Complete List Of Tonic Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Ontheroad111, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

This Complete List Of Tonic Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Tonic studio albums. The band Tonic was first formed in 1993. The group Tonic hails from the area of Los Angeles, California. This complete Tonic discography also includes every single live album. All these spectacular Tonic albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each Tonic album as well as all original album covers. Every Tonic album listed below showcases the entire album tracklisting.

TONIC STUDIO ALBUMS

Lemon Parade

Released July 16, 1996

Lemon Parade, the debut studio album by alternative rock band Tonic, marked the group’s explosive introduction to the 1990s rock scene. Released on July 16, 1996, via Polydor Records, the album was a defining statement of post-grunge and alternative rock, blending powerful hooks with emotive lyrics. Produced by Jack Joseph Puig, the record captured the raw energy of Tonic’s sound while introducing their knack for crafting emotionally resonant anthems.

Recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, Lemon Parade showcased the talents of lead vocalist and guitarist Emerson Hart, lead guitarist Jeff Russo, bassist Dan Rothchild, and drummer Kevin Shepard. The album’s lead single, “If You Could Only See,” became a massive hit, dominating airwaves and securing its place as one of the most iconic tracks of the decade. With its heartfelt lyrics and soaring melody, the song resonated with fans worldwide and remains Tonic’s most recognized track.

The album also featured other standout songs like the title track “Lemon Parade” and “Open Up Your Eyes,” which highlighted the band’s ability to balance introspection with hard-hitting rock dynamics. Critics praised Lemon Parade for its earnest songwriting and dynamic range, solidifying Tonic’s place in the alternative rock canon. The album achieved platinum status in the U.S., cementing its legacy as a defining piece of 1990s rock.

CD Track Listing:

“Open Up Your Eyes” – 3:40
“Casual Affair” – 3:42
“If You Could Only See” – 4:24
“Soldier’s Daughter” – 4:04
“Lemon Parade” – 5:58
“Mountain” – 4:40
“Thick” – 3:44
“Wicked Soldier” – 4:22
“Mr. Golden Deal” – 5:07
“Bigot Sunshine” – 3:41
“Celtic Aggression” – 4:02
“My Old Man” – 4:40

Sugar

Released November 9, 1999

Tonic’s sophomore album, Sugar, released on November 9, 1999, via Universal Records, demonstrated the band’s ability to evolve their sound while maintaining the emotional core that made their debut a success. Produced by the legendary Bob Rock, the album expanded on the group’s signature mix of alternative rock and post-grunge, adding a polished yet powerful edge to their songwriting.

The album was recorded in Maui, Hawaii, at the renowned Ocean Way Recording Studios, and featured the core lineup of Emerson Hart on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Jeff Russo on lead guitar, Dan Lavery on bass, and Kevin Shepard on drums. Lavery’s addition to the band helped shape the record’s sound with intricate basslines that complemented the group’s melodic sensibilities.

Sugar delivered standout tracks such as “You Wanted More,” which gained widespread popularity as part of the American Pie soundtrack, and “Knock Down Walls,” which showcased the band’s knack for combining heartfelt lyrics with driving rhythms. While the album didn’t quite reach the commercial heights of Lemon Parade, it was praised by critics for its cohesive production and sophisticated songwriting, earning Tonic a loyal following.

CD Track Listing:

“Future Says Run” – 3:44
“You Wanted More” – 3:52
“Knock Down Walls” – 4:33
“Mean to Me” – 3:52
“Sugar” – 3:59
“Stronger Than Mine” – 4:09
“Queen” – 4:23
“Waiting for the Light to Change” – 4:31
“Waltz with Me” – 3:57
“Sunflower” – 4:24
“Drag Me Down” – 5:31
“Top Falls Down” – 3:48

Head on Straight

Released September 24, 2002

Tonic’s third studio album, Head on Straight, released on September 24, 2002, via Universal Records, represents a reflective and emotionally driven chapter in the band’s career. Known for their heartfelt alternative rock sound, Tonic further embraced introspection and raw vulnerability on this release, delivering a collection of songs that delved into themes of love, loss, and perseverance.

