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This 1996 Alt-Rock Hit Took Words Straight out of a 1960s Dating Manual, Yet It’s Surprisingly Great

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09.07.2026

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This 1996 Alt-Rock Hit Took Words Straight out of a 1960s Dating Manual, Yet It’s Surprisingly Great

Nada Surf’s sarcastic delivery of 1960s-era advice for teenagers in their debut single perfectly encapsulated the quintessential 90s teen attitude.

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Despite their debut single being titled “Popular”, 90s alt-rock band Nada Surf took a while to find their niche. This single got them so close to the mainstream relatively early. But when they went in a different stylistic direction for later releases, that popularity seemed to wane.

Still, for those in the know, Nada Surf remained a beloved band in the late-90s alt-rock scene. “Popular” had a hand in kicking off their cult status, with the unusual source material for the song’s verses.

“Popular” is made up of a singular chorus breaking up verses that recite........

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