The New America

Released in 2000, The New America is the final album of Bad Religion's tenure on Atlantic Records and their last with guitarist Brian Baker as the primary foil to Greg Graffin before the return of founding member Brett Gurewitz. Produced by Todd Rundgren at his studio in Hawaii, the album is notable for its high-fidelity sheen and pop-rock sensibilities, which polarized some long-time fans accustomed to the band's grittier sound. Lyrically, Graffin moves away from purely political polemics toward more personal themes of nostalgia, individual persistence, and social observation, as seen in tracks like '1000 Memories' and 'Believe It'. The album features a guest appearance by Gurewitz on 'Believe It', signaling the eventual reconciliation of the band's classic lineup. Despite its polished exterior, the record maintains the band's signature 'PhD punk' vocabulary and complex vocal harmonies, serving as a document of their evolution during a period of major-label experimentation.