Author Archives: Gibbs Dela Cruz

My Top 3 Tiny Desk Contest Winners So Far

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Tiny Desk Concert has been one of the best things that has happened for music over the past decade. I love it so much, that I made a post about it.

And one of the things that makes Tiny Desk Concert special is that it features artists you wouldn’t even have known because let’s face it, there’s only a finite amount of music in the world you can hear, and obviously you’re not gonna hear everything.

But then comes the Tiny Desk Contest.

The Tiny Desk Contest is an annual contest that NPR has held since 2015 by inviting musicians to submit a video of one of their songs, and a jury of musicians and NPR staff choose a winner to play a Tiny Desk Concert.

And I want to share with you my top 3 contest winners’ concerts so far in no particular order. These are the ones you should listen to, as in right now.

Alisa Amador

This was the first Tiny Desk Concert that happened in person since the pandemic started, and I think Alisa’s music was very captivating to help reflect people’s lives during the pandemic, the emotions, the people we lost, and moving forward with life now. Her last song “Together” was as beautiful to listen to now as I listened to it a year ago.

Fantastic Negrito

This was the first one I saw, well because it was the first winner lol. I was just taken aback by the raw emotion, of the life of Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, a.k.a. Fantastic Negrito. The man oozes out the blues and swag, you’ll feel it a few seconds into his first song, and once he gets you, you’re in for a ride, I tell you. And by the time you know it, 15 minutes have come by, and you’re compelled to press play and listen to it all over again.

Tank And The Bangas

This one. Oh, this one. The first time I listened to this, I laughed, I got hyped, and for the first time, I cried watching a Tiny Desk Concert. The way Tank (the main vocalist) mixes poetry and singing in a way that just amazes me. In one of my classes for school, we talked about using words as a theater of the mind, and this entire concert was it. The way their songs just makes an absolutely beautiful picture in my head of different emotions. I’m even having a hard time not shedding a tear while writing this. Watch out for their last song “Butterflies”. It’s literally a roller coaster of emotions. I can’t even describe it.

A.I. is almost starting to creep me out.

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I was just scrolling on Twitter/X/Whatever Elon wants to call it these days, and because I moved from the Philippines, I got a lot of Trending Topics there and I found out about one network’s way of trying to become hip and trendy.

This is Maia and Marco. GMA Network’s 3D Human Avatar Artificial Intelligence. The company said the AI would join the human reporters (I can’t believe I have to specify ‘human’ in reporter) 4 times a month, on digital platforms, but never on TV.

Because of this, I started looking around the world to see if other news media outlets are using AI news reporters and yes they are:

Not to put my tin foil cap on, but I’m starting to overthink how AI is really taking over the world. From media to medical, and engineering.

It’s all good and all, but picture this: many years ago, people were getting worried that industrial machines were taking over people’s jobs, but we learned how to use and maintain those machines and everything went great. This time around is about digital machines that are taking over people’s jobs, and not just people’s jobs but almost their identities as well. Like, how would you feel if there’s a digital doppelganger of you on the internet, that acts the way you do, speaks the way you do, and with the cadence that you have? Just felt the chills.

Let’s face it: I know it, you know it, everyone knows it that in this age, we’re still struggling with our identities, of who we really are, and what purpose we have here on this planet, and now there’s this incoming technology that can essentially CTRL+C CTRL+V you digitally (CMD+C CMD+V for those on the Mac, gotta include everyone here. No time for PC vs Mac fights, it’s 2023. Let’s move on from that.)

All I’m saying is that if you work in any industry, whether it’s advertising for clients, or advertising by dressing up as a mascot, we gotta learn how to use this new tool like how to get on a train that’s already moving. You can either jump on board, learn the ins and outs, and enjoy the ride, or watch it speed away, leaving you stuck at the station.

And the worst feeling anyone could have is to be stuck.

So let’s learn how to use this tool before the tool uses us. I mean, I’m already using ChatGPT to write this very article. Or am I? *wink*

Tiny Desk Concert Has Ruined Music For Me

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I hate Tiny Desk Concert.

