What makes Crush by Dave Matthews Band notable?

'Crush' reached number 2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and became a staple in the band's live performances, highlighting their improvisational style. The song's unique structure and lyrical depth contributed to its critical acclaim, establishing it as one of the band's defining tracks in the late '90s. Released on September 8, 1998, 'Crush' came during the peak of Dave Matthews Band's commercial success, following their breakthrough album 'Before These Crowded Streets'. Their growing popularity was solidified with this single, which showcased their signature blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences. This period marked a transition to more polished production while maintaining their improvisational roots.

How many songs are on Crush?

Crush has 3 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

Crush

Dave Matthews Band · 1998

17 min · 3 tracks · rock music

A lush blend of jazz-infused rock and heartfelt lyrics envelops listeners in a vibrant emotional landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Crush (edit) — This radio edit distills the essence of the longer track into a concise format while retaining its emotional core, making it accessible to a wider audience.
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Satellite — Featuring intricate guitar work and layered vocals, this track showcases the band's ability to weave complex melodies with reflective lyrics about longing and connection.
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Crush — The full version of 'Crush' embodies the band's trademark fusion of genres, highlighted by rich instrumentation and passionate vocal delivery that culminates in an expansive climax.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single blends intricate composition with strong craftsmanship, though its impact is limited to fans of the band.

What we noticed

The main track 'Crush' features a lengthy instrumental section that showcases the band's improvisational skills, extending beyond the typical radio edit.
The song's structure includes multiple shifts in dynamics, moving from soft verses to a powerful chorus, creating an emotional build-up.
The second track 'Satellite' maintains a similar tempo and mood, reinforcing the thematic continuity of the single.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — 'Crush' solidified the band's popularity post-'Before These Crowded Streets', reaching high chart positions.
Themes: intimate connections· summer festival vibes· emotional landscapes
Career context: Released on September 8, 1998, 'Crush' came during the peak of Dave Matthews Band's commercial success, following their breakthrough album 'Before These Crowded Streets'. Their growing popularity was solidified with this single, which showcased their signature blend of rock, jazz, and folk influences. This period marked a transition to more polished production while maintaining their improvisational roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Phish· Widespread Panic· The String Cheese Incident