Smash Mouth - Astro Lounge

Expounding on the theme from their hit "Walking on the Sun" (from the multiplatinum Fush Yu Mang), the verbose songs on Astro Lounge are filled with examinations of societal ills, personal woes, and other disappointments entailed in this thing known as Humanity. Yes, the album would seem heavy-handed were not the overriding sentiments filtered through Smash Mouth's "Hey, dude, let's party!" brand of musical optimism. Ranging from reggae to lounge to psychedelia to surfer rock to a sort of punk-a-go-go, Smash Mouth's influences have little in common with one another save for one important exception--they all evoke images of personal freedom and defiance of oppression, reminding us that, gee, fighting the Man can actually be raucous good fun! It's been a long time since a band with this much commercial potential could say something thought-provoking and get the party going. On "All Star," Steve Harwell sings, "Only shooting stars break the mold." A fitting prophecy for this outstanding alterna-pop album. --Beth Massa Amazon.com

Modern Day Classic

No Matter who you are, or what you like, or where your from, everyone likes at least one song off of this album. At least one. Smash Mouth may have toured with Nsync, and they may have "Sold Out" After their Punk Roots (which werent really all that punk to begin with) but you cannot deny that they're classic. Maybe not epic, legendary, but this Album in the LEAST is Classic.

Their Greatest hit of all time thats in almost every family movie "All Star". Can you try NOT to sing along with it? Just try, I dare you.

Theyre are few bands with Smash Mouth's modern style, and those with it, cannot do it as well or remain as popular as Smash Mouth. The Ska, Reggea, Modern Punk (see Third Eye Blind, Eve6) are strong, very strong. Enough Pop Sensibilities to be popular. And I think they had, like 13 singles off this album? haha. Seriously, this entire CD is all over the Movies. Anyway. I can listen to this ENTIRE Album, and Sing along with EVERY song, and be moved by every word.

Steve Harwell may not be crying over the microphone or screaming into oblivion, but his words (most likely written by the bands lead songwriter and guitarist Greg Camp) emote more than the fakers can even imagine. You know when he's sad, happy, upset, confused, disgruntled, or high. It's wonderful to be able to sense that in Pop Music.

If you dont like any songs on this album, I'd gladly shoot you in the face. Because you're a liar. This Album is Great. July 12, 2008

Light summertime pop (4.5/5)

Like many people of my generation, I spent countless hours of my adolescent years listening to my "Astro Lounge" CD through a boombox or Discman headphones. And while many of us who loved this album so dearly in 1999 have "grown up," I still hold this album in very high esteem. Even looking back, "Astro Lounge" is a piece of pure pop genius. The album is full of perfectly constructed pop songs, and often evoking the fun sounds of an earlier musical era. Steve Harwell's often ironic lyrics can come off as a little corny at times, yet remain good-natured even when speaking of hardships and depression. But before all else, "Astro Lounge" is pure fun, and the party theme maintains throughout for the most part. They take their influences from a lot of places, and it makes for an entertaining ride. The space-age electronica of "Who's There" has little in common with the reggae-ska of "Road Man," the pumping hard rock of "Defeat You," or the hip hop of "Home." Smash Mouth is fun in the purest musical form, but the songwriting is clever, catchy, and at times ingenious. Even looking back, I highly recommend "Astro Lounge" to all.

The album begins with "Who's There," an electronic-pop ode to aliens, just for fun. "Diggin' Your Scene" is a bullhorn-delivered song with a driving beat, a very memorable tune. "I Just Wanna See" is slow and laidback, I like this song too. On "Waste," Harwell takes a depressed look at life from someone with nothing going on, it's the album's most somber moment. This gives way to the classic single "All Star," one of the most unforgettable songs of the nineties. From the ironic lines to the hook that everybody knows, this song was awesome and still is. "Satellite" exudes a little Latin influence, but also comes off as nostalgic in an effective, seductive style. "Radio" is a humorous straight-rock song, a highlight, and "Stoned" is a cleverly produced stoner's anthem anchored by a repetitive organ line. This song doesn't promote drug use so much as talk of its overall effects, and the music fits the song really well. The second single "Then the Morning Comes" is another beautifully constructed pop rock song with funny lyricism and great songwriting and production, with the classic Smash Mouth sound. "Road Man" is the band's infamous foray into reggae territory, personally I love this song. "Fallen Horses" is a slower song that picks up towards the end, and "Defeat You" is one of the most unlikely highlights, a hard rocker that displays some great guitar playing. "Come On Come On" is my absolute favorite here, an extremely catchy, organ-heavy pop anthem. The aforementioned "Home" borders on hip hop territory, but the irony of the lyrics has Smash Mouth's signature stamp. A cover of the well-known "Can't Get Enough of You Baby" closes the tracklist.

While it certainly won't be remembered as one of the best rock albums of the 90s, "Astro Lounge" was a well constructed, consistent pop album that spawned multiple hits and created pure entertainment for thousands. Even eight years later, it remains as fun a listen as it did in 1999, and I suggest a purchase to any fans of the singles. July 9, 2007

This isn't too bad

I used to listen to this CD alot back when I was in the fourth and fifth grades. I still listen to this CD once in a while, but I don't listen to this one as much as I used to. Favorite songs include: Then the morning comes, I'm still digging your scene, All Star, who's there, as well as others. I didn't have very many favorites with this CD. When I do listen to this, I sometimes find myself singing along with some of my old favorites. November 24, 2006

Much more than just "All Star"

Smash Mouth has made a great living kicking out a stream of radio friendly pop hits for the better part of 10 years. I've never really been a huge fan of mainstream or radio friendly music. I don't have a good reason, I'm usually drawn to lesser known artist or types of music that don't get huge airplay.

Now we come to Smash Mouth's "Astro Lounge," with their retro rock, peppered with surf and pop overtones. There were times in 1999 or 2000 when I thought the local pop radio station only had three tunes: Santana's "Smooth," Lenny Kravits "Fly Away," and Smash Mouth's "All Star." So needless to say, I grew really sick of the song. It's not Smash Mouth's fault some radio stations seemed to have lost a few shipments of hit singles that summer. Actually, the overplaying "All Star" made me take a closer look at some of the other tracks on the disc.

The true gems on this record are the lesser known more mellow tracks like "Waste," "I Just Wanna See," and "Fallen Horses." I really love the opening guitar riff in "Defeat You."

I had the opportunity to see Smash Mouth Live a few years back, and they play just like their "feel good, life of the party" reputation. They never seem too take themselves too seriously, and honestly looked like they where enjoying themselves.

Still, once Smash Mouth makes its eventual fade from popular music, they should be able to carve out a loyal fan base that they can entertain for years to come.
June 21, 2006

If you like Smashmouth, this cd {KICKS A**!}

This is the ulltimate Smashmouth cd! There's quite a few hits on it. Of course if you dont like Smashmouth......... Well then you wont buy it and you wouldnt be on this site. Anyway, the booklet inside the cover is really cool. I has a silver woman in a bikini, with like orange hair. Pretty freaky stuff. Anyway if you like Smashmouth get this FREAKING cd!


Review by Michael Peters. Thanks for reading! February 2, 2006

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