Review
Every rockhead has those pivotal moments, right? Well, Everclear's third studio gem, "So Much for the Afterglow," dropped on October 7, 1997, and it shook things up big time. This album marked the band's shift from their gritty punk and grunge roots to a more polished, pop-centric vibe. And guess what? It totally catapulted them into the mainstream! With singles like "Everything to Everyone," "I Will Buy You a New Life," "Father of Mine," and, of course, the title track "So Much for the Afterglow," they were basically owning MTV’s "Total Request Live" back in the day. The album made a solid debut at number 33 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified 2× Platinum by '98. Not too shabby, right?
Critics were all about that mix of catchy hooks and real talk, praising Everclear for tackling some heavy themes like family drama, relationships, and societal woes, all while keeping the vibes upbeat and engaging. The production quality? Slicker than a new set of guitar strings, for sure. This killer combo didn't just earn the band a Grammy nod for Best Rock Instrumental in '98 for "El Distorto de Melodica," but it also landed them on several "Best of '97" lists, including *The New York Times*. Fast forward to 2017, and *The Dallas Morning News* gave a nostalgic nod to its lasting appeal. All in all, "So Much for the Afterglow" is like the ultimate mashup of introspective lyrics, infectious melodies, and anthemic rock energy that kept Everclear rocking the '90s and beyond. - Scarlett
