Cheer Up! (Reel Big Fish album)

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}} {{Infobox album| | name = Cheer Up! | type = [[Album]] | artist = [[Reel Big Fish]] | cover = Reel Big Fish - Cheer Up! cover.jpg | alt = An angry-looking clown grabbing the shirt of a man with a speech bubble from the clown saying "Cheer up!" | released = June 25, 2002 | recorded = 2000–2002 | studio = {{hlist|World Class Audio (Anaheim, California)|[[The Sound Factory]] (Hollywood, California)|Jakes Place ([[Studio City, Los Angeles|Studio City]], California)|[[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] (Hollywood, California)|Sony Music ([[Santa Monica, California]])|Grand Masters (Hollywood, California)|Brando's Paradise ([[San Gabriel, California]])}} | genre = * [[Pop-punk]] * [[ska punk]] * [[power pop]] * [[Rock music|rock]] | length = 62:58 | label = * [[Mojo Records|Mojo]] * [[Jive Records|Jive]] | producer = {{hlist|[[Val Garay]]|Aaron Barrett|[[Scott Klopfenstein]]|[[Gordie Johnson]]}} | prev_title = Favorite Noise | prev_year = 2002 | next_title = [[We're Not Happy 'til You're Not Happy]] | next_year = 2005 | misc = {{Extra chronology| | artist = [[Reel Big Fish]] studio | type = studio | prev_title = [[Why Do They Rock So Hard?]] | prev_year = 1998 | title = Cheer Up! | year = 2002 | next_title = We're Not Happy 'til You're Not Happy | next_year = 2005 }} {{Singles | name = Cheer Up! | type = studio | single1 = Where Have You Been? | single1date = June 10, 2002 }} }} '''''Cheer Up!''''' is the fourth studio album by American [[Rock music|rock]] band [[Reel Big Fish]]. Released on June 25, 2002, the album was the band's first after the turn of the new millennium, following the release of 1998's ''[[Why Do They Rock So Hard?]]'' With the advent of the 2000s, and following the band's mainstream success during the [[Ska#Third wave ska|third wave]] of [[ska]], the marketability of and interest in ska waned; despite this, Reel Big Fish continued to tour successfully and maintain a significant fan base while recording ''Cheer Up!'' across a number of different recording studios in California. [[Val Garay]] produced the majority of the tracks, with frontman Aaron Barrett, trumpeter [[Scott Klopfenstein]] and [[Gordie Johnson]] producing select songs.

''Cheer Up!'' received generally favorable reviews from critics, some of which praised the inclusion of other styles and genres into the band's sound. It reached number 115 in the United States, number 46 in Australia and number 96 in the United Kingdom; "Where Have You Been?" peaked at number 76 in the UK. ''Cheer Up!'' has been described as belonging to the [[pop-punk]] and [[power pop]] genres, and tackles the theme of heartbreak. "Where Have You Been?" was released as the album's [[lead single]] in May 2002, which was promoted with an appeared on that year's [[Warped Tour]]. They continued to tour across the US, as well as Australia and Japan until the end of the year; 2003 saw the band visit Europe and play a variety of US festivals, prior to a North American headlining tour.

