The New America

Last updated

The New America
The new america cover.jpg
Studio album by
Bad Religion
ReleasedMay 9, 2000
RecordedOctober–December 1999
StudioVictor's Barn, Kauai, Hawaii
Genre
Length40:11
Label Atlantic
Producer Todd Rundgren
Bad Religion chronology
No Substance
(1998)		The New America
(2000)		 The Process of Belief
(2002)
International edition cover
BadReligionTheNewAmerica.jpg

The New America is the eleventh studio album by punk band Bad Religion. It was released in 2000 and is their last album (to date) on Atlantic Records.

Contents

The New America is also Bad Religion's last album with Bobby Schayer on drums. Though not yet credited as a member of the band, then-former and now-current guitarist Brett Gurewitz co-wrote and played guitar on the song "Believe It". The album was re-released by Epitaph Records on September 15, 2008. Like its predecessor, none of the album's songs would develop into live staples; only the title track is performed live occasionally.

Musical style and lyrics

The album was initially titled The Last Word, before being changed to The New America as a large number of people thought the band was breaking up. [4] The album marks a departure for the band, as some of the songs are personal, rather than political in nature, and more optimism is employed. Topics range from singer Greg Graffin's recent divorce to his past growing up as a punk kid in the early '80s. Apart from Brett Gurewtiz's guest contribution, it is the only Bad Religion album solely written by Graffin.

Production

The New America was recorded from October to December 1999 at Victor's Barn, Kauai, Hawaii and produced by Todd Rundgren. Rundgren had been one of the musicians Greg Graffin looked up to while growing up. However, working with Rundgren proved to be a disappointment to the band and especially Graffin, because they did not get along well with each other. [5] Graffin however would later write in his book, Anarchy Evolution, that although Rundgren was difficult to work with, they remain friends to this day. Graffin reflected on the recording of The New America with Rundgren in an even more positive light in his 2023 memoir Punk Rock Paradox, calling it a "great experience."

Release

The New America was released on May 9, 2000 and is the last Bad Religion album distributed via Atlantic Records to date. The release of The New America marked the band's fulfillment of their four-album contract with Atlantic Records, allowing the band to reconvene with former band-mate, Brett Gurewitz, for their next album, 2002's The Process of Belief , released on Epitaph Records. Shortly after the album's release, a music video was made for "New America", which features two children playing with action figures of the band. [6] The band promoted it with a supporting slot for Blink-182, and appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn and Core Culture. [7] [8] [9] In March 2001, the band toured South America, supporting Biohazard for two of the shows. [10]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [1]
Alternative Rock9/10 [11]
Robert Christgau Rating-Christgau-dud.svg [12]
Ox-Fanzine Unfavorable [13]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [14]
Wall of Sound 63/100 [2]

The New America peaked at number 88 on the Billboard 200 album chart. [15] Author Dave Thompson, in his book Alternative Rock (2000), wrote that working with Rundgren "opens the band's already wide-screen sound into a whole new dimension of sonic insanity." [11]

Track listing

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

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."You've Got a Chance" 3:41
2."It's a Long Way to the Promise Land" 2:29
3."A World Without Melody" 2:32
4."New America" 3:25
5."1000 Memories" 3:00
6."A Streetkid Named Desire" 3:17
7."Whisper in Time" 2:32
8."Believe It"Graffin, Brett Gurewitz 3:41
9."I Love My Computer" 3:06
10."The Hopeless Housewife" 2:59
11."There Will Be a Way" 2:53
12."Let It Burn" 2:44
13."Don't Sell Me Short" 3:58
Japanese and European bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
14."The Fast Life"2:01
15."Queen of the 21st Century"4:17
Non-album B-sides
No.TitleAppears onLength
1."Lose as Directed""New America" single, 20002:30
2."Pretenders""New America" single, 20004:12

Personnel

Adapted from the album liner notes. [16]

Bad Religion
Additional musicians
Technical

Charts

Chart (2000)Peak
position
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) [17] 47
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista) [18] 38
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) [19] 16
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) [20] 53
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) [21] 69
US Billboard 200 [22] 88

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad Religion</span> American punk rock band

Bad Religion is an American punk rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1980. The band's lyrics cover topics related to religion, politics, society, the media and science. Musically, they are noted for their melodic sensibilities and extensive use of three-part vocal harmonies. The band has experienced multiple line-up changes, with singer Greg Graffin being the band's only constant member, though fellow founding members Jay Bentley and Brett Gurewitz have also been with the band for most of their history while guitarist Brian Baker has been a member of the group since 1994. Guitarist Mike Dimkich and drummer Jamie Miller have been members of the band since 2013 and 2015 respectively. To date, Bad Religion has released seventeen studio albums, two live albums, three compilation albums, three EPs, and two live DVDs. They are considered to be one of the best-selling punk rock acts of all time, having sold over five million albums worldwide.

