If you've been searching for an album that challenges the mainstream narrative with unapologetic energy, look no further than Follow for Now. Released in 1991, this debut and sole album by Atlanta-based band Follow for Now was a firecracker in a grunge-dominated music scene. The band, fronted by charismatic lead singer David Ryan Harris, infused a dynamic mix of genres, blending funk, rock, metal, and hip-hop in ways that were both rebellious and invigorating. Their lyrics didn’t shy away from societal critiques, raising eyebrows and stirring the pot.
The band came together in the late 80s, and while their influence was short-lived, the resonance of their work still vibrates through the alternative music community. Imagine a sonic punch to the gut against a backdrop of 90s societal norms—this album was everything they stood for and more. The band’s defiance was a rejection of the cookie-cutter politics of music at the time. They were setting a stage for a new kind of dialogue that wasn’t afraid to question the status quo.
Now, why is this album significant in today’s context? For one, Follow for Now addressed identity politics before most bands even dared to touch the subject. Songs like "Holy Moses" challenged religious and racial stereotypes, while "Milkbone" was a raw commentary on cultural assimilation and the myths surrounding it. These tracks, and others throughout the album, provide a voice to those who reject the manufactured consensus. The left-leaning ideologies often dominating the arts scene felt a sharp critique in ways that still echo truth today.
Some folks might find few reasons why authority, tradition, and individuality can't coexist harmoniously, but Follow for Now was all about shaking up that thought. When the self-proclaimed intellectuals were busy grouping everyone by labels, here’s a band that said "label this!" Their approach was both bold and refreshing. This is exactly the kind of spirit mainstream music lacks these days—a challenge to go beyond comfortable tunes and self-reinforcing narratives.
Take "Temptation" for instance. Not your typical love song. It’s a complex weave of earnest lyrics addressing addiction and societal pressures. The aggressive guitar riffs coupled with Harris’ soulful delivery could take a staunch skeptic on a journey of self-reflection.
What’s notably missing in today's music is this kind of authenticity combined with political edginess. In a world where many famous artists remain ambiguous about their positions, Follow for Now chose to make art deeply intertwined with personal truths. The production, though critiqued for its rawness by some, only added to the album’s gritty authenticity. It's a working man's music—a testament to wrestling personal liberties from conformity's iron grip.
As you listen to tracks like “White Hood”—a social commentary on racism and repression—you can't help but admire their sheer audacity to address issues head-on, issues that more so today are conveniently ignored or twisted. Every band member contributed to this discordant harmony, refusing to subscribe to genre conformity. Their multi-instrumental talents shone through, making their live performances legendary.
In the wake of their disbandment, David Ryan Harris continued to chart his course in different musical landscapes, injecting his unmatched ferocity into whatever project he touched. Witnessing the disbanding of such a passionate group does come as a shocker, but their split doesn’t erase the footprint they left on the industry.
Today’s listeners may find themselves discovering Follow for Now years after its release, and that discovery may tickle the minds of anyone tired of the monotonous soundtrack of the modern era. More than 30 years later, this album continues to be a beacon for those searching for music that challenges perceptions rather than mollycoddles them. Perhaps it’s time more artists revisited this boldness, instead of playing it safe in fear of ruffling feathers!
No doubt, Follow for Now represents a particular resilience, an album that stood up against groupthink and encouraged individuality. Its legacy is for the critical thinkers, the modern rebels, and those ready to question rather than conform.