I’m an Adult Now

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track "I’m an Adult Now" by The Pursuit of Happiness from their debut album Love Junk, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, a cornerstone of Canadian power pop, became a breakout hit in 1986 thanks to a low-budget music video directed by Moe Berg’s friend Nelu Ghiran. The video’s raw charm caught fire on MuchMusic, Canada’s music video channel, propelling the song to smash hit status across the country. According to a 2018 Reddit post on r/listentothis, fans still rave about its timeless quality, with one user noting how their kids discovered Love Junk and keep it in heavy rotation, proving the song’s cross-generational appeal. Another fun tidbit: when the band signed with Chrysalis Records in 1988, Moe Berg boldly listed Todd Rundgren as his dream producer. To his shock, Rundgren personally called during a soundcheck in Winnipeg to confirm he’d produce Love Junk, a moment Berg described as “shell-shocking” in a Lyrics.com interview. The song’s witty lyrics, capturing the awkward transition to adulthood, resonated widely, peaking at No. 6 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart in January 1989.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s production journey. Rundgren, known for his work with Cheap Trick, completed Love Junk in just 10 days at his Utopia Sound Studios in Lake Hill, New York, a pace so fast that some band members worried something was off, as noted in a Wikipedia entry. The 1986 12-inch single of "I’m an Adult Now" sold out entirely due to the video’s popularity, cementing the band’s status as an independent success story before their major label deal. Fans on platforms like Reddit have shared nostalgic stories, like one user recalling a 1990s conversation with a Canadian who was surprised to learn the song was known in the U.S., highlighting its cult following. Axl Rose, in a late ’80s interview, even name-dropped The Pursuit of Happiness as a band he was into, a moment fans still celebrate as a badge of honor.

The Pursuit of Happiness kicked off in 1985 when Moe Berg, a singer-songwriter from Edmonton, Alberta, teamed up with drummer Dave Gilby and moved to Toronto, Ontario, as detailed in their official bio. There, they met bassist Johnny Sinclair and formed the band, initially recruiting sisters Tamara and Natasha Amabile for backing vocals. Their chemistry clicked, and the 1986 release of "I’m an Adult Now" as an independent single marked their first big break. The Amabile sisters later left to focus on their own project, and Kris Abbott and Leslie Stanwyck stepped in by 1988, just as the band signed with Chrysalis Records. Berg’s knack for sharp, relatable lyrics and the band’s power pop sound—described by AllMusic as influenced by Rundgren’s style—set them apart in the late ’80s alternative scene. Despite lineup changes, with Brad Barker joining on bass in 1990, the band never officially split and continues to perform, including a 2018 tour celebrating Love Junk’s 30th anniversary with a deluxe remastered edition.

Stay connected with The Pursuit of Happiness through their official website for the latest news and tour dates. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Fans, or Zoo Freaks looking to join the tribe, can dive into discussions on the The Pursuit of Happiness Fan Group on Facebook, where devotees share memories, rare photos, and updates about the band. While no standalone fan websites appear active, the band’s social media presence and fan group keep the community thriving, perfect for anyone vibing to "I’m an Adult Now" on THE ZOO’s airwaves.