==Background and recording== Reel Big Fish released their third studio album ''[[Why Do They Rock So Hard?]]'' in October 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/why-do-they-rock-so-hard--mw0000044088|title=Reel Big Fish - Why Do They Rock So Hard? Album Reviews, Songs & More|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|author=Greene, Jo-Ann|accessdate=August 6, 2022|archive-date=August 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806204356/https://www.allmusic.com/album/why-do-they-rock-so-hard--mw0000044088|url-status=live}}</ref> By July 1999, the band were in pre-production for their next album, with the plan to start recording at the end of the year. Following this, they toured with [[Blondie (band)|Blondie]] until September 1999, and went on a headlining tour in November 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/newsarchive.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010815225409/http://www.reel-big-fish.com/newsarchive.html|title=News|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=August 15, 2001|accessdate=August 7, 2022}}</ref> After the new millennium, [[ska punk]] fell out of marketability and out of the mainstream.<ref name=Louder10Best/><ref name=STSreview/> Despite this, the band had been writing more [[Experimental music|experimental]]-sounding tracks for their next studio album.<ref name=Partridge47>Partridge 2021, p. 47</ref> In May 2000, the band began recording with producer [[Val Garay]], with the aiming of releasing it in early 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/517/goin-fishin|title=Goin' Fishin|publisher=Punknews.org|date=May 18, 2000|accessdate=February 7, 2021|archive-date=July 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703082935/https://www.punknews.org/article/517/goin-fishin|url-status=live}}</ref> Garay was mainly known for his 1980s work with [[Kim Carnes]] and [[the Motels]].<ref name=Partridge47/> The band were reported finishing up the album by July 2000;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/633/fish-hooked-on-the-bait|title=Fish hooked on the bait|publisher=Punknews.org|date=July 8, 2000|accessdate=February 8, 2021|archive-date=July 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703085218/https://www.punknews.org/article/633/fish-hooked-on-the-bait|url-status=live}}</ref> however, the band was still working on the album in November 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/855/broken-fish-legs|title=Broken Fish Legs|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=November 18, 2000|accessdate=February 8, 2021|archive-date=July 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703092800/https://www.punknews.org/article/855/broken-fish-legs|url-status=live}}</ref> In the midst of this, the band went on tour with [[James Valentine (musician)|James Valentine]] of [[Square (band)|Square]] playing guitar as frontman Aaron Barrett had broken his hand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/news.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20001007110643/http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/news.html|title=News|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=October 7, 2000|accessdate=August 6, 2022}}</ref> In November 2000, they went on tour with [[Midtown (band)|Midtown]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/news.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20001109161900/http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/news.html|title=News|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=November 9, 2000|accessdate=August 6, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.midtown2000.com/shows.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20001018020030/http://www.midtown2000.com/shows.html|title=Tour Dates|publisher=Midtown|archivedate=October 18, 2000|accessdate=September 4, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> By December 2000, they were reportedly in the mixing process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/918/fish-news|title=Fish News|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=December 10, 2000|accessdate=February 8, 2021|archive-date=July 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703093637/https://www.punknews.org/article/918/fish-news|url-status=live}}</ref>

Unbeknownst to the band, their label [[Mojo Records]] were in talks with [[Jive Records]] about a potential merger; trumpeter [[Scott Klopfenstein]] said they were "giving us the runaround" as they were low on money for recording. This situation prompted the band to start touring again "because that's where we pay our bills".<ref name=EPinterview02>{{cite web|url=http://www.europunk.net/interviews.php?id=20|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080326234351/http://www.europunk.net/interviews.php?id=20|title=Interview With Reel Big Fish|publisher=Europunk|author=Tom|date=August 24, 2002|archivedate=March 26, 2008|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref> The label had been dropped by their parent company [[Universal Music Group|Universal]]; Barrett said of the situation: "We were waiting, we recorded a bunch of stuff and then we just waited, and waited, and nothing happened, and stuff got worse, and they got dropped from Universal and… We just went out on tour". He went as far as to wish that they were no longer on the label.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.angelfire.com/zine/pacer/intrbf.html|title=Interview With|publisher=Pacer|author=Brine|date=September 12, 2001|accessdate=August 25, 2022|archive-date=August 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804161944/http://www.angelfire.com/zine/pacer/intrbf.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Upon returning to the US from an overseas tour in September 2001, the band continued working on the album, until they went on another tour in October 2001.<ref name=RBFnews020702>{{cite web|url=http://reel-big-fish.com/news2.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020207171137/http://reel-big-fish.com:80/news2.html|title=News|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=February 7, 2002|accessdate=August 7, 2022}}</ref> Sessions continued between December 2001 and January 2002;<ref name=RRMinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.recroommagazine.com/interviews/reelbigfish.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050814074649/http://www.recroommagazine.com/interviews/reelbigfish.htm|title= Reel Big Fish|publisher=Rec Room Magazine|author=Cavallo, Debbie|author2=Zietz, Jessica|date=October 26, 2002|archive-date=August 14, 2005|access-date=April 17, 2023}}</ref> the following month, the band were recording cover versions of some songs, such as "[[Robbin' the Hood|Boss DJ]]" (1994) by [[Sublime (band)|Sublime]], in Hollywood, California.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2855/rbf-to-release-out-of-print-ska|title=RBF to Release Out of Print Ska|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=February 21, 2002|accessdate=February 16, 2021|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513214155/https://www.punknews.org/article/2855/rbf-to-release-out-of-print-ska|url-status=live}}</ref> After a show in New York City, where they debuted several new tracks, they spent a week in the city recording four songs, one of which being a cover of "Rock It with I" by [[the Melodians]].<ref name=RBFnews120902>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/newspage2.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021209081411/http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/newspage2.html|title=News|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=December 9, 2002|accessdate=August 7, 2022}}</ref>

