Bad Religion - The New America (2000) [with 'New America' CDS] RESTORED

Best described as thinking man's punk rock, the 20-year veteran of a style at times diluted by weak imitation returns with its first studio release since 1998's NO SUBSTANCE. THE NEW AMERICA triumphantly reunites Bad Religion with founding guitarist Brett Gurewitz songwriting talent, and if that isn't enough to capture the attention of long-time fans, rock icon Todd Rundgren lends his much sought-after producing talents for these sessions. Vocalist and principal writer Greg Graffin's trademark layered harmonies are an integral part of what places Bad Religion far above lesser punk acts, and here they dominate songs such as "1,000 Memories", "The Hopeless Housewife", and "A Streetkid Named Desire". Bad Religion is no stranger to social commentary on technology and its effect on society, and "I Love My Computer" combines these sensibilities with melodic hooks and modem sound effects. The band's gift for writing thought-provoking, affecting music puts THE NEW AMERICA in a class of its own.

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 marks a departure for the band, as most of the songs are personal, rather than political in nature. Topics range from singer Greg Graffin's recent divorce to his past growing up as a punk kid in the early '80s. As a result of the more personal lyrics, the album is considered to be one of Bad Religion's strongest lyrical efforts. The album peaked at number 88 on the Billboard 200 album chart.



Todd Rundgren may seem like an odd choice of producer for Bad Religion, but as The New America illustrates, it was an inspired, even necessary, one for the veteran Californian punkers. Bad Religion painted themselves into a corner in the late '90s, adhering to the literate, hard-driving punk that marked their indie releases. That may have kept them pure, but as they grew older, they wound up repeating many of their musical ideas, while losing some of their focus. Rundgren blends his talents as a pop maverick and a vital hard rock producer on The New America, pushing Bad Religion to strengthen their melodies and hooks without losing their edge. Of course, if the record was just production, it would fall flat, but Bad Religion seems eager to embrace the challenge of making their tightest, tuneful record yet. Maybe some longtime fans will cringe at the big, powerful sound, the backing harmonies, or the catchy melodies, but these were all present on previous Bad Religion releases — here, they're just presented with more focus. The focus, the careful production, and the group's solid, well-constructed songs result in one of the group's strongest records, while illustrating that the group can indeed grow old gracefully. And that's the most remarkable thing about The New America — it is clearly the work of a band that's been around for nearly 20 years, but the experience hasn't worn them down, it's strengthened them. They've stayed true to their original vision while expanding its boundaries, which is something many veteran bands, regardless of genre, just can't do. Some credit may go to Rundgren, but the achievement really is Bad Religion's, not his.

~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, all media guide

Tracklist:

01. You've Got A Chance
02. It's A Long Way To The Promise Land
03. A World Without Melody
04. New America
05. 1000 Memories
06. A Streetkid Named Desire
07. Whisper In Time
08. Believe It
09. I Love My Computer
10. The Hopeless Housewife
11. There Will Be A Way
12. Let It Burn
13. Don't Sell Me Short
14. The Fast Life [Bonus Track]
15. Queen Of The 21st Century [Bonus Track]

all songs written by Greg Graffin except "8" by Graffin/Brett Gurewitz


Produced by Todd Rundgren. Mixed by Bob Clearmountain.
Recorded in October-December 1999 at Victor's Barn, Kauai, Hawaii
Lead Guitar on track "8" by Brett Gurewitz.

• Greg Graffin – lead vocals
• Greg Hetson – guitars
• Brian Baker - guitars, backing vocals
• Jay Bentley – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Bobby Schayer – drums, percussion

Original Release Date: May 9, 2000
This Japanese Release: May 24, 2000
Format: Original Recording, Bonus Tracks
Label: Sony Music Entertainment, Japan
Catalog No.: ESCA-8152

The single contains two tracks unknown to underprivileged North Americans, though these are more of the band's home demos – the usual source for overseas B-sides. "Lose as Directed" is a surprise, throwaway '60s pop that sounds like a '70s new wave band covering the Rolling Stones' "The Last Time" (very similar riff – best hope Allen Klein doesn't call his lawyer). Much better is "Pretenders," which is poorly mixed (the drums are louder than the guitars), but is further evidence that when Graffin writes 20 songs every two years, they're all meritorious. This is a really developed verse I'd like to see American Lesion, his solo side project, do on piano, followed by a multi-voice bridge and simple chorus. More excellence.

~ Jack Rabid, all media guide

New America - CD Single:

01. New America
02. Let It Burn
03. Lose As Directed
04. Pretenders


Tracks "1-2" from the album "The New America"
Tracks "3-4" are from a different session.

Release Date: June 20, 2000
Label: Label: Sony Music Germany
Catalog No.: DRA 669193-5