Guitar and Video Games” – 4:17
“The Shark’s Own Private F*ck” – 4:02
“Days Were Golden” – 5:07

The Rising Tide

Released: 2000

The Rising Tide is the fourth studio album by Sunny Day Real Estate, featuring an expansion of their musical palette with the inclusion of more keyboards and a broader sonic range. The album was recorded at Robert Lang Studios, Seattle, and Enharmonik Studios, Sacramento, and produced by Lou Giordano. This album saw the band moving towards a more mainstream sound and was their most commercially successful release, peaking at number 97 on the Billboard 200.