First Time Hearing Blues Traveler - Hook (Reaction!)

[@Mr._Anderpson]

The trickery/artistry on this one runs deeper than many people realize. The chord progression is taken directly from Pachobel's Canon in D. He rolls up & tells us he is just here to schmooze us, but we're going to love it. He isn't wrong.

[@Degner]

That one bar was actually a TRIPLE entendre! "No matter how much Peter loved her, what made the Pan refuse to grow, was that the Hook brings you back". So, it was a Peter Pan reference AND the two meanings you said!

[@erikbrigham5764]

Capt Hook... just in case

[@joebluhm]

100% - it's cheeky, and it's meta.

[@dennisjohnson2772]

He showed he plays for the people,not mtv or corporate.

[@versatilejams]

Popper is the man.

[@Faesharlyn]

"Suck it in³" whether you're a queen or a dog, the hook will byb.

[@yeehaw6737]

This is what true talent sounds like when no auto tune smothers it👍🏻🤗

[@claudballs5679]

Seeing those kids faces and smiles had me in tears, you could see the joy in there hearts.

[@chibiusa4072]

It took me 25 years to understand the genius of this song, and you got it in one. They actually teach this song in music theory classes.

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

John Popper is a master harmonicist. This bands music often has messages & parodies within. They are all musical geniuses, as well. Thank you for taking your time & hearing what he was singing. =)

[@carihenson8019]

This is one of my all-time favorite songs, ever.

[@nelsonsheffield2157]

This song is a satire of pop music in general. Yeah, he is basically saying the lyrics aren't important as all you need is a musical "hook" to get listeners to listen and buy.

[@st.johnpauliiyouthgrouplou2093]

His best performance of this song that i've heard is when he visits the Howard Stern Show. He sound even more incredible on that one

[@Ray1969.]

Absolutely!! That performance is fire

[@mrbaddog4749]

Blue Traveler is an amazing band. John Popper ( Lead vocals and Harmonica ) is a beast, and has jammed with many artists and has a great solo career. You should Google John Popper for more great music.

[@Thundaarr]

The studio version of this is amazing too.

[@sherrybrown6136]

I understand that he's talking about how some artists don't ever care about the lyrics, the public is only interested in the "Hook" of the song. The shallowness of some people who only listened to the music instead of the lyrics. Another great some from them is "Run Around".

[@jasonrose9092]

Great reaction! I'm about to see Blues Traveler 7 times in the next 10 days! Rock on BT!

[@sneakthieve]

and a live version! if you'd never really heard this, it is like "damn that's unique!" there really is nothing like them

[@insidadream4074]

Great band! Great reaction! Try Dave Mathews Band as well. Amazing talent

[@pulamusic]

“Suck it in, suck it in, suck it in Like you’re Rin Tin Tin or Anne Boleyn.” A classic line! It’s right up there with Bob Dylan’s, “Don’t want to be a bum, You better chew gum, The pump don’t work cause the vandals took the handles”

[@juli-annb.anderson8816]

Yeah!! He killed it! Gorgeous! He runnin' through life... o.. but heart hooks you.❤

[@saywhatagainmfer9877]

Shon, your real man. I enjoy your reactions brother.

[@GrannySingaporePVP]

Yooo! You did Hook! This is amazing! Looking forward to seeing this! Just finished it! It was awesome man! Glad to see that you got the point of the song. It was a bit unfortunate that this particular video wasn’t exactly the best example of the song but that is MY fault! Hope you enjoyed the harmonica as much as I enjoyed watching your reaction 💪🏼.

[@TheLupin22]

studio version will leave you weak bro, its dope. the harmonica is cleaner and his voice is picked up much better.

[@vasekvi]

He lowered his voice in this video while he was singing to the children on purpose. If you watch the Howard stern live version he did not lower his voice.

[@britt3044]

This song is dope and he sings his ass off!

[@jamesmcmillan7845]

you got it

[@chrispruett81]

Great ears Shon! That's EXACTLY what he was saying!! lol ... This was fun... but for the record.. he is playing/singing this song too fast. The original is a bit slower! You should check out studio version! Oh.. You should also check out his song "Run Around"

[@kade090]

Dude i love you. I came across your reaction and i loved how you got the double entandre, or the fact that the whole song is a troll on how people do not really listen to what is being said, instead they listen to the hook. Awesome reaction!!!!

[@suprstng6]

Ya I remember seeing these guys in concert. The singer (I think its John Popper) used to wear a whole harmonica vest...must have carried like 50 harmonicas in it.

