The Nirvana Revolution smashed opened the door for countless like-minded bands. Many were second-rate rip-offs, but Everclear was one deserving of the opportunity. Sure, the angst and crunchy post-punk riffs of Sparkle and... more » Fade owe a debt to St. Kurt, but Art Alexakis's own outsider tales--sample titles include "Heroin Girl" and "You Make Me Feel like a Whore"--prove piercing in a woe-is-him sort of way. Featuring the swaggering, strangely euphoric "Santa Monica," itself one of the finer rock singles of '90's, Sparkle burns like a fresh wound. It's an exhilarating, if ultimately long-winded collection, far more accomplished than the band's hit-and-miss debut and not nearly as overtly radio-minded as it successor. --Neal Weiss« less
The Nirvana Revolution smashed opened the door for countless like-minded bands. Many were second-rate rip-offs, but Everclear was one deserving of the opportunity. Sure, the angst and crunchy post-punk riffs of Sparkle and Fade owe a debt to St. Kurt, but Art Alexakis's own outsider tales--sample titles include "Heroin Girl" and "You Make Me Feel like a Whore"--prove piercing in a woe-is-him sort of way. Featuring the swaggering, strangely euphoric "Santa Monica," itself one of the finer rock singles of '90's, Sparkle burns like a fresh wound. It's an exhilarating, if ultimately long-winded collection, far more accomplished than the band's hit-and-miss debut and not nearly as overtly radio-minded as it successor. --Neal Weiss
"Emo, what a crappy name for a style of music. It supposed to stand for 'emotional' music as I understand. What the F were they ("Who are THEY? And where do they get their information?) thinking? All music is emotional. That's what it's about!
Anyway, this is a great and TRUELY emotional album. This is the best Everclear album. I lost interest for the most part after "So Much For the Afterglow" but "Sparkle and Fade" is one of my all time favorite albums. This is comiing from a die hard music fan of all genres, not just rock."
Sparkle And Fade Rocks!
02/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ok, I fell in love with Everclear after hearing "Everything To Everyone" a few years ago and recently bought Sparkle And Fade. Wow... what can I say, this is the best CD I have ever heard. "Heartspark Dollarsign" is my favorite track, and "Nahalem" is one of those songs you love at once. And "Pale Green Stars" has a great chorus that sticks in your head. I have to say, buy this CD, you'll love it!"
Well, basically...I love it
UsedRustyNail | MI | 09/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is so rad. It never fails to make me feel alive. The best song on it I think is "You Make Me Feel Like a Whore." It's an essential 90's CD from an essential 90's band."
Pinnacle of '90s rock
W. M. Davidson | St. Louis, MO | 08/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Sparkle and Fade" is the high point of Everclear's career and one of the very best (maybe THE best) albums of the '90s. It's full to bursting with amazing melodies and moving lyrics, and performed with blistering intensity. Not a word or note is misplaced. The only thing missing is the playfulness and experimentation of Everclear's later, more eclectic records-- this is straight-ahead, meat-and-potatoes rock. But it's so expertly written and played, so colorful and vital, it's hard to find any room for improvement. I can't recommend this album enough."