When it comes to Canadian music, very few bands have made the impact that The Tragically Hip did. Known simply as The Hip to their fans, the band was formed in Kingston, Ontario in 1984. The Hip’s music is a blend of rock, country, and blues that they called “Canadiana.” Over the course of more than three decades, The Hip became one of the most successful bands in Canadian music history, racking up countless awards and accolades. But what song launched their career? In this post, we will take a deep dive into The Tragically Hip’s first hit song.
Up to Here
The Hip’s first full-length album, Up to Here, was released in 1989 and proved to be a game-changer for the band. The album was recorded in Memphis at Ardent Studios and went gold in Canada. Up to Here spawned two number one singles, “Blow at High Dough” and “New Orleans is Sinking,” and earned the Hip a Juno Award for Most Promising Artist.
“Blow at High Dough”
“Blow at High Dough” was the first single off of Up to Here and it remains one of The Hip’s most beloved songs. The song features catchy guitar riffs, a driving beat, and lyrics that celebrate the spirit of rock and roll. “Blow at High Dough” became a hit on Canadian radio and helped to launch The Hip’s career.
“New Orleans is Sinking”
The second single off of Up to Here, “New Orleans is Sinking” is perhaps The Hip’s most famous song. The song features an iconic opening riff and lyrics that paint a vivid picture of a city on the brink of disaster. “New Orleans is Sinking” became a huge success for The Hip and helped to establish them as one of Canada’s premier rock bands.
The Hip’s Legacy
Over the course of their career, The Tragically Hip released 13 studio albums and countless singles. The band’s music was a unique blend of different genres, and their lyrics often touched on Canadian culture and history. The Hip’s music had a profound impact on Canadian music, and their influence is still felt today.
The Hip announced in 2016 that lead singer Gord Downie had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. The band embarked on a farewell tour that summer, and their final show in Kingston, Ontario was broadcast live across Canada. The show was an emotional farewell to one of Canada’s most beloved bands, and it cemented The Hip’s place in Canadian music history.
Conclusion
“Blow at High Dough” may have been The Tragically Hip’s first hit song, but it was “New Orleans is Sinking” that helped to launch the band’s career. The Hip’s music has had a profound impact on Canadian culture, and their legacy continues to live on today.
FAQ
Who sang the song What Hurts the Most first?
“What Hurts the Most” is a popular song that was first recorded by American country music artist Mark Wills. The song was written by Jeffrey Steele, a well-known American songwriter, and Steve Robson, an English songwriter. It was released in 2003 on Wills’ album “And the Crowd Goes Wild”.
The song was a hit and received critical acclaim for its emotionally charged lyrics and catchy melody. It tells the story of a person facing the pain of losing a loved one and not being able to get over the heartbreak. The song’s hook “What hurts the most, is being so close” became an instant classic and was covered by numerous artists over the years.
The song gained even more popularity when it was covered by Irish girl group Bellefire in 2004. Bellefire’s version of the song became a hit in several countries, including the UK, where it reached the top 10 on the pop charts. The song was also covered by American country music group Rascal Flatts, whose version became one of their biggest hits, reaching the top spot on the country charts and the top 10 on the pop charts.
While the song “What Hurts the Most” has been covered by several artists over the years, it was first recorded by American country music artist Mark Wills in 2003 on his album “And the Crowd Goes Wild”. The song’s meaningful lyrics and catchy melody have made it a classic that still resonates with listeners today.
When was fall out boys first song?
Fall Out Boy is an American rock band formed in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, in 2001. The band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, lead guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley. They debuted with the split EP Project Rocket / Fall Out Boy in 2002 and the mini-LP Fall Out Boy’s Evening Out with Your Girlfriend in 2003, both released on Uprising Records. The EP and mini-LP helped the band gain early exposure in the underground punk scene and led to their signing with major label Island Records in 2003. The band’s first full-length studio album, Take This to Your Grave, was released later that year and garnered critical and commercial success. Since then, Fall Out Boy has become one of the most successful and influential bands in the pop punk and emo genres, with numerous hit singles and several multi-platinum albums. Therefore, Fall Out Boy’s first song was featured on the split EP Project Rocket / Fall Out Boy, which was released in 2002.