Returning with their first single in two years, New Found Glory comes back swinging with “100%”. It’s no secret that the past two years have been a difficult time for the band — particularly for lead guitarist Chad Gilbert, who has been battling cancer since late 2021. This new single is the kind of high-energy pop punk anthem fans have come to expect from the band, accompanied by a set of upbeat and positive lyrics that reflect the band’s growth over their decades in the industry. Having faced their share of ups and downs, New Found Glory is now in a position to impart words of wisdom and encouragement to those following in their footsteps.
According to the band, this song is “meant to inspire fans and people going through hard times. Giving 100% of yourself whatever that is. For NFG, our outlet has always been music. It’s our positive escape.” It’s easy to see how Chad’s cancer journey has influenced New Found Glory’s new music — the idea of giving 100% to the things in life that matter to you simultaneously becomes all the more difficult and important when faced with an illness like that. In spite of these challenges, Chad and the band have remained positive, choosing to uplift and inspire listeners who might be going through their own struggles. There is one line that in particular that exemplifies this defiant, optimism-against-all-odds mentality: “Irrational fear, grasping air, I’ve got to let it go, life will kick you down / Be sure of that / But stand up, grab its throat and yell ‘you’ve met your match’”
Of course, the song also contains some epic riffs that are characteristic of NFG’s sound. For any fans interested in learning how to play part of the song on guitar, Chad posted a “riff Wednesday” tutorial on his Instagram that I’d highly recommend checking out. Whether or not you’re able to play along, you can definitely scream the words to this catchy tune alongside other fans at New Found Glory’s summer tour with The Offspring and Jimmy Eat World.
For a full list of tour dates and more updates from the band, follow them on Instagram and check out their website.
Oh, and for my fellow vinyl collectors, be sure to snag one of the limited edition 7” pressings of “100%”, available for pre-order via Pure Noise Records.