I don’t know about you, but at first, I was like, “What’s the deal with these concerts at an office desk?” I mean, are we turning Excel spreadsheets into the new album charts? Why are these musicians allowed to take over people’s lunch breaks by playing their music? It’s all baffling for me.

For context, Tiny Desk Concerts is a series of YouTube videos of musicians playing songs on some random office desk of this guy named Bob Boilen or something at this place called NPR in Washington, D.C.

At first glance, I couldn’t understand what all the hype was about. I mean, come on, a tiny desk in an office setting as a backdrop for musical concerts? Is NPR trying to convince us that cubicles are the new concert halls? How about acoustics? I’m no sound engineer but it’s an open office, sound will go everywhere. For a radio station, NPR sure knows its sound engineering smh.

Some of you might say that you love Tiny Desk Concert, I mean fair enough. But lend me your eyes and attention as I convince you why you should hate the Tiny Desk Concert:

Tiny Desk Concert ruins all recordings of an artist. 5 years ago, I hadn’t listened to Tyler, The Creator before, and one day I saw Tyler’s Tiny Desk Concert video, clicked on it, and  I was expecting high-energy, hype beats because I knew Tyler was a rapper and stuff but it started off with this outrageous intro by the backup singers. I mean the audacity! Also, there were no high-energy, hype beats, it was all laid-back, acoustic, chill vibes. I was flabbergasted. The man even went to Bossa Nova around the middle of the first song. I kept an open mind and watched the entire concert. Then one day I was curious if the songs Tyler played were the same arrangement as their Tiny Desk Concert. But little did I know… It wasn’t! I felt betrayed because the Tiny Desk Concert version was miles better than the recorded version! How am I supposed to listen to this on Spotify? Speaking of Spotify…

Tiny Desk Concert is not on Spotify. I mean, I have Spotify, you have Spotify, everyone mostly has a Spotify so, listening to it on the road in transit, when I’m writing this article on my phone on the way to school, it would be great to listen to these audacious concerts on your transit while doing assignments, while you cleaning your place. I would assume it’s easy to put them on Spotify and just direct all the money to the respective artists based on agreement. I don’t get why they haven’t done this yet after 10+ years. There is YouTube Music though but I’m not gonna pay another subscription just to listen to the concerts as audio.

I hope that this convinces you to hate the Tiny Desk Concert. For now, let’s just grumble together and wait for the next Tiny Desk Concert video to arrive.

Time to watch Mean Girls again. #MeanGirlsDay!

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“On October 3rd, he asked me what day it was.”

“It’s October third.”

If you haven’t heard of Mean Girls yet, how many rocks have you been living under your whole life?

Mean Girls is one of the best films of the 2000s and nothing comes close. If you say no, here’s your Go To Jail card. Do Not Pass Go. Do Not Collect $200.

I bet when we saw the trailer for this, we all thought it was just another dumb teenage movie. I know it. You know it. Everyone knows it. When the movie was released, I just started high school, so I thought the movie would just be funny and not that serious but after watching, I related a bit to the movie. And now in 2023, I can say it’s one of the smartest movies about teenagers with teenage problems. When I say smart, I don’t mean the characters in the movie were smart, but they were smartly written, by none other than Tina Fey, one of the best comedy writers in all of Hollywood. She wrote this movie from scratch, loosely based on the 2002 Rosalind Wiseman book, Queen Bees and Wannabes, and she also borrowed elements from her own experiences in high school and named most of the characters after her real-life friends. I mean if I’m going to write about a movie about high school, I would use high school experiences, from other people. Not from me, that’s a black hole you don’t want to jump into.

But anyway, moving on. Obviously, it smashed the box-office Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an 84% and put this film in their “Top 50 Greatest Teen Comedies” list. Not bad for a “dumb movie about teenagers and their problems.” Everyone liked it, and so did you.

This movie came out in 2004, but we’re still talking about the movie in 2023. That says something great right? Well, it did help that people on the interwebs were using quotes from the movie as memes and even made a day about it. October 3rd is #MeanGirlsDay. It’s not just the kids today that use them, even the kids back then are still using them now. Even me.

