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
Tommy Lee Opens Up on Hurtful Mick Mars Split: ‘I Got Nothing But Love for That Guy’
Tommy Lee spoke candidly about Motley Crue’s split with Mick Mars on Billy Corgan’s podcast, praising Mars’ talent while crediting John 5 with revitalizing the
John Lennon’s Personal Drawings Go on Display at Portland’s Benson Hotel
A collection of John Lennon’s personal drawings has gone on public display at the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland, offering fans a rare glimpse at the late Beatle’s artistic side.
Elton John Celebrates 36 Years of Sobriety
Elton John is marking 36 years of sobriety, a personal milestone that reflects one of the most significant turning points in the legendary musician’s life and career.
Willie Nelson Urges Communities to “Fight” Data Centers Threatening Rural America
Willie Nelson shared an open letter on July 28, 2026, calling on his hometown of Abbott, Texas, and communities across the country to fight the spread of data centers, which he described as loud, water-thieving, and light polluting.
Fans Launch Petition Against AI Advertisement’s Use of David Bowie Song
A petition circulating online is asking David Bowie fans to sign and share in protest of an advertisement promoting artificial intelligence that uses one of the late artist’s songs.
Soundgarden’s Final Album With Chris Cornell Is Being Mixed, Says Matt Cameron
Drummer Matt Cameron says Soundgarden’s surviving members are mixing a final eight-song album featuring previously unreleased vocals from late singer Chris Cornell.
Jeff Ament Announces ‘Since Forever’ Photo Book Chronicling Pearl Jam’s Early Years
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament has announced ‘Since Forever,’ a photography book made with his brother Barry Ament featuring more than 250 unseen black-and-white images from the band’s formative years, arriving September 25, 2026.
The Beatles Announce Expanded Rubber Soul Super Deluxe Reissue with Unheard Lennon Song
The Beatles will release an expanded super deluxe edition of Rubber Soul on October 2nd, 2026, featuring new Dolby Atmos mixes, dozens of unreleased session tapes and a never-before-heard John Lennon song outline called “Little Girl.”
Ozzy Osbourne ‘Prince of Darkness’ Haunted House Debuts at Halloween Horror Nights 2026
Universal Studios will unveil an Ozzy Osbourne themed haunted attraction called ‘Prince of Darkness’ at Halloween Horror Nights, opening in Orlando on August 28 and in Hollywood on September 3.