There are a handful of bands that I truly love. I am talking “every song on every album” seems to connect with my soul. These bands have seen me through several milestones in my life (the good ones and “not so” good ones). And their music has just always been there. Third Eye Blind is easily a band that fits into this category. Stephan Jenkins has led this band through line-up changes, successes, failures, and over 20 years of making music. I think it is safe to say that Third Eye Blind has been a favorite of mine since their beginnings. (Coming in right behind The Cure for me).
I was in college when Third Eye Blind released their self-titled album in 1997. While many songs from this album aired all over the radio, it was the “lesser known” songs that I loved. Everyone knows “Semi-Charmed Life” and “How’s It Going to Be”. However, the last four tracks on this album sweep me away with emotion every time I listen to them. All four songs seem to go together and ,in a way, tell a story. A story that ends with the honest and heartbreaking, “God of Wine”.
A few years later in 2003, Third Eye Blind released their third album, Out of the Vein. While the singles from their debut album put them on the musical map, Out of the Vein delivers a window into some personal feelings of Jenkins. I think that his emotional transparency is what makes this such a great album. “Wake for Young Souls” is an example of the songs on this album that just have a way of getting into your heart. The lyrics describe the feelings involved with loosing someone close to you at a young age and dealing with the grief of this loss.
Third Eye Blind released Ursa Major in 2009, six years after their last album. While Ursa Major is not a favorite of mine, it does contain a few gems. One of these gems is “Water Landing”. The lyrics compare a failing relationship to a plane crash (much like “My Hit and Run” from Out of the Vein”). However, in 2015, Third Eye Blind released Dopamine – bringing back that raw emotion and sincerity of song writing that I have always loved about this band! The songs on this album, such as “Get Me Out of Here” and “Say It” reveal Stephan Jenkin’s anxiety over performing on stage and his self-doubt over his song-writing ability. This album, along with Out of the Vein, are two favorites that I like to listen to often.
Just like any favorite band, I suppose, I never grow tired of seeing their live performances. Third Eye Blind is definitely a band for the fans. They love their followers and never hesitate to interact with them personally – either in person or on their Instagram. They have a very loyal fan base, which is more evidence of their talent as a band.
My daughter and I had the opportunity to meet Stephan Jenkins and drummer, Brad Hargreaves, during the Summer Gods Tour in 2017. My daughter had taken a photo of Jenkins at a previous show and she brought it along with her in hopes that he would sign it. Not only did he sign it, he was genuinely impressed with her photograph. He personalized it and wrote, “I love your work”. It made me so happy to see my daughter complimented by one of my favorite musicians. I am even more proud that I have passed my love for this band onto her!
Third Eye Blind brings it’s Summer Gods Tour back to the area this Friday, July 19th. We are looking forward to a great summer’s evening at Merriweather Post Pavilion with Third Eye Blind. Jimmy Eat World and Ra Ra Riot will be opening so be sure to get there early and enjoy a full night of great music! Tickets are still available for this show! You can pick them up here!
In the meantime, enjoy some photos from their last two shows in the area: Summer Gods Tour 2017 at MECU Pavilion in Baltimore and The DC 1010 Blossom Bash at a sold out Athem in D.C. All photos copyright and courtesy of Shantel Mitchell Breen.
