Sparks Share ‘JansSport Backpack’ Off New Album “Mad!”
The alt rock duo, Sparks, have a new album due out May 23. This pivotal release will be Sparks’ 28th studio album, aptly titled MAD!, and is expected to further cement Ron and Russell Mael’s position in the music industry. The album will be released under the Transgressive Records label, signaling a new era for the band after their previous album, The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte. This record had the distinction of being their first album with Island Records since the 1970s, indicating a period of significant resonance for Sparks.
Musically, MAD! explores a variety of styles, including new wave, synthpop, art rock, and electronic opera, genres where Sparks have been influential. The soundscape of the album celebrates a blend of these pioneering genres, reflecting the band’s innovative nature. Prominent tracks such as “JanSport Backpack,” with its sweeping, theatrical expression of a breakup conveyed through a trusty old backpack, stand out. This track follows the release of “Do Things My Own Way,” which boasts of psychedelic synths and ’60s-style vocal harmonies, combining poignant lyrical content with beautifully intricate musical arrangements.
Beyond the album release, Sparks are set to embark on a global tour in support of of the new album. Kicking off on June 8 in Kyoto, Japan, the tour will extend across Europe, concluding in Milan, Italy, on July 8. This tour provides fans with a rare opportunity to experience Sparks’ unique onstage energy, bringing the new album’s diverse and eclectic sounds to life. With dates set in cities like Tokyo, London, and Paris, the tour is a testament to their enduring appeal and global fanbase. The Italian show in Milan marks another first for Sparks, underlining their ambition to reach new audiences.
Amidst these grand plans, the material release formats of MAD! are as varied as its musical influences. Available on CD, cassette, and various vinyl editions, including a deluxe red vinyl exclusive to their website, fans have ample choices to enjoy this album. As Ron and Russell Mael continue to push boundaries after five decades in the industry, MAD! is not just a musical statement but a cultural exploration that reinforces their legacy and relevance in contemporary music.
Check Out “Jansport Backpack” by Sparks Here:
Key Takeaways
-
rockcellarmagazine.com | Sparks announced their new album titled 'Mad!' set to release on May 23, 2025. The album includes the single 'JanSport Backpack.'
-
rockcellarmagazine.com | The album 'Mad!' by Sparks explores themes like branded backpacks, performative devotion, and the rise of influencers, with a lexicon that includes unique cultural references.
-
www.stereogum.com | Sparks' new single 'JanSport Backpack' from their upcoming album 'Mad!' nostalgically revisits a fading love story related to the backpack.
-
www.undertheradarmag.com | Sparks will embark on a 2025 world tour starting in Japan in early June and concluding in Italy in July to promote their new album 'Mad!'.
-
www.undertheradarmag.com | The new album 'Mad!' features Sparks’ trademark eclectic sound, including influences from new wave, synthpop, and art rock.
-
superdeluxeedition.com | In promotion of 'Mad!', Sparks released a various album formats including CD, vinyl, and cassette, along with deluxe editions exclusive to certain retailers.
TOP STORIES
RELATED ARTISTS
Related Stories
Dolly Parton, ‘Queen of Country’ Music Icon, Dies at 80
Dolly Parton, the singer, actress and philanthropist celebrated as the ‘Queen of Country’ music, has died at age 80, her family confirmed on August 25, 2026.
David Byrne’s ‘Who Is The Sky?’ Tour Becomes 70mm Concert Film Directed by Brady Corbet
David Byrne has confirmed a 70mm concert film built from sold-out Baltimore performances on his ‘Who Is The Sky?’ tour, with ‘The Brutalist’ director Brady Corbet behind the camera and the project now in post-production.
ZZ Top Plays First Shows Since Drummer Frank Beard’s Death, Billy Gibbons Calls Austin Gigs “A Celebration”
ZZ Top took the stage in Austin for the first time since drummer Frank Beard’s death, with Billy Gibbons honoring his longtime bandmate before calling the shows “a celebration.”
Pearl Jam to Press 2016 Philadelphia ‘Ten’ Concert on Vinyl for Album’s 35th Anniversary
Pearl Jam is pressing its April 29, 2016 full-album performance of ‘Ten’ at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center onto vinyl, marking 35 years since the record’s release.
Judge Issues Pretrial Rulings Favoring Steven Tyler Ahead of Julia Holcomb Abuse Trial
A Los Angeles judge has handed Steven Tyler several favorable pretrial rulings ahead of his September 21, 2026 trial in Julia Misley’s abuse lawsuit, limiting what evidence and language her side can use in court.
Carlos Santana Faces Backlash After Telling Red Rocks Crowd ‘Grievances Cause Cancer’
Carlos Santana is facing online criticism after telling a Red Rocks crowd that forgiving grievances can prevent cancer, a claim that has drawn accusations of victim-blaming.
Tom Scholz Shares Rare Live Recording of Boston’s ‘More Than a Feeling’
Boston guitarist Tom Scholz posted a rare live recording of ‘More Than a Feeling’ on Facebook, drawn from the band’s 2017 Hyper Space tour and preserved in its unpolished, straight-off-the-console form.
Tony Iommi Recruits Brian May for Guest Solo on New Album ‘From the Dark’
Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi is releasing From the Dark on October 23, his first solo album in more than two decades, and Queen’s Brian May is the sole guest musician on the record.
Stevie Nicks Remembers ‘Best Week Ever’ Recording With Dolly Parton Before Her Death
Stevie Nicks posted an Instagram tribute to Dolly Parton, recalling the week the two spent together in Nashville recording a duet for Parton’s Rockstar album and sharing a handwritten poem in her memory.