Paul Westerberg

Paul Westerberg was a founding member and lead singer of the influential punk rock band The Replacements. He has maintained a solo career since The Replacements broke up in 1991.

Although the Replacements were well-known for boisterousness and drunkenness, it was Westerberg's introspective songwriting that gained the band its status as critical favorites. His solo career has been received favorably, but less euphorically, by music critics. In 2006, Westerberg wrote the soundtrack to the animated film Open Season.

Fast Facts

1. Born: December 31, 1959
2. Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
3. Years Active: 1979 - Present
4. Former member of the The Replacements
5. Discography
6. First Act Guitars manufacture a Paul Westerberg model guitar

Key Songs

"Androgynous," 1984—from the classic Replacements album Let It Be, a topical song about sexually ambiguous adolescents, later covered by Joan Jett.

"Left of the Dial," 1985—a hard-edged ode to 1980s college radio.

"Never Mind," 1987—a fan favorite whose title supposedly inspired the Nirvana album Nevermind.

"I'll Be You," 1989—the Replacements' only radio "hit," reached the Billboard Top 50.

"Sadly Beautiful," 1990—an aching ballad from The Replacements' final album, All Shook Down.

"Dyslexic Heart," 1991—Westerberg's first solo MTV hit, from the soundtrack to the film Singles.

"Things," 1993—a confessional song from his first solo album, 14 Songs.

"Final Hurrah," 1999—a mid-tempo rock song about a fling in New York City.

"Eyes Like Sparks," 2002—a rock rave-up, showing the heavy influence of The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards.

"Only Lie Worth Telling," 2002—a ballad from the critically acclaimed Stereo/Mono album.

"My Daydream," 2003—reminiscent of 1960s pop, especially The Monkees.

"Lookin' Up in Heaven," 2004—apparently a tribute to his late father.

"Love You in the Fall", 2006—a love song for woodland creatures, from Open Season.

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