I mean, I’m not using “fetch” in every sentence I say, because I know that ain’t happening, but you know what’s happening? Mean Girls references everywhere, from Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed” (yes, this song was inspired by Regina’s George’s epic quote), to even the White House, when they posted this in 2014:

And this by far was the best in 2018, the Embassy of Israel responded to a tweet (or post? Make your mind X/Twitter)  to the Mad Mullahs of Iran. Embassy? More like emba-sassy!

Whether you already watched the movie or not, today’s your annual reminder to watch it. Mean Girls even took it upon themselves as a self-service to put up the movie on their official TikTok page for free! I mean maybe just today, so watch it before it goes away again and you’ll have to resort to pirating it somewhere.

https://www.tiktok.com/@meangirls/video/7285582812676148523

So what are you waiting for? Watch the movie, appreciate the great writing, and the small look on 2000s culture, and make fetch great again! M-F-G-A! Don’t worry, we’ll work on a better name next time.


Why You Should Listen To The Beths

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If you haven’t heard of The Beths, you’re missing out. Hailing from New Zealand, this indie pop-rock band is a powerhouse that deserves a spot in your playlist.

Their songs are catchy as hell and had me humming for days. The Beths know how to blend pop and rock into something that feels fresh and totally addictive. A contrast against the moody and cloudy Vancouver weather.

I discovered The Beths one day when I was on transit going to school I was scrolling through Instagram and one of my friends who’s in a band made a bass cover of their latest single and I was hooked. The sound was an infectious ray of sunshine amidst the raining backdrop of my transit.

The Beths aren’t afraid to explore different sounds and moods from their usual upbeat songs to introspective ballads, so they’re just all sunshine and rainbows. Hey since you’ve read this far, let me suggest some songs to listen to, trust me these are gold.

Watching The Credits – This is their latest single as of this writing, and the aforementioned song that my friend did a bass cover on. Hearing the bass lines on this song is just *chef kiss*. Listen to it now! Go do it now, the article can wait until you’re done.

Expert In A Dying Field – Their most played song on Spotify, and the music video is just authentically them. And the comments on their music video made me read the lyrics and this commenter said it best, “this is one of the best metaphorical pretenses I’ve heard in a love song in a looooong time. Brilliant” – this person is 100% correct.

When You Know You Know – The song’s intro just takes me to a simpler time, when the world wasn’t as forked up as now. This song is what I listen to as I walk around alone, just reflecting on life and life’s happenings. I don’t know why this song makes me do this but I don’t hate it.

The best part is that their music is a pick-me-up on a bad day and the perfect soundtrack for a good one. Whether you’re driving, working out, or just chilling, The Beths have a song for every moment. Trust me, your ears will thank you, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without The Beths in your rotation, and now I am waiting for their Vancouver tour. No news yet but I’m willing to wait!

Thoughts on Transit: Royal Blood’s “Back To The Water Below”

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Royal Blood has been one of the most unique bands I’ve ever come across over the past decade since I heard “Little Monster” back in 2014. Blues rock duo, lead bass guitar, thumping drums, it blew my mind how insanely good their musicality was.

Their 2014 Debut Self-titled Album – flawless
“How Did We Get So Dark?” in 2017 – great follow-up!
“Typhoons” in 2021 – it was okay, it slowly grew on me.

Now in 2023, the band dropped “Back To The Water Below” last September 8th. I was going to listen to it on day 1, but life got in the way but never too late to start so here we are now.

Here are my thoughts on Royal Blood’s “Back To The Water Below” while on Transit.

When I started to listen to the first song, all I thought was they still had their sound: hard-hitting, fast, blues-riffy bass guitar, with amazingly mixed drums that you can feel the bass drum and snare just hit you like a couple of jabs in boxing training. I felt the energy, the hype, the stank face!

Little did I know that was the peak energy of the album and it just slowly faded away, it never looked back. The next few songs were okay here and there, but once again they did something that in my opinion is both the blessing and the curse of the band’s overall sound: Royal Blood does really good fast, hard-hitting songs.

What I mean by that is most of the fast, hard-hitting songs by Royal Blood have the presence, the power, the emotions, the anger, the badassery of what rock is commonly known for.

