Train: The Pop Rock Storytellers of San Francisco

Train is an American pop rock band best known for their melodic, storytelling hits that blend rock, folk, and pop sensibilities. Formed in San Francisco, the group achieved massive commercial success in the early 2000s, with their album Drops of Jupiter and its Grammy-winning title track becoming a defining song of the era.

Early career

Train was formed in 1993 in San Francisco by lead vocalist Pat Monahan, guitarist Rob Hotchkiss, and guitarist Jimmy Stafford. After building a local following with their soul-infused rock sound, the band signed with Columbia Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1998.

The album's lead single, "Meet Virginia," became a moderate hit, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning the band their first gold certification. This early success established their signature style of character-driven lyrics set against accessible guitar rock.

Breakthrough

Train's major breakthrough arrived in 2001 with their sophomore album, Drops of Jupiter. The orchestral title track, "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)," became a global phenomenon, spending nearly a year on the Billboard charts and winning two Grammy Awards in 2002.

The album itself was certified double platinum by the RIAA and sold over three million copies in the United States alone. This success solidified Train's place in the mainstream pop rock landscape and set a high bar for their subsequent work.

Key tracks

Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me) — This Grammy-winning song propelled the band to international fame with its lush string arrangement and evocative lyrics.

Calling All Angels — A poignant ballad from the My Private Nation album that became a staple on adult contemporary radio and a fan favorite.

Hey, Soul Sister — The massive ukulele-driven hit from 2009's Save Me, San Francisco that marked a major commercial comeback, reaching number three on the Hot 100.

Drive By — Another top ten hit from the California 37 album, showcasing the band's continued ability to craft catchy, reggae-tinged pop rock anthems.

Following their resurgence with Hey, Soul Sister, Train continued to release albums including Bulletproof Picasso in 2014 and AM Gold in 2022. The band has collaborated with artists like Ashley Monroe, Marsha Ambrosius, and the Norwegian duo Madcon, exploring different genres while maintaining their core sound. Their consistent touring and stream of radio-friendly singles have maintained a strong connection with their audience for over two decades.

Fans of Train's melodic, narrative-driven pop rock might also enjoy the accessible anthems of Matchbox Twenty. The folk-rock storytelling of Counting Crows shares a similar rootsy energy. For another blend of pop hooks and rock instrumentation, explore The Script. The upbeat, feel-good vibes of OneRepublic also align with Train's later work.

Train's catalog remains a fixture on a wide variety of radio formats, from classic hits stations revisiting "Drops of Jupiter" to adult contemporary and pop rock channels spinning their newer releases. Their music provides a reliable soundtrack on independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams seeking familiar, well-crafted songs.

You can hear the music of Train featured across multiple radio stations available on onairium.com. Listeners can discover their classic hits and newer tracks by tuning into the platform's curated selection of rock and pop rock stations.