The album was produced by the collaborative team of Bob Rock, the acclaimed producer who had worked with the band on Sugar, and Jack Joseph Puig, known for his work with artists like No Doubt and Sheryl Crow. Recorded at multiple studios across Los Angeles, the album featured the lineup of Emerson Hart on vocals and rhythm guitar, Jeff Russo on lead guitar, and Dan Lavery on bass, with Kevin Shepard departing before the recording of this album. The group’s chemistry shines through in the tight instrumentation and layered harmonies.

Highlighted by tracks such as “Take Me as I Am,” a poignant exploration of self-acceptance, and “Do You Know,” which paired heartfelt lyrics with driving melodies, Head on Straight demonstrated Tonic’s maturity as both songwriters and performers. The album was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2003, including Best Rock Album and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for the single “Take Me as I Am.”

CD Track Listing:

“Roses” – 3:35
“Take Me as I Am” – 3:41
“Count on Me (Somebody)” – 4:24
“Do You Know” – 4:10
“Head on Straight” – 4:30
“Liar” – 3:46
“On Your Feet Again” – 4:02
“Come Rest Your Head” – 4:01
“Ring Around Her Finger” – 3:34
“Let Me Go” – 3:58
“Irish” – 4:17
“Hold Me Down” – 4:48

Tonic

Released May 4, 2010

Tonic, the eponymous fourth studio album by the alternative rock band Tonic, marked their return to the music scene after an eight-year hiatus. Released on May 4, 2010, through 429 Records, the album reflects a matured and refined version of the band’s signature sound, blending heartfelt lyrics with melodic rock arrangements. It serves as both a continuation of the band’s legacy and a fresh exploration of their musical identity.

Recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles and produced by lead guitarist Jeff Russo and bass guitarist Dan Lavery, Tonic captures the band’s organic approach to songwriting and performance. The core lineup of Emerson Hart on vocals and rhythm guitar, Russo on lead guitar, and Lavery on bass drives the album, with contributions from drummer Pete Maloney on percussion. The recording process emphasized live takes, adding an authentic and dynamic quality to the tracks.

The album features standout songs like “Release Me,” a powerful opener that showcases the band’s ability to balance raw emotion with radio-friendly hooks, and “Daffodil,” a reflective ballad that highlights Hart’s evocative lyricism. Tracks like “Nothing Is Everything” and “Precious Little Bird” demonstrate Tonic’s ability to craft compelling melodies while exploring themes of resilience, love, and redemption.

CD Track Listing:

“Release Me” – 4:22
“Daffodil” – 4:17
“I Want It to Be” – 3:48
“Send a Message” – 3:29
“Bigger Than Both” – 4:11
“Nothing Is Everything” – 3:47
“Feel It Now” – 3:53
“Precious Little Bird” – 3:22
“She Goes Down” – 3:36
“Where Do I Fit” – 3:51

Lemon Parade Revisited

Released July 22, 2016

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Lemon Parade, Tonic revisited their seminal work with Lemon Parade Revisited. Released on July 22, 2016, the album offers an acoustic reimagining of the original songs, presenting them in a stripped-down, intimate format that highlights the songwriting and emotional depth that first captured fans in 1996.

The band, consisting of Emerson Hart (vocals, rhythm guitar), Jeff Russo (lead guitar), and Dan Lavery (bass), recorded the acoustic renditions in a style that emphasizes authenticity and rawness. The approach allowed the intricate melodies and poignant lyrics to take center stage, creating a deeply personal listening experience for fans both old and new.

Tracks such as “If You Could Only See” and “Open Up Your Eyes” take on a new emotional resonance in their acoustic forms, with Hart’s vocals and Russo’s acoustic guitar work offering a reflective interpretation of these classic hits. “Mountain” and “Soldier’s Daughter” also shine in this format, their stripped-down arrangements underscoring the timeless quality of the songwriting.

CD Track Listing: