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The Fray
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The Fray is an American rock band from Denver, Colorado, formed in 2002 by schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King. Their debut studio album, How to Save a Life (2005) was released by Epic Records and received quadruple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), as well as platinum certification in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Its release was supported by their first hit single, "Over My Head (Cable Car)", which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The band saw their furthest success with the song's follow-up, "How to Save a Life", which peaked at number three on the chart and was also a hit in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Both songs received Grammy Award nominations: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group, respectively.

Key Information

The group's self-titled second album (2009) debuted atop the Billboard 200,[2] received platinum certification by the RIAA, and gold certification in Australia and Canada. Led by their third top ten single, "You Found Me", the album was also nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.[3] While both albums were commercially successful, critical reception was generally mixed. The Fray was ranked No. 84 on Billboard's Artists of the Decade list.[4] Their third and fourth albums, Scars & Stories (2012) and Helios (2014) were both met with continued mixed reception and trailing commercial response, peaking at numbers four and eight on the Billboard 200, respectively. The band's greatest hits album, Through the Years: The Best of the Fray (2016), served as their final release with Epic. Slade left the band in 2022, and the band returned as a trio to release their sixth extended play (EP), The Fray Is Back (2024).

The Fray's mood has been described as austere, theatrical, cinematic, poignant, and ethereal; their lyrical content is based around introspection, with themes of yearning, regret, and angst.[5][6][7][8] The band's use of the piano as the lead instrument in their music has led critics to compare the band with similar British bands such as Coldplay and Keane. The band lists its influences as Counting Crows, Better Than Ezra, and U2.[9]

History

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Formation and early years (2002–2004)

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The band members' musical lives were largely formed in Denver area churches where they helped lead worship, and in the Christian school three of them attended. Isaac Slade and guitarist Joe King were several years ahead of drummer Ben Wysocki at Faith Christian Academy. Wysocki and guitarist David Welsh played in the same worship band. In the spring of 2002, former schoolmates Slade and King reconnected and began regular two-man jam sessions that led to writing songs. Slade and King later added Mike Ayars on guitar, Zach Johnson on drums,[10] and Slade's younger brother Caleb on bass, though Caleb was later asked to leave. Caleb's departure from the band caused a rift in his relationship with Isaac, and this rift later became the inspiration for the song "Over My Head (Cable Car)", which is about the brothers' waning relationship.[11] Following this Johnson left the band to attend an art school in New York.[10]

Ben Wysocki, a former bandmate of Isaac Slade, joined as drummer and later, Dave Welsh, who was another former bandmate of Slade and Wysocki, was added as lead guitarist to the band. The newly formed band was named the Fray. The band members decided on a name after asking people to put band names on a piece of paper from which they picked randomly. The members of the band first claimed that they found the name suitable because they frequently quarreled about the composition of the lyrics in their songs, but they have since stated they are usually on good terms while composing music and acknowledge contributions from all members.[12] The band has had no permanent bassist since Caleb, instead employing touring bassists on a temporary basis. The current bassist is Dane Poppin, who has been touring with the band since 2022.

The band released its first record, Movement EP, in 2002. The next year, the band released Reason EP produced by "How To Save A Life" co-producer Aaron Johnson, which garnered the band local fame and acclaim.[13][14] Westword, an alternative newsweekly, gave Reason EP a positive review, stating "The music is epic, no doubt, but it's played on a wholly human scale".[15] Despite these reviews, the band struggled to launch a single; Denver radio station KTCL rejected eight of their songs before the band decided to submit a demo of a song then-named "Cable Car". The song found airplay on a KTCL radio show highlighting local bands, and the radio station received a large number of requests for it soon thereafter.[16] The band changed the name of the song to "Over My Head (Cable Car)", and as the song's airplay increased alongside their local following, the band was voted "Best New Band" by Westword in 2004.[14] Mike Flynn, working in the artists and repertoire division of Epic Records, discovered the band through the article in Westword[13][17] and soon after, Epic Records officially signed the band on December 17, 2004.

How to Save a Life (2005–2007)

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The Fray performing at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in 2007

The band's debut album, How to Save a Life, was released on September 13, 2005; its style is between traditional rock and alternative rock.[18] "Over My Head (Cable Car)" was released as the first single from the album, and it soon became a Top 40 hit on the Modern Rock Tracks chart in late 2005, peaking at No. 37.[19] The single gained airplay nationally, entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart on the issue marked February 25, 2006. Fourteen weeks later, it reached its peak position at No. 8 on the Hot 100 chart.[20] On the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart, the single reached the No. 2 position.[21] Internationally, the song was a Top 25 hit in on the national charts of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The song was the fifth-most downloaded single of 2006.[22]

While "Over My Head (Cable Car)" was rising on the charts, the song "How to Save a Life" was first featured during an episode of Grey's Anatomy, aired March 19, 2006, and then on an episode of Scrubs, aired April 25, 2006.[23] Despite not having been originally released as a single, "How to Save a Life" entered the Hot 100 chart on the issue marked April 15, 2006. The song was released as the band's second single. On August 18, 2006, ABC announced that the song would be used for the main advertising promotion for the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy.[24]

Only weeks after this promotion started, the song became the Fray's second Top 40 hit in the United States. The song peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100 chart, surpassing the peak position of "Over My Head (Cable Car)".[25] It tied for the seventh-longest charting single of all time on the Hot 100 chart, with Santana's "Smooth", at 58 consecutive weeks.[14] The song also topped the Adult Top 40 chart for 15 consecutive weeks.[26] "How to Save a Life" was a major hit internationally, topping the singles chart in Ireland, Spain and Canada. The song also charted in the top five in Australia, Italy and Sweden and was the band's first hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart.[27]

"Look After You" was released as the third single from the album. It peaked at No. 59 on the Hot 100 chart and was the band's first single to miss the Top 40.[25] The song was written by the lead singer of the Fray, Isaac Slade. It is about his then girlfriend, whom he later married. The album itself peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, and charted in the top ten in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and was certified the best-selling digital album of all time, breaking the record held previously by Coldplay's X&Y.[28][29]

While the album was met with commercial success, critical reception from mainstream critics was mixed: Allmusic gave the album a modest review, stating that the Fray "lacked originality" and the album itself lacked any "inspiration and excitement".[30] Stylus Magazine gave the album a negative review, stating, "The Fray, as a rule, are moribund, emotionally strained and uninvolving."[31] Rolling Stone and Blender echoed many of these statements while giving the album three stars out of five.[32][33] However, the album garnered acclaim from Christian music magazines: Jesus Freak Hideout gave the album a glowing review, stating "How to Save Life is nearly perfect", and gave the album four-and-a-half stars out of five.[34] HM Magazine, another American magazine devoted to Christian music, also gave the album a positive review, rating it four stars out of five.[35]

To promote the album, the Fray began a worldwide tour and released a live album, Live at the Electric Factory: Bootleg No. 1, on July 18, 2006. The concert was recorded on May 21, 2006, at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On September 19, they re-released How to Save a Life as a CD/DVD set including a documentary on the making of the album.[36] On September 4, 2007, the band released another live album, Acoustic in Nashville: Bootleg No. 2, which was recorded in late 2006. The album could only be purchased with the original CD from Target but was made available on the iTunes Music Store on November 13, 2007. On October 16 of the same year, the band re-released their 2003 EP, Reason EP.[14] The band also released a live cover of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" as a 2006 Christmas single. This song debuted and peaked on the Hot 100 chart at No. 50 on the strength of a large number of digital downloads.[36] The Fray also worked with Reverb, a non-profit environmental organization, for their 2007 summer tour.[37]

The Fray and Christmas EP (2008–2010)

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The band finished recording their self-titled, second album at the end of July 2008 for a February 3, 2009, release.[38] The album was produced by Aaron Johnson and Mike Flynn, the same production duo from the band's debut album, and recorded by Warren Huart.[39] A documentary named Fair Fight, directed by Rod Blackhurst, was included with the first 300,000 copies of the second album.[40][41][42][43] The lead single from the album, "You Found Me", debuted online on December 9, 2009, on VH1.com,[44] and debuted at No. 28 on the Hot 100 chart, the band's highest debut on the chart at that time. The song peaked at No. 7 on the chart, making it the band's second-highest charting single,[45] and topped the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart[46] as well as the Australian Singles Chart, becoming the band's first song to reach No. 1 in Australia.[47] It is also the band's third song to sell two million digital downloads in the United States, after "Over My Head (Cable Car)" and "How to Save a Life".[48] Following the success of "You Found Me", the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 179,000 copies in its first week of release. The music video was directed by fellow Denverite Josh Forbes. It was filmed in Chicago and was an homage to the Wim Wenders film Wings of Desire.[2]

The Fray released their self-titled, second album to the Christian market on the same day as the secular market. In a video for the song "You Found Me" that includes some behind-the-scenes footage, lead vocalist Isaac Slade says that this album is what they would have done the first time if they had the time. He adds the band wants to model the rest of their careers after this second album. On February 13, 2009, the Fray wrote a song called "Be the One". The song was written in the space of 24 hours when the British magazine Q asked the band to write a love song for the occasion of Valentine's Day.[49][50] The demo version of the song was released on the band's official website on November 11, 2009.[51] The band also covered Kanye West's song "Heartless",[52] which charted at No. 79 on the Billboard Hot 100; a video for the cover was released worldwide on iTunes on August 11, 2009. Both songs were included in the deluxe edition of the band's second album, released November 10, 2009. "Heartless" was also included on the band's third live album, The Fray: Live from SoHo.[53][54]

The band released "Never Say Never" as the second single from the album. The song was a modest hit in the US; it peaked at No. 32 on the Hot 100 chart and at No. 10 on the Adult Top 40 chart. Internationally, it failed to match the success of "You Found Me". The song was used in the first and last episodes of the television series The Vampire Diaries.[55] The third single from the album, "Syndicate" was released on January 12, 2010,[56] and peaked at No. 16 on the Adult Top 40 and at No. 40 on the Pop Songs chart, becoming the band's second single to miss the Hot 100 chart and the lowest-charting single from the album.[57]

Like their first album, The Fray's critical reception was mixed. Rolling Stone termed the album "nothing new",[58] while Entertainment Weekly stated, "The Fray is all blah, all the time: more minor-key melodies and more dreary tempos."[59] Allmusic, whilst giving the album a modestly positive review, echoed many of these statements, commenting that "the songcraft remains virtually unchanged" and termed the album as "How to Save a Life – Part 2".[60] However, AbsolutePunk criticized the negative reviews, stating, "For what it's worth, the Denver quintet has released a charming, appealing record that would be far more praiseworthy if it didn't sound so much like its predecessor... [which] isn't exactly a bad thing."[61] Review aggregator Metacritic lists the album as holding a rating of 56/100 based on nine professional reviews, meaning "mixed or average reviews".[62]

The Fray collaborated with Timbaland on his album Shock Value II, which was released on December 8, 2009. The band was featured on the song "Undertow", which, despite not being released as a single, entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 100, the week ending November 28, 2009. On December 22, 2009, the band released an EP, Christmas EP, as a free download from the band's official website. The EP contained five acoustic covers of popular Christmas carols and was recorded by Warren Huart at Blackbird Studio in Nashville.[63] In an interview with Westword in June 2010, guitarist Dave Welsh announced that the band was working on an EP containing covers of songs by artists such as Annie Lennox, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Marley but did not give a specific release date.[64]

Scars & Stories and Helios (2011–2016)

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In 2011, the Fray contributed two cover songs on compilation albums: "Take Your Time" for Listen to Me: Buddy Holly and "Mahna Mahna" for Muppets: The Green Album.[citation needed] Brendan O'Brien was hired to produce the band's third studio album, later named Scars & Stories. During an interview with Colorado Daily, Slade explained why the band had recruited him: "Sonically, we wanted to make this record sound as close as possible to the live shows." He cited Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen as influences for the sound of the record that they were trying to capture. As for the lyrical composition, Slade said the lyrics capture a more aggressive tone than their previous records.[65][66]

The band began recording the album in March 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee,[67] at Blackbird Studio, and the audio mixing began on June 21, 2011. A month later, Slade confirmed via Twitter that the mixing and recording had been completed: "[We] finished our third record about half an hour ago."[68] When asked about possible release dates for the album, Slade mentioned his hope was that the album will be out by October 2011 or at least in time for Thanksgiving.[66] However, the date was pushed backed to early 2012. It was officially released on February 7, 2012. On September 13, 2011, during a live performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the band debuted the album's first single, "Heartbeat",[69] The band announced in an interview on the VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown that "Run for Your Life" would be the album's second single. A music video for the latter song was released on March 13, 2012.

After Scars and Stories, Slade promised a fourth album by the end of 2013.[70] On June 4, 2013, the Fray announced that they had begun recording.[71] The album's first single, "Love Don't Die", was premiered on radio stations on October 15, 2013, and on iTunes a week later.[citation needed] A music video for the song was filmed on November 13, 2013, at Cowboy Palace Saloon in Chatsworth, California, and released on December 6, 2013.[citation needed]

The album was revealed to be titled Helios and was made available for preorder on November 25, 2013.[72] The album was originally planned to be released on January 14, 2014, but it was delayed; instead, another song from the album, "Hurricane", was made available that day.[citation needed] The album was officially released on February 25. On May 9, the band announced via Twitter the release of the album's second single, "Break Your Plans".[73] The album was produced by Stuart Price and Ryan Tedder. It received primarily mixed reviews, although it did peak at No. 2 on the Billboard US Top Rock Albums.[74] In mid-2015, the band joined Matt Nathanson as Train's opening act during the latter band's Picasso at the Wheel Summer Tour.[75] The tour started on May 21 and ended on July 25 of the same year.[76] The band also continued to tour with Train into late 2015, until their final show in Las Vegas on November 7.[citation needed]

On September 9, 2016, the Fray released a new single, "Singing Low", which is also included on their greatest hits album, Through the Years: The Best of the Fray, which was announced along with the single's release.[77][78] It was released on November 4, 2016. In late 2016, the band went on tour to promote the album.[citation needed]

Hiatus, Slade's departure and band's return (2019–present)

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In July 2019, Slade revealed in an interview that the band would be taking a hiatus after fulfilling their five-record deal with Epic Records, saying they wanted to focus more on their own freedom by "playing the shows we want and picking and choosing".[79] On March 12, 2022, Isaac Slade announced that he would be leaving the band.[80] His final performance with the band took place on May 14, 2022, at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, Illinois.[81] Slade now owns a record store in Washington State.[82]

