lambchops's Full Review: Desperately Wanting [Single] by Better Than Ezra
It’s easy to put Better Than Ezra into the one-hit-wonder category thanks to their debut hit ”Good”. Although, it’s important to note that there is more to the band than just their one hit.
”Good” was a part of a relatively good album released in 1994 called Deluxe. The band followed that album up with Friction, Baby in 1996. That 1996 album spawned a minor pop hit with the single ”Desperately Wanting”. Billboard named that single as one of the best pop songs of the year. The band later released just one more major label record entitled How Does Your Garden Grow with Elektra.
According to all people involved with Better Than Ezra, they began their careers in the late 1980’s as a wanna be Dinosaur Jr.. But, the band managed to slightly expand their horizons into mainstream pop creating a now widely embraced sound. Since the band’s earliest days, they have been a trio as follows: Kevin Griffin (vocals, guitar), Tom Drummond (bass), and Cary Bonnecaze (drums, vocals).
”Desperately Wanting” is one of only three ‘official’ singles released by Better than Ezra. I would also have to say that it’s the best (yes, even better the band’s obligatory one hit). Released as a single by Elektra in December 1996, it also featured a track called ”Palace Hotel”. In addition there is another CD Single available as an import.
Beginning with a whimper, ”Desperately Wanting” building upon itself until the song crystallizes during the second chorus. Griffin has an absolutely clear and clean voice. The backing instrumentation lends a hand to this shining voice and to the entire feel to the song. The thing that really sticks with me about this song is the chorus (that’s the way it really should be if you ask me). I remember running through the wet grass falling a step behind… Most bands would and should be proud of a song like this.
”Desperately Wanting” found it’s way onto modern rock radio stations around the country in late 1996 and 1997 thanks to it being a catchy, fun, soft, melodic, and easily sung song. If you don’t remember it, you may want to dig up this song from Friction, Baby or from this single (if you can find it).
The second song of this single isn’t quite as good. Are the b-sides ever? ”Palace Hotel” is kind of a honky-tonk track infused with mild rock and roll attitude as exhibited by Griffin and company. It’s mildly interesting, but the slow tempo and the relaxed theme have me forcing myself to stop from hitting skip. It’s okay, just not great.
Like I said, Better Than Ezra deserves more fans. They are talented, they are interesting, and they have already proven themselves thanks to their three major label albums. ”Desperately Wanting” is yet another example of how talented these New Orleans musicians are. Their sound is actually similar to newer artists like Third Eye Blind, The Wallflowers, Matchbox 20, and Vertical Horizon. For fans of bands like those, Better Than Ezra is a logical step in the right direction.
I will give this single a solid 4/5 stars. If it were just ”Desperately Wanting”, it would have earned 5, but ”Palace Hotel” is just an average track.
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