But when they do slow songs, I feel like it’s either they were just forced to put out other tonalities so that they don’t trap themselves to a particular style, or they just need to write better because midway through the album the energy fades away, and slowly leaning into the very dragging in my opinion, Arctic Monkeys’ 2018, and 2022 albums: Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, and The Car respectively.

I’m not saying Arctic Monkeys is bad, I’m merely referring to the energy of the songs. How did it make me feel? There should be a balance between energies between songs. I feel like Royal Blood was hungry when they started in 2014, but now they aren’t hungry as much and started to mellow down from their hard, blues-rock personality.

Hopefully, this album will grow on me in the future, but now, I’m just not feeling the vibe.

I’d give Royal Blood’s “Back To The Water Below” a solid 3.5 out of 5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Dont @ Me: My Top 5 *NSYNC songs

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NSYNC was one of pop music’s most popular boy bands during the late 1990s and early 2000s. I mean you must be living under a rock, underneath another rock, if you have no idea of who they are. The group consisted of members Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass. They sold over 70 million records, won numerous awards, and were in the Guinness Book of Records for having the fastest-selling pop album in history “No Strings Attached”. The album sold over one million copies in one day and over two million in one week.

Imagine that, one million in one day. If someone told me that, I wouldn’t believe them at first.

But speaking of things I wouldn’t believe at first, I can’t believe that 20 years later, in the year of our Lord, 2023, *NSYNC are now reunited, and also, they have a new single!!

I am a 1990s baby so I grew up with pop groups as well, so I’ve listened to their great hits and I am going to rank the definitive, top five *NSYNC songs of all time. Love me or hate me, Don’t @ me.

#5 Tearin’ Up My Heart

On my number 5 spot, “Tearin’ Up My Heart” is basically the holy grail of pop music. It’s got all the secrets of a killer pop song – a beat that’ll make your grandma breakdance, some behind-the-scenes drama (Backstreet Boys passed on it, can you believe?), and synths that are basically the musical equivalent of confetti cannons.

Chris Kirkpatrick hops on the mic with JT and JC. Sure, he’s like the Robin to their Batman, but he’s there hitting those high notes to add depth to the song. 

So, next time you’re feeling all nostalgic and want to time travel to when boy bands ruled the world, just crank up “Tearin’ Up My Heart” and let the harmonies of JT and JC teleport you to a pop paradise.

#4 Pop

The boy band scene was catching some serious shade because people weren’t buying them as legit singers. So NSYNC went, “Hold up, we can play this game too.” After the crazy success of “No Strings Attached”, they dropped this track to mess with the narrative.

It’s basically a backstage pass to the wild world of being a pop stars. But here’s the kicker—it’s not meant to be taken seriously. There’s some legit frustration in their voices as they dish about what folks say about pop stars. And yeah, there’s a line about the ice around their necks that might make you roll your eyes.

#3 Girlfriend

Ah, the theme that never gets old. Boy likes Girl but Girl already has a boyfriend but the boyfriend is not treating her well, and Boy wants to treat her better than she’s ever been treated before. He wants her to know that her boyfriend won’t treat her the way he would. Classic.

The Neptunes cooked up and whipped out this track for the gang. It also wasn’t a one-time deal. They teamed up with Justin Timberlake on a lot of his solo projects.

The moment that beat hits, this song slaps you in the face—in a good way. You know it the second it graces your ears. It’s got that signature Neptunes production tag all over it, blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop vibes like it’s nobody’s business, and it enabled the group to step away from their usual pop sound and explore some creative freedom.


#2 Bye Bye Bye

For our number 2 spot, “Bye Bye Bye” is a dance anthem that’ll have you moving like your limbs are possessed. I grew up with this song so I was forced, er I mean, heavily coerced, to dance the choreography of this to the entertainment of older relatives. Those were not-so-good old days.

Now, the musical arrangement is just pure fire, catchy beats and all. It feels like they got the perfect pop formula and they’re just flexing about it.


