Hoobastank
Album: The Reason
Song: The Reason
Reviewed by: Krystal Burns
The Band
If a name like Hoobastank isn't enough to catch your attention, their songs are sure to be heard while roaming the malls, stuck in traffic, or even in your local coffee shop. These four So-Cal boys formed their band in the suburbs of LA in the mid '90s. Doug Robb is lead vocalist, Don Estrin is on guitar, drummer is Chris Hessee, and Markku Lappalainen (Huh? Yeah, I attribute his funky name to his claim of Finnish heritage) is the bass player. Their first album They Sure Don't Make Basketball Shorts Like They Used To may not have graced your radio waves, but it was enough for them to snag a record deal. Their label debut album Hoobastank was released in November of 2001. While picked on for their strange name and a recent somewhat humorous quasi-fatal bike accident, there's no need to feel too sorry for the band. Their fans far outweigh the critics.
The Music
Hoobastank's second release The Reason has recently hit platinum. They've been touring with groups such as Linkin Park and Evanescence promoting their new album. The band wants to emphasise The Reason is a more mature album than their first, dealing with a broader range of emotions and questions. Several deal specifically with the idea of religion and their utter disinterest in it. One of the most popular songs is "The Reason", after which, it would appear the album was named. Other songs include "Just One," "Unaffected," and "Disappear."
The Song
This is one of those songs I listen and think it almost sounds Christian. Exchange a 'you' for 'God' or 'Christ' and you have a fairly solid song that you might sing on a Sunday morning. I am NOT saying in anyway that this actually is a Christian song. Rather, I'm pointing out that people often replace God by idiolizing other people. This is a worshipful song, but it's in no way about the Christian God. It's honest, clean, and overall positive as the singer seems to seek forgiveness and transformation. Again, a Christian theme in a very unchristian context.
The song begins with a confessional feel to it as Robb belts out "I'm not a perfect person/ As many things I wish I didn't do/ But I continue learning/ I never meant to do those things to you…" It's a heart felt apology acknowledging his imperfection and the need to continue growing.
The chorus is repeated several times throughout the song, and in fact, comprises nearly the entire song.
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
Again the idea of wanting to be a better person and change your life around is great, and it's language that we often use in Christian circles. Not bad lyrics; however the huge (and I do mean huge) difference is that ultimately that's what Christ asks of us--to let him be the reason for an inner transformation. (Philippians 3:7-11, 1 Peter 3:15).
It's easy to let romantic love or even a great friendship become our reason to live a better life. But we need to understand that these type of relationships are fragile and deeply flawed because we as human beings are flawed (Romans 3:23). Human relationships will always have complications at some point; thus a relationship with a perfect God who will never fail you and will always forgive you is the greatest reason to want to be a better person.
Don't get me wrong. Relationships with other people are valuable and important. God wants us to have meaningful relationships with others. But these are most fulfilling when in their proper place--second to our relationship with God (Mark 12:30-31).
All in all "The Reason" is a clean and fairly positive song. But from a Christian perspective it's a good reminder that Jesus Christ is the reason we've changed, and the only reason worth changing for.
So What Do You Think?
1. People often say things like " I never meant to do that" when
apologizing. (For example: "I never meant to throw a book at you" or "I
never meant to puncture your tires") What do you think they really
mean? Was it an accident?
2. Christ is the only reason we should change for, but that's easier
said than done. What are some other "gods" you find yourself
trying to change for?
3. What is the difference between a Christian song and secular song?
4. If a Christian had composed this song, would it then be a Christian
song?
5. How many times can you say Hoobastank in row?