New Radicals: The One-Album Wonder of 90s Alternative Pop Rock

New Radicals was an American alternative pop rock band, essentially the solo project of singer-songwriter Gregg Alexander. The band's fleeting existence in the late 1990s produced one enduring anthem that became a global hit and a defining song of its era.

Early career

Gregg Alexander, born in 1970 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, began his music career as a solo artist in the early 1990s. He released the album Michigan Rain in 1990 on Hollywood Records, followed by Intoxifornication in 1992, but neither achieved significant commercial success.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough came in 1998 with the formation of New Radicals and the release of the single "You Get What You Give." The song, driven by Alexander's passionate vocals and an irrepressibly catchy chorus, became a worldwide smash from the album Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too, released on MCA Records. It reached the Top 40 in over a dozen countries, peaking at number 36 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 in the UK, and propelled the album to gold certification status.

Key tracks

You Get What You Give — The band's signature hit, famous for its optimistic chorus and a controversial bridge name-checking celebrities, became a 90s cultural touchstone.

Someday We'll Know — This melodic, soul-influenced ballad showcased Alexander's songwriting depth and later became a hit for the duo Mandy Moore and Jonathan Foreman.

Mother We Just Can't Get Enough — The album's opening track set the tone with its funky, politically-charged rock and established the band's vibrant, retro-modern sound.

Despite the album's success and a planned world tour, Gregg Alexander made the shocking decision to disband New Radicals in mid-1999. He cited a dislike for the fame and promotional treadmill, choosing instead to focus on songwriting and production behind the scenes. This move cemented the band's legacy as a legendary one-album wonder.

Alexander found major success as a songwriter and producer, most notably penning the Grammy-winning song "The Game of Love" for Santana and Michelle Branch. The enduring power of "You Get What You Give" was reaffirmed when it was featured prominently in the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy, introducing the track to a new generation. The band's sole album continues to be celebrated for its blend of 70s-inspired rock, soul, and infectious pop craftsmanship.

Fans of New Radicals' energetic, melodic style should also explore Semisonic, another late-90s act known for crafting perfect pop-rock anthems. The Wallflowers share a similar rootsy, classic rock-inspired sound from the same era. The songwriting and production work of Butch Walker carries a comparable spirit of power-pop craftsmanship. Listeners might also enjoy the soulful rock of Jon Brion, a fellow producer and multi-instrumentalist with a vintage-modern aesthetic.

The music of New Radicals maintains a constant presence on radio stations featured on this website, particularly on classic alternative and 90s rock FM stations. Their iconic single is a staple on playlists that celebrate the defining alternative pop hits of the late 20th century, ensuring its message continues to reach eager listeners.

You can hear the timeless tracks from New Radicals on various radio stations available through onairium.com. Tune in to discover their brief but brilliant catalog and experience the enduring energy of their quintessential 90s alternative pop rock sound.