New Radicals: Did You Know?

Fun Facts & Untold Stories About the New Radicals

If you grew up in the late '90s, chances are you’ve belted out “You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals at least once. The band became synonymous with that anthem of optimism and rebellion, but despite the song's success, they seemingly vanished from the spotlight as quickly as they arrived. However, there’s much more to the story of the New Radicals than most people know. Here are some fun facts and untold stories about the band that might surprise you!

1. A Band with One Hit—But What a Hit!

The New Radicals are often labeled as a one-hit-wonder, but their hit “You Get What You Give” left a lasting mark on pop culture. Released in 1998, the song became an instant anthem of the decade, with its infectious melody and empowering message. What’s lesser known is that it wasn’t just a commercial hit. The song has been hailed by numerous critics as one of the best pop songs of the 1990s. In fact, Rolling Stone ranked it among the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. Despite its massive success, the band chose to walk away from the limelight soon after.

2. Gregg Alexander, The Man Behind the Curtain

Gregg Alexander, the mastermind behind the New Radicals, is not your typical frontman. He’s more comfortable behind the scenes, which is part of why the band dissolved shortly after they found success. Alexander had a deep aversion to the fame that came with being in the spotlight. What many people don’t know is that after the New Radicals disbanded, Gregg didn’t disappear from music—he simply shifted to working behind the scenes as a producer and songwriter for other artists. He went on to write hits for artists like Santana and Michelle Branch (“The Game of Love”), as well as Ronan Keating (“Life Is a Rollercoaster”).

3. The Controversial Lyrics of “You Get What You Give”

Part of what made “You Get What You Give” so memorable was its final verse, where Alexander took a swing at several celebrities, calling out Marilyn Manson, Courtney Love, and Beck. The lyrics went:

"Fashion shoots with Beck and Hanson, Courtney Love and Marilyn Manson, You're all fakes, run to your mansions..."

This cheeky diss got a lot of attention. Marilyn Manson even responded in interviews, saying he would have beaten Alexander up if they had crossed paths. However, Alexander later admitted that the controversial lyrics were mostly a publicity stunt to stir the pot and get attention. It worked, but the backlash added to Gregg’s growing distaste for fame.

4. The Sudden Breakup

Despite their sudden rise to fame, the New Radicals’ story ended almost as quickly as it began. In 1999, just months after “You Get What You Give” became a global hit, Gregg Alexander announced that the band was breaking up. He cited his discomfort with the pressures of the music industry and his desire to focus on producing and songwriting instead. It shocked fans and the industry alike, especially given that the band was at the height of its popularity.

5. New Radicals’ Influence on Other Artists

Though they only released one album, Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too, the New Radicals left a lasting influence on many musicians. Artists from Janelle Monáe to Edge from U2 have cited “You Get What You Give” as an inspirational song. In fact, Edge called it “the song that saved rock and roll.” The track’s upbeat, anthemic quality and socially conscious lyrics set it apart from other pop hits of the late '90s.

6. Gregg Alexander's Return for the 2021 Presidential Inauguration

In a surprising twist, the New Radicals briefly reunited in 2021 after 22 years of silence. The reunion wasn’t for a new album or tour, but for a special occasion—President Joe Biden’s inauguration. The reason? Biden’s late son, Beau Biden, had found strength in the song “You Get What You Give” during his battle with cancer. As a tribute to Beau, the band came together to perform the song at a virtual event during the inauguration, marking a deeply emotional and symbolic moment.

7. Their Second Single Was Overlooked

While “You Get What You Give” gets all the attention, the band’s second single, “Someday We’ll Know,” was another gem. This song had a more mellow, reflective tone and received far less airplay than their first hit. However, Mandy Moore and Jon Foreman of Switchfoot later covered the track for the film A Walk to Remember, giving it new life in the early 2000s. The song's wistful lyrics and timeless melody have earned it a cult following over the years.

8. The Unique Sound of the New Radicals

One of the things that made the New Radicals stand out was their distinctive sound, a blend of pop, rock, and funk with a slight psychedelic touch. Gregg Alexander drew inspiration from a wide range of genres and artists, including Prince, The Rolling Stones, and Todd Rundgren. This melting pot of influences helped shape the band's eclectic, feel-good vibe, and it’s a big reason why “You Get What You Give” felt so fresh and different from other pop hits of the time.

9. Gregg Alexander Wrote for Film, Too

After the breakup of the New Radicals, Gregg Alexander didn’t just stick to songwriting for other artists—he also got involved in film music. In 2013, he wrote the song “Lost Stars” for the film Begin Again, which starred Keira Knightleyand Mark Ruffalo. The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, showing that Alexander’s songwriting prowess remained as sharp as ever.

10. The Album Title’s Hidden Meaning

The band’s only album, Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too, has a cryptic title that some fans believe hints at a deeper social commentary. While the lyrics of the album cover various themes—love, frustration with society, the pitfalls of fame—the title suggests a critical look at how people are influenced by societal pressures and the media. The album, though upbeat and catchy, carries an undercurrent of rebellion against conforming to expectations.

The story of the New Radicals may seem like a brief chapter in music history, but their influence and legacy continue to resonate with fans old and new. With just one album and a single iconic hit, they managed to capture the spirit of an era, while also leaving behind a legacy of optimism, rebellion, and, of course, a little bit of mystery.

One of the most meaningful and memorable lyrics from the New Radicals comes from their hit song “You Get What You Give”:

"But when the night is falling, you cannot find the light, you feel your dreams are dying, hold tight."

This line resonates deeply because it speaks to perseverance and hope in the face of adversity. It's a reminder to hold on during difficult times, a theme that connects with listeners who find strength in the song's uplifting message. The combination of vulnerability and encouragement in these lyrics is part of what makes “You Get What You Give” such a powerful anthem.