From Now On

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful vibes of Supertramp’s "From Now On" from their 1977 album Even in the Quietest Moments…, and Zoo Freaks, you’re in for a treat with this track’s rich backstory. Written solely by Rick Davies, this song stands out as a personal reflection of resilience and romance, with its call-and-response singalong and John Helliwell’s standout saxophone solo earning praise from critics like Gary Graff of Billboard, who ranked it as Supertramp’s eighth-best song. Recorded primarily at Caribou Ranch in Colorado, the thin mountain air posed challenges, affecting Davies’ voice and Helliwell’s sax playing, leading the band to complete overdubs and mixing back in Los Angeles at the Record Plant. The song’s infectious energy and multi-tracked harmonies showcase Supertramp’s knack for blending progressive rock with pop sensibilities, making it a perfect fit for our hippie DJ crew’s eclectic playlist.

Digging into the song’s creation, "From Now On" captures Supertramp’s ability to weave emotional depth into their music. Davies, inspired by men’s magazine ads about picking up women, crafted "Lover Boy" on the same album, but "From Now On" feels more introspective, with its lyrics hinting at moving forward through life’s ups and downs. Fans on Reddit’s r/supertramp have noted the song’s uplifting vibe, often overlooked compared to hits like "Give a Little Bit." A 2012 post on ProgArchives calls it a “peak of the album,” highlighting its melancholic yet melodious tone, which resonates with the Zoo Crew’s laid-back, thoughtful vibe. The track’s inclusion in Supertramp’s live sets, as seen in their 1979 Paris shows, proves its enduring appeal among fans.

Supertramp’s journey began in London in 1969, sparked by Rick Davies, a keyboardist and vocalist with a vision to blend progressive rock with pop. Funded by Dutch millionaire Stanley August Miesegaes, Davies formed the band, initially called Daddy, with Roger Hodgson on vocals, guitar, and keyboards, Richard Palmer on guitar, and Keith Baker on drums. After Baker’s departure, Robert Millar joined, and the band renamed itself Supertramp, inspired by W.H. Davies’ book The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp. Their self-titled debut in 1970 flopped commercially, but a lineup change—bringing in Dougie Thomson on bass, Bob Siebenberg on drums, and John Helliwell on saxophone—set the stage for their 1974 breakthrough, Crime of the Century. This album, with hits like "School" and "Dreamer," marked Supertramp’s rise, driven by Davies and Hodgson’s distinct songwriting styles, with Davies leaning bluesy and Hodgson embracing ethereal, spiritual themes.

The band’s evolution saw them relocate to Los Angeles by 1977, refining their sound with Even in the Quietest Moments…. Despite internal tensions, particularly between Davies and Hodgson, Supertramp hit their peak with 1979’s Breakfast in America, a global smash. Hodgson’s departure in 1983 shifted the band’s dynamic, with Davies leading Supertramp until their last concert in 2012. Connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper at ProgArchives or join discussions in the Supertramp Fans Facebook group and r/supertramp on Reddit, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for this iconic band.