On July 25, 2024, the band released their first single in eight years with a song entitled "Time Well Wasted" from an EP entitled The Fray Is Back, which was released on September 27, 2024. It was the band's first release to feature guitarist Joe King as their full-time lead vocalist, with King only having contributed occasional lead vocals to previous albums.[83]

On February 21, 2025, the band performed at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania as part of Penn State's annular THON Weekend.[84] Later that year, the band announced a world tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of How to Save a Life. The anniversary tour began on July 25, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, and spans major U.S. cities through August before continuing internationally across Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Philippines. The tour is scheduled to conclude on December 12, 2025, in Manila.[85]

Musical style and songwriting

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How to Save a Life consists of a mix of mid-tempo, piano-driven pop rock tracks and power ballads.[86] The album The Fray spread the spectrum of music: the pop rock songs are faster and more energetic, while the ballads are softer than those on the first album.[87]

Slade's vocals feature a falsetto and a strong American accent. On the second album, his vocals are more aggressive, most notably on the tracks "We Build Then We Break" and "Say When".[88][unreliable source?]

The lyrics on both albums revolve around life's problems and issues. Common themes include happiness, sadness, death, the problem of evil, relationships and war. The honest and emotional nature of the lyrics[89][90] has also had critics labeling the Fray as emo, comparing them to mainstream emo acts like Jimmy Eat World.[30] The Fray's initial songs contain lyrics with strong religious messages. However, by the time they began work on their debut album, the band decided against being an entirely religious group because they believed that God had called them away from the "Christian music genre and into a secular market".[1]

Members

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Timeline

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Discography

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Awards and nominations

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Grammy Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 "Over My Head (Cable Car)" Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal Nominated
"How to Save a Life" Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal Nominated
2010 The Fray Best Pop Vocal Album Nominated
"Never Say Never" Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal Nominated

Billboard Music Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2006 How to Save a Life Digital Album of the Year Won
The Fray Digital Album Artist of the Year Won
Digital Songs Artist of the Year Won
New Artist of the Year Nominated

Planeta Awards

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The Planeta Awards is an annual Peruvian awards ceremony established by Radio Planeta. The Fray has received one award from two nominations.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 The Fray New Rock Artist of the Year Won
"How to Save a Life" Ballad of the Year Nominated

Teen Choice Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 The Fray Choice Music: Breakout Group Nominated
2009 "You Found Me" Choice Music: Rock Track Nominated

Premios 40 Principales

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 "How to Save a Life" Best International Song Nominated

APRA Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2010 "You Found Me" International Work of the Year Won

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Fray is an American piano rock band formed in 2002 in Denver, Colorado, by schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King, renowned for their emotive, piano-driven alternative rock blending indie and pop elements. The band's original lineup included Slade on lead vocals and piano, King on guitar and backing vocals, Dave Welsh on lead guitar, and Ben Wysocki on drums, with early EPs like Movement (2002) and The Reason (2003) building local buzz before their major-label debut. Their breakthrough came with the 2005 Epic Records album How to Save a Life, which sold over 3 million copies worldwide and featured the titular single—a global hit certified 11× Platinum and Diamond by the RIAA in 2025—that propelled them to international fame through radio play, TV placements like Grey's Anatomy, and soundtrack use. Subsequent releases, including the self-titled The Fray (2009, certified 2× Platinum), Scars & Stories (2012), Helios (2014), and Covers EP (2015), solidified their commercial success, with the hit "Never Say Never" earning a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and their self-titled album nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album, both in 2010. Ranked No. 84 on Billboard's "Artists of the Decade" list for the , The Fray toured extensively and released a best-of compilation, Through the Years: The Best of The Fray (), before entering a five-year hiatus around 2019 amid lineup shifts. In 2022, co-founder and frontman departed to pursue personal interests, leading the remaining original members—King, Welsh, and Wysocki—along with keyboardist Kai Welch and bassist Dane Poppin, with King assuming lead vocal duties; they marked their return in 2024 with the EP The Fray Is Back, new singles like "" and "Emerald" (2025), and the ": The 20th Anniversary Tour" extending into 2025 across and .

History

Formation and early years (2002–2004)

The Fray was formed in 2002 in Denver, Colorado, by (vocals and piano) and Joe King (guitar and vocals), who had been schoolmates and reconnected at a church retreat where they bonded over their shared interest in music. Initially operating as a with roots in the local church music scene, the duo drew from their experiences as worship leaders—Slade serving in that role and King as a youth pastor—to begin performing together. Their early efforts reflected a blend of piano-driven rock influences, including bands like and Keane. The lineup solidified with the addition of lead guitarist Dave Welsh in 2003, followed shortly by drummer Ben Wysocki, both former musical collaborators of from previous projects. The band began building a following through performances at local venues such as the Soiled Dove Underground and various church events, relying heavily on word-of-mouth promotion within the community. In 2002, the group self-released their debut EP, Movement EP, which quickly sold out in local markets and helped establish their presence in the scene. A follow-up EP, Reason, arrived in 2003 and garnered regional airplay on stations like KTCL, further boosting their visibility. While balancing day jobs—Slade as a youth counselor and King in finance—the band faced initial rejections from record labels before attracting major interest and signing with in December 2004.

