About this album
Where they were
Released on March 4, 2003, 'So Long, Astoria' marked The Ataris’ third studio album and their breakthrough into mainstream success. Following the moderate acclaim of their previous album 'End Is Forever,' this release helped solidify their place in the pop-punk scene during a peak era for the genre.
Why it matters
The album features the hit cover of Don Henley's 'The Boys of Summer,' which brought significant radio play and chart recognition, reaching #20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its blend of personal storytelling and catchy punk elements resonated widely, making it a defining record in the early 2000s pop-punk landscape.
Essential tracks
- "In This Diary" — This track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and personal reflection, striking a chord with listeners yearning for their past.
- "The Boys Of Summer" — As a standout cover, it showcases The Ataris' ability to reimagine classic songs while maintaining their signature sound, contributing to the album’s commercial success.
- "The Saddest Song" — With its poignant lyrics and emotional delivery, this track highlights the band's introspective side and resonates deeply with fans experiencing heartbreak.
Release Date
March 4, 2003
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 So Long, Astoria 3:23
- 2 Takeoffs And Landings 3:54
- 3 In This Diary 3:51
- 4 My Reply 4:14
- 5 Unopened Letter To The World 2:40
- 6 The Saddest Song 4:15
- 7 Summer '79 3:58
- 8 The Hero Dies In This One 4:07
- 9 All You Can Ever Learn Is What You Already Know 3:32
- 10 The Boys Of Summer 4:18
- 11 Radio #2 3:28
- 12 Looking Back On Today 3:55
- 13 Eight Of Nine 3:56
- 14 I Won't Spend Another Night Alone 3:50
- 15 The Saddest Song (Acoustic) 4:11
- 16 A Beautiful Mistake 3:14
- 17 Rock 'N' Roll High School 2:18