Sick of Myself (song)
| "Sick of Myself" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Matthew Sweet | ||||
| from the album 100% Fun | ||||
| Released | 1995 | |||
| Recorded | 1994 | |||
| Genre | Alternative rock, power pop | |||
| Label | Zoo Entertainment | |||
| Songwriter | Matthew Sweet | |||
| Producers |
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| Matthew Sweet singles chronology | ||||
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“Sick of Myself” is a song by American singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet. It was released in 1995 as a single from his fifth studio album, 100% Fun.[1] The song became Sweet’s most commercially successful single and marked his strongest crossover from alternative radio to mainstream pop formats.[2][3]
Development and composition
“Sick of Myself” was recorded during the sessions for 100% Fun in 1994, with production handled by Brendan O'Brien and Sweet.[4][5]
Musically, “Sick of Myself” features distorted electric guitars, a steady mid-tempo rhythm, and a conventional verse–chorus structure.[5] Critics have described the song as blending power pop melodies with the louder guitar textures associated with alternative rock.[6] The lyrics are written in the first person and focus on self-criticism and romantic frustration. Reviewers have frequently noted the contrast between the song’s upbeat melodic feel and its emotionally negative lyrical content.[1]
Release and promotion
The song was released in 1995 by Zoo Entertainment.[7] It was promoted to alternative, modern rock, and mainstream Top 40 radio formats in the United States.[8] A music video was produced to support the single and received airplay on music television outlets.[9]
Reception
“Sick of Myself” received generally positive reviews from contemporary music critics.[10][4] Reviews frequently highlighted the song’s strong hook and accessibility while noting its darker tone compared with Sweet’s earlier work.[5] The single achieved significant commercial success in the United States. It peaked at number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Sweet’s highest-charting song.[2] The song also performed strongly on radio airplay charts, reflecting its crossover appeal beyond alternative rock audiences.[7][5]
Legacy and impact
“Sick of Myself” is widely regarded as one of the defining songs of Matthew Sweet’s career.[11] Retrospective articles frequently cite the track as a highlight of 100% Fun.[12][13] The song is often included in critical overviews of notable alternative rock releases from 1995.[9] Its commercial success contributed to Sweet’s broader recognition in the mainstream music industry during the 1990s.[6]
In popular culture
The song was covered by Bowling for Soup on their album Bowling for Soup Goes to the Movies. In 2005, indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie also performed a cover of the song for NPR's World Cafe.[14] "Sick of Myself" appeared on an episode of Hindsight,[15] as well as an episode of Your Friends & Neighbors.[16]
References
- ^ a b "Matthew Sweet Was Sick of Himself in 1995 (But We Weren't)". The A.V. Club. 2015.
- ^ a b "Matthew Sweet Chart History". Billboard.
- ^ "Pop Music Notes". Los Angeles Times. June 15, 1995.
- ^ a b "Matthew Sweet's New Album". The Christian Science Monitor. June 5, 1995.
- ^ a b c d "Matthew Sweet Review". Los Angeles Times. June 12, 1995.
- ^ a b "Formula Rock". Chicago Tribune. July 8, 2000.
- ^ a b "New Music Report" (PDF). CMJ. May 22, 1995.
- ^ "Hitmakers Radio Report" (PDF). Hitmakers. May 5, 1995.
- ^ a b "The 95 Best Alternative Rock Songs of 1995". SPIN. 2015.
- ^ "In Performance: Pop". The New York Times. May 22, 1995.
- ^ "Matthew Sweet Looks Back at 20 Years of 'Girlfriend'". SPIN. 2011.
- ^ "Staff Picks: September 2018". AllMusic.
- ^ "Every Matthew Sweet Album Ranked". SPIN. 2025.
- ^ "Death Cab for Cutie Stay Clever on 'Plans'". NPR.org.
- ^ "The Ultimate '90s Playlist: Get The Music From Episode 3 Of 'Hindsight'". www.vh1.com. Retrieved 2026-02-14.
- ^ Hough, Q. V. (April 20, 2025). "Soundtracks of Television: 'Your Friends & Neighbors'". Vague Visages. Retrieved 2026-02-14.