Breakthrough with How to Save a Life (2005–2007)

In 2005, The Fray recorded their major-label debut album How to Save a Life with producers Aaron Johnson and Mike Flynn across several locations, including Echo Park Studios in Bloomington, Indiana, and Sony Music Studios in New York City. The sessions emphasized the band's piano-driven sound, blending introspective lyrics with alternative rock arrangements to create an emotional core that resonated with listeners. The album was released on September 13, 2005, through and quickly gained traction, peaking at No. 14 on the chart after initially entering at No. 37. It eventually achieved quadruple platinum (4× Platinum) certification from the RIAA, reflecting over 4 million units sold in the United States and underscoring the band's rapid ascent to mainstream success. The lead single, "Over My Head (Cable Car)," was released in October 2005 and became the band's first major hit, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning double platinum status for its digital sales. The follow-up title track, "How to Save a Life," arrived on March 26, 2006, and climbed to No. 3 on the Hot 100, bolstered by its prominent feature in a 2006 episode of the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy, which introduced the song to a broader television audience and amplified its themes of loss and redemption. Capitalizing on the singles' momentum, The Fray embarked on extensive touring throughout 2006 and 2007, including opening slots for artists like and a headline run that encompassed over 100 shows across the U.S. and internationally, solidifying their live presence and connection with fans. The band's growing visibility was further enhanced by media appearances, such as performances on in early 2006 and video premieres on MTV's , where "How to Save a Life" topped the countdown despite the group opting out of a live visit. These platforms helped cultivate a dedicated fanbase drawn to the band's heartfelt songwriting and piano-centric style.

Self-titled album and Christmas EP (2008–2010)

Following the success of their debut, The Fray began work on their second studio album in 2008, aiming to build on their established sound while navigating the expectations of a major label follow-up. The self-titled record, The Fray, was recorded across multiple locations, including sessions at in , with production handled by and contributions from co-producers Aaron Johnson and . The album retained the band's piano-driven rock style, exploring themes of loss and redemption similar to their prior work, but with a more polished production that incorporated orchestral elements and electronic touches to broaden its appeal. Released on February 3, 2009, via , it debuted at No. 1 on the , selling 179,000 copies in its first week and marking the band's first chart-topping album. The album's lead single, "You Found Me," released in late 2008, became a significant hit, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and gaining exposure through its feature in the CW series Gossip Girl, where it underscored dramatic scenes involving characters like Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf. The track's introspective lyrics about searching for meaning amid personal turmoil resonated widely, contributing to over 2 million digital downloads. The follow-up single, "Never Say Never," reached No. 32 on the Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2010, highlighting the band's ability to craft anthemic ballads under the pressure of sophomore expectations. Overall, The Fray achieved 2x Platinum certification from the RIAA by 2025, reflecting its commercial endurance despite mixed critical reception that noted the challenges of avoiding a "sophomore slump" after breakout fame. To promote the album, The Fray embarked on an extensive world tour from 2009 to 2010, including a 35-city summer run across the starting June 12 in and ending August 7 in Spokane, Washington. The itinerary expanded internationally, featuring arena shows in —such as a performance at Astra in on October 12, 2009—and dates in and the Pacific region, solidifying their global presence with high-energy sets blending new material and fan favorites. During this period, the band also participated in charitable efforts, including performances for relief initiatives, though internal dynamics strained under the creative pressures of maintaining momentum post-breakthrough, with members later reflecting on the tension of delivering under heightened scrutiny. In late 2009, The Fray released their Christmas EP on December 22 as a free digital download from their official website, offering fans a holiday-themed acoustic collection amid the tour. The five-track EP featured covers of traditional carols including "Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel," "Silent Night," "Noel," "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," and "Away in a Manger," recorded in a stripped-down style that emphasized the band's vocal harmonies and piano roots. While it did not achieve significant chart placement, the EP provided a seasonal respite and showcased their versatility beyond rock anthems.

