Ranking The Aquabats’ 6 Albums
If you were to ask me what is the most fun band in the ska-punk genre, I’d be hard pressed to find a better answer than The Aquabats. A band that has built their entire identity around being a goofy, pop-culture influenced superhero band that has managed to completely transform their sound throughout their 26 years from an 8-member band that played ska-punk to a 5-piece new wave synth rock band.
Although the band has gone through several lineup changes, vocalist MC Bat Commander (Christian Jacobs) and bassist Crash McLarson (Chad Larson) have been there since the inception. In addition, guitarist Chainsaw the Prince of Karate (Courtney Pollock), while not a full-time member since 2006, has still contributed to every Aquabats album and Jimmy the Robot (James Briggs) has played keyboard on every release besides the debut. Rounding things out, Ricky Fitness (Richard Falomir) has been the drummer since 2002 and EagleBones Falconhawk (Ian Fowles) took over guitar duties in 2006. Lastly, among the many other members who have played in the band, between 96–98 The Baron von Tito (Travis Barker) was notably the band’s drummer.
In addition to being a musical group, the band also has their own 3-season TV series (The Aquabats! Super Show!) which is a series able to bridge the gap of entertainment for both adults and children. Lastly, singer Christian Jacobs is also notably the co-creator of the popular Nickelodeon series Yo Gabba Gabba!.
Going through the band’s discography [again] to do this ranking was a blast and although I certainly prefer some albums over others, they all bring significant entertainment value and I recommend giving them all a listen.
6. The Return of The Aquabats (1996)
The Aquabat’s debut album serves as a pretty good example of the 90s ska era. It’s chalked full of innocent and goofy songs that never take themselves too seriously. For The Aquabats, this was also the record that would establish the band’s identity as a “superhero” band and a group immersed in nerd culture. The album provides a lot of charm throughout its runtime, but is hampered by the inexperience of the band at the time. Sonically, this is unsurprisingly The Aquabat’s worse sounding record, and although the MC Bat Commander has never been known for his particularly skilled vocals, his style is noticeably inexperienced here — relying more on talk-singing. Everything considered, it’s a good debut and showcases a band with clear talent.
Recommended Tracks: Martian Girl, CD Repo Man, & Aquabat March
5. Vs. The Floating Eye of Death! (1999)
On the band’s 3rd record there was a marked change in both sound and style, one that would initially disappoint established fans of their ska style, but would turnout to be something that would give the band the longevity to still be going today. Opting for a more synth-heavy approach in lieu of ska, the album features a fascinating progression for the band that would ultimately become their signature sound for the past 20 years. Although I think the change in style ultimately benefitted the band, when this album came out it didn’t feel quite grounded yet. At times, the songs are peak Aquabats (like “Anti-Matter “and “Lovers of Loving Love”), songs that are fun, energetic, melodic and packed with the band’s signature brand of humour. While at other times, the album seems to stutter, mixing odd themes (see “Chemical Bomb”) and joyless melodies together, particularly on the second half. I find the production to be an overall step-up from the first 2 records, with more of punch behind the tones. Interestingly, this was (correct me if I’m wrong), the first record that Cameron Webb produced. Webb has since made quite a name for himself in the punk and rock scene, and has also produced every Aquabats record since.
Recommended Tracks: Anti-Matter, Lovers of Loving Love, & Amino Man
4. The Fury of The Aquabats! (1997)
Fury is the album that really put the band on the map, and to this day is probably the album that most people remember them by. I would even say that this record is a classic of the 90s ska era and it doesn’t hurt that Fury features Travis Barker (The Baron von Tito) on drums. As the longest Aquabats release, it’s chalked full of silly and fun tracks (and 3 re-recorded tracks from the debut album) that only this band can really pull off. As the last album before they introduced their current more synth-rock heavy albums, fans are likely split between this record and their later output. I, on the other hand, like to appreciate both sides of the band. While I do prefer the more mature style and production of their post-90s albums, I also can’t help but be charmed by the pure innocence and joy of the group’s 2nd record. Even counting in some of the negatives of the release (it’s occasionally meandering and the MC Bat Commander’s vocals are slightly underdeveloped), the album should still be mentioned when talking about the best ska releases of the 90s.
