Same as It Ever Was

Last updated

Same as It Ever Was
Houseofpainsameasiteverwas.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 28, 1994
RecordedSeptember 1992 - August 1993
StudioImage Recording Studios
(Hollywood, California)
Genre Hardcore hip hop
Length49:22
Label
Producer
House of Pain chronology
House of Pain
(1992)
Same as It Ever Was
(1994)
Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again
(1996)
Singles from Same as It Ever Was
  1. "Who's the Man?"
    Released: 1993
  2. "On Point"
    Released: 1994

Same as It Ever Was is the second album by American hip hop group House of Pain. It was released in 1994 and peaked at number 12 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Billboard 200. [1] To record the album, the group had to work around Everlast's house arrest for a gun charge. [2] The clean version of the second song from the album, "I'm a Swing It", was featured in the 2001 skateboarding video game Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 .

Contents

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [3]
Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s A- [4]
Entertainment Weekly A [5]
NME 4/10 [6]
RapReviews7/10 [7]
Sputnikmusic 2.5/5 [8]
The New Rolling Stone Album Guide Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]
Tom Hull B [10]

Same as It Ever Was did not reach the same commercial heights as the group's previous album; however, Same as It Ever Was peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart (their highest position to date) and also reached gold status by Recording Industry Association of America. [11]

AllMusic gave it four out five stars. [3] Matt Carlson of The Michigan Daily found the album quite good and noted "the music is laid back with some heavy driving forces underlying and strengthening it". [12] Andrew Love of The Ocala Star-Banner gave it four stars saying "this is a band that has definitely progressed over the course of one album". [2] J.D. Constantine of The Baltimore Sun did not like the album and found it monotonous and unimaginative. [13] Roger Catlin of the Hartford Courant said that while finding the continuity monotonous it's "hard and compelling" as well as a "strong outing". [14] Music critic Robert Christgau gave the album an A− and described it as "the hardest hip hop of the year."

Track listing

No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Back from the Dead"3:32
2."I'm a Swing It" DJ Lethal 3:43
3."All That"DJ Lethal1:26
4."On Point"DJ Lethal3:48
5."Runnin' up on Ya"DJ Muggs3:17
6."Over There Shit"DJ Muggs3:33
7."Word Is Bond" (featuring Diamond D) Diamond D 4:02
8."Keep It Comin'"DJ Muggs3:43
9."Interlude"DJ Lethal0:46
10."Same as It Ever Was"DJ Muggs3:27
11."It Ain't a Crime"
  • DJ Muggs
  • DJ Lethal
3:27
12."Where I'm From"DJ Lethal4:01
13."Still Got a Lotta Love" ("All My Love" Part 2)DJ Lethal2:53
14."Who's the Man?"DJ Lethal4:03
15."On Point" (Lethal Dose Remix)DJ Lethal3:33
Total length:49:24

Personnel

Charts

Chart (1994)Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA Charts) [15] 97
U.S. Billboard 200 [16] 12
U.S. Billboard Top Current Albums [17] 12
U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums [18] 12
U.S. Billboard Top Album Sales [19] 12
U.S. Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Album Sales [20] 12

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [21] Gold500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">House of Pain</span> American hip hop group

House of Pain was an American hip hop trio that released three albums in the 1990s. The group consisted of DJ Lethal, Danny Boy, and Everlast. They are best known for their 1992 hit single "Jump Around", which reached number 3 in their native United States of America, number 6 in Ireland and number 8 in the United Kingdom. The group broke up in 1996.

<i>CrazySexyCool</i> 1994 studio album by TLC

CrazySexyCool is the second studio album by American girl group TLC, released on November 15, 1994, by LaFace and Arista Records. Following the group's record deal, they released their debut album Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip in 1992 to positive reviews and commercial success. The group began working on a follow-up in 1993 but experienced an unproductive recording process due to personal issues, notably those of member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, who was struggling with alcoholism and her volatile relationship with football player Andre Rison. The album's recording lasted until September 1994, with Lopes' role diminished while she was in rehab.

<i>Diary of a Mad Band</i> 1993 studio album by Jodeci

Diary of a Mad Band is the second studio album from American R&B group Jodeci, released December 21, 1993, on Uptown Records and distributed through MCA Records. The album also featured the first-ever album appearances from Timbaland & Magoo, S.B.I, Missy Elliott and Sista, two years before the latter group became known in the music industry. New Jersey rapper Redman also makes a guest appearance on the album. It was Jodeci's second album to reach number one on the R&B album chart, where it stayed for two weeks. It spawned the number 1 R&B hit "Cry for You"; the number 2 R&B hit "Feenin'", and the Top 15 R&B hit "What About Us". Despite not being released as a single, the album's opening track, "My Heart Belongs To U", was also an urban radio hit with it peaking at #55 & charting for 20 weeks on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. To date, the album has sold over four million copies in the United States and six million worldwide.