<i>The Process of Belief</i> 2002 studio album by Bad Religion

The Process of Belief is the twelfth studio album by the American punk rock band Bad Religion. It was produced by its leaders Greg Graffin and Brett Gurewitz, and was released on January 22, 2002, through Epitaph Records. After touring in support of its previous studio album, The New America (2000), Gurewitz re-joined Bad Religion in 2001 after a seven-year hiatus. The band re-signed with Epitaph, and then began work on its first album for the label in over eight years. The album also marked the first album to feature Brooks Wackerman, who replaced former drummer Bobby Schayer.

<i>Generator</i> (Bad Religion album) 1992 studio album by Bad Religion

Generator is the sixth studio album by the punk rock band Bad Religion. Although the album was completed in the spring of 1991, it was not released until 1992; the band was not happy with the artwork and packaging, and went through several ideas that were eventually scrapped. Generator was the band's first release with drummer Bobby Schayer, who replaced Pete Finestone during the Against the Grain tour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brett Gurewitz</span> American guitarist

Brett W. Gurewitz, nicknamed Mr. Brett, is an American musician and record producer best known as the co-founder and guitarist of the punk rock band Bad Religion. He is also the owner of the music label Epitaph Records and a number of sister labels. He has produced albums for Bad Religion as well as Epitaph Records labelmates NOFX, Rancid, and Pennywise, among others. Gurewitz also had a project called Error, which also featured Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, and Greg Puciato. He is also the co-founder of comic book and graphic novel publisher, Black Mask Studios.

<i>Stranger Than Fiction</i> (Bad Religion album) 1994 studio album by Bad Religion

Stranger than Fiction is the eighth full-length studio album and major label debut by American punk rock band Bad Religion, released in 1994. It was a major breakthrough for Bad Religion, being certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America and becoming the band's first album to chart on the Billboard 200, peaking at 87.

<i>No Control</i> (Bad Religion album) 1989 studio album by Bad Religion

No Control is the fourth studio album by American punk rock band Bad Religion, released on November 2, 1989, through Epitaph Records. Bad Religion began work on the album while touring in support of their previous album, Suffer (1988). No Control is stylistically faster than its predecessor, owing more to hardcore punk. Additionally, it was the first Bad Religion album not to feature a lineup change from the previous album.

<i>Recipe for Hate</i> 1993 studio album by Bad Religion

Recipe for Hate is the seventh studio album by American punk rock band Bad Religion, released on June 4, 1993. It was their last album on Epitaph Records for nine years and the band had switched to Atlantic Records, who re-released the album several months after its release.

<i>The Gray Race</i> 1996 studio album by Bad Religion

The Gray Race is the ninth full-length album of the punk rock band Bad Religion, which was released in 1996. It was the follow-up to the band's highly successful 1994 album Stranger Than Fiction.

<i>No Substance</i> 1998 studio album by Bad Religion

No Substance is the tenth full-length album by the punk rock band Bad Religion. It was the band's third release on Atlantic Records, and their second studio album since guitarist Brett Gurewitz's departure.

<i>Into the Unknown</i> (Bad Religion album) 1983 studio album by Bad Religion

Into the Unknown is the second studio album by Bad Religion, released in August 1983 through Epitaph Records. The album marks a distinct departure from the band's previous album; instead of featuring hardcore punk, the album is characterized by slower tempos, use of electronic organ and pianos, and a prog-influenced hard rock sound. Into the Unknown is the only Bad Religion album to feature Paul Dedona on bass and Davy Goldman on drums. Dedona was ejected from the band before their next recording and replaced by Tim Gallegos, while former drummer Pete Finestone returned to the band in 1986. The album also features Bad Religion's longest track to date, "Time and Disregard", which is seven minutes long.

<i>The Empire Strikes First</i> 2004 studio album by Bad Religion

The Empire Strikes First is the thirteenth studio album by American punk rock band Bad Religion, released on June 8, 2004. The album is heavily influenced by the then-current Iraq War and also has some nods to George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, the latter most likely inspired by the Patriot Act.

<i>All Ages</i> 1995 compilation album by Bad Religion

All Ages is a compilation album by the American punk rock band Bad Religion. It was released on July 26, 1995, through Epitaph Records. The compilation contains songs from How Could Hell Be Any Worse? to Generator, and two live tracks recorded during their 1994 European tour, which were the first tracks to feature guitarist Brian Baker.

<i>Punk Rock Songs</i> 2002 greatest hits album by Bad Religion

Punk Rock Songs (The Epic Years) is a compilation album by Bad Religion, released in 2002. All songs on this compilation are from their tenure on Atlantic and Epic Records from 1994 to 2000, in addition to four live tracks and both the English and German versions of "Punk Rock Song". Punk Rock Songs was released by Epic without any input from the band members, as Bad Religion had already returned to Epitaph Records, and as of 2017, it has not been released in the United States.

