Released 28 years ago this October
On a Day Like Today
Bryan Adams · 1998
55 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
Melodic rock anthems blend with heartfelt ballads, showcasing a polished sound that captures the essence of late '90s pop-rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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How Do Ya Feel Tonight Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Cloud Number Nine — This track stands out due to its infectious melody and romantic lyrics, becoming one of Adams' most recognizable hits and a staple of his live performances.
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On a Day Like Today — The title track encapsulates the album's celebratory spirit, combining uplifting lyrics with a catchy chorus that resonates with themes of joy and connection.
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When You’re Gone — Featuring Mel C from the Spice Girls, this duet showcases emotional vulnerability and highlights Adams' ability to blend rock with poignant storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks significant depth or innovation.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a noticeable shift in energy.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and prominent guitar solos, particularly in the choruses, emphasizing the melodic rock sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
- heartfelt ballads for reflection
- uplifting vibes for road trips
- emotive anthems with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Reinforced Adams' status in adult contemporary with hit single Cloud Number Nine.
- Career context
- Released in 1998, On a Day Like Today marks Bryan Adams' seventh studio album, following the commercial success of 1996's 18 til I Die. At this stage in his career, Adams was solidifying his position as a versatile songwriter and performer, exploring themes of love and introspection while maintaining his signature rock sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Mellencamp· Rod Stewart· Bon Jovi
Tracklist
- 1 How Do Ya Feel Tonight Start here 4:46
- 2 C’mon C’mon C’mon 3:36
- 3 Getaway 3:47
- 4 On a Day Like Today 3:29
- 5 Fearless 3:52
- 6 I’m a Liar 4:16
- 7 Cloud Number Nine 3:45
- 8 When You’re Gone 3:25
- 9 Inside Out 4:43
- 10 If I Had You 4:03
- 11 Before the Night Is Over 3:48
- 12 I Don’t Wanna Live Forever 3:14
- 13 Where Angels Fear to Tread 3:47
- 14 Lie to Me 4:38
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Continuum
John Mayer
Shares polished rock sound and emotive storytelling around love and introspection.
Dizzy Up the Girl
Goo Goo Dolls
Combines heartfelt ballads with a nostalgic rock vibe, echoing themes of longing and relationships.
No Name Face
Lifehouse
Explores reflective love themes with anthemic choruses, resonating with emotional depth and sincerity.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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