Scars & Stories and Helios (2011–2016)

The Fray released their third studio album, Scars & Stories, on February 7, 2012, through . Produced by Brendan O'Brien, the album marked a shift toward a more muscular sound while retaining the band's piano-driven roots. It debuted at No. 4 on the , selling 87,000 copies in its first week. The lead single, "Heartbeat," peaked at No. 42 on the , becoming a staple on adult contemporary radio. The follow-up single, "Run for Your Life," further showcased the album's introspective themes of relationships and resilience. In support of Scars & Stories, the band embarked on an international tour spanning 2012 and 2013, including dates in as special guests on Kelly Clarkson's arena tour and performances across . These shows highlighted the band's evolving live energy, blending older hits with new material amid growing fan engagement abroad. The Fray's fourth album, Helios, arrived on February 25, 2014, also via Epic Records, with production handled by and . This release introduced electronic influences into the band's songwriting, creating a brighter, more expansive sonic palette. It peaked at No. 8 on the , though first-week sales of 37,000 units reflected a decline from prior efforts. The lead single, "Love Don't Die," co-written with Tedder, reached the top 10 on the Adult Pop Airplay chart, emphasizing themes of . From 2014 to 2016, the Fray toured extensively to promote Helios, including the 57-date Helios Tour across and select international venues. Performances at major events, such as appearances tied to award shows, underscored their continued presence despite shifting industry trends. Amid declining commercial metrics—evidenced by Helios' lower sales compared to Scars & Stories—band members expressed introspection about their artistic direction, navigating a "dark time" that influenced the album's optimistic tone.

Hiatus, lineup changes, and revival (2017–present)

Following the release and promotion of their 2014 album , The Fray announced an indefinite hiatus in 2019, allowing members to pursue individual endeavors amid exhaustion from years of touring and recording obligations. Frontman focused on personal projects, including teaching , while guitarist Joe King formed the side band The Orphan The Poet. The band's dormancy deepened in March 2022 when Slade voluntarily departed, citing challenges and personal struggles such as marital issues and onstage panic attacks, which he shared publicly via . With Slade's exit, The Fray entered a period of inactivity as a trio consisting of , guitarist Dave Welsh, and drummer Ben Wysocki, though no immediate plans for continuation were announced. In July 2024, the band revealed their return without , with stepping into the role of lead vocalist to helm the reformed trio. This revival culminated in the September 27 release of their EP The Fray Is Back, their first new material in over a decade, featuring six tracks including the "" and signaling a shift toward a more soulful sound that rekindled fan interest and chart momentum. The resurgence continued into 2025 with the July 18 release of the single "My Heart's a Crowded Room," a reflective pop track co-written by and Suwito, which highlighted the band's evolved dynamic. In October 2025, the band announced a new single, "Songs I'd Rather Not Sing," slated for release on November 21, 2025. That August, enduring hits from their catalog received major accolades: "" was certified Diamond by the RIAA for 10 million units sold (later upgraded to 11x ), while their 2009 self-titled album achieved 2x status for two million units. These milestones underscored the lasting impact of their early work amid the revival. Supporting the comeback, The Fray launched an extensive 2025 tour, blending U.S. headline dates with high-profile appearances and European legs. Key stops included a surprise headlining performance at Penn State's THON charity event on February 21 in University Park, , where they delivered fan favorites like "," and November European shows such as November 8 at Docks in , , and November 10 at TivoliVredenburg in , .

Artistry

Musical style

The Fray's musical style is rooted in piano rock and , characterized by a blend of pop sensibilities and emotional ballads that emphasize melodic and anthemic builds. This core sound draws from the band's origins, where piano serves as the primary lead instrument, driving their compositions with thoughtful, straight-ahead arrangements. Critics have frequently highlighted the piano's prominence, likening it to the atmospheric, piano-led approaches of British acts like and Keane. The band's instrumentation features Isaac Slade's work at the forefront, later handled by a touring , layered with electric guitars from Dave Welsh and Joe King, alongside Ben Wysocki's dynamic drumming that provides rhythmic intensity and propulsion. Influences such as , the , , and shape their guitar-driven edges and arena-ready choruses, infusing with mature pop-rock accessibility. This combination yields a sound that balances introspective verses with expansive, harmony-rich hooks, as seen in tracks that build from subtle piano intros to full-band crescendos. Over their career, The Fray's style evolved from the acoustic-leaning, organic feel of their 2005 debut —which supported hits like the titular -led through its raw emotional delivery—to more experimental in later releases. Their 2014 album marked a shift toward electronic-infused production, incorporating synthesizers, drum samples, and co-writes with producer , adding lush textures and modern pop elements while retaining hooks. Following their hiatus and lineup changes, the 2024 EP The Fray Is Back introduced a more soulful and introspective sound, emphasizing deeper emotional connections and personal growth while building on their -driven roots. In live settings, The Fray's performances highlight intricate vocal harmonies among members and maintain high-energy delivery, transforming their studio ballads into engaging, crowd-involving spectacles.

