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What rock ballad unexpectedly became Extreme's biggest hit despite their usual funk-metal style? Learn!
"More Than Words" is a famous song by the American rock band Extreme, released in 1990 as part of their album "Pornograffitti." Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Acoustic Ballad: "More Than Words" is notably different from Extreme's typical hard rock style. It's an acoustic ballad, showcasing the band's versatility beyond their heavier songs.
Chart Success: The song became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1991. It also charted well in several other countries.
Grammy Nomination: "More Than Words" received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 1992.
Nuno Bettencourt's Fingerpicking: Nuno Bettencourt, the band's guitarist, played the song's distinctive fingerpicked guitar part, which has become iconic in its own right. The intricate guitar work is a key element of the song's appeal.
Satirical Lyrics: Despite its romantic tone, the lyrics of "More Than Words" are somewhat satirical. They convey the idea that actions speak louder than words, suggesting that saying "I love you" is easy, but proving it through actions is what really matters.
Influence on Acoustic Rock: The success of "More Than Words" had a significant impact on the popularity of acoustic rock and inspired many other bands and artists to explore this genre.
MTV Unplugged: Extreme's appearance on MTV's "Unplugged" series in 1992 further solidified their reputation as a band capable of delivering exceptional acoustic performances. The performance included a memorable rendition of "More Than Words."
Other Hit: Extreme also had another major hit from the same album, "Hole Hearted," which is a more upbeat rock song and provided a nice contrast to the ballad "More Than Words."
Split and Reunion: Extreme went on hiatus in the mid-'90s but later reunited in 2004. They have continued to tour and release new music sporadically.
Nuno Bettencourt's Solo Career: Nuno Bettencourt pursued a solo career alongside his work with Extreme, collaborating with various artists and releasing solo albums.
Continued Popularity: "More Than Words" remains a popular song to this day and is often covered by other artists. Its enduring appeal has cemented it as one of the iconic songs of the early '90s.
"More Than Words" by Extreme is a standout song in the rock ballad genre and has left a lasting impact on the music industry and listeners worldwide.