Their debut album, "Everything Sucks" (1995), was an underground hit and led to a deal with Mojo Records (see also Mojo), an indie label. "Turn the Radio Off" (1996) established the band in the underground music scene, and they began touring throughout the USA. After the single "Sell Out" began breaking into the mainstream, including MTV, the album made an appearance on the charts. The ska revival was short-lived, however, and "Why Do They Rock So Hard?" (1998) did not lead the group to the mainstream.
Reel Big Fish released "Cheer Up" (2002) which began a movement into harder rock and pop sounds, with much less ska than the previous albums. The song "Where Have You Been?" was aimed at a wider audience, trying to drop the less popular ska sound, but was met with little mainstream success, despite the video. Their second most recent studio album was "We're Not Happy Until You're Not Happy" (2005).
They recently released "Our Live Album is Better Than Your Live Album" (2006) which includes 2 discs worth or their own tunes and a few covers of popular songs along with a DVD. They have worked on the soundtrack to BASEketball, which included a cover of A-Ha's Take On Me.
In 2006, they split from Jive records, who produced a "Best of" album against the will of the band, who could not prevent the release. The band has made a campaign to try and stop people buying the album.
Their 7th album "Monkeys For Nothing and the Chimps For Free" (2007) includes some songs that were previously recorded and released on other albums. It was also the first album with the band's new label, Rock Ridge Records.
In 2009, they released "Fame, Fortune, and Fornication" an album composed of covers of older songs, including "Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty, and "Nothin' But a Good Time" by Poison.
In 2012, Reel Big Fish released "Candy Coated Fury", which is their second album on Rock Ridge Records. This album was met with heavy amounts of criticism from fans and reviewers alike. PunkNews.org gave the album a 2/10.
in 2014, they released "Happy Skalidays", a holiday themed EP.
Their current release is 2018's "Life Sucks... Let's Dance!", which gained generally positive reviews from fans and critics.
Current members:
Aaron Barrett - guitar, lead vocals (1992–present)
Dan Regan - trombone, backing vocals (1994–present)
John Christianson - trumpet, backing vocals (2004–present)
Ryland Steen - drums (2005–present)
Derek Gibbs - bass guitar (2007–present)
Past members:
Ben Guzman - vocals (1992–1994)
Zach Gilltrap - keyboards/synthesizers (1992–1994)
Lisa Smith - guitar (1992–1994)
Eric Vismantes - trumpet (1994)
Stephan Reed - saxophone (1994)
Robert Quimby - trombone (1994–1995)
Adam Polakoff - saxophone (1994–1995)
Grant Barry - trombone (1995–1998)
Andrew Gonzales - drums (1992–1998)
Tavis Werts - trumpet (1994–2001)
Carlos de la Garza - drums (1999–2003)
Tyler Jones - trumpet (2001–2004)
Justin Ferreira - drums (2003–2005)
Matt Wong - bass, backing vocals (1992–2007)
Scott Klopfenstein - trumpet, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1995–2011)
Whatever U Celebrate
Reel Big Fish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This one is for you,
Whatever holiday you're into,
Well that's up to you
Whatever you celebrate,
I hope it's awesome for you,
And I just wanna say,
Have a happy holiday!
I hope you have an unforgettable Kwanzaa,
Happy New Year,
I hope it's the best one yet, I do!
Whatever you celebrate,
This one's for you,
Whatever holiday you're into,
That's totally cool
Whatever you celebrate,
I hope it's awesome for you, yes I do
And I just wanna say,
Have a happy holiday
So happy Bodhi Day, Hogmanay,
Las Posadas, Winter Solstice, St. Lucia's Day,
Eid-al-Adha, [?], Mardi Gras, Boxing Day and Diwali!
Whatever you celebrate,
This one is for you,
Whatever holiday you're into
No matter what you do
Whatever you celebrate,
I hope it's awesome for you, yes I do
And I just wanna say,
Have a happy holiday
So if it's winter time,
Or summer for you,
Just have a good time,
When you do what you do,
It's that time of year,
Let's have some fun,
And happy holiday,
No matter which one
Have a good time all the time,
Have a good time all the time, happy holidays
Have a good time all the time, let's have some fun
Have a good time all the time, happy holidays
Have a good time all the time, let's have some fun
Have a good time all the time, happy holidays
Whatever you celebrate,
This one is for you,
Whatever holiday you're into,
Well that's up to you
Whatever you celebrate,
I hope it's awesome for you, yes I do,
And I just wanna say, I just wanna say, I just wanna say,
Have a happy holiday!
The lyrics to "Whatever U Celebrate" by Reel Big Fish convey a message of inclusivity and well-wishes for individuals celebrating different holidays. The song acknowledges and respects that everyone has their own preferences and traditions when it comes to holidays. It embraces the idea that regardless of the specific holiday or occasion someone observes, this song is for them.
The lyrics highlight the diversity of celebrations, mentioning specific holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's, Bodhi Day, Hogmanay, Las Posadas, Winter Solstice, St. Lucia's Day, Eid-al-Adha, Mardi Gras, Boxing Day, and Diwali. By acknowledging these various festivals, the song emphasizes the unity and acceptance of different cultures and religions.
The overall intention of the song is to spread joy and happiness during this festive time. It encourages listeners to have a good time and enjoy themselves, no matter the season or where they are located in the world. The repetition of the phrase "have a good time all the time" emphasizes the message of finding happiness and fun in every moment, not just during the holidays.
In conclusion, "Whatever U Celebrate" promotes a message of acceptance, unity, and spreading happiness during the holiday season. It encourages individuals to embrace their own traditions and respect others' celebrations. The song aims to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the holiday season, regardless of their specific beliefs or customs.