[@yeehaw6737]

And this Hook did bring me back 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@arnoldcox9128]

Harmonica is very underrated indeed I agree

[@cindyv1401]

Tommy JOHANSSON song....ALONE 🔥🔥🔥🔥💥

[@snakeplissken44]

This song is %100 pure genius

[@AK00777]

Loved this! Great vid 😘💕

[@Jiambo]

I recognize those kids from a pearl jam video. Same concert I conclude.

[@kevinmalone2218]

I will be seeing Blues Traveler in July. Was supposed to see them last month but unfortunately John Popper was sick. Can't wait!

[@chrisgaddy10]

I saw them in 97. They put on a great show!

[@beaunossaman4722]

Yes! Do the studio version.

[@jeremiahnienhaus998]

You need to check out Rod Piazza and mighty Flyers. Murder in the first degree. Rod Piazza is the vocalist and he's an excellent harmonica player too.

[@DanYeLL2003]

If you like the harmonica check out Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks” you will LOVE it.

[@jimiewilliams7623]

The studio version would have been a better reaction. On the album, the song sounds clear, and his voice is amazing. I get that reactors want to see the live versions, but those versions are not the way we heard these songs growing up, and I think most people want to see reactors react to the same music we heard, not some performance, that may or may not capture a great feel. There were lots of live albums throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, but they usually paled in comparison to what the producers and bands did in the studio. Studios were trying to squeeze out some more money, they were not trying to give the people who missed the concert a thrill. When it came to great concerts, you really had to be there. Frampton Comes Alive, and that killer Phil Collins performance of In the Air Tonight, from The 2004 tour, are possible exceptions. Anyway, I'm glad you got the point of the song. It's just not a good version of it.

[@eprohoda]

Wooohoo! Thanks-total awesome traveler~

[@cartercarter645]

Great reaction! Love the energy!! Suggestion - Fantastic harmonica and piano is Billy Joel Piano Man. Iconic harmonica - iconic song

[@jmech7_7]

Howlin Wolf "smokestack lightning "

[@steverey8362]

4:40 That's a Peter Pan, Captain Hook reference as well my guy. js

[@ginavalera1193]

Always have loved John Popper and the Blues Travelers. Was this a Bridge School Benefit Show?

[@robertstoner8244]

Masterly done ❤

[@BogoRath]

I love the harmonica too! If you haven't reacted to The Hollies - “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”, it has an iconic harmonica intro.

[@joebluhm]

Double Entendre! Booya! Nice!

[@karenmandeville7116]

did you notice his vest? he's got about 10 different harmonicas in different keys. John Popper is a great harmonica player!

[@karenmandeville7116]

oops he's not wearing his vest in this one.

[@maverick3677]

I remember this dude was the first person that I didn't know who made me cry as a kid. The interview went over how he didn't appear in his music videos cause he thought people wouldn't wanna listen to an obese lead singer.

[@lindasalaki9404]

Great Video ❤❤❤❤

[@albert0F]

This was so wholesome all around.

[@Triggerhippie70]

Listen, this is one of the greatest songs of all time and John Popper is everything!

[@johnmccall5576]

Its a great criticism of the music industry and songwriting at the time while throwing great lines between the gibberish.

[@GooniesGirl]

Great reaction! New subscriber here. 👋

[@DouglasH777]

If you Love harmonica you definitely found the right person to listen to I seen this guy in concert like six times and it was a great time

[@loisrogers9042]

SUCH A GREAT SONG!

[@Parduck365]

A straight masterpiece

[@Mama_Michelle]

Every single Lifetime Movie Network movie where the underdog wins this song played in the credits in 90s. Good times.

[@arieloh1767]

I love this song!

[@kyleknapp1985]

I love how excited you got about the Peter Pan thing 😂 I love it

[@rodneypaul3035]

Train,Train. Blackfoot! The intro is the guitar player/singers grandfather.

[@TheMoneymann55]

Check out the studio version that last version is a good one

[@ydnadab13]

I think you'd enjoy Runaround, too.

[@delphilungwyn5308]

Peter is Pan and the hook was from Cpt. Hook...⚓

[@daymonpancheri8846]

You Definitely need to do Dave Matthew’s Band “Ants Marching”

[@jrose75]

Do the studio! One of the best songs eva!

[@dizzykincade7831]

I’m white, so I heard everything the second time listening. I’m also a BTnH fan, so you ‘now how many times I’ve heard E. 1999 Eternal.

[@thegatheringgloom7261]

The Long Way Home by Supertramp has a great harmonica section :)

[@donaldcarter7939]

If you like the harmonica listen to the Doobie Brothers long train running!!

[@eljefevf41]

The song Electric Worry by Clutch has some good harmonica in it.

