Sublime is one of my favorite bands of all time. Founded in 1988 as a garage punk band, nobody knew that Bradley Nowell, Sublime’s singer-guitarist; Bud Gaugh, Sublime’s drummer; and Eric Wilson, Sublime’s bassist, would become one of the biggest bands in America. Gaugh and Wilson grew up together and played in a band with their future manager, Michael Happoldt, and were introduced to Nowell in college after he had dropped out of UCSC.
Known informally as a “summer band with stoner music” Sublime is formally recorded as a punk-ska band and blends reggae rock, alternative, hip-hop, rap, ska, and punk to create timeless melodies—they’re even credited with pioneering the beachside alternative genre! Sublime worked to capture the surf and skate culture in Long Beach during the late 80s and 90s. The trio had gained popularity in their early music days by performing at raucous gigs throughout Orange County and Southern California, and on June 1st, 1992, they independently released their first studio album 40oz to Freedom—and I discovered them only 32 years later!!! This album is my literal favorite because of the funky songs, catchy rhythms, and resonating lyrics, and guess what: the song “40oz to Freedom” is my favorite song too.
40oz to Freedom was a big splash for me, but it didn’t make too many waves during the 90s summer besides “Badfish” “Smoke Two Joints” and “Waiting For My Ruca”, which climbed the charts in later years. Then they released their second studio album on March 1st, 1994, Robbin’ the Hood, to which critics claimed the album was “haphazard” yet carried Nowell’s lasting voice and meaningful lyrics. Sublime was starting to become more recognized.
Finally, after Nowell had sadly passed away, Sublime released their 3rd studio album Sublime, which made them hit it big. July 30th, 1996 hailed the songs “Santeria” “What I Got” “Wrong Way” and “Doin’ Time” (no, Lana Del Rey did not write this song) which became top of the charts, and, backed by their previous albums, ensured their staple “summer music” title. Gaugh and Wilson disbanded after Nowell’s passing until they were reunited in 2026, with Nowell’s son, Jakob, as the new frontman! They released the heavier punk-ska studio album Until The Sun Explodes this year, with prominent punk rockers featured. I highly recommend listening to Sublime for those wishing to get into the punk-ska-reggae-mix scene—Sublime will not disappoint.