"September Gurls" is an iconic song by Big Star, written by frontman Alex Chilton. Recognized today as a cornerstone of power pop, the song first appeared on the band's second album, Radio City, released in February 1974, and was later issued as a single in August of the same year12.
Song Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Big Star |
| Album | Radio City |
| Release | February 1974 (album); August 1974 (single) 1 |
| Length | 2:41 |
| Songwriter | Alex Chilton |
| Producer | John Fry and Big Star |
| Genre | Power Pop, Rock |
Musical Style and Legacy
- Sound: "September Gurls" is famous for its jangling guitars, upbeat tempo, catchy melodies, and lush harmonies—hallmarks of power pop23. Alex Chilton’s bright lead guitar (played on a Fender Stratocaster), Andy Hummel’s bass, and Jody Stephens’ crisp drums give the song a sparkling yet driving quality, with a rhythm section inspired by British Invasion bands and the American rock of The Byrds.
- Influence: Though it was not a commercial hit at the time, the song has since become a template for the power pop genre, admired and covered by bands such as The Bangles (who released a version in 1986)12.
- Legacy: Over the years, "September Gurls" has appeared on numerous "best of" lists, and is regularly cited as Big Star’s signature song and one of the greatest power pop tracks ever recorded4. Rolling Stone included it at #180 in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time4.
Lyrics and Themes
Alex Chilton wrote "September Gurls" in tribute to The Beach Boys’ "California Girls"15. The lyrics are bittersweet and evocative, blending themes of longing, heartache, and romantic confusion. According to bassist Andy Hummel and biographers, the song reflects Chilton's tangled relationships at the time—particularly with women who had September birthdays15. This sense of wistfulness and emotional ambiguity is echoed throughout the music.
Key lyric excerpt:
September gurls do so much
I was your butch and you were touched
I loved you, well, never mind
I've been crying all the time.
Production Notes
- Recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis, the track features two distinct guitar parts: Chilton’s chiming rhythm and an overdubbed mando-guitar line3.
- Jody Stephens’ energetic drumming adds a visceral, Keith Moon-style punch, while Chilton’s vocals—clear and slightly plaintive—convey both vulnerability and melodic beauty3.
- The recording stands out for its brevity (under three minutes) and its tight, dynamic structure, contributing to its lasting appeal23.
Cultural Significance
While Radio City and "September Gurls" were commercial failures at the time due to poor distribution and label support, their reputations have grown immensely. The song has inspired countless artists, from R.E.M. and Cheap Trick to The Replacements and KISS, and continues to be rediscovered by new generations of listeners24.
Interesting Facts
- The spelling "Gurls" with a "u" was a direct nod to the Beach Boys’ "California Girls"15.
- The Bangles' cover on their Different Light album helped introduce the song to a wider audience in the 1980s1.
- The song was the last recorded for Radio City and reflects Chilton's love for '60s British pop, especially in its jangly, melodic approach5.
In Summary
"September Gurls" stands as a masterpiece of melodic pop songwriting. Its influence on alternative and indie rock, as well as its enduring emotional resonance, ensure its place as one of the defining tracks of the power pop movement234.
