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Smash Mouth (album)
Smash Mouth (album)
from Wikipedia
Smash Mouth
Studio album by
ReleasedNovember 27, 2001
Recorded1999–2001
GenrePop rock
Length42:51
LabelInterscope
ProducerEric Valentine
Smash Mouth chronology
Astro Lounge
(1999)
Smash Mouth
(2001)
Get the Picture?
(2003)
Singles from Smash Mouth
  1. "I'm a Believer"
    Released: August 14, 2001
  2. "Pacific Coast Party"
    Released: November 27, 2001
  3. "Holiday in My Head"
    Released: February 2002

Smash Mouth is the third studio album by American rock band of the same name. It was released on November 27, 2001, by Interscope Records. It is notable in that it was their first album with new drummer Michael Urbano and its release was delayed a few months due to the death of Steve Harwell's infant son and the September 11 attacks. The album was eventually certified Gold by the RIAA for sales in excess of 500,000 in the U.S.

Smash Mouth held a contest on their website in the fall of 2000 to name their third album. The result was a two-way tie with the winning suggestion being to self-title the album. It was released in the fall of 2001 along with the single "Pacific Coast Party".

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic67/100[1]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[2]
BlenderStarStarStar[3]
Boston PhoenixStarStarStar[4]
E! OnlineB−[5]
Entertainment WeeklyA−[6]
MaximStarStar[7]
MelodicStarStarHalf star[8]
Rolling StoneStarStarStar[9]
Spin6/10[10]

Smash Mouth received generally favorable reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 67, based on 7 reviews.[1]

Entertainment Weekly writer Tom Sinclair praised the album for Steve Harwell's "real Zen wisdom" vocals and the band's "sunny, goofball approach" to creating "hooks, humor, and high jinks" throughout the track listing.[6] J. D. Considine of Blender wrote that "even though there's nothing new, the album offers enough in the way of big-beat guitar and sing-along choruses to keep Smash Mouth on the charts (and MTV) for another two years."[3] AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine also found "no new tricks" on the record but felt it was done "sharply, melodically, and happily", especially on the album cuts, concluding that: "If you've grooved on Smash Mouth's singles and want more of the same, this delivers reliably, which may be an unadorned pleasure for some and a guilty one for others."[2]

Sean Richardson of the Boston Phoenix wrote that: "Underneath all the bells and whistles, Harwell shows more lyrical depth than your average family-themed rocker — Smash Mouth aren't meant to be taken too seriously, but they're not easily written off, either."[4] A writer for E! Online critiqued that the record's "Xeroxed batch of overproduced, hyperactive pop songs" was prepared for backyard parties and mass media consumption, but highlighted "Out of Sight" and "Sister Psychic" for hinting that there's "some substance" amidst the "light-as-air pop flightiness".[5] The A.V. Club's Stephen Thompson felt the album lacked the "overdriven polish" of Astro Lounge and noted that the addition of the Monkees' cover smacked of "chart-hungry desperation", but commended the band for being able to "offset[ting] its bald-faced mercenary intentions with a refreshing lack of pretension."[11] David Peisner of Maxim was dumbfounded by the band's ability to make their songs sound "more disposable than the one before it", criticizing the "bouncy melodies and cheery demeanor" for overshadowing the "inconsequential" lyrics.[7]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Greg Camp, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Holiday in My Head" 2:40
2."Your Man" 3:36
3."Pacific Coast Party"2:58
4."She Turns Me On"3:12
5."Sister Psychic" 3:16
6."Out of Sight" 2:56
7."Force Field" 3:49
8."Shoes 'n' Hats" 2:48
9."Hold You High" 3:01
10."The In Set" 3:41
11."Disenchanted" 4:16
12."Keep It Down" 5:31
13."I'm a Believer" (the Monkees cover)Neil Diamond3:07
Total length:42:51
Japanese edition bonus tracks[12]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
14."All Star" 3:21
15."Walkin' on the Sun" 3:27
16."Pacific Coast Party" (Olav Basoski remix)
  • Camp
  • De Lisle
7:58
Australasia edition bonus tracks[13]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
14."All Star" 3:21
15."Can't Get Enough of You Baby"2:30

Personnel

[edit]

Smash Mouth

[edit]