<i>Tical</i> (album) 1994 studio album by Method Man

Tical is the debut studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man. It was released November 15, 1994, by Def Jam Recordings. It was the first Wu-Tang solo album released after the group's debut, Enter the Wu-Tang . Similar to all first generation solo Wu-Tang projects, Tical was mainly produced by group member RZA, who provided a dark, murky and rugged sound. The album features guest appearances from RZA, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, as well as several affiliates, who would later appear on future group projects. On October 5, 2017, Method Man revealed on the Viceland talk show Desus & Mero that the album's title is an acronym for "taking into consideration all lives."

<i>Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik</i> 1994 studio album by Outkast

Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik is the debut studio album by the American hip hop duo Outkast, released on April 26, 1994, by LaFace Records and Arista Records. Having befriended each other two years prior, rappers André 3000 and Big Boi pursued recording music as a duo and worked with production team Organized Noize, leading to a record contract with LaFace. With the team producing, Outkast recorded the album at the Dungeon, D.A.R.P. Studios, Purple Dragon, Bosstown, and Doppler Studios, all in Atlanta.

<i>Toni Braxton</i> (album) 1993 studio album by Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton is the debut studio album by American singer Toni Braxton, released on July 13, 1993, by LaFace Records and Arista Records. The album was primarily produced by L.A. Reid, Babyface, and Daryl Simmons.

<i>My Way</i> (Usher album) 1997 studio album by Usher

My Way is the second studio album by American singer Usher. It was released on September 16, 1997, by LaFace Records in North America. The album features guest appearances from Monica, Jermaine Dupri, and Lil' Kim. The album was supported by three singles, all multi platinum-selling: "Nice & Slow", "My Way", and "You Make Me Wanna...".

<i>So Tonight That I Might See</i> 1993 studio album by Mazzy Star

So Tonight That I Might See is the second studio album by American alternative rock band Mazzy Star, released on October 5, 1993.

<i>Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip</i> 1992 studio album by TLC

Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip is the debut studio album by American girl group TLC, released on February 25, 1992, by LaFace Records. The title of the album comes from the last line of Left Eye's rap on "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg".

<i>House of Pain</i> (album) 1992 studio album by House of Pain

House of Pain (Fine Malt Lyrics), or simply House of Pain, is the debut album by American hip hop group House of Pain, released on July 21, 1992, through Tommy Boy Records. The photograph on the album cover was taken at 820 South Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles.

<i>Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again</i> 1996 studio album by House of Pain

Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again is the third and final studio album by American hip hop group House of Pain. It was released in October 22, 1996 via Tommy Boy Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danny Boy (rapper)</span> American rapper

Daniel O'Connor, better known as Danny Boy or Danny Boy O'Connor, is an American rapper, art director, and the executive director of The Outsiders House Museum. O'Connor spent his childhood in New York, before moving to Los Angeles in the 1980s. In the 1990s, O'Connor co-founded the rap group House of Pain, with fellow rapper Erik Schrody (Everlast) and DJ Leor Dimant. Based on their cultural heritage they fashioned themselves as rowdy Irish-American hooligans. O'Connor played the role of art director, designing logos, branding, hype man, and co-rapper. In 1992, with the singles "Jump Around" and "Shamrocks and Shenanigans", their self-titled debut album, also known as Fine Malt Lyrics, went platinum.

<i>Sons of the P</i> 1991 studio album by Digital Underground

Sons of the P is the second studio album by American hip hop group Digital Underground. It was released on October 15, 1991 via Tommy Boy Records. Main recording sessions took place at Starlight Sound in Richmond, with additional recordings done at Unique Recording Studios in New York, Axiom Recorders in Tampa and The Disc Ltd. in Detroit. Production was handled by D.U. in-house production team credited as The Underground Production Squad, with Atron Gregory and member Shock G serving as executive producers. It features contributions from George Clinton, Stretch and Treach.

