Probably, every connoisseur of quality music who listens to radio stations has heard the composition of the famous American band Smash Mouth called Walkin' On The Sun more than once.
At times, the song is reminiscent of the Doors' electric organ, The Who's rhythm and blues throb.
Most of the texts of this group cannot be called pop - they are thoughtful and at the same time understandable for a resident of almost any country. In addition, the "velvet" voice of the group's vocalist will not leave indifferent any music lover.
In their work, the Smash Mouth group combined such musical styles as ska, punk, reggae, surf rock. Some even compare this group with the famous Madness band and its successors.
Founding history and original line-up of Smash Mouth
The group was founded in 1994 in San Jose (Santa Clara, California, United States of America).
The creative path of the band began with the fact that Kevin Colman (American producer and manager) introduced Stephen Harvell to musicians Greg Camp (guitar) and Paul Le Lisle (bass guitar).
At that time, both were members of the punk rock band Lackadaddy.
The first line-up of Smash Mouth
Greg Camp is a guitarist, composer and songwriter. Even as a child, his parents noticed that the young man loves loud music and gave him a mini-installation for his birthday. His favorite bands were: Kiss, Beach Boys, and also Van Halen.
Stephen Harvell is a young man who was distinguished not only by his outstanding vocal abilities, but also by performing tricks during concerts (he was engaged in high jumps).
From adolescence, he liked the music played by Depeche Mode and Elvis Presley.
Kevin Coleman is a musician who at the time of the formation of the rock band was responsible for drum kits. His favorite bands were: AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd; before the band Smash Mouth was formed, Kevin played in clubs and various parties.
Paul De Lyle - bass guitarist, was fond of bass at the age of 12. In fact, while meeting other members of the team, Paul was disappointed that they were not fond of surfing, since this sport was a kind of hobby for him.
The young man's favorite bands were Kiss and Aerosmith. It was after meeting with Greg Camp that the group Smash Mouth was created.
Group path to success
The band's first successful composition was called Nervous in the Alley. She got on radio stations in the state of California. As a result, the guys signed a contract with the recording studio Interscope Records.
The debut album Fush Yu Mang was released in 2007, it included 12 tracks. It was after its release that the guys recorded one of the most famous singles Walking' on the Sun.
He topped the radio charts in London, New Zealand, Canada and several other countries. The title track hit the top twenty on the Billboard charts.
In 1999, another album, Astro Lounge, was released, the title track of which All Star became the soundtrack for such films as: "Rat Race" and "Shrek". Naturally, she further strengthened the band's position among connoisseurs of high-quality music.
Other songs from the album were used in various commercials and television series, even the famous Pizza Hut catering chain decided to use the song Can't Get Enough Of You Baby as its own slogan.
Both Smash Mouth's first and second album went platinum. From the next test pop-rock record, such compositions as Out Of Sight, Believer, and incendiary songs Pacific Coast Party, Keep It Down, Your Man got to the radio station.
In 2003, the guys recorded the album Get The Picture and several singles: Yore Number One, Always Gets Her Way, Hang On. After their release, the band signed a full-fledged contract with the famous record label Universal Records.
It was in this studio that the guys recorded the next album-collection All Stars Smash Hits. Closer to Christmas the band recorded an album with cover versions of Gift Of Rock.
Further career of the group
A song from another disc of the Summer Girl group was used as the soundtrack for another part of the animated film "Shrek".
True, after the release of the Get away Car single in 2005, nothing was heard about the Smash Mouth team until 2010. There were rumors among numerous fans and in the media that the band had broken up.
However, in 2012, an Instagram post appeared on the global network, in which it was reported that the members had gathered again to record the LP Magic album.
In the same Instagram in 2019, the musicians announced that they were working on recording the next record. At the same time, the All Star single appeared on the network, which the band dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Astro Lounge record.
The group became popular due to their unique style, melodic music and soft vocals. Naturally, it can be considered classics of pop-rock music.
