Happy 25th Anniversary to Garbage’s second studio album Version 2.0, originally released worldwide May 11, 1998 and in the US May 12, 1998.
In the early ‘90s, Butch Vig, Duke Erikson and Steve Marker, former bandmates and producers, called on Scottish singer Shirley Manson to form the band Garbage. Looking for a vocalist with the vibes of Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hynde to complement their electro-garage rock sound, they spotted Manson—then the lead vocalist for the band Angelfish—on an episode of MTV’s 120 Minutes, and from there, they united to create some of the most iconic music of the 1990s. And while their eponymous debut album Garbage (1995) put them on the map, 1998’s Version 2.0 was a massive international success and a perfect example of Garbage’s modern take on classic rock rhythms.
Prior to Garbage, Vig was best known for his producing, specifically his work on Nirvana’s Nevermind (1991) and The Smashing Pumpkins’ Gish (1991). An urge to complement the garage rock sound of the time with new sampling and synthesizer technology was the driver behind the band’s fruition. Once their virtuoso engineering was paired with Manson’s gorgeous range and emotive lyrics, it created a sound expertly crafted for both critical renown and the mainstream.
Version 2.0, the band’s aptly named second album, is a very clear vision, almost like a final draft of their debut. From the opening track "Temptation Waits," the album's signature blend of alternative rock, electronic, and pop elements is immediately apparent. The pulsing rhythms, distorted guitars, and Manson's raw, emotive vocals create a sense of urgency and intensity that permeates the entire album.
Their sunny pop lyrics on top of the traditional guitar, bass, drums setup was described by Manson as, “"the super-hi-fi with the super-organic.” Instead of going full electronica or embracing more niche genres like trip hop or garage rock, Garbage stuck with a confident execution of the classic formula, but added in drum machines and breakbeats, an effect that kept their sound contemporary.
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Lyrically, Version 2.0 is especially of its era. “I Think I’m Paranoid” fits nicely into the other fearful anthems dominating the Top 40 like Harvey Danger’s “Flagpole Sitta” (“Paranoia, paranoia / Everybody’s coming to get me”) and David Bowie’s “I’m Afraid of Americans'' (“I’m afraid of Americans / I’m afraid of the world”). It’s a song rooted in the feeling of unease, underscoring the placid Clinton years. The song kicks off with a twinkling, docile guitar riff that turns into a hard-rocking track. Made for the radio, the pop intro pulls you in and the grungier chorus keeps you engaged.
“Push It” has the same sleazy energy, but with a sneaky Beach Boys interpolation in Manson’s backing vocals, “don’t worry, baby.” This dark and light tension is key to Garbage's balanced pop-rock sound and their ability to craft infectious hooks and catchy choruses while still maintaining their edgy, alternative edge.
“When I Grow Up,” is sunny pop with a frantic drum and bass backbeat that provides a welcome respite from the frenetic energy of the album's heavier tracks. “Medication” is similarly bright, but more downtempo. However, on closer listen, these tracks are no less powerful than their intense album-mates, thanks to Manson’s deceptively simple songwriting. The lyrics of “When I Grow Up,” suggest the fallibility of that very concept (like when the obviously adult Manson wishes, “when I grow up I’ll be stable”), while “Medication” is a commentary on the disastrous American healthcare system. Though less gritty and rough, both songs showcase Manson's versatility as a vocalist, with her ability to convey vulnerability and emotion.
Overall, Version 2.0 is a masterful example of alternative rock at its finest, with Garbage delivering an album that is both musically and lyrically rich. It’s a perfect storm of brilliant musicians coming together to create a sound that is unique, but also wholly evocative of a time and place. Taking the best parts of the contemporary music scene (drums from Depeche Mode, Nirvana’s guitars, Hole’s scary-sexy songwriting), in 2023, Version 2.0 is pitch-perfect representation of 1998’s pop music scene. It's a testament to the band's talent and vision, and remains a classic of the genre to this day.
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