Better Than Ezra

“Good.” With that single syllable song, Better Than Ezra firmly established themselves as one of the premier alt-rock bands alongside such illustrious contemporaries as Blind Melon, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dishwalla, Gin Blossoms, and Collective Soul. Debut Deluxe was a surprise hit and spawed at least two other successful singles.

From there, Better Than Ezra crafted an equally grand sophomore record. The release of Friction, Baby saw newfound fans across the globe embracing one of the most reliably crowd-pleasing songs in Better Than Ezra’s catalogue: “Desperately Wanting”. However, despite the success, no new ground was broken because the band opted to utilize the exact same mold they’d used for their debut.

The debate between releasing a roster of straight rock records and experimenting with a style a bit deeper than the average alternative album has torn apart lesser acts. Granted, it is a crucial decision that can make or break a band.

Do you cater to the greatest common denominator and give the people what they theoretically want – another piece of the same rock record? Or do you alter your present style to something less mainstream yet still have the album solidly land within the field of pop music?

Better Than Ezra’s conceptualization of third album How Does Your Garden Grow set about to regenerate the dormant creativity long-time fans knew they were capable of. It begins with quirky opener “Je Ne M’en Souviens Pas”, which essentially establishes this will not be BTE Rock Record #3.

The record really kicks off with “One More Murder”, which adroitly highlights the senselessness of random killings. “At the Stars” recalls late nights that seemed as if they could last forever. “Under You” unfolds beautifully as a love paean, while adjacent track “Live Again” suggests a more complex relationship replete with worries and woes.

“Beautiful Mistake” is nudged near the end of the album when many bands are tacking on filler songs and half-hearted tracks. Concerning a father who has abandoned his family, the track was immediately seized upon by fans who understood the pain of loss. For years it could be found next to Everclear’s “Father of Mine” on oft-pressed melancholy mix discs.

Though Better Than Ezra has released two albums since Garden, with some notable high points, they have yet to reach the creative heights they scaled so seemingly effortlessly in 1998.

 “Good” from Deluxe (1993)

 “Desperately Wanting” from Friction, Baby (1996)

 “Beautiful Mistake” from How Does Your Garden Grow? (1998)

“A Lifetime” from Closer (2001)