Guster was initially popular on college campuses where they played and enjoyed success thanks to their passion-filled music and creativity. Their first two albums, Parachute and Goldfly were hits at college campuses. These releases were raw, containing energy and enormous creativity, but lacked many truly memorable songs. In 1999, they made their big leap, picking up a big-time producer and fine-tuning their music. With Lost and Gone Forever, Guster became a staple in movies like Life as a House, Wedding Crashers and several TV shows.
It is easy to tell that each track on Lost and Gone Forever was put together with painstaking care. The lyrics make you nostalgic, sad, happy. Guster knows how to push tap into raw emotion and has a song for everything. Lost and Gone Forever is undoubtedly their finest work. A massive leap forward after their first two albums, Guster would come close to reaching a similar level with later releases Keep It Together and Ganging Up on the Sun. Their 1999 release is such a complete album that it's hard to pick favorites. All the songs feel like they were meant to fit together, despite being drastically different.
The highlights:
"What You Wish For"
An offbeat and pulsating track, What You Wish For was popularized by its appearance in the opening of Life as a House a few years after it came out. This is a great song that you can listen to in the morning to get yourself moving.
"Barrel of a Gun"
Reminiscent of their previous two albums, it has a rhythm, but feels a bit unrefined. It's a creepy song about being infatuated with a movie star.
"I Spy"
Going against their history of complex and interesting music, this song keeps it simple. A mix of drum beats and faint guitar, it's a song to sing along with in your car..
"Center of Attention"
We all have relationship problems, and we're all tired of the same old songs dealing with relationship problems. This song is actually a pretty upbeat song about an arrogant, self-involved man, which seems a bit contradictory but is something you need to hear to really appreciate.
"Happier"
An angry song, mixed with an upbeat tempo equals success for Guster. This song is one of the best on the album and is about losing a friend to someone or something else. We've all been there, and the relatability, emotion, and complexity makes this one of the best songs on the album.
"Two Points for Honesty"
"If that's all you will be, you'll be a waste of time." Go after your dreams. It's a tribute to those who accomplish what no one thought they could, and tells how each of us has the ability to make something of ourselves.
"Rainy Day"
This is the best track on the album and one of the best songs (we're talking top three here) Guster has done. Deliciously slow and moody, this song is rife with pain and emotion and alone is worth the cost of buying the album.
Overall, Lost and Gone Forever is an amazing tapestry of truly talented artists, passion, and creativity that you won't want to miss.
"So long, so long, and on to the next one..."