#1 It’s Gonna Be Me

Man, trying to describe how insanely catchy this song is, is impossible! The music’s straight-up fire. Drums and bass are hotter than a jalapeño eating a habanero. Add in some hardcore piano chords to drive the beat, and you’ve got a musical explosion.

This track is so radio-friendly, that it practically owns a spot on the airwaves. And get this, even though it was recorded ages ago, it’s timeless!

Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez practically sang their hearts out with passion cranked up to 1000. They give each other the stage to shine, and JC? Thumbs up for holding those notes like a beast. It’s like a musical masterpiece that refuses to age. I’m 32 and listening to this just brings me back 20 years.

Why Cowboy Bebop Should Be Everyone’s First Anime.

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Cowboy Bebop has been a staple in pop culture ever since it came out in 1998. With a great setting, characters, music, and visuals, and if you haven’t watched any anime before, then Cowboy Bebop should totally be your first anime. Here’s why:

First off, Cowboy Bebop is like the James Bond of anime. It’s got a slick, sophisticated vibe that oozes coolness. Set in a futuristic, space-cowboy world, it’s a mix of action, drama, and a dash of humor. It’s not too quirky or trying to be cute and all making it perfect for anyone dipping their toes in anime.

Now, let’s talk about characters. Spike Spiegel, our main protagonist, is so smooth, he could slide down a mountain of butter. His partner-in-crime, Jet Black, brings some serious wisdom to the team. And then there’s Faye Valentine, a femme fatale with a mysterious past, and Ed, the quirky computer whiz kid. Trust me; you’ll fall in love with this bunch like you would love the Guardians of the Galaxy.

What’s more, the music in Cowboy Bebop deserves its own Grammy. The soundtrack, courtesy of Yoko Kanno, is a musical rollercoaster. Jazz, blues, and electronic beats set the perfect mood for every scene. You’ll find yourself humming along, even if you’ve never touched an instrument in your life. The intro song for this anime is straight-up fire!

Visually, Cowboy Bebop is a masterpiece. The art style mixes Western and Japanese influences, creating a world that’s like nothing you’ve seen before. Plus, the action scenes are so mind-blowing you might need a seatbelt for your couch. All of this in 1998 mind you. The animation studio that made this was way, way ahead of their time.

Now, here’s the kicker. Cowboy Bebop doesn’t play hard to get with insider anime jokes or cultural references that’ll leave you scratching your head. Its themes of love, loss, and redemption are universal, like pizza — everyone gets pizza.

So, whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or just someone looking for a wild ride through the stars, Cowboy Bebop is your golden ticket. It’s a gateway anime that’ll have you hooked faster than you can say “See you, space cowboy.” So, grab some popcorn, buckle up, and get ready for a binge-watching session that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t dive into anime sooner.

Who knows, after watching this, it sets you up to dive into the rabbit hole that is anime.

Shrek’s Iconic Swamp is now on Airbnb!

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Hey, Shrek super-fans, here’s a dream come true for you!

If you’ve ever fantasized about spending a night in the iconic swamp crib, your happily ever after is just around the corner. Airbnb has gone all out to recreate Shrek’s Swamp, and soon, you’ll have the shot to book it. But here’s the catch: you’ve got to be quick and lucky.

Starting October 13th at 1 p.m. ET, you and your fellow passionate swamp goers can throw your hats in the ring to crash in this mossy, murky paradise. Tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a two-night stay in the house of ogre.

Mark your calendars for October 27th-29th. That’s when you can snag this sweet deal for up to three guests, and guess what? It’ll cost you a grand total of zero dollars. Airbnb isn’t stopping there, though; they’re also making a generous one-time donation to the HopScotch Children’s Charity!

Quick note: this isn’t a contest, so pack your bags and get ready to roll. You’ll have to handle your own travel expenses.

But let’s talk about the most important part: they’ve absolutely nailed the look of Shrek’s swamp, from the house to the funky furniture to those “BEWARE” signs. It’s like they plucked it right out of the movie. But don’t just take my word for it – check out these pics and let them do the talking:

Those fortunate enough to secure a reservation can fully immerse themselves in the swampy haven. Picture this: you can relax with the ambient glow of an earwax candle, recline in Shrek’s comfy chair, and savor a parfait fit for an ogre. And don’t worry, you’re not limited to indoor fun – you can step outside, light up a fire (perhaps share some spooky swamp tales), and even pay a visit to Shrek’s iconic outhouse.

