SEMI-FORMAL
( 2017 )
Information
Mad Dogs' first studio album, one #1 hit, platinum. Gave them a big enough fan following to warrant a second album, where their creative sound really took off.
Track Listing
"Vanessa" || 3:23 || Lyrics by Lucas Friar. Zay takes lead vocals. An upbeat, pop rock ballad. Swoon-worthy lyrics about pining after a girl who won't love you back, and the train wreck that emotional feelings can leave in their wake. Written interestingly, although tellingly, from the perspective of an outside observer.
TRIVIA: Based on Zay's high school crush on a girl from their youth, later to be known as fellow R&B diva Vanessa J. Chronicles the rift Vanessa incidentally caused in Zay and Lucas's friendship during high school - a story they laugh over now but that felt as serious as the lyrics emulate at the time. One of the first songs Lucas ever wrote.
"First Date" || 3:38 || Lyrics by Lucas Friar and Charlie Gardner. Charlie takes lead vocals. An upbeat, pop rock ballad with a solid guitar line. Simplistic, fluffy lyrics about winning over a girl.
TRIVIA: Dave was originally slated to take the lead guitar as Charlie was singing, but "negotiations" amongst the record label decided Charlie better handle it.
"Unofficial Thing" || 3:40 || Released as Single || Lyrics by Lucas Friar. Zay and Charlie share lead vocals. Upbeat, inspired rock rhythm that establishes their sound as a band, different from the lighter, poppier tracks on the album. Their first single that put them on the map. One guitar solo (Charlie). Focus on being with a girl despite mixed signals as to what exactly she thinks you are, a darker point of view than most of the album.
TRIVIA: The song was recorded before production for the full album began, so Dave is not featured on the track as it was before he officially joined the band. When he does his own guitar solo when they perform it live without Charlie, it's far more impressive.
"Drop The Marble" || 4:02 || Lyrics by Lucas Friar. Charlie takes lead vocals. Pop rock with a heavy bass line. Focus on taking a chance and doing something risky without worrying about the consequences. Dark lyrics hidden behind an upbeat sound.
TRIVIA: The song was supposed to have a harder, edgier sound in development, but disagreements in studio lead to it being changed to be more upbeat. Farkle still stands by the opinion that the original idea would have been far more successful.
"Sugar" || 2:58 || Lyrics by Lucas Friar. Zay takes lead vocals. A swingy, guitar heavy bop. Charlie and Farkle doo-wop and harmonize. Simple focus on admiring a girl with whom you're seriously infatuated with.
TRIVIA: The song that really caught the eye of critics and gave Zay some spotlight on a rather Charlie-heavy album. His personality and showmanship during events and interviews would garner him the rest of his reputation as being the true frontman.
"You, Me, Mars" || 2:49 || Lyrics by Lucas Friar, Farkle Minkus, and Charlie Gardner. Charlie takes lead vocals. A particularly bubblegum pop sound for their usual rock roots. Bass line notably missing.
TRIVIA: One of the most historically controversial tracks behind the scenes. The lyrics/song ideas were originally pitched by Farkle, who wanted to take it in a more instrumental route. Charlie forced the pop sound on it, so Farkle backed off and let him completely take it over (wanting nothing to do with the pop fluff that it was becoming). The original song was about a minute longer, but it all got cut in the transition from Farkle's hands to Charlie's. He later released a full, heavier bass version on his solo EP, Dr. Turtleneck.
"Evil Genius" || 5:12 || Released as Single || No lyrics present. The one track Farkle managed to get where the instruments would do all the talking. Charlie is not featured on the track, but Zay slides in on the piano. One guitar solo (Dave).
TRIVIA: Although critics enjoyed it and praised it far above most of the other tracks on the album, fans weren't sold as it was very out of place amongst the rest of the track selection. Music pundits highlight this track as the prophetic track that hinted at what would come of the band in the future, as it's the only track with just Zay, Lucas, Farkle, and Dave on the first album. There are rumors that Charlie refused to participate in the production. There are other rumors that Farkle kicked him out during recording. The true story has never been shared.
"Money" || 3:05 || Lyrics by Lucas Friar. Zay takes lead vocals. Charlie harmonizes. A quick, rambunctious rock tune. Relatively self-explanatory focus on how money makes the world go round and how it sucks to have none of it.
TRIVIA: One of Lucas's original compositions from his garage band days with Zay. When asked about it in interviews, he admits he's embarrassed by how simplistic it is.
"Talk About Us" || 5:10 || Lyrics by Lucas Friar. Charlie takes lead vocals. Zay harmonizes. A creative, engaging alternative rock sound. Heavily instrumental. Allows Farkle and Lucas the chance to show off their instrumental ability.
TRIVIA: There are fierce debates over how much of the difficult guitar in the track is Charlie playing, and how much of it is actually Dave.
"Girl Meets Boy" || 4:15 || Chart-Topper || Released as Single || Lyrics by Lucas Friar and Charlie Gardner. Charlie takes lead vocals. A soft, acoustic ballad. Just Charlie and his guitar. A strange, solo ending to an otherwise band-led album. The only track to hit number one.
TRIVIA: Rumor has it the track was added and placed at the end to make up for the debacle that was Evil Genius. None of the bandmates have ever confirmed or denied this rumor. Solidifies Charlie's fan base.
