"All Star" by Smash Mouth is one of the band's most iconic songs, and it's been a significant part of pop culture since its release in 1999. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Featured in "Shrek": One of the reasons "All Star" gained immense popularity was its inclusion in the opening scene of the animated movie "Shrek" (2001). The song's upbeat and catchy tune set the tone for the film and became synonymous with the franchise.
Chart Success: "All Star" was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also received substantial radio airplay and was used in various TV shows and commercials.
Cultural Impact: The song has been covered and parodied numerous times and is often associated with internet culture and memes. Its memorable lyrics have been used in various contexts, making it a staple of pop culture references.
Album: "All Star" is from Smash Mouth's album "Astro Lounge," released in 1999. The album also spawned other hits like "Then the Morning Comes" and "Can't Get Enough of You Baby."
Vocals: The lead vocals for "All Star" were provided by Smash Mouth's frontman, Steve Harwell. His distinctive voice and energetic performance contributed to the song's enduring popularity.
Music Video: The music video for "All Star" features the band members in various humorous and surreal situations. It was directed by McG, who later became known for directing movies like "Charlie's Angels" (2000).
Lyrical References: The lyrics of "All Star" contain several pop culture references, including mentions of the game Monopoly, the shape of an "L" on one's forehead (possibly a reference to losing in the video game Tetris), and the iconic line "Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play."
Awards: The song was nominated for a Teen Choice Award in the category of "Choice Movie Single" for its inclusion in "Shrek."
Legacy: Despite being released over two decades ago, "All Star" continues to be popular and is frequently used in sports events, commercials, and other forms of entertainment.
Charitable Use: In 2020, Smash Mouth released a new version of "All Star" with slightly altered lyrics to encourage people to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. The band used the song's popularity to spread a positive message during the pandemic.
"All Star" remains one of the defining songs of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and it continues to bring joy and nostalgia to audiences of all ages.