Our Lady Peace Celebrates 30 Years with OLP 30 Vol. 2: A Look Back and Ahead

As one of Canada’s most enduring rock bands, Our Lady Peace has spent the last 30 years delivering music that resonates deeply with their fans. To mark this milestone, they’ve released OLP 30 Vol. 2, a companion to the earlier Vol. 1, celebrating their legacy with a mix of timeless classics and a brand-new track. Featuring hits like “One Man Army,” “Is Anybody Home?,” “Thief,” “In Repair,” and “Right Behind You (Mafia),” alongside the fresh, electrifying opener “I Wanna Be Your Drug,” this EP feels like a heartfelt gift to their devoted listeners. Whether you’ve been a fan since the 90s or recently discovered them, this collection bridges past and present with energy and emotion. As the band gears up for their 30th-anniversary tour, let’s dive into the tracks that make OLP 30 Vol. 2 a worthy tribute to their legacy.

Track by track breakdown

Track 1: I Wanna Be Your Drug

OLP 30 Vol. 2 opens with the highly anticipated new track, I Wanna Be Your Drug, and it’s a stunner. Nine years in the making, this song feels like a spiritual successor to the raw energy and emotional vulnerability of Naveed and Clumsy. The stripped-down instrumentation immediately transports listeners back to OLP’s formative years, with Raine Maida’s evocative vocals driving home the desperation and yearning in the lyrics.

Musically, the track balances a hauntingly simple melody with bursts of intensity that make it feel timeless. The lyrics, “I wanna be your drug, I wanna be the air that fills your lungs ,” resonate as both a love letter and a plea, encapsulating the intensity of human connection. It’s a reminder that OLP still knows how to craft songs that cut straight to the heart. This track is undoubtedly a standout and a must-listen for fans old and new.

Track 2: One Man Army

released on 1999’s Happiness… Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch, One Man Army remains one of OLP’s most electric tracks . with the jagged guitar riffs and pounding drums feeling as visceral as ever. Raine’s voice crackles with defiance as he belts, like a one-man army!”

This song’s is a testament to its role as a fan favorite and a rallying cry. It perfectly captures the restless spirit of the late ‘90s while still feeling urgent today.

Track 3: Is Anybody Home?

From the same album as One Man Army, Is Anybody Home? slows things down with its introspective tone and lush production. On this EP, the track feels as poignant as it did 25 years ago, showcasing Raine’s ability to delve into themes of alienation and self-reflection.

The soaring chorus—“Is anybody home? Has anybody wasted tears on the loneliness that everyone becomes?”—remains anthemic, and its resonance only deepens with time. This is OLP at their most thoughtful, blending melancholy with hope

Track 4: Thief

Thief, from 1999’s Happiness…, is one of OLP’s most emotionally charged songs, written about a young girl named Mina who lost her battle with cancer. Its inclusion on this EP is a poignant reminder of the band’s ability to tell deeply personal stories that resonate universally.

The delicate piano intro and Raine’s aching vocals build to a crescendo that never fails to pull at the heartstrings. The stripped-back arrangement on this version emphasizes the song’s raw emotion, making it an even more intimate experience.

Track 5: In Repair

In Repair is a quintessential track from 2000’s Spiritual Machines, and its futuristic themes feel eerily prescient. On OLP 30 Vol. 2, the track retains its driving rhythm and layered production, showcasing the band’s knack for blending introspection with innovation.

The song’s exploration of healing and resilience feels particularly relevant in today’s world. The soaring guitar solos and Raine’s impassioned delivery remind listeners of OLP’s ability to inspire hope even in the darkest times.

Track 6: Right Behind You (Mafia)

Closing out the EP is Right Behind You (Mafia), a haunting and cinematic track from Spiritual Machines. The song’s brooding intensity and complex instrumentation create an atmospheric closer that lingers long after the final note.

The lyrics—No matter what you say

No matter what you do

No matter what, I'm always right there behind you”—speak to loyalty and unwavering support, making it a fitting conclusion to a collection that celebrates connection and endurance.

Final Thoughts

OLP 30 Vol. 2 is a masterful blend of nostalgia and innovation. By revisiting some of their most iconic tracks and introducing I Wanna Be Your Drug, Our Lady Peace honors their past while signaling their future. The EP feels like a love letter to fans, celebrating the journey that started in 1992 and continues to evolve.

For fans who grew up with OLP’s music, this EP will undoubtedly stir memories of formative years spent belting out lyrics in cars and bedrooms. For newer listeners, it’s an invitation to explore the band’s rich discography and experience the timelessness of their sound.

As OLP embarks on their 30th-anniversary tour, OLP 30 Vol. 2 serves as a perfect soundtrack for celebrating their legacy. Here’s to three decades of unforgettable music—and hopefully many more to come.

Conclusion:

OLP 30 Vol. 2 is a testament to Our Lady Peace’s enduring legacy. The tracklist expertly balances nostalgia with new energy, offering fans a chance to relive some of their favorite moments from the band’s past while looking forward to what’s next. “I Wanna Be Your Drug” stands as the EP’s highlight, offering a refreshing return to the band’s roots while giving a nod to their ever-evolving sound. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to OLP’s music, this EP is a must-listen that perfectly captures the essence of one of Canada’s most iconic rock bands.