Barenaked Ladies’ “One Week”: A Look Back at a ’90s Classic That Still Has Us Bopping!

A Journey Through Time with Barenaked Ladies

Ah, the Barenaked Ladies – the Candian alternative rock band that has consistently delivered catchy tunes and witty lyrics for over three decades now. Formed in 1988 in Scarborough, Ontario, the band is made up of Ed Robertson (lead vocals, guitar), Jim Creeggan (bass, vocals), Kevin Hearn (keyboard, guitar, vocals), and Tyler Stewart (drums, vocals). The group’s former co-founder and co-lead vocalist, Steven Page, left the band in 2009 to pursue a solo career.

Over the years, the Barenaked Ladies have released a plethora of albums and singles, but there’s one song that arguably stands out above the rest – “One Week.” Released in 1998 as the lead single of their fourth studio album, “Stunt,” this quirky and iconic tune remains one of the band’s most well-known hits to date.

Essentially a musical patchwork quilt of pop culture references, “One Week” is written primarily by Ed Robertson and captures the essence of the late ’90s zeitgeist. Its playful and unique blend of pop, rock, and rap elements became a signature sound for the band, and the song’s clever lyrics still manage to evoke nostalgia in listeners today. However, it’s worth mentioning that some critics argue the song’s rapid-fire, tongue-twisting verses make it difficult for the average listener to sing along, limiting its overall appeal.

Nonetheless, “One Week” was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts, as well as making waves in their home country of Canada and other markets. The song’s memorable and humorous music video, directed by McG, also played a significant role in solidifying its status as a ’90s classic.

Barenaked Ladies’ success has been well-recognized over the years, with the band receiving multiple Juno Awards (including Group of the Year twice) and Grammy nominations. In 2018, the band reached another milestone as they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

In conclusion, while “One Week” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it remains a defining moment in Barenaked Ladies’ illustrious career. The band’s ability to mix humor with catchy tunes has left an undeniable impact on the music industry, and their legacy is bound to last for many more years to come.

Chart-topping Sensation

“One Week” by Barenaked Ladies is undoubtedly one of the biggest chart successes for the band. Released on July 27, 1998, as the lead single from their sixth studio album, “Stunt,” the catchy tune quickly captivated music lovers with its rapid-fire lyrics and infectious melody.

Initially entering the charts with modest rankings, “One Week” soon catapulted to fame, reaching the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 on October 17, 1998, and holding that position for a total of one week. Notably, it became the band’s first and only song to achieve the top spot on the chart.

In addition to its Hot 100 success, “One Week” also climbed to the No. 1 position on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, where it remained for five weeks. This impressive feat made Barenaked Ladies the second Canadian act to top the Modern Rock Tracks chart, following The Cranberries’ “Zombie” in 1994.

Beyond the US charts, “One Week” enjoyed considerable success in the band’s native Canada. It peaked at No. 3 on the RPM Top Singles chart and stayed on the chart for a total of 15 weeks. Internationally, the song reached the top 10 in the United Kingdom, peaking at No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart.

The track’s popularity extended to other aspects of pop culture as well. “One Week” subsequently became a popular inclusion in various film and television soundtracks, including the 1999 film “10 Things I Hate About You” and an episode of “Charmed.”

In summary, Barenaked Ladies’ “One Week” serves as a shining example of the band’s chart success, with its impressive positions on various music charts and its lasting impact on pop culture. The song remains a beloved classic for fans of the band and the 1990s music scene in general.

Dissecting the Whimsical Wordplay

In the midst of the late 90s, Barenaked Ladies’ “One Week” stood out as a quirky, catchy tune that captured listeners’ attention with its rapid-fire lyrics and playful wordplay. At first glance, it may seem like a random assortment of phrases, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The song is largely about the ups and downs of a relationship, as the singer recounts the events of the past week, leading up to an inevitable reconciliation with his partner. While the underlying theme is easy to grasp, what truly sets “One Week” apart is its clever use of pop culture references and humor to convey the singer’s emotions and thoughts on the situation.

A perfect example of this is the line “Hot like wasabi when I bust rhymes / Big like LeAnn Rimes,” which showcases the singer’s confidence in his skills while also invoking the image of a young LeAnn Rimes dominating the music charts at the time. This offbeat approach to storytelling is also evident in the lines “I summon fish to the dish, although I like the Chalet Swiss / I like the sushi ’cause it’s never touched a frying pan,” which adds a lighthearted tone to the otherwise serious subject matter.

What makes “One Week” particularly relevant to its time of release is the way it dabbles in nostalgia, with references to Aquaman, Bert Kaempfert, and other cultural touchstones from the late 90s. The song’s infectious melody and unique approach to storytelling resonated with listeners, making it a memorable hit that still holds a special place in the hearts of many.

As a seasoned music blogger, it’s fascinating to see how “One Week” managed to encapsulate the spirit of its time, reminding us that music has the power to capture the essence of the era in which it was created.

A Visual Feast: The “One Week” Music Video

The “One Week” music video, released in 1998, is an iconic and fun visual representation of the Barenaked Ladies’ catchy track. Directed by McG, who is known for his work on music videos for artists like Smash Mouth and Sugar Ray, as well as directing films such as “Charlie’s Angels” and “Terminator Salvation,” the video perfectly encapsulates the quirky and energetic vibe of the song.

Shot in a studio, the video features the band members performing in front of various backdrops that change rapidly, with each scene adding an element of playfulness and humor. The production team deserves a significant amount of credit for the seamless transitions and creative use of props, costumes, and visual effects.