Line by Line Meaning
Whatever you celebrate,
No matter which holiday or occasion you choose to celebrate,
This one is for you,
This song is dedicated to you,
Whatever holiday you're into,
Whichever holiday you prefer,
Well that's up to you
It's your decision and choice
I hope it's awesome for you,
I hope your celebration is fantastic,
And I just wanna say,
And all I want to express is,
Have a happy holiday!
Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling holiday season!
So merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah,
May you have a joyful Christmas, a delightful Hanukkah,
I hope you have an unforgettable Kwanzaa,
I wish you a memorable and meaningful Kwanzaa,
Happy New Year,
May the upcoming year be filled with happiness,
I hope it's the best one yet, I do!
I genuinely hope it surpasses all your expectations!
That's totally cool
Your choice is entirely acceptable and respected
So happy Bodhi Day, Hogmanay,
Sending best wishes for a joyful Bodhi Day, a festive Hogmanay,
Las Posadas, Winter Solstice, St. Lucia's Day,
Also, may you have a delightful Las Posadas, a meaningful Winter Solstice, a joyful St. Lucia's Day,
Eid-al-Adha, [?], Mardi Gras, Boxing Day and Diwali!
Additionally, may your Eid-al-Adha, Mardi Gras, Boxing Day, and Diwali celebrations be filled with joy!
No matter what you do
Irrespective of your chosen activities
If it's winter time,
When it's the winter season,
Or summer for you,
Or when it's summer for you,
Just have a good time,
Simply enjoy yourself,
When you do what you do,
During your chosen festivities,
It's that time of year,
It's the season we're in,
Let's have some fun,
Let's enjoy ourselves,
No matter which one
Regardless of the specific celebration
Have a good time all the time,
Enjoy yourself every moment,
Have a good time all the time, happy holidays
Always have a great time, wishing you joyful holidays
Let's have some fun
Let's enjoy ourselves
Whatever you celebrate,
No matter which holiday or occasion you choose to celebrate,
This one is for you,
This song is dedicated to you,
Whatever holiday you're into
Whichever holiday you prefer
I hope it's awesome for you, yes I do
I genuinely hope your celebration is fantastic!
Happy holidays
Wishing you a joyful holiday season
I just wanna say
I only want to express
Have a happy holiday!
Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling holiday season!
Whatever you celebrate,
No matter which holiday or occasion you choose to celebrate,
This one is for you,
This song is dedicated to you,
Whatever holiday you're into
Whichever holiday you prefer
Well that's up to you
It's your decision and choice
I hope it's awesome for you, yes I do
I genuinely hope your celebration is fantastic!
And I just wanna say, I just wanna say, I just wanna say,
And all I want to express, all I want to express, all I want to express,
Have a happy holiday!
Wishing you a joyful and fulfilling holiday season!
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: AARON ASHER BARRETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CassyCZ
Reel Big Fish
Whatever U Celebrate
Whatever you celebrate,
this one is for you,
whatever holiday you're into,
well that's up to you
whatever you celebrate,
I hope it's awesome for you,
and I just wanna say,
have a happy holiday!
So merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah,
I hope you have an unforgetable Kwanzaa,
Happy New Year,
I hope it's the best one yet, I do!
Whatever you celebrate,
this one's for you,
whatever holiday you're into,
that's totally cool
whatever you celebrate,
I hope it's awesome for you, Yes I do!
and I just wanna say,
have a happy holiday!
So happy Bodhi Day, Hogmanay,
Las Posadas, Winter Solstice, St. Lucia's Day,
Eid-al-Adha, Mardi Gras, Boxing Day and Diwali!
Whatever you celebrate,
This one is for you,
Whatever holiday you're into
no matter what you do
whatever you celebrate,
I hope it's awesome for you,
and I just wanna say,
have a happy holiday
So if it's winter time,
or summer for you,
just have a good time,
when you do what you do,
It's that time of year,
let's have some fun,
and happy holiday,
no matter which one
have a good time all the time,
have a good time all the time, happy holidays
have a good time all the time, let's have some fun
have a good time all the time, happy holidays
have a good time all the time, let's have some fun
have a good time all the time, happy holidays
Whatever you celebrate,
this one is for you,
whatever holiday you're into,
well that's up to you
whatever you celebrate,
I hope it's awesome for you, Yes I do,
and I just wanna say, I just wanna say, I just wanna say,
have a happy holiday!
(I know I am missing a name of one holiday in there)
@sublimeden
It's that time of year again! Whatever U Celebrate! This one's for you!
@martianneanderthal9841
Happy holidays to everyone of you! No matter what religion, philosophical believe or ethnic culture, i just hope you have a great time with all your loved ones!
@ruchigupta6617
Alright, you too have a phenomenal, extraordinary Christmas.
@AllHaiLKINGTIsHeRe3
I've been listening to this for a few minutes and I'm now feeling Christmas cheer in late June.
Conclusion: This is a damn good Christmas song.
@sublimeden
And still is!
@bootska
In a shit 2020, a bright spot is introducing my kids to ska. Happy Whatever U Celebrate!
@naturalnat3452
Dude, nice! I hope they've been enjoying listening to different ska artists!
@Ffeoli1039
Once again, it's almost that time!
@ruchigupta6617
This song is a phenomenal, extraordinary, altruistic song! I love the vocals! Overall, I think this is a good song.
@codycomeaux3418
This song put a tear in my eye the first time I heard it... I love the growth of you guys!