<i>Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop</i> 1989 studio album by Boogie Down Productions

Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop is the third studio album by American hip hop group Boogie Down Productions. It was released on July 4, 1989, via Jive Records. Recording sessions took place at Power Play Studios in New York. Production was handled by member KRS-One with co-production from fellow member D-Nice, D-Square, Rebekah Foster, Sidney Mills and Spaceman Patterson.

<i>Epiphany</i> (T-Pain album) 2007 studio album by T-Pain

Epiphany is the second studio album by American singer T-Pain, It was released on June 5, 2007, by his record label Nappy Boy Entertainment, under the distribution of Akon's label Konvict Muzik, Jive Records, and Zomba Label Group. The album marks a first for T-Pain, who launched his own record label Nappy Boy Entertainment. Critics gave the album mixed reviews. Epiphany debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and spawned three singles: "Buy U a Drank ", "Bartender" and "Church".

<i>Hip Hop Lives</i> 2007 studio album by KRS-One and Marley Marl

Hip Hop Lives is the collaborative studio album by American rapper KRS-One and record producer Marley Marl. It was released on May 22, 2007 via Koch Records. Recording sessions took place at House Of Hits in New York and at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles. Production was handled by Marley Marl himself, except for one track produced with 88 Fingers. It features guest appearances from Blaq Poet, Busy Bee Starski and Magic Juan. The album's title is a response to Nas's 2006 album Hip Hop Is Dead.

<i>This Is an EP Release</i> 1991 EP by Digital Underground

This Is an EP Release is the first extended play by American hip hop group Digital Underground. It was released on January 15, 1991 through TNT Recordings and Tommy Boy Records. Production was handled by Digital Underground themselves. The EP peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 and number 7 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States. It was certified gold on March 18, 1991 by the Recording Industry Association of America for selling 500,000 units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Who's the Man? (song)</span> 1993 single by House of Pain

"Who's the Man?" is a song performed by American hardcore hip hop group House of Pain. It was released in 1993 via Tommy Boy Records as the third single off the original motion picture soundtrack of Ted Demme's film Who's the Man?. Recording sessions took place at Image Recording Studios in Hollywood. Production was handled by members DJ Lethal and Everlast, who used a sample of the Kay Gees' 1974 song "Who's the Man? ".

<i>Theater of the Mind</i> 2008 studio album by Ludacris

Theater of the Mind is the seventh studio album by American hip hop recording artist Ludacris. It was released in the UK on November 21, 2008 and in the US on November 24, 2008 and on other release dates throughout the world, through Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam South. Ludacris calls the album "theatrical".

<i>Malibu Ken</i> (album) 2019 studio album by Malibu Ken

Malibu Ken is the eponymous debut studio album of American hip hop duo Malibu Ken, composed of rapper Aesop Rock and producer Tobacco. It was released on January 18, 2019, through Rhymesayers Entertainment to generally positive reviews.

References

  1. "House of Pain - Chart history | Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  2. 1 2 Love, Andrew (August 8, 1994). "Latest release is full-blown Pain". Ocala Star-Banner. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  3. 1 2 Henderson, Alex. "Same as It Ever Was - House of Pain | Album | AllMusic". AllMusic . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  4. Christgau, Robert (2000). Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s. St. Martin's Press. ISBN   0-312-24560-2.
  5. Ehrlich, Dimitri (July 8, 1994). "Same as It Ever Was". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  6. Udo, Tommy (July 16, 1994). Dee, Johnny (ed.). "Long Play". NME . p. 37. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  7. Juon, Steve 'Flash' (August 9, 2022). "House of Pain :: Same as It Ever Was – RapReviews". www.rapreviews.com. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  8. "House of Pain - Same As It Ever Was (album review) | Sputnikmusic". Sputnikmusic . January 15, 2009. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  9. Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian David (2004). (The New) Rolling Stone Album Guide. Simon and Schuster. p. 396. ISBN   978-0-7432-0169-8.
  10. Hull, Tom. "Grade List: House of Pain". tomhull.com. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  11. "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". RIAA . Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  12. Watts, Ted (September 8, 1994). "Ted Watts review". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  13. Considine, J.D. (July 8, 1994). "House of Pain the 'Same,' over and over". The Baltimore Sun. pp. Maryland Live 5.
  14. Catlin, Roger (July 14, 1994). "Same as It Ever Was". Hartford Courant. pp. Entertainment Guide 4 - 5.
  15. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 132.
  16. "House of Pain Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  17. "House of Pain Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  18. "House of Pain Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  19. "House of Pain Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  20. "House of Pain Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  21. "American album certifications – House of Pain – Same as It Ever Was". Recording Industry Association of America.