Recommended Tracks: Super Rad!, Cat with 2 Heads!, & My Skateboard!
3. Kooky Spooky… In Stereo! (2020)
After what seemed like an eternity, the Aquabats finally came back with a new album 9 years after their previous one. Although there was such such a long gap, the band was far from dormant, focusing instead on creating their own TV show (and releasing a soundtrack for it). Due to this activity, the band doesn’t sound at all rusty on the album, instead there’s a strong energy throughout that is only strengthened by the same crisp production that was provided to the previous 2 records as well. The record kicks off with an instantly memorable and catchy track “Karate Body!”, which may just be the band’s best intro song to date. Through the next 9 songs (or 10) the band explores more of the synth rock it had been perfecting over the past 20+ years while also incorporating reggae, swing and some hiphop elements. Of particular interest is the inclusion of previous members on their most ska-friendly track this century, “Pajamazon!”. Unfortunately, the album is quite short (especially considering the long wait) at just under 30min if you don’t include the bonus “jam” song. There’s no bad songs to be found, but there are a couple forgettable “filler” tracks like “Bed Head!”, which is pretty unfortunate considering the already short runtime.
Recommended Tracks: Karate Body!, Sneak Attack!, & Pajamazon!
2. Hi-Five Soup! (2011)
It may not be their best, but The Aquabat’s 5th record just might be their most fun. Stylistically, Hi-Five Soup is pretty ambitious, combining the synth-rock style they had previously perfected with several different elements, such as hiphop on tracks “Radio Down!” and “Hey Homies!” (the former featuring the great Biz Markie). What might be the most remarkable about this release is the staying power in the humour of the tracks. While comedy has always been an integral part of The Aquabat’s lyrics, a lot of the absurdity is lost on repeat listens — this isn’t true on Hi-Five Soup. The jokes here are just as funny as the first time I heard them — “G is for… good… hug… guy?” Like their other 2000s albums, the production is top notch with each instrument coming out clear in the mix, MC Bat Commander’s vocals shining and bright group vocals benefiting the end result. There’s really not much to criticize on this record. There’s a couple songs that are less memorable towards the end, but I wouldn’t consider any of them filler. If you’re looking for a good-time record, you could do a lot worse than Hi-Five Soup.
Recommended Tracks: The Legend Is True!, Radio Down!, & Just Can’t Lose!
1. Charge! (2005)
How great is this album anyway? If I had to choose between only being able to listen to this album or only being able to listen to the rest of their discography… I would choose this album. It’s an absolutely perfect album without a filler track to be found and overall one of the best albums of the century. What really sets this album apart from the rest of the band’s catalogue is it’s the only one that sounds like it’s music first and gimmick second. That said, the album doesn’t lack any of The Aquabat’s signature absurdity, but rather it just doesn’t make it the focal point. On previous releases, you can tell that the concept of The Aquabats is the central goal, but on Charge! you can get completely lost in the terrific songwriting and forget that the band doesn’t really take itself seriously (excluding a short skit at the end of track 8). Stylistically, Charge! is also the most consistent, focusing only on new wave/synth-rock and not mixing in other genres. One would think that this would make the tracks blend together, but it doesn’t — in fact the sequencing throughout the runtime flows impeccably, tracks 7–10 are a particularly joy to listen to how they meld together. Closing the whole thing out, Awesome Forces! is the best ending track the band has done, it really feels like a ‘goodbye, and thanks for listening to us’ ending. I’m glad the band is still going, but if that was the track they decided to end it all on, it would be a perfect farewell.
Recommended Tracks: Meltdown!, Mechanical Ape!, & Look At Me (I’m a Winner)!
Others!
Besides the 6th full length albums, the band also has a couple EPs, a soundtrack album, a couple other releases, and probably most importantly:
Myths, Legends, and Other Amazing Adventures, Vol. 2 (2000)
This is essentially an album made of extra songs from the Vs. The Floating Eye of Death! sessions. Definitely recommended for anyone who is a fan of their 90s work and even includes some fan favourite tracks.
