One Hit Wondering – Tonic

One Hit Wondering is a series of columns where I listen to the album of a one hit wonder, and find three songs, other than the hit, that people should hear. 

Although it may have seemed like Southern California-based rock band Tonic burst onto the scene in 1997 with their mega-hit “If You Could Only See,” in reality the song was the third single off their debut album, Lemon Parade. For a lot of bands, if neither of their first two singles hit, the record label oftentimes moves on from the project, so there’s a possibility that “If You Could Only See” was actually Tonic’s last shot to make an impact, and what an impact it made!

“If You Could Only See” was everywhere in 1997, so much so that it ended up one of radio’s most played rock songs that year.

The tune was written by Tonic frontman Emerson Hart, then in his early 20s, and was directed at his family for their negative thoughts on his relationship with an older woman. If I recall correctly, when I saw Tonic live a handful of years ago, Hart noted that his parents ended up being right. Hey, it happens (it actually happens often when we’re in our 20s, the decade when our ego, and our knuckleheadedness, are both at their respective peaks).

You’d figure with one of the biggest radio hits of the year more singles would be on the way from Lemon Parade, but “If You Could Only See” would turn out to be the end of the parade route. There was no fourth single, or re-release of either of the previous singles in an attempt to capitalize on the band’s newfound fame.

The album, which was released in 1996, still reached platinum status, strictly off the strength of “If You Could Only See.”

Tonic would go on to release two more albums – Sugar, and Head on Straight, the latter earning them two Grammy nominations, but nominal sales – before the band parted ways.

A reformation in 2008 led to a self-titled album released in 2010, and in 2016 the band celebrated the 20th anniversary of Lemon Parade by recording a fan-funded acoustic version of their debut set, titled Lemon Parade Revisited.

If fans are funding a project that big, clearly Lemon Parade has a lot more to it than just the one hit.

With that in mind, here are three songs from the album, other than “If You Could Only See,” that you should hear. 

“Casual Affair”

 

The second single off Lemon Parade, “Casual Affair” was a damned good ‘90s rock song, and should’ve been given a re-release after “If You Could Only See” blew up. It would’ve dominated rock radio.

“Mountain”

 

The unexpected blues rock influence in “Mountain” made me raise my eyebrows for all the right reasons. It was an “Oh, they can do this, too???” type of deal.

After hearing a song like “Mountain” you have to think the band has some great record collections.

“Wicked Soldier”

 

Tonic told poetic stories with their songs, but oftentimes left their lyrics open to interpretation. With that in mind, “Wicked Soldier” could have a myriad of potential meanings, making it perfect for repeat listens.

Until next time, here’s to discovering more great music from one hit wonders!

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