Photo: Justin Higuchi from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
When the name Everclear is mentioned, you can either go the booze way or remember the talented band formed in Portland some three decades ago. Focusing on the rock band, Everclear was formed back in 1991 at a time where rock music was at its peak especially for the American audience. Thanks to Art Alexakis, the band’s lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist, that the band came to be having him tag Craig Montoya and Greg Eklund on bass guitar and drums respectively. However, after what would be termed the peak years for the band, Montoya and Eklund would leave Everclear in 2003 having some poor reception of their last two albums.
It hurts having band members with who you shared a lot of leave, but true power is moving on and unlocking the real potential of what the future holds. And true to the word, Art Alexakis is no exemption having him stick to his craft to date. Current members include Alexakis still as the band’s frontman, Dave French, Freddy Herrera, and Brian Nolan. And as you could expect, Everclear has quite a catalog of ballads that took the radio waves by a storm. Here are the top 10 Everclear songs that are still making moves even years past the band’s prime years.
# 10 – Heartspark Dollarsign
Ushering us to the top 10 Everclear songs is a hit song “Heartspark Dollarsign” from their second studio album, Sparkle and Fade. The song was written by Art Alexakis while he was in a different band Colorfinger. You ought to love how Alexakis transforms his dating youth story into quite a nice song that quite a number of American teens can relate to. Notably, the lyrics describe an interracial relationship something Alexakis engaged in from time to time during his youthful age. Featured on the Billboard Hot 100, Mainstream Rock Chart, and Modern Rock Tracks chart, the song was an absolute banger.
# 9 – One Hit Wonder
Combining a great intro and some hilarious choreography is the band’s song “One Hit Wonder” especially for the latest version. But to bring quite some harmony between the two versions is some great lyrical prowess expressed by Art, the lead singer of the Everclear band. And if that’s not enough for some, you ought to love how the jam’s instrumentals make it quite big with some great guitar skills showcased by the band. The energy that the band exhibits in the song also is super dope and something we can’t help but notice.
# 8 – Brown Eyed Girl
Despite related, confuse this not with Van Morrison’s similar title jam that took the charts by storm back in the 1960s. “Brown Eyed Girl” by the Everclear band is a jam from their album Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile. Notably, the song is a Van Morrison cover that reminds us all of the sweet jam known for its nostalgic lyrics about a former love. Everclear’s version brought back the jam in a catchy tune and perfect production that gives the jam quite an original feel making it feel not like a cliché. After all, the song has had way too many covers and it takes a band like Everclear to make us realize that we can still fall in love with Van Morrison’s original composition.
# 7 – Heroin Girl
Coming from their 1995 album Sparkle and Fade the song “Heroin Girl” had quite some a touch of Alexakis’ personal life. The song highlights quite a narrative about Alexakis’s fiancé and brother who overdosed on heroin. Art goes on to tag that he heard the policeman say that it was just another overdose about his dead brother. Quite sad it might have been but the song serves as a perfect awareness hit song about the effects of drugs.
# 6 – AM Radio
The 2000 album Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile had quite some ballads that might have made the band quite popular. And the jam “AM Radio” is one of the songs that we can’t easily forget from the Everclear rock band. While the jam might have failed to reach the Billboard Hot 100 chart, it was an absolute banger having it reach number one on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. Its lyrics have a big affiliation with Alexakis’ memories growing up in the 70s while listening to his dad’s AM radio. Proving its greatness and impact on the masses, the jam was used for a TV commercial for General Motors in 2006, about six years after its release.
# 5 – Everything to Everyone
Released as the first single for their 1997 album So Much for the Afterglow, the jam “Everything to Everyone” was quite a great ballad from the band. Thanks to its quality that it topped the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks in December month of its release year. As if that was not enough, the jam would go ahead to achieve commercial success with the song also used in the film American Pie. While it failed to appear on the soundtrack of the film, the song was quite a great jam that had the band create a music video for its promotion.
# 4 – I Will Buy You a New Life
Yet another great jam from the band’s 1997 album So Much for the Afterglow is the song “I Will Buy You a New Life.” Written by Alexakis, we cannot have enough of Alexakis’ great songwriting skills with his inspirations drawn from his personal life majorly. The ultimate romantic rock jam goes to tell the band’s music lovers and critics that it is not all about the money that we acquire from whatever craft. Rather, it is the new life that we accord ourselves from the old and probably uncomfortable life we lived earlier. The song came after Art moved into a wealthy neighborhood in Oregon after buying one of the fancy homes.
# 3 – Wonderful
Coming in at number three is the song “Wonderful” from the band’s 2000 album Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile. With the song reaching a peak position of number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, it is probably their best performing jam on this chart. The jam tells of a story of divorce as perceived by a child of a broken marriage in this context, Art Alexakis. Surprising is the song’s bridge where Art confesses of lashing out at the parents wanting not to comprehend that they had begun to grow apart and dating other people. Owing to its success and relatability, the song was featured in tons of media including the TV series Cold case, Scrubs, Daria, and Mysterious Ways among others.
# 2 – Father of Mine
Alike to “Wonderful”, the song “Father of Mine” from the band’s So Much for the Afterglow 1997 album is autobiographical. Having his father leave his family when Alexakis was a young boy, the song is about deadbeat dads. Here, the songwriter put his feelings into words something that many people who have faced such a life can relate to. With the song being quite a true story for many out there, Alexakis would review much about what he put in the song as he testified before Congress for the endorsement of a child support bill.
# 1 – Santa Monica
And now to our best song by Everclear band is their jam “Santa Monica” from their 1995 album Sparkle and Fade. Subtitled “Watch the World Die” the song attained great success having it featured among the top 40 jams in international music charts in Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. And there is no better way to tell the world that the end of something means the beginning of another than through his jam.
Top 10 Everclear Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
