Third Eye Blind is best known for their 1997 smash hit ‘Semi-Charmed Life.’ But fans of theirs know there is much more to the band. A typical Third Eye Blind album will feature a blend of radio-friendly singles and album tracks that will blow you away. Lead singer, Stephan Jenkins, is a superb lyricist (he obtained an English Literature degree). They are a highly underrated band and are often mistakenly dismissed as commercial fluff from the nineties.
Third Eye Blind formed in the early nineties and took the world by storm in 1997 when they released their self-titled debut album. That album was lead by the single ‘Semi Charmed Life,’ which instantly took over mainstream radio. A handful of hits followed; such as ‘How’s It Gonna Be,’ ‘Never Let You Go,’ and ‘Jumper.’ As quickly as the hits came, they left. Third Eye Blind’s second album, ‘Blue,’ failed to generate the buzz that their debut had. They have only released one album since 1999.
Third Eye Blind still tours and is prepping a new album, but it is widely believed that their heyday has past. They did, however, leave behind a catalog of music that will make anyone who lived through the nineties smile and some hidden gems that everyone should check out.
Here are the top ten Third Eye Blind songs:
10. Jumper- Jumper was a big hit from their self titled debut album. The song is believed to be about suicide prevention. Favorite lyric: The angry boy is a bit too insane, icing over a secret pain. You know you don’t belong.
9. Palm Reader- This is Stephen Jenkins’ favorite song from their latest album ‘Out Of the Vein.’ It even got Howard Stern’s seal of approval when it was played for him by Jenkins. Favorite lyric: You’re just another debtor to some palm reader, who’s got her hands mixed up.
8. Tattoo of the Sun- This song didn’t make it on to Third Eye Blind’s debut album. It was, however, the B-side to ‘Semi-Charmed Life.’ It became very popular among Third Eye Blind fans. So popular, in fact, that it was included on their greatest hits album nearly ten years later. Favorite lyric: I believe everything you say, ‘Cause you’re not frightened the way I’ve been.
7. Crystal Baller- ‘Crystal Baller’ was going to be the title of Third Eye Blind’s third album. After many delays, the title was changed to ‘Out of the Vein,’ but ‘Crystal Baller’ was the strongest song on the album. Favorite Lyric: Can we talk about tomorrow and the promise that it brings, I want to be your crystal baler I want to be your diamond ring.
6. Anything- ‘Anything’ is the opening track on Third Eye Blind’s sophomore album, ‘Blue.’ It is a hard rock song that sets the tone for the remainder of the album. Clocking in at just over two minutes ‘Anything’ is a bit short, but the intensity of the song makes up for it. Favorite lyric: Anything for you, turn my castles blue. Turn my bones to sand, just to see you.
5. God of Wine- ‘God of Wine’ is a very important song to the members of Third Eye Blind. Since their first tour, they have used this song to end their shows. Favorite lyric: Every fault that I repent, there’s another chip you haven’t spent. And you’re cashing them all in, where do we begin to get clean ever.
4. Semi-Charmed Life- This is the song that started it all for Third Eye Blind. In the summer of 1997, you couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing those infectious ‘do,do,doos.’ Ironically, as poppy as the song is, its subject matter is quite grim. The song is about drug abuse and features many thinly veiled drug references. Favorite lyric: I speak to you like a chorus to the verse, drop another line like a coda with the curse.
3. Wounded- ‘Wounded’ is a hidden gem from the ‘Blue’ album. Third Eye Blind seem to thrive with songs on grim topics. ‘Wounded’ is an anti-domestic violence anthem. Favorite lyric: back down the bully to the back of the bus, ’cause it’s time for them to be scare of us.
2. Slow Motion- This song did not get released in the United States. It appeared on ‘Blue,’ but only as an instrumental. Elektra Records made the band pull the full tilt version in the aftermath of the Columbine High School shootings. On the international release of ‘Blue’ the regular version, with all of the lyrics appears. Stephen Jenkins’ lyrics are as sharp as ever in this tongue-in-cheek song. Favorite lyric: Hollywood glamorize my wrath, I’m the young urban psychopath. I insight murder, for your entertainment. ‘Cause I needed the money, what’s your excuse? The joke’s on you.
1. Motorcycle Drive By- ‘Motorcycle Drive By’ could have been Third Eye Blind’s biggest hit. Instead, it got buried at the end of the debut album. It still gets played regularly at Third Eye Blind concerts and is well received. Even though the song was not released to radio, fans seem to know every word to the song. If anyone ever makes fun of Third Eye Blind or is dismissive about their talent, they should hear this song.
