Led by singer and songwriter Pat Monahan, Train had humble origins as a roots rock band not too far astray from the likes of Tom Petty. Their debut album boasted smoldering cuts like "Free," "I Am," and "Meet Virginia," which made its way to #20 in 2000. Their sophomore effort displayed exponential growth and markedly better production, catapulting the band to the Top 10 with the sweeping ballad, "Drops Of Jupiter," which soared to #5 in 2001. The band then dropped off the radar a bit for their next two albums, only scoring a handful of lesser known singles. Train returned in a big way in 2010 with "Save Me, San Francisco," which yielded their biggest hit to date when "Hey, Soul Sister" spent 4 weeks at #3 and won a Grammy for Pop Group Vocal. They ventured back into Top 10 territory in 2012 when "Drive By" reached #10. Their new slick pop sound worked for a while, but they now need another comeback hit. The band's last trip to the Top 100 was in 2017 when "Play That Song" stalled at #41. "Respect" is from 2001's smash album "Drops Of Jupiter." Not sure why this catchy anthem didn't get more attention. This album is full of hit-worthy singles, but only the title-track saw chart action.
Out of the ashes of their band Pages, singer and bassist Richard Page and keyboardist Steve George regrouped to form a new pop rock band called Mr. Mister. Yes, the band referenced in the 2009 hit "Hey, Soul Sister," by Train. Mr. Mister was on a hot streak in the mid-80s. After warming up audiences in 1984 with "Hunters Of The Night," which reached #57, the band released their masterpiece record, "Welcome To The Real World." The album spawned two consecutive #1 hits with "Broken Wings" and "Kyrie," and the third single, "Is It Love" went to #8. With a big success like that, you'd think the band would have a pretty secure future, but they cooled off quickly. Their next release, 1987's "Go On," lacked the punch and radio-friendly melodies that earned them fans. After "Something Real (Inside Me/Inside You)" reached a disappointing #29, the band was ignored and broke up in 1990. Page would later release a solo record and write/play for many other artists. He was also a member of Ringo Starr's 12th All-Starr Band. "Uniform Of Youth" is another great cut from "Welcome To The Real World" that sees the band at its best, combining the synth rock with powerful guitars and an anthem-worthy chorus.
