Nada Surf’s High/Low is one of those albums that sound nostalgic as soon as you hear it. Produced by Ric Ocasek, the album captures the band’s knack for writing emotionally direct songs wrapped in fuzzy guitars and simple arrangements where nary a note is wasted. While “Popular” became the breakout hit thanks to its sarcastic spoken-word verses and crunchy chorus, the band’s deep cuts showcase a more sincere and melodic side that goes well beyond their lone radio single.
The lo-fi production suits the band’s scrappy aesthetic well. The slightly boxy drums and unpolished guitar tones only reinforce this charm. It sounds like music made by a band still figuring things out, which is certainly on par for a debut album from the mid-90’s. Rather than chasing big trends or studio polish Nada Surf focused on heart and hooks. And it works.
Standout Songs: “Deeper Well”, “Popular”, “Stalemate”, “Psychic Caramel”
