Adam Schlesinger, member of Fountains of Wayne, discusses the impact and craftsmanship of their hit song 'Stacy's Mom'. They explore being a one-hit wonder, the origins of the band, and Schlesinger's other notable work, showcasing his talent and problem-solving abilities.
Adam Schlesinger, the writer of 'Stacy's Mom', had a rich and fascinating career behind the scenes in film, TV, and more.
Fountains of Wayne created a distinctive sound rooted in power pop with influences from 50s and 60s pop, new wave, and rock anthems.
Deep dives
The Popularity and Craft of Stacy's Mom by Fountains of Wayne
Stacy's Mom by Fountains of Wayne, released 20 years ago, stood out from the dark alternative rock hits of the early 2000s. It was an effervescent, tongue-in-cheek pop song that paid homage to the Cars and celebrated humor in lyrics. The song's catchy chorus, 'Stacy's Mom has got it going on,' combined with its chugging guitars and dynamic contrast, made it a memorable hit. Despite being labeled as a one-hit wonder, Adam Schlesinger, the song's writer, embraced the distinction, appreciating the artistic opportunities it provided. Beyond Stacy's Mom, Schlesinger's work with Fountains of Wayne and his collaborations in diverse projects showcased his talent for crafting catchy, character-driven songs, earning awards and critical acclaim throughout his career.
Fountains of Wayne's Discography and Musical Style
Fountains of Wayne, formed in 1996, created a distinctive sound rooted in power pop with influences from 50s and 60s pop, new wave, and rock anthems. Their songs, characterized by catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and storytelling, immersed listeners in vivid scenes of everyday life. Songs like Radiation Vibe and Hackensack showcased their pop sensibilities, while hits like Stacy's Mom and Someone to Love demonstrated their ability to craft memorable hooks. Adam Schlesinger's versatile songwriting skills and collaboration with his bandmates resulted in a catalog of songs that fused humor and pop craftsmanship.
Adam Schlesinger's Legacy and Versatility as a Songwriter
Adam Schlesinger's talent extended beyond his work with Fountains of Wayne. He wrote the infectious title track for the film That Thing You Do and earned accolades for his collaborations with Stephen Colbert, Sesame Street, and the Tony Awards, showcasing his ability to adapt to different musical styles. His contribution to the TV series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend highlighted his knack for crafting songs that ranged from microtonal South Asian pastiche to Broadway-style numbers, all while maintaining pop hooks and engaging storytelling. Schlesinger's willingness to work behind the scenes and solve musical puzzles exemplified his artistic approach, leaving behind a legacy of classic pop songs.
In 2003, amidst a bunch of bleak alternative rock bangers like “Numb” by Linkin Park and “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence, a rock song stood out on the charts for its fantastic hooks and juvenile sense of humor. “Stacy’s Mom” turned the New Jersey band Fountains of Wayne into MTV mainstays and Grammy nominees. But while they continued to release music, tour the country, and maintain a devoted fanbase, they never reached the same level of fame again.
Most people never looked further than the raunchy music video, but Fountains of Wayne released six albums across two decades, each filled with tracks of quirky, clever, and undeniably catchy power pop. And the writer of that song, FOW bassist Adam Schlesinger, had a rich and fascinating career behind the scenes in film, TV, and more. In this episode of Switched on Pop, we explore the history of “Stacy’s Mom”, a perfectly crafted pop song that stands as a testament to the brilliance of a musician whose career was cut tragically short.