One of the most memorable aspects of the “One Week” video is the introduction of various characters and personas that each band member takes on throughout the duration of the clip. From a cowboy to a sumo wrestler, these transformations add to the overall charm and infectious energy of the video.

The video’s budget is a testimony to the era of big-budget music videos in the late ’90s. Reportedly made on a budget of $200,000, the video’s production value is evident in its professional look and polished finish. This financial commitment paid off, as the music video became a staple on MTV and MuchMusic, garnering massive airplay and contributing to the song’s chart-topping success.

Aside from the official “One Week” music video, the song has inspired numerous fan-made tributes and parodies on YouTube over the years. Cover bands and solo artists have added their own twist to the track, while fans have created animated adaptations and even LEGO-themed reimaginings of the video. This enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s lasting appeal and the iconic status of its accompanying music video.

In summary, the “One Week” music video directed by McG is a true visual feast, combining seamless scene transitions, creative use of props and costumes, and memorable character transformations. Its lasting impact on fans and the music video landscape is undeniable, and it remains an iconic representation of the Barenaked Ladies’ unique sound and style.

A Dive Into the Mind of a Hit-Maker

The mastermind behind the song “One Week” is none other than Ed Robertson, one of the founding members and lead vocalists of the Barenaked Ladies. With his exceptional songwriting skills and rich musical background, he has penned many of the band’s other well-known tracks, including “Pinch Me,” “Brian Wilson,” and “It’s All Been Done.” In addition to his work with Barenaked Ladies, Ed has also collaborated with other artists like Steven Page and Kevin Hearn to create a unique blend of witty lyrics, catchy melodies, and engaging storytelling in his compositions. His ability to infuse humor with deep, introspective themes has garnered him a dedicated fanbase as well as critical praise throughout his extensive career.

Awards, Accolades, and Impact on Pop Culture

“One Week” took the world by storm upon its release in 1998. The song, performed by the Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies, went on to top the charts and received several awards and accolades. It held the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for a week and remained on the chart for a total of 20 consecutive weeks. Internationally, the song also enjoyed success in the United Kingdom, peaking at number five on the UK Singles Chart.

The track received a Juno Award (Canada’s equivalent to the Grammy Awards) nomination in 1999 for “Best Single of the Year,” and ultimately, it contributed to the overall success of Barenaked Ladies’ fourth studio album, “Stunt.” Apart from achieving awards and nominations, “One Week” has continued to hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers and has garnered a cult following.

The infectious tune has made its way into various movies, television shows, and video games over the years, further cementing its cultural significance. Notably, the song was featured in the 1999 comedy film “10 Things I Hate About You,” starring Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Additionally, “One Week” was included in episodes of popular TV shows like “How I Met Your Mother” and “The Big Bang Theory.” In the world of gaming, the song made an appearance in the 2008 music video game “Rock Band 2.”

As with any successful and beloved song, “One Week” has inspired a number of cover versions over time. Various artists have put their spin on the track, offering diverse interpretations that showcase the song’s versatility and enduring appeal. Some of these notable covers include American musician Jonathan Coulton’s version, which adds a folksy twist to the original, and the Portland-based alternative rock band Eyelids’ rendition, which brings a grunge edge to the mix. In addition, a cappella groups, such as Straight No Chaser and the Swingle Singers, have weighed in with vocal-only renditions that highlight the song’s catchy melody and clever, tongue-twisting lyrics.

Even decades after its release, “One Week” remains a timeless classic, continuing to resonate with fans and solidifying Barenaked Ladies’ position in the annals of music history.

Breaking Down the Musical Elements

Diving into the musical structure of “One Week,” it’s evident that the Barenaked Ladies created a composition that is both catchy and complex. The song is written in the key of E Major, with a time signature of 4/4. The tempo is set at a lively 112 beats per minute (BPM), giving the track a bouncy, upbeat feel that is sure to get listeners tapping their feet.

The chord structure is predominantly based on the I-IV-V progression, which is a classic and widely-used pattern in pop and rock music. In the key of E Major, these chords are E, A, and B, respectively. Throughout the verses and choruses, the band members skillfully blend these chords with the upbeat tempo to create a dynamic and engaging sound.

One of the most distinctive aspects of “One Week” is its rapid-fire, rap-like verses. These verses are characterized by a continuous stream of lyrics, with each line flowing seamlessly into the next. The vocal delivery in these sections is both melodic and rhythmic, adding an extra layer of complexity to the song’s overall structure. The rhyming scheme is also noteworthy, as it cleverly weaves together a variety of pop culture references and tongue-in-cheek humor.

The song’s bridge section provides a welcome contrast to the fast-paced verses and choruses. Here, the tempo slows down slightly, and the chord progression shifts to a more contemplative vi-IV-I-V pattern (in E Major: C#m, A, E, B). This change in mood allows the listener to catch their breath and take in the clever lyrical content before the band launches back into the energetic chorus.

The instrumentation in “One Week” is relatively straightforward but effective. Electric guitars, bass, and drums provide the foundation for the track, while the occasional use of keyboard and other electronic elements adds some extra flair. The band’s vocal harmonies, a trademark of their sound, are also worth mentioning, as they bring a sense of unity and cohesion to the entire composition.

In conclusion, “One Week” by Barenaked Ladies showcases the band’s ability to craft a song that is both catchy and musically intricate. The combination of a lively tempo, engaging chord progressions, and rapid-fire, rap-like verses make this track a standout in the world of pop-rock.