Gregg Alexander of New Radicals has quietly returned with the band’s first new material in nearly three decades. The track “One Night Only (Break Loose Break Free!)” emerged last week as the title song for a new romantic comedy, arriving with minimal fanfare that made it difficult for fans to locate on streaming platforms. True to the band’s understated approach, Alexander described the release as something that happened organically, comparing the experience to boarding a roller coaster without advance planning.
The new song maintains New Radicals’ signature blend of upbeat instrumentation paired with socially conscious lyrics, picking up where the group left off after their abrupt disbanding in the late 1990s. Alexander credits renewed interest in the band’s most iconic track, “You Only Get What You Give,” as a catalyst for the reunion. The 1998 anthem has experienced multiple viral moments recently through covers by various artists and appearances in films and award show promotions.
The comeback marks the latest chapter in New Radicals’ gradual reemergence. The band previously performed at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration and released covers of contemporary songs in recent years. With a full album in development, Alexander expressed his belief in music’s potential to create meaningful global impact, suggesting the band has additional material worthy of standing alongside their greatest hits.