Take Five: Classics from Gin Blossoms

Exemplars of the 1990s melodic alternarock movement, Tempe, Arizona’s Gin Blossoms scored a succession of hit singles with their tuneful take on rock. Against the backdrop of grunge, the band’s approach won the band a following. Some observers may have thought that the group might lose its momentum with the death of lead guitarist and songwriter Doug Hopkins, but the group proved them wrong. While Gin Blossoms broke up in 1997, they returned to the scene five years later, resuming live dates and studio releases as well. The band’s latest release is a live EP, Live at The Song, a five-cut set featuring some of their biggest hits. On the occasion of this year’s 30-year anniversary of their Platinum-selling third album Congratulations… I’m Sorry, here are five classic tracks from Gin Blossoms.

“Hey Jealousy” from New Miserable Experience (1993)
Guitarist Doug Hopkins wrote or co-wrote seven of the 12 songs on Gin Blossoms’ 1989 indie-label debut, Dusted. One of those songs was “Hey Jealousy,” a tune that would go on to become Gin Blossoms’ signature song. Dusted didn’t make the charts, but “Hey Jealousy” endured. The band re-recorded it for their major label debut, though – due to the alcohol abuse and erratic behavior that eventually led to his death – Hopkins would be fired from the band before the release of New Miserable Experience. “Hey Jealousy” reached no. 25 on the Billboard singles chart.

“Til I Hear it From You” from Empire Records: The Soundtrack (1995)
In 1995 Gin Blossoms guitarist Jesse Valenzuela teamed up with like-minded guitarist and songwriter Marshall Crenshaw to compose “Til I Hear it From You.” The song was chosen for inclusion on the soundtrack of Empire Records. While the film was a mere cult success, the song stormed eight different U.S. singles charts, selling well in five other countries as well. In the wake of its success, “Til I Hear it From You” was added to the international release of Congratulations… I’m Sorry. The single’s sales also boosted interest in the group, and New Miserable Experience started selling again as well.

“Follow You Down” from Congratulations… I’m Sorry (1996)
The group-composed “Follow You Down” would be among the strongest tracks on Congratulations… I’m Sorry, the first Gin Blossoms album released after Hopkins’ death. A durable tune, the single stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for an amazing 46 weeks, peaking at no. 9. It would be the band’s last appearance to date on that chart, capping an impressive run of popular singles that included “Allison Road,” “Until I Fall Away,” “Found Out About You,” “As Long As it Matters” and more. A testament to Gin Blossoms’ appeal, two best-of collections would appear: 1999’s Outside Looking In and The Millennium Collection from 2003.

“Miss Disarray” from No Chocolate Cake (2010)
The hit singles era may have come and gone, but on their return Gin Blossoms proved they still had plenty to offer. 2006’s Major Lodge Victory spawned a minor hit single in “Learning the Hard Way” (no. 22, Adult Pop). Four years later, the critically well-received No Chocolate Cake climbed to the no. 14 spot on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart. A highlight among many on that album, “Miss Disarray” showcased all of the virtues that made Gin Blossoms one of the foremost alt-rock bands of the ‘90s and beyond.

“Break” from Mixed Reality (2018)
After No Chocolate Cake, eight years would pass before Gin Blossoms returned with another studio album. When they did, the band chose to work with the duo who (years earlier) helped R.E.M. create their debut: Don Dixon and Mitch Easter. Mixed Reality was a superb release that should have set the chart on fire for Gin Blossoms once again. The album did perform well on the Indie Albums chart, reaching no. 36. The record’s breakout track, “Break” would fit in seamlessly on any best-of Gin Blossoms playlist.