And "If You Could Only See" was on it's way to becoming the most played Rock song on the radio that year. The third single of off the band's 1996 release, "Lemon Parade", it was the second of the band's Billboard hits.

"Open Your Eyes" hit #2 in 1996. "If You Could Only See" became their first #1 single, on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. Their chart success was followed by the release of "Casual Affair", reaching #8, also in 1997.

I only remember "If You Could Only See", probably because it was the only one of the 3 singles to have a seriously heavy rotation for a solid couple of years. It was even featured on the first ever NOW compilation, one of the two reasons I bought the album - the other being Hanson's "MMMBop". I also listened to the song quite obsessively throughout 1997.

"Lemon Parade" became one of those albums that I always wanted, but when I arrived at Media Play (my music haven until around 2002, when it started to go seriously downhill), with my scraped together 15 bucks, it always lost out to the album I "just couldn't live without".

I bought both of Tonic's following albums, "Sugar" (1999) and "Head On Straight" (2002) with "Lemon Parade" still stuck on the "I'll have it eventually" list.

It became the album I'd attempt to buy every time I had some extra money and was in a music store. Somehow though, it was sold out each trip. I realized that I would have to buy it online, and again, it became secondary to the "just couldn't live without" albums.

Which is why it took until this past Christmas, that would be close to 10 years after it was released, to actually own the album.

The anticipation that had built up obviously wouldn't live up to the album's actual quality, but it's one of those albums you kinda just have to have.

"Open Your Eyes" starts off the record, showing the band's wide ability, both lyrically and musically. "Casual Affair"'s lyrics are just a preview to Emerson Hart's talent and ability to create relateable songs. "Soldier's Daughter" I personally think is the album's best hidden secret. It's emotional, musically moving, and creates a story around a situation that's not an everyday one.

The title track "Lemon Parade" is actually kind of a bummer. While it's not terrible, it certainly doesn't live up to the standards of a title track. It's disarmingly mellow compared to the rest of the album.

"Mr. Golden Deal" is a great take on the life of someone who always gets what they want because of money.

"wallow your pride
Make way for the new bride
Holding your tongue
When they call another winner
Oh there is more to this life
Hey Mr. Golden Deal
Tell me how does she feel"

"Celtic Aggression" is one of several Celtic/Irish influenced songs, leaving the listener wondering if Hart has an Irish background - something most likely confirmed by "Irish" (Head On Straight).

The record wraps up with "My Old Man", a darker view into Hart's past, and a stripped down, honest song.

Overall, "Lemon Parade" is a solid album, and paved the way for Tonic's future success. It peaked at #28 in August, 1997, on the Billboard Top 200.

Tonic went on to release "Sugar" in 1999, hitting #81 on the Top 200, and "Head On Straight" in 2002, hitting #141 on the Top 200. "Take Me As I Am" (Head On Straight), received a Grammy nomination, and the band received another for Best Rock Album in 2003.

Tonic's success also launched Hart's solo career, including the theme song for NBC's American Dreams - "My Generation".

"Lemon Parade" is one of those "must have's" if you are a fan on Tonic or grew up during the 1990s. "If You Could Only See" and "Soldier's Daughter" are reason enough to buy the album.

Tonic

Emerson Hart