[@brohansolo4122]

You picking up on the Peter Pan reference was it bro

[@stanleynykaza9042]

Please check out MR. TAMBORINE MAN LIVE by Bob Dylan ...for more harmonica

[@RockinRandall]

Carolina Blues!!!!! You are Welcome

[@toriboy25]

It's Wendy LOL Peter Pan and Wendy and Captain Hook. Check out Dave Matthews Band's What Would You Say (w/ John Popper) Popper does a 2.5 minute harmonica solo.

[@richardsampson4208]

Do the music video it will help understand it. He’s got barrrzzz

[@patj87]

You're in a tough spot. Anything you add to the wall behind you now will stand out. You can't keep it white unless you're waiting for that KZbin plaque. I hope you get it, good luck!

[@jessicamahoney4610]

Alanis Morissette plays harmonica on Hand In My Pocket and in Head Over Feet. I know you've reacted to some of her stuff but there are great harmonica solos on those songs.

[@Go24]

You have to check out Simple Song by the Shins. Crank it up

[@donnieboughton1730]

MORE BLUE'S TRAVELER BRO!!!

[@hatleyhoward7193]

If you want harmonica do Ryan Bingham, South Side of Heaven. The live at Telluride version is my favorite.

[@robotto8858]

A studio version would be even more distinguishable for you, but you got it. For a song where every riff is an incredible HOOK, check out Kansas "Carry On My Wayward Son".

[@CoboProdz]

To react to this u need lyrics and the studio version. Really missing out to not have both

[@sapieattersisingere3288]

Here I got a interesting one for you Marilyn Manson dope show.

[@ed.z.]

I suggest a smoky, hot, slow, groove by, The Eagles, “I Can’t Tell You Why”. The video of them in the studio. I think it’s an official version with great audio.

[@kerrywyles1207]

The point kinda is he doesn't think it should all be about the hook and i don't think it should either. Th hook is often the shallowest part of the song...thats why its all you need these days hence the irony in the song. Its a fucking masterpiece.

[@tiacalhoun3841]

He wrote a whole song saying nothing to prove that if the hook is good, the song will be a hit 🤣

[@user-kj1mg3pn6i]

You should try Black Sabbath the Wizard. It's a great song with harmonica in it

[@Rystefn]

Facts. An underrated classic, that one.

[@Seanriver316]

Please check out "But Anyways".

[@brianchristian87]

Bro, Check out Shine Down By GodSmack great on Hermonica!

[@soultrampamplification8425]

Shon, if you enjoy the harmonic, you have to listen to "Whammer Jammer" by J. Geiles band. Pretty sure you've never heard anything like it. Also "Runaway" live by Bonnie Raitt. Crazy harmonica playing.

[@toddyo1388]

If you dig the harmonica, check out "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. A bit older song, but a classic and some decent harmonica work.

[@Rock_Snob]

If you dig harmonica check out “But Anyway” from Blues Travelers first album. 🤯

[@carrie-leehurzeler7413]

Run around by this very same group is also amazing. Please listen to Avi Kaplan’s solo career stuff!

[@coachmullen1]

I think he is also criticizing the industry and audiences who don't pay attention to the quality or meaning of lyrics when artists are actually trying to say something. John Popper wrote some heartfelt songs and got very little credit. This song, which is only about how shallow many songs are, was one of Blues Traveler's first popular hits. It just proved his point that he could write a hook, sing with inflection while saying nothing, and it would be a bigger hit than all of the more thoughtful songs they'd written before. To longtime fans and intelligent new fans, this was almost an inside joke. But to a lot of new fans, they didn't ever figure out that this was a song pointing out the mindlessness of the industry and many music listeners.

[@Mehwei]

His best harmonica solo is No Woman No Cry with Ziggy Marley - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6vOYXt8fJqgetk

[@bearcatsteve9792]

People really dont hear the words of songs. If they did they would know a lot more of whats going on in the world. Hes saying as long as the Hook is good, dont matter what he says. most people dont hear lyrics anyway, or try to understand them.

[@ed.z.]

Yea. If people wanted to know stuff they’d improve their reading comprehension. But, in 2023 40% of high school students can’t pass a reading comprehension test.

[@jesseharris1737]

If you really want to see a good live performance search for John popper and ziggy marley

[@kenmcl80]

I think you would like the Red Hot Chili Peppers

[@UncleCharlie111x2]

Yes this is great but you need to hear studio version alone with lyrics!

[@darren2329]

You get 30k subscribers and I'll send you a shirt.

[@Billy.gen-X]

Keep up that philosophical thinking! I think you might be inspired by George Carlin.

[@danielleipold7671]

The song is essentially a troll. Epic though

[@dizzykincade7831]

I’m pretty sure they are regular kids, by today’s standards.