New Frontier

Album: The Nightfly (1982)
Charted: 70
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was included on Fagen's first solo album after Steely Dan called it quits in 1981. The song is about growing up in the suburbs in the late '50s and early '60s. Some of the cultural references include "pushing the button," "Tuesday Weld" and "Dave Brubeck." The title comes from President Kennedy's political agenda for the country during his brief administration. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Chris - Bristolville, OH
  • The song is a satirical take on life in the early 1960s, particularly the fear of a nuclear war, which had been revived in the early 1980s. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Santa Barbara, CA
  • On The Charlie Gillett Show on London's Capital Radio in 1988, Fagen said: "You'll hear a little blues guitar played by Larry Carlton, and it's kind of a track reflecting the spirit of the times. The storyline is basically about a bunch of kids who have a party in a fallout shelter while their parents are away for the weekend."

Comments: 1

  • Steven Mcguire Sr from Orem, UtahGuitarist/Songwriter Steven McGuire Sr. states that the late guitarist Hugh McCracken, who played the iconic intro guitar lick and fiils on 'Brown Eyed Girl,' also performed the tasteful harmonica work on Donald Fagen's 1982 hit song 'New Frontier.' As a guitarist Mr. McCracken is all over the place on Steely Dan albums as well as msny other hits by other artists. What a great talent!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.