Dive into the vibrant world of Enuff Z'Nuff's "New Thing," a power-pop gem wrapped in full glam regalia.
The Song
"New Thing" is a dynamic track from Enuff Z'Nuff's self-titled debut album, released on Atco Records in 1989. Penned by founding members Donnie Vie and Chip Z'Nuff, the song perfectly encapsulates the band's signature blend of melodic power pop and hard rock. The track was co-produced by the band themselves along with Ron Fajerstein.
The song originated in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with its demo famously recorded in bassist Chip Z'Nuff's humble one-bedroom apartment. Its catchy hooks and energetic delivery quickly made it a standout on the album, defining the band's initial sound.
The Artist
Enuff Z'Nuff, initially known as "Enough Z'Nuff," formed in 1984 in Blue Island, Illinois. The core creative force behind the band was vocalist/guitarist Donnie Vie and bassist Chip Z'Nuff, who shared a common love for Beatles-esque melodies and harmonies. For their major label debut, they were joined by guitarist Derek Frigo and drummer Vikki Foxx, solidifying their "classic" lineup.
While often categorized as glam metal due to their flamboyant image, Enuff Z'Nuff distinguished themselves with a strong foundation in power pop, drawing comparisons to bands like Cheap Trick and even The Beatles. Their early work, including the song "Fingers On It" from the 1986 film Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, hinted at their unique approach to rock music before their mainstream breakthrough.
Chart Performance
"New Thing" proved to be a significant breakout for Enuff Z'Nuff, charting on multiple Billboard lists. It reached No. 67 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The single also found success on the Mainstream Rock chart, peaking at No. 35.
The accompanying music video for "New Thing" received heavy rotation on MTV, significantly contributing to the band's visibility. This exposure helped their self-titled debut album reach No. 74 on the Billboard 200, establishing Enuff Z'Nuff as a presence in the late 1980s rock scene.
Cultural Impact
The video for "New Thing" played a crucial role in defining Enuff Z'Nuff's initial public image, often emphasizing their bright, over-the-top glam aesthetic. While this imagery helped them stand out on MTV during the tail end of the hair metal era, it also led to some metal fans dismissing them as "comical" or "pretentious," a frustration reportedly shared by the band members themselves, who felt it overshadowed their musical depth. The video's iconic status in the genre was cemented when The New York Times included it in its list of "15 Essential Hair-Metal Videos."
Despite the glam trappings, critics often recognized the band's sophisticated songwriting, with Rolling Stone praising their "Beatle-esque song craft" and Billboard calling them a "truly gifted power pop act." Their unique sound, blending hard rock riffs with pop sensibilities, positioned them as outliers in the genre, with some lamenting that external pressures prevented them from becoming "the new Cheap Trick."
Fun Facts
- The demo for "New Thing" was recorded in bassist Chip Z'Nuff's one-bedroom apartment in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, at a time when he was "too broke to even afford" it.
- After the band played the demo for "New Thing" and two other songs over the phone for their management at 2 AM, the management company was so impressed they asked to hear the tracks four times.
- Despite the video's popularity, the band members were reportedly frustrated with the excessively bright colors and flamboyant glam image, feeling it misrepresented their music.
- The heavy rotation of "New Thing" on MTV fundamentally changed the band's trajectory "overnight," elevating them from playing clubs to national television appearances and arena tours.
- Radio shock jock Howard Stern became a significant supporter, frequently featuring the band on his nationally syndicated show and even writing liner notes for their 1994 album, 1985.
- Enuff Z'Nuff also made appearances on Late Night With David Letterman, further boosting their profile beyond hard rock circles.