Train: Because the 90's Were Too Good to Stay Put

Aha, first post!

I figured I would start by doing a band not only that I like, but one that I've grown up hearing. They were one of the first bands I remember hearing on the radio and "Drops of Jupiter" was the first song I prayed would come on the radio when my mom and I got in the car.

But enough about my personal connection to this band, there are more than enough facts that prove this band is definitely here for the long haul.




Who Are They?

Train hails from San Francisco, California, formed in 1994. The band is made of of the three original members, Patrick Monahan (vocals), Jimmy Stafford (guitar, vocals) and Scott Underwood (drums, percussion). Following the dissolution of his Led Zeppelin cover band, Monahan left his hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania in late 1993. After moving to California, he met Hotchkiss, who performed in coffee houses and local clubs. The two shared lead vocals, with Hotchkiss on guitar and harmonica, and Monahan playing percussion, including a modified conga attached to a kick-drum pedal. When they decided to form a full band, the duo recruited Jimmy Stafford, on guitar, Charlie Colin on bass, and Scott Underwood on drums, locking Train's lineup in 1994.

Train attempted to get signed under Columbia Records in 1996, but were rejected. Subsequently, the band decided to release its first self-titled CD independently. By 1997, they were touring nationally, opening concerts for bands such as Barenaked Ladies, Hootie & the Blowfish, Cracker and Counting Crows.

Albums:



Train:
Release date: 1998
Memorable Track:

"Meet Virginia" -A bittersweet ballad about the girl every guy is waiting for that earned the band instant popularity. The guitar has such a slight twang that's instantly catchy and endearing. Monahan's voice is something special, flowing just right with Underwood's drum beats and placed cymbal. The guitar really picks up after the second chorus and gives it that 90's feel, but there's something about the way it comes across that makes it such a playlist possibility today.

Others: "Eggplant," "I Am," "If You Leave"



Drops of Jupiter:
Release Date: 2001
Memorable Track:

"Drops of Jupiter" - This track holds the CD's title, and for a good reason. In 2002, "Drops of Jupiter" won Train a Grammy. The song is tied together with an immediately recognizable piano and fascinating lyrics (which were possibly the first to incorporate deep fried chicken into a song and still make sense) that gave reminders of 90's bands like Vertical Horizon, but Monahan gave it a twangy twist that didn't scream country. not a part of this song disappoints, although the same can't be said for the rest of the CD. However, this song gave Train superstar status, and it still makes it's way across airwaves today. In short, if you don't know this song, you don't know Train.

Others: "She's on Fire," "Hopeless," "Mississippi"



My Private Nation:
Release Date: 2003
Memorable Track:

"Calling All Angels" - This track broke Billboard's Top 20 list at 19, but this album seemed to be where Train looked as though it was going to de-rail. Although "All American Girl" and "When I Look to the Sky" are two great songs, the rest seem to be painfully predictable and like carbon copies of Train's previous work, which had succeeded wildly before, but were beginning to be left behind in the music world.

Others: "All American Girl," "When Look to the Sky"



For Me, It's You
Release Date: 2006
Memorable Track:

"Cab"- An almost "techno blues" song about loneliness. The rippling guitar and lyrics made this song a success and this album gave Train a time to transition into what's heard on the radio today. However, this album was advertised horribly, and although it was on the Billboard Top 10 List, it left the band in shambles.

Others: "Am I Reaching You Now," "Skyscraper," "For Me, It's You"

The band then went on hiatus, and it looked as though we would never hear from Train again.

UNTIL 2009




"Save Me, San Francisco"
Release: 2009
Memorable Track(s):

"Hey, Soul Sister" - A feel good song, in short. With such a catchy beat, and Train finally harnessed the magical powers of the Ukulele, and this makes me unbelievably happy, along with several other listeners who catapulted the song from #23 to #7. But, after a few months popularity began to subside until eventually it left Billboard's Top 200 list. However, "If It's Love" eventually began to make a comeback and ended up at #34, the best second track success the band had ever had.

"Save Me, San Francisco" - Train's newest song to hit the airwaves, "Save Me San Francisco" is a song that truly tells a story about the wonderful California. The lyrics are fun, which is a theme that seems to follow the entire album. Even though it's not a song with meaning that will shake the human soul, it's perfect for driving on a summer day.

"If It's Love" - A song who's video pays tribute to the band in their hiatus in the most hysterical way possible. It's a song that goes back to the strict guitar, drum, bass, and sharp vocals from Monohan.

"Marry Me" - You had to know that Train couldn't make a CD without a love song, but this one exudes sugary sweetness, which is okay with listeners and attendees of their concerts, where someone always seems to end up popping the question. In all reality, it's a beautiful, slow ballad that will make appearances at weddings for years to come.


Band Overview:

All in all, Train is a wonderful band with a great vocalist. Not to mention that Train has written (or co-written) nearly all of their songs. I feel like anyone would have a good time giving them a listen. Although they do sound a bit mainstream, they've managed to evolve over the years, picking up new instruments, beats, and lyrics that have played out well (for the most part) with us listeners. For those who've never heard Train before, I recommend "Drops of Jupiter," "Meet Virginia," and "Hey Soul Sister" to get a piece of Train throughout the years. Oh, and you have to give Monohan super props, he's 42 and still cranking out awesome hits with his band, and probably will be for a long, long time.




Rating: 4.5 out of 5