Songwriting and themes

The Fray's songwriting has primarily been a collaborative effort between and pianist and guitarist Joe King, who co-wrote the band's early hit songs and served as the core creative duo for much of their catalog. Their process often began with piano-based sketches from Slade, which evolved into full band arrangements through shared sessions that emphasized emotional and melodic development. Following the debut , external co-writers became more involved, contributing to tracks that expanded the band's pop-rock sound while maintaining personal narrative depth. Lyrically, the band's work draws heavily from personal experiences, exploring themes of relationships, loss, redemption, and human struggle with introspective narratives. Songs like "How to Save a Life" were inspired by Slade's counseling sessions with troubled teens facing drug addiction, capturing the heartbreak of failed interventions and the emotional dissonance of hope versus despair. Recurring motifs of faith appear in secular contexts, as in "You Found Me," which questions divine presence amid disappointment and heartache, reflecting broader struggles with trust and isolation. After a hiatus and Slade's departure in 2022, songwriting shifted to center on Joe King as lead vocalist and primary contributor, with the 2024 EP The Fray Is Back emphasizing themes of resilience, personal growth, and creative renewal. Tracks like "" highlight a of rebirth, drawing from King's reflections on overcoming self-destructive habits during the band's time apart. Critics have praised the band's lyrics for their relatable and cinematic quality, often portraying vivid emotional journeys that resonate universally and have led to prominent placements, such as "" on , which amplified its cultural impact. This emotional delivery aligns with the band's piano-driven style, enhancing the introspective power of their narratives.

Band members

Current members

As of 2025, The Fray's core lineup consists of three longtime members who have driven the band's revival following a hiatus and personnel changes. Joe King serves as the band's , rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter, having co-founded the group in and assumed lead vocal duties in 2022 after the departure of previous frontman . King's songwriting contributions have been central to the band's output, including recent anniversary material released in 2025. Dave Welsh handles lead guitar and provides backing vocals, a role he has maintained since joining in as one of the band's original instrumentalists. Welsh's guitar work has been a consistent element in the band's live performances and recordings, contributing to their signature pop-rock sound during the 2025 tour. Ben Wysocki rounds out the rhythm section on drums and percussion, having joined in 2003 and remaining a key performer through the band's evolution. Wysocki manages the live dynamics, providing the driving beats that support the group's energetic stage presence in recent shows. The trio has been augmented by touring musicians for select 2025 performances, such as special guests on the "How to Save a Life: The 20th Anniversary Tour," though no permanent additional members have been announced.

Former members

Isaac Slade served as the lead vocalist and pianist for The Fray from the band's formation in 2002 until his departure in 2022. As a founding member alongside Joe King, Slade was instrumental in shaping the band's piano-driven rock sound and co-writing many of their signature hits, including "How to Save a Life" and "Over My Head (Cable Car)." His exit marked a significant shift, with rhythm guitarist Joe King assuming lead vocal duties for the band's subsequent releases and performances. Slade's decision to leave was voluntary, prompted by deteriorating —including preshow and onstage panic attacks—and marital struggles, allowing him to prioritize family and personal well-being. He announced his departure in March 2022, noting that he had informed the band of his plans several years earlier to begin a transition. Following his exit, Slade relocated to Vashon Island, Washington, where he opened Side Stack Records, the island's only record store at the time, in January 2024, focused on community and personal fulfillment; the store closed on August 11, 2025, but pop-up events continue at a local restaurant for the remainder of the year. Prior to the band's stable lineup with Dave Welsh on and Ben Wysocki on , The Fray underwent several early personnel changes in 2002–2003. Founding guitarist Mike Ayars played from 2002 to 2003, while drummer handled percussion during the same period. Bassist Caleb Slade, Isaac's brother, contributed in 2002 before being replaced by temporary members such as Graham Vanderbilt and Dan Battenhouse in 2003. These initial shifts occurred as the band refined its composition during its formative performances, leading to the core quartet that achieved commercial success.

Timeline

YearEvent
2002Isaac Slade (lead vocals, piano) and Joe King (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) form the band in Denver, Colorado.
2003Dave Welsh joins as lead guitarist.
2003Ben Wysocki joins as drummer, completing the lineup that would record the band's debut album How to Save a Life in 2005.
2003–2022The original lineup remains stable, supporting the band's peak commercial success with albums including The Fray (2009) and Helios (2014).
2022Isaac Slade departs the band after his final performance in May, citing personal health reasons; no further lineup changes have occurred as of 2025.

Discography

Studio albums

The Fray's debut studio album, , was released on September 13, 2005, by . It features 12 tracks, with highlights including the piano-driven singles "" and the title track "," alongside introspective songs like "" and "All at Once." The album peaked at No. 14 on the chart and has been certified 4× Platinum by the RIAA. The band's self-titled second studio album, The Fray, arrived on February 3, 2009, also via . It debuted at No. 1 on the , selling 179,000 copies in its first week, and includes standout tracks such as "" and "Never Say Never." The album has achieved 2× Platinum certification from the RIAA. Scars & Stories, the third studio album, was released on February 7, 2012, by . It debuted and peaked at No. 4 on the , with a focus on singles like "Heartbeat" and "Turn Me On," emphasizing the band's evolving pop-rock sound. The fourth studio album, Helios, came out on February 25, 2014, through , produced primarily by with additional production on select tracks by . It debuted at No. 8 on the and features energetic tracks such as "Love Don't Die" and "Hold My Hand," reflecting a brighter, more atmospheric direction. As of November 2025, The Fray has not released a new studio album since .

