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

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)Song Writing

How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names.

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.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.