60 Songs That Explain the '90s Dave Matthews Band—“Crash Into Me”
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Apr 28, 2021 
Guest Yasi Salek discusses the musical prowess of the Dave Matthews Band and their fandom's reputation. Topics include the band's impact on pop culture, the controversial lyrics of 'Crash Into Me', and the emotional resonance of the song in the '90s.
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Jam Skill Plus Pop Hooks Created Massive Reach
- Dave Matthews Band combined jam-band musicianship with strong pop songwriting to become unusually commercially dominant in the 90s and 2000s.
- Their touring success turned the fanbase into a distinct subculture that amplified the band's cultural reach.
Cultural Reappraisal Via Film Placement
- Greta Gerwig's use of "Crash Into Me" in Lady Bird reframed the song from cheesy to sincerely romantic for many listeners.
- Public endorsements can revive private fan favorites and change cultural narratives about a song.
Personal Tragedy Shapes Musical Tone
- Dave Matthews's personal history of loss and trauma informs both the tenderness and darker moments in his music.
- That emotional complexity helps explain why songs shift between gentle longing and more intense themes.