Touring members

  • Mark Cervantes – percussion
  • Sam Eigen – guitar

Additional personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Weekly charts

[edit]
Weekly chart performance for Smash Mouth
Chart (2001) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[14] 70
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[15] 46
US Billboard 200[16] 48

Year-end charts

[edit]
Year-end chart performance for Smash Mouth
Chart (2002) Position
Canadian Alternative Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)[17] 198

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Smash Mouth
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[18] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Smash Mouth is the third studio album by American rock band , released on November 27, 2001, through . Produced by , who had collaborated with the band on prior releases, the album marks a continuation of their style with elements of , recorded primarily at Barefoot Studios in Hollywood, California, and Skywalker Ranch in . The album features 13 tracks, including the band's cover of ' "," which served as the and peaked at number 25 on the US chart. Other notable singles include "Pacific Coast Party" and "Holiday in My Head," though they achieved more modest commercial success compared to the band's earlier hits like "." Despite the band's previous mainstream breakthroughs with albums such as , underperformed commercially, reaching a peak position of number 48 on the US chart. The record was the first to feature new drummer , replacing original member Kevin Coleman, and its release was delayed from an earlier planned date due to personal circumstances within . Certified gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States, the album reflects a transitional period for amid shifting musical trends in the early .

Background and development

Conception

Following their 1999 release , which achieved multi-platinum success driven by the hit single "", the album marked a significant period of transition for , coming after extensive touring and commercial breakthrough that elevated their profile in the late pop-rock scene. The project represented a lineup shift, with drummer Michael Urbano joining as a full member in 2000, replacing previous drummers including original member Kevin Coleman and interim player Mitch Marine. Urbano, who had previously contributed as a session musician on Astro Lounge, brought a stable rhythm section to the core lineup of vocalist Steve Harwell, guitarist Greg Camp, and bassist Paul DeLisle. This change stabilized the band as they entered pre-production, aiming to build on their established sound. Development faced substantial delays due to personal tragedies and external events. In July 2001, Harwell's six-month-old son, Presley, died from complications of acute lymphocytic leukemia, prompting the band to postpone the album's original summer release and dedicate the project to him in tribute. The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks further impacted the rollout, contributing to a shift in the music industry's promotional landscape and ultimately pushing the release to November 27, 2001. Songwriting for the album was primarily handled by Greg Camp, who composed the majority of the tracks, emphasizing the band's signature high-energy rock style to reconnect with their punk and ska influences after the more polished production of Astro Lounge. This approach sought to recapture the raw, upbeat essence of their debut while incorporating pop elements honed through mainstream success.

Album naming

The album is self-titled, aligning with the band's identity.

Recording and production

Studio sessions

The recording sessions for Smash Mouth's self-titled third studio album took place primarily in , spanning from late 2000 through mid-2001. The bulk of the work occurred at Barefoot Studios in Hollywood, with additional sessions held at in the Marin Hills near Nicasio. These locations allowed the band to work in professional environments suited to their rock sound, though the sessions were marked by logistical challenges stemming from lineup adjustments, including the recent addition of drummer following previous departures. The band adopted a collaborative approach in the studio alongside producer , focusing on capturing the raw energy of their live performances through group tracking and iterative refinements. This method emphasized interplay among the members—vocalist , bassist Paul DeLisle, guitarist , and Urbano—to maintain the album's spirited pop-rock vibe. External events, including the July 2001 death of Harwell's young son from , contributed to delays that extended the overall timeline beyond initial plans, pushing the project's completion into mid-2001. Further complications arose from the , which disrupted promotional preparations but did not directly alter the core recording phase. The sessions concluded in time for a planned summer release, though these factors ultimately shifted the album's launch to November 27, 2001. Throughout, the emphasis remained on efficient, band-centric workflows to preserve their established collaborative dynamic.

Production process

served as the primary producer, engineer, and mixer for the album, bringing his expertise in crafting polished pop-rock sounds honed through collaborations with acts like and . His oversight ensured a cohesive blend of energetic tracks, emphasizing and clarity in the instrumentation. Valentine's approach highlighted crunchy guitar tones and layered arrangements that incorporated eclectic influences, ranging from punk-infused riffs to subtle orchestral elements arranged by David Campbell, resulting in a quintessential early-2000s aesthetic with big hooks and ironic flair. The production process culminated in mastering at Mastering in Hollywood, , handled by engineer Gardner, which refined the album's sonic punch and balance for commercial . Sessions occurred at Barefoot Studios in Hollywood and in Marin County, allowing for a controlled environment to experiment with these diverse elements. Cindy Cooper coordinated production logistics, ensuring seamless collaboration among the team, while graphic designer Dave Parmley created the band's "Genuine Parts" logo, integrating visual branding that complemented the album's playful, irreverent vibe.

