"August and Everything After", released in September 14, 1993, is "Counting Crows" debut album which marked the band entry into the musical mainstream, and its success was nothing short of remarkable.
"Counting Crows" began as a collaboration between lead singer Adam Duritz and guitarist David Bryson in the early 1990s. The two musicians, based in Berkeley and San Francisco, initially performed as an acoustic duo, focusing on folk-influenced rock songs. Their music was introspective and lyrically rich, reflecting Duritz's personal struggles with identity and belonging, themes that would become central to the band’s later work.
Duritz, had been in several bands before forming "Counting Crows". One of his early projects, "The Himalayans", wrote early versions of what would become notable "Counting Crows" songs, including "Round Here." Meanwhile, Bryson was working as a producer and engineer in the San Francisco music scene. When the two began collaborating in 1991, they developed a chemistry that would form the basis of "Counting Crows".
(Photo: Dave Tonge)
Their early performances around the Bay Area drew attention from other musicians, leading to the recruitment of keyboardist Charlie Gillingham, bassist Matt Malley, and drummer Steve Bowman, solidifying the band’s lineup by 1993. This group quickly gained a following, and their demos attracted the attention of major labels, culminating in a bidding war for the band’s first album. Geffen Records eventually signed them, and they entered the studio to record *August and Everything After* with T Bone Burnett as their producer.
"Counting Crows" made their national debut in 1993, filling in for Van Morrison at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. This performance helped the band gain wider exposure before the release of their album, which would catapult them to fame later that year.
Their sound stood out against the dominant grunge movement of the time, instead drawing inspiration from the '60s and '70s, with comparisons often made to Van Morrison. This blend of styles helped the album stand out, even amidst heavy hype leading up to its release.
The album's lead single, “Mr. Jones,” catapulted "Counting Crows" to fame. Its infectious melody and Duritz’s confessional lyrics about fame and insecurity struck a chord with listeners, and it became a radio staple. The song peaked at number 5 on the Billboard US Radio Songs Chart and number 2 on several genre-specific Billboard charts. Songs like “Round Here” and “Rain King” further cemented the band’s appeal, showcasing Duritz’s lyrical depth and ability to create atmospheres that were both melancholic and hopeful.
The album’s success was also reflected commercially, selling over seven million copies worldwide, reaching multi-platinum status in several countries including U.S. where it peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and earning critical acclaim for its authenticity and emotional resonance.
Tracks like “Anna Begins,” “Omaha,” and “Sullivan Street” reflect the album's core themes of self-discovery, unfulfilled desires, and the often harsh realities of adulthood. Producer T Bone Burnett’s touch gave the album a raw, analog feel, balancing the band's more somber moments with a textured, earthy sound.
The album cover depicts handwritten lyrics to a song called "August and Everything After", but the band decided against featuring the song on the album; it was not until over a decade later that it was played as part of one of their live concerts. The song "August and Everything After" was released on January 24, 2019, as an Amazon Original.
"Counting Crows"' journey from a small acoustic duo to international success is a testament to their unique blend of introspective songwriting and rich musicality, making them one of the most memorable bands of the 1990s. Rolling Stone listed the album as 67 in their list "100 Best Albums of the ’90s".
Listen to the album on: Spotify, Apple Music
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