''Cheer Up!'' was recorded across a variety of studios in California: World Class Audio in [[Anaheim]]; [[The Sound Factory]] in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]]; Jakes Place in [[Studio City]]; [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount Studios]] in Hollywood; Sony Music Studios in [[Santa Monica]]; Grand Masters in Hollywood; and Brando's Paradise in [[San Gabriel, California|San Gabriel]]. Garay produced and recorded the majority of the album's songs. Barrett and Klopfenstein produced "New York, New York", which was recorded by [[John Avila]] and Jim Goodwin. Barrett also produced "What Are Friends For" and "Valerie", both of which were recorded by Shawn Sullivan. [[Gordie Johnson]] produced "Boss DJ", which was recorded by David Schiffman. Sullivan served as the main engineer throughout recording, while Joseph Zook, Josh Atkins, and Adam Samuels acted as secondary engineers, assisted by Pavan Grewall. Sullivan, Homme, Atkins and Barrett did some digital editing. Sullivan and Homme mixed the tracks at World Class Audio, before the album was mastered by [[George Marino]] at Sterling Sound in New York City.<ref name=CUbooklet/> In an interview after the album's release, Barrett described the process as: "2 years of on and off recording, moving from studio to studio, fighting for money and support from our label, fighting with a producer who did not understand our musical vision".<ref name=PTinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.punktastic.com/interviews/reel-big-fish/|title=Reel Big Fish|publisher=Punktastic|author=Bushy, Mark|date=September 12, 2002|accessdate=August 25, 2022|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201223/http://www.punktastic.com/interviews/reel-big-fish/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, Klopfenstein remarked that it was a "weird record to make you know. We were all in a very odd frame of mind, there was all sorts of label turmoil going on as well as personal turmoil [... it was] not a fun process for us. It was very serious".<ref name=EPinterview03/>

==Composition and lyrics== ===Overview=== Musically, ''Cheer Up!'' has been described as [[pop-punk]]<ref name=CAreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.chartattack.com:80/DAMN/2002/06/2501.cfm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051208130708/http://www.chartattack.com/DAMN/2002/06/2501.cfm|title=CD Reviews: Sonic Youth, Paul Oakenfold, Ozzy Osbourne and many more|work=[[Chart Attack]]|author=Servos, Steve|date=June 25, 2002|archivedate=December 8, 2005|accessdate=February 28, 2021|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref name=PNreview/> and [[power pop]];<ref name=AMreview/><ref name=IMWTreview/> it has also been tagged as [[ska]] by one critic, but this has been disputed by another critic that said the band moved away from the genre in favor of [[Rock music|rock]].<ref name=PNreview/><ref name=CMJreview/> Mark Bushy of Punktastic similarly said it was "not a pop-punk album in any sense of imagination".<ref name=PTreview/> Kenneth Partridge in his book ''Hell of a Hat: The Rise of '90s Ska and Swing'' (2021) wrote that it start with "five horn-fueled rock songs and offers only niblets of ska thereafter".<ref name=Partridge47/> [[AllMusic]] reviewer [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] felt that the "tempos have slowed down a little, and they've spent more time crafting their songs, punching up the melody to the forefront, turning this into more of a pop album than a smirky rock album".<ref name=AMreview/> ''[[CMJ|CMJ New Music Report]]'' writer Brooke Mongomery said it tackles the topic of heartbreak by "excorcising your rejection demons and embracing the 'loser' identity, and being much happier in the end" as a result.<ref name=CMJreview>Mongomery 2002, p. 12</ref>

Discussing the title, Jones said "if you are looking at lyrics in the album, they're really really sad and depressing, self-deprecating, you know, worse than any other album! I think Aaron was just in a weird kinda phase, kinda bummed out with the whole Mojo situation".<ref name=PIinterview/> In a 2015 interview, Barrett said of the release: "I don’t want to say this was a midlife crisis album, but it kind of was because we were trying to do different things and not repeat the exact same thing again".<ref name=Louder10Best/> For previous releases, Barrett would write the majority of the tracks by himself; for ''Cheer Up!'', Barrett would start with a main thematic part and then work on it with the rest of the members through jamming.<ref name=PIinterview>{{cite web|url=http://punk-it.net/Interviews/rbf.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030802151855/http://punk-it.net/Interviews/rbf.html|title=Reel Big Fish|publisher=Punk-It|archivedate=August 2, 2003|access-date=August 24, 2022}}</ref> Klopfenstein said he had more involvement in the writing, with him and Barrett collaborating on some of the tracks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in-your-ear.net/features/interviews/reelbigfish/2/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050113045305/http://in-your-ear.net/features/interviews/reelbigfish/2/|title=Reel Big Fish Nevermind the Flames; Cheer Up|publisher=In Your Ear Magazine|author=Rabiega, Greer|