Extended plays and compilations

The Fray's debut , Movement EP, was released independently in 2002 as a CD. This early indie release featured four tracks—"Where You Want To," "Oceans Away," "It's For You," and ""—and was primarily sold locally in the band's hometown of , contributing to their initial following and radio airplay on stations like KTCL. In December 2009, the band issued Christmas EP as a free digital download, timed for the holiday season and initially available exclusively through their fan club website. The five-track collection consisted of acoustic renditions of classic Christmas carols, including "Oh Come, Oh Emmanuel," "Silent Night," "Noel," "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," and "Away in a Manger," showcasing a stripped-down, piano-driven arrangement style. The Fray's Covers EP was released in December 2011 by as a digital download. It features five cover songs: "Maps" (), "Ready or Not" (), "Why" (), "Boulder to Birmingham" (), and "Streets of Philadelphia" (). The Fray's 2016 compilation, Through the Years: The Best of the Fray, was released by on November 4 in CD and digital formats. It compiled nine of the band's previous hit singles alongside three new original tracks—"Singing Low," "Corners," and "Changing Tides"—serving as a retrospective that bridged their past catalog with fresh material during a transitional period. Marking a significant revival after over a decade without new music, The Fray Is Back EP arrived on September 27, 2024, via The Fray / Firebird Records in digital and physical formats. This six-song collection of original material, including "Angeleno Moon," "Same Thing," "Not Now," "Don't Look Down," "Time Well Wasted," and "Known You Always," featured the reformed trio lineup and emphasized a renewed soulful pop-rock sound.

Singles and certifications

The Fray's breakthrough single "," released in 2005 from their debut album of the same name, peaked at number 3 on the and spent 58 weeks on the chart. It was certified 11× Platinum (11 million units) by the RIAA in August 2025, marking a significant milestone for the band's enduring popularity. The track's success was bolstered by its placement in the television series , contributing to over 11 million certified units in the U.S. "You Found Me," the lead single from the band's 2009 self-titled album, reached number 7 on the and topped the Singles Chart in . Certified 7× Platinum by the RIAA in August 2025 for 7 million units, it also earned 2× Platinum certification from . The song's introspective lyrics and anthemic chorus helped it become one of the band's signature hits. "Never Say Never," released in 2009 as the second single from The Fray, peaked at number 32 on the . It received 2× Platinum certification from the RIAA in August 2025 for 2 million units. Nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, the track showcased the band's evolving pop-rock sound. Later singles included "Heartbeat" from the 2012 album Scars & Stories, which charted at number 42 on the but did not receive . In 2024, the band released "Don't Look Down" as a single from the The Fray Is Back EP. In 2025, the band released "Emerald" in September and "My Heart's a Crowded Room" in July as standalone singles, marking their return to new music; none have charted prominently or earned certifications as of November 2025. Regarding album certifications, the debut album was certified 4× Platinum by the for 4 million units and Platinum by in . The self-titled 2009 album achieved 2× Platinum status from the in August 2025 and Gold certification from .
SingleYearUS Peak (Billboard Hot 100)US Certification (RIAA)International Certifications
"How to Save a Life"2005311× Platinum (2025)-
""200877× Platinum (2025)2× Platinum (, )
"Never Say Never"2009322× Platinum (2025)-
"Heartbeat"201142--
"Don't Look Down"2024---
"Emerald"2025---
"My Heart's a Crowded Room"2025---

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

The Fray has received four Grammy Award nominations throughout their career, all without a win, recognizing their pop-rock hits and albums from the mid-2000s onward. At the in 2007, the band earned two nominations for tracks from their debut album : Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Over My Head (Cable Car)" and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "". The Fray received two further nominations at the in 2010, tied to their self-titled second album: Best Pop Vocal Album for The Fray and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for the single "Never Say Never".
YearCategoryNominated workResult
2007Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals"Over My Head (Cable Car)"Nominated
2007Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with VocalsNominated
2010Best Pop Vocal AlbumThe FrayNominated
2010Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals"Never Say Never"Nominated

Other awards and certifications

In addition to their Grammy recognition, The Fray secured three for achievements in digital sales and artist categories during their early career. The band received a nomination for Choice Breakout Group at the , highlighting their rapid rise with the debut album . The Fray was nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 2006 American Music Awards. In 2010, The Fray won the International Work of the Year at the APRA Music Awards for "You Found Me," acknowledging the song's global songwriting impact. In 2025, the RIAA certified "How to Save a Life" as 11× Platinum (Diamond) for 11 million units sold in the U.S. as of August 2025, marking it as the band's signature enduring hit, while their self-titled second album achieved 2× Platinum status for two million units. Other singles have also received certifications, including "You Found Me" (7× Platinum), "Over My Head (Cable Car)" (5× Platinum), and "Never Say Never" (2× Platinum).

References

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