Music and lyrics

Musical style

The self-titled album by is characterized by a core sound of and , blending upbeat, hook-driven melodies with the band's established retro '60s lounge aesthetic and alt-pop sensibilities. Eclectic elements, including influences, add variety to the mix, creating an energetic and playful sonic palette that emphasizes feel-good vibes. Instrumentation centers on crunchy, riff-based guitars from , whose contributions drive the album's catchy, anthemic structures, paired with Paul De Lisle's steady bass lines and Michael Urbano's propulsive, upbeat drums that maintain a high-energy momentum throughout. Additional textures from keyboards, percussion, and brass sections—such as trombones and trumpets—enhance the tracks' lively, party-ready feel. Spanning 13 tracks and 44:51 minutes, the album prioritizes concise, vibrant compositions that deliver infectious energy without excess filler. A standout example is the band's ska punk-infused cover of The Monkees' "I'm a Believer," which seamlessly integrates into Smash Mouth's style through its bouncy rhythms and harmonious hooks.

Themes and songwriting

The self-titled album by Smash Mouth explores themes of escapism, fun, relationships, and lighthearted rebellion through its lyrics, often presented in a humorous and relatable manner. Tracks like "Holiday in My Head," written by guitarist Greg Camp, depict mental getaways as a form of personal rebellion against daily stresses, emphasizing inward retreats to find paradise amid chaos. Songs such as "She Turns Me On" delve into playful romantic attractions and interpersonal dynamics, portraying infatuation with witty, self-deprecating observations that highlight everyday relational quirks. Greg Camp served as the primary songwriter for the majority of the album's original material, contributing to eleven of the thirteen tracks and infusing them with humorous, relatable narratives that draw from retro influences while maintaining a pop-punk edge. His approach emphasizes catchy, radio-friendly storytelling that balances levity and subtle emotional undercurrents, as seen in party anthems like "Pacific Coast Party," which celebrates carefree escapism through nostalgic, disco-tinged vibes. The album includes a cover of the Monkees' "I'm a Believer," originally written by , which integrates '60s nostalgia into the band's original sound, enhancing the overall lighthearted and fun-oriented motifs. Compared to the more mainstream polish of their previous release, , this effort adopts a rawer, party-focused tone, blending eclectic stylistic detours with feel-good energy and occasional emotional depth.

Release and promotion

Marketing and rollout

The self-titled third studio album by was released on November 27, 2001, through . Its rollout was delayed from an earlier planned date following the death of frontman Harwell's six-month-old son, Presley Scott Harwell, on July 28, 2001, due to complications from acute lymphocytic leukemia. Coming less than three months after the terrorist attacks, the album's launch featured limited physical events amid a national period of mourning, with promotional efforts emphasizing the band's upbeat, escapist sound as a counterbalance to global uncertainty. The physical packaging incorporated the band's longstanding "Genuine Parts" , designed by Dave Parmley, to underscore their laid-back, irreverent image and appeal to a youthful audience seeking lighthearted rock.

Singles

The lead single from Smash Mouth was the cover of "" (originally by and written by ), released on August 14, 2001, in CD maxi-single format by Interscope. Included on the soundtrack, the track gained significant summer 2001 airplay due to the film's blockbuster release and its end-credits placement, boosting the band's visibility ahead of the album. A themed integrating elements with the band's performance was released to tie into the movie's promotion. "Pacific Coast Party," written by bassist Paul DeLisle, was released on November 27, 2001, aligning with the album's launch, and available in vinyl and enhanced promotional formats through Interscope. The song evokes a carefree West Coast party atmosphere with its surf-rock influences and driving rhythm, serving as a thematic highlight of the album's fun-loving vibe. Promotion emphasized its energetic, road-trip feel via radio and early digital platforms, with a produced in 2001 showcasing coastal imagery and band performances. "Holiday in My Head" was issued as a promotional in the United States in 2001 by . Positioned as a summery with its upbeat, escapist about escaping routine, the track received targeted radio promotion during the summer of 2001 to capitalize on seasonal . A directed by Mark Gerard, featuring the band in a whimsical, vacation-themed setting, accompanied the single's push and was released in 2002.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