<i>New Maps of Hell</i> (Bad Religion album) 2007 studio album by Bad Religion

New Maps of Hell is the fourteenth studio album by Bad Religion, released on July 10, 2007.

<i>Let the Dominoes Fall</i> 2009 studio album by Rancid

Let the Dominoes Fall is the seventh studio album by the American punk rock band Rancid, released in June 2009 by Hellcat/Epitaph. It is their first album of new material in nearly six years, following 2003's Indestructible, and their first with drummer Branden Steineckert, who joined the band in 2006 after the departure of founding drummer Brett Reed.

<i>30 Years Live</i> 2010 live album by Bad Religion

30 Years Live is the second live album from the band Bad Religion, which was released on May 18, 2010, therein documenting the band's 30th anniversary tour. It is the band's first live album in 13 years, since Tested in 1997. Rather than a standard release, it was originally available for free download to members of Bad Religion's official mailing list.

<i>The Dissent of Man</i> 2010 studio album by Bad Religion

The Dissent of Man is the fifteenth studio album by American punk rock band Bad Religion, which was released on September 28, 2010. It was their first album in three years, following the release of New Maps of Hell in 2007. The band commenced writing new material in 2008, but would not begin studio work until May 2010. The writing and recording process spanned two years and was slowed down considerably by touring schedules. The album was finally finished in June 2010. Some of the material was originally performed live by Bad Religion on its 30th anniversary tour in early 2010. "The Devil in Stitches" was released as a single to accompany the release of this album, while "Cyanide" and "Wrong Way Kids" also received radio airplay. Clocking in at 43 minutes, The Dissent of Man is Bad Religion's longest album to date.

<i>Christmas Songs</i> (Bad Religion EP) 2013 EP by Bad Religion

Christmas Songs is the third EP album by American punk rock band Bad Religion, released October 29, 2013 on Epitaph Records. It is their first full-length Christmas album, featuring eight covers of seasonal songs and an "Andy Wallace mix" version of "American Jesus". This is also the first Bad Religion album not to feature Greg Hetson on guitar since 1983's Into the Unknown, although he appears on "American Jesus", and the first time they recorded as a five-piece since 2000's The New America. Christmas Songs is also Bad Religion's final release with Brooks Wackerman on drums.

<i>Age of Unreason</i> (album) 2019 studio album by Bad Religion

Age of Unreason is the seventeenth studio album by American punk rock band Bad Religion, released on May 3, 2019. It is the band's first studio album to feature guitarist Mike Dimkich and drummer Jamie Miller, replacing Greg Hetson and Brooks Wackerman respectively, and the first one to be produced by Carlos de la Garza, thus ending their collaboration with Joe Barresi, who had produced, mixed or engineered every Bad Religion album since 2004's The Empire Strikes First; Barresi did, however, mix "The Kids Are Alt-Right", which had already been released as a one-off single in 2018.

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "The New America - Bad Religion | Songs, Reviews, Credit". AllMusic . Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  2. 1 2 Durchholz, Daniel. "Review: The New America". Wall of Sound. Archived from the original on April 15, 2001. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
  3. ↑ Hot Band. Long Island, New York: Newsday LLC. October 19, 2000. p. C03.
  4. ↑ Paul, Aubin (March 29, 2000). "Better Religion". Punknews.org. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  5. ↑ Live at the Palladium DVD
  6. ↑ Paul, Aubin (May 24, 2000). "New Bad Religion Music Video". Punknews.org. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  7. ↑ Paul, Aubin (June 22, 2000). "Bad Religion on Why". Punknews.org. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  8. ↑ Paul, Aubin (June 23, 2000). "There's Nothing Good on TV Anymore". Punknews.org. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  9. ↑ Paul, Aubin (June 30, 2000). "Bad Religion and Big Media". Punknews.org. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  10. ↑ White, Adam (February 10, 2001). "Bad Religion South American Dates". Punknews.org. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  11. 1 2 Thompson 2000, p. 170
  12. ↑ "CG: bad religion". Robert Christgau. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  13. ↑ Hiller, Joachim (June–August 2000). "Reviews: Bad Religion / The New America CD". Ox-Fanzine (in German). Retrieved May 26, 2019.
  14. ↑ "Rolling Stone Music | Album Reviews". Rollingstone.com. February 28, 2012. Archived from the original on March 28, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  15. ↑ "The New America's entry at Billboard.com". Billboard.com. February 2016. Archived from the original on March 17, 2006. Retrieved December 27, 2007.
  16. ↑ The New America (Media notes). Bad Religion. Atlantic. 2000.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Bad Religion – The New America" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  18. ↑ "Bad Religion: The New America" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  19. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Bad Religion – The New America" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  20. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Bad Religion – The New America". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  21. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Bad Religion – The New America". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  22. ↑ "Bad Religion Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 30, 2024.

Sources

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.