Now, here’s the real icing on the cake – your host is none other than Donkey himself (apparently, he’s filling in for Shrek), and yes, there will be waffles!

But hold onto your enchanted boots; this isn’t Airbnb’s first rodeo when it comes to offering fans a chance to stay in famous (and sometimes fictional) spots. Earlier this year, they rolled out the pink carpet for Barbie fans with a real Malibu Dreamhouse. In 2020, you could crash at The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s mansion or even spend a night at the last surviving Blockbuster. And in 2021, Home Alone aficionados had a shot at booking a stay in the McAllister house.

Airbnb sure knows how to turn fantasies into reality!

The 5 Best Smash Mouth Songs Of All Time.

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Smash Mouth has always been one of those bands that you easily love or hate.

People easily love the band because of its signature bright, sunny, and uptempo sound but at the same time, people easily hate it due to the same signature sound. Some say it’s too bright and sunny for them and that’s okay. People can want whatever they want. The band has been active since 1994 and with the sudden passing of its vocalist, Steve Harwell last September 4th, I think it’s time we take a retrospect on the discography of Smash Mouth and see what are the 5 best Smash Mouth songs of all time.

#5 Then the Morning Comes

I bet you’ve only heard this song once or twice before. If not, then get cozy with Smash Mouth’s classic “Then the Morning Comes,” a track that rolled out in 1999 on their “Astro Lounge” album. This is the second single from the album, really striking a chord up here in the Great White North. It climbed all the way to number two on our Canadian music charts, and our friends south of the border in the States were jamming to it too, hitting the eleventh spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

#4 Can’t Get Enough of You Baby

Let’s revisit the fantastic album “Astro Lounge” once more. The track “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby” was dropped as the album’s first single giving us the infectious sound that Smash Mouth is known for, but here’s a twist – it’s not an original Smash Mouth song. It’s a cover song written by Denny Randall and Sandy Linzer. The song originally made its debut on the soundtrack of the movie “Can’t Hardly Wait.” – if you remember this, yes we’re old. Yet, well before Smash Mouth got their hands on it for their “Astro Lounge” album, it was already a hit back in 1966, thanks to the legendary band Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Smash Mouth made a name for themselves by covering songs with their sound and, we’re not close to being done yet because..

#3 I’m A Believer

On our number 3 spot, I know this, you know this, everybody knows this. The iconic track, “I’m a Believer,” originally cooked up by the legendary Neil Diamond back in the 1960s, and it got a major glow-up courtesy of The Monkees in 1966. It’s one of those songs that’s been passed around like a hot potato, And then, Smash Mouth takes it for a spin on their third album, “Smash Mouth,” in 2001. But here’s where it gets really wild in this swamp: it hopped on the soundtrack of everyone’s favorite ogre film, Shrek! Suddenly, this tune became a colossal, green monster hit, reaching a whole new generation who might’ve missed out on this gem!

#2 Walkin’ on the Sun

Alright, in second place, we’ve got their killer original jam, “Walkin’ on the Sun.” This one’s the brainchild of Smash Mouth’s guitarist and songwriter, Greg Camp. And guess what? It wasn’t just any debut—it rocketed to number one on not one but two charts: the US Billboard Adult Contemporary and Alternative AirPlay charts. Talk about kicking off your musical journey with a bang! Even if they started with a bang, this song is not even their final form yet. That title goes to..

#1 All-Star

The track that took the cake in their career. The grand slam of their singles! This song strutted its stuff all the way to the prestigious number four spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. But wait, there’s more. They weren’t just a star; they were THE star on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary charts, shining bright at number one. And if you think that’s impressive, hold onto your hats because this single flew off the shelves, selling over three million copies in the USA, “All Star” had it all, and it was the second single to drop from their 1999 album “Astro Lounge.”

Finally, this iconic song is what we heard when audiences got introduced to Shrek, cementing a legacy of memes that stands to this day!