The self-titled third studio album by Smash Mouth, released in 2001, achieved modest commercial success on music charts. It debuted and peaked at number 48 on the US Billboard 200, marking the band's lowest peak position on that chart to date. This performance represented a notable decline from the band's previous release, Astro Lounge (1999), which had reached number 6 on the Billboard 200, buoyed by the hit single "All Star." Internationally, the album entered the ARIA Albums Chart at number 70 and the Top 40 Albums Chart at number 46. It also appeared on the year-end Canadian Alternative Albums chart at number 198 in , reflecting limited sustained impact in that market.
Chart (2001–2002)Peak position
Australian Albums (ARIA)70
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)46
US Billboard 20048
Canadian Alternative Albums (Year-end, Nielsen SoundScan)198

Sales and certifications

The self-titled third studio album by achieved Gold certification from the (RIAA) on January 23, 2002, recognizing shipments exceeding 500,000 units in the United States. Estimated total sales in the US hovered around 500,000 to 600,000 copies, a notable decline from the band's prior success with , which surpassed 3 million units sold and earned 3× Multi-Platinum certification from the RIAA. No certifications were issued for the album in international markets. Its release on November 27, 2001—just weeks after the —coincided with a broader contraction in the music industry, which hampered the album's commercial momentum amid a post-9/11 economic and cultural shift.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in November 2001, the self-titled album by garnered generally favorable reviews from critics, earning a aggregate score of 67 out of 100 based on seven reviews. Entertainment Weekly gave the album an A− grade, commending the band's progression with a review that noted, "Smash Mouth keep getting better and better. More eclectic than its predecessors, this self-titled CD finds the group spiking its feel-good melodies and crunchy guitar pop with interesting stylistic detours, and even smatterings of emotional depth." The highlighted frontman Steve Harwell's charismatic vocals and the album's infectious hooks as standout elements. AllMusic's praised the album's vibrant, eclectic pop-rock energy, describing it as a continuation of the band's sunny, hook-filled sound while incorporating diverse influences beyond their earlier ska-punk roots. However, he observed that the record largely stuck to familiar territory without major innovations. Critics also pointed to some shortcomings, particularly a perceived lack of originality following the success of prior hits like "." awarded 60 out of 100, acknowledging the album's big-beat guitars and sing-along choruses but criticizing it for offering "nothing new" and embodying "bald-faced mercenary intentions" in its commercial approach. Similarly, Spin rated it 60 out of 100, suggesting the eclectic mix felt like a "utilitarian grab bag" that diluted more sophisticated influences, such as those reminiscent of . Several 2001–2002 publications, including Entertainment Weekly and AllMusic, noted the band's evolution from their ska-punk origins in debut album Fush Yu Mang toward a broader pop-rock palette, though this shift was sometimes seen as formulaic in the post-Astro Lounge era. Maxim magazine was more dismissive, assigning 2 out of 5 stars and faulting the album for insufficient originality in its songwriting and production.

Retrospective views

In the years following its release, the self-titled album by has been viewed as a transitional work in the band's , bridging the commercial peak of their 1999 album with later, less successful efforts, though it failed to recapture the same level of mainstream popularity. Critics and band members have noted that the record arrived at a challenging time, with its promotion delayed due to the death of frontman Steve Harwell's infant son in July 2001 and the , which clashed with the album's upbeat tone and contributed to its modest commercial performance. This period marked a shift for away from their ska-punk roots toward a more straightforward pop-rock sound, influencing subsequent releases like 2003's Get the Picture?, which continued the trend of accessible, radio-friendly tracks but with diminishing returns. The album's legacy is inextricably linked to its cover of "I'm a Believer," recorded specifically for the end credits of the 2001 film , which provided an unexpected boost to the band's visibility despite the record's overall underwhelming sales. Band members have described the association as a "double-edged sword," skyrocketing their profile into family-oriented pop culture while sometimes overshadowing their broader catalog, with the song peaking at number 25 on the and reinforcing Smash Mouth's image as purveyors of fun, nostalgic anthems. This tie-in helped sustain the group's relevance through soundtrack contributions, even as the album itself was seen as a commercial disappointment compared to prior successes. In 2020s retrospectives, the album has garnered appreciation for its unpretentious energy and lighthearted vibe, often praised for twangy surfadelic guitar lines, neo-go-go grooves, and beach-party anthems that capture the band's playful essence without pretension. However, some analyses highlight its dated production, with glossy, early-2000s polish that feels overly commercial and disconnected from the rawer alt-rock edge of their debut era. These views position Smash Mouth as a pivotal, if flawed, chapter that underscored the challenges of maintaining momentum in a post- landscape.

Track listing

Standard edition

The standard edition of Smash Mouth, released by in the United States on November 27, 2001, features 13 tracks with a total running time of 44:51. It begins with the energetic opener "Holiday in My Head" and concludes with the band's cover of ' "" (written by ). This version contains no bonus tracks and represents the core album as originally issued on CD. The track listing is as follows:
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1"Holiday in My Head"2:40
2"Your Man"3:36
3"Pacific Coast Party", Paul DeLisle2:58
4"She Turns Me On", Paul Cafaro3:12
5"Sister Psychic"3:16
6"Out of Sight"2:56
7"Force Field"3:49
8"Shoes 'N' Hats"2:48
9"Hold You High"3:01
10"The In Set"3:41
11"Disenchanted"4:16
12"Keep It Down"5:31
13"I'm a Believer"3:07
Among these, "" and "Pacific Coast Party" were released as singles.

Regional variations

The Japanese edition of the album, released by Universal International on November 28, 2001 (catalog UICS-1021), appends three bonus tracks to the standard 13-track lineup, serving as a to the band's prior hits. These include "" (3:21) from the 1999 album , "" (3:27) from the 1997 album , and an extended remix of "Pacific Coast Party" by Dutch DJ Olav Basoski (7:25). This configuration extends the album's total runtime to 59:04, providing additional context for international audiences familiar with the band's earlier successes. The Australian and edition (catalog 4932132), similarly incorporates bonus material to appeal to regional markets, adding "" (3:21) and "Can't Get Enough of You Baby" (2:30) after the core tracks. Certain international digital versions, such as the one available on streaming platforms, feature up to 15 tracks with a total length of approximately 51:57, incorporating select bonuses like "" and remixes without altering the primary sequence. Promotional CDs distributed to radio stations in various regions, including the and , often featured exclusive mixes tailored for airplay, such as radio edits of "" or alternate versions of singles like "Pacific Coast Party," though these did not typically change the full track order. These promo variants were produced in limited quantities by to support marketing efforts ahead of the album's .

Personnel

Band members

The core lineup of Smash Mouth for their self-titled third studio album, released in , consisted of the band's founding members alongside a new addition on drums. served as the lead vocalist, delivering the album's energetic and distinctive vocal performances across all tracks. handled guitar duties, provided backing vocals, and acted as the primary songwriter, penning the majority of the album's songs including "Your Man" and "Holiday in My Head." Paul De Lisle played and contributed backing vocals, anchoring the band's rhythmic foundation with his longstanding role since the group's formation. Michael Urbano joined as the drummer for this album, marking his debut full-length recording with the band following the departure of previous drummer Kevin Coleman after the 1999 release of Astro Lounge.

Additional contributors

The recording of Smash Mouth featured minimal guest appearances, emphasizing the core band's sound with subtle enhancements from session musicians. Horn sections were contributed by trumpeter Lewis Castle, along with trombonists Mike Busbee and Rich Seinhauser, providing brass accents on select tracks. Additionally, string arrangements for the track "Pacific Coast Party" were handled by David Campbell, adding orchestral depth without dominating the album's rock foundation. No major featured artists appear, underscoring the band's self-reliant approach to the project. Keyboardist and backing vocalist Michael Klooster provided supplementary instrumentation and vocal support throughout the album, serving as a key non-core contributor during the recording sessions. For live performances supporting the album's promotion in 2001 and 2002, the band enlisted touring percussionist Mark Cervantes, who added rhythmic layers and backing vocals to their shows, enhancing the energetic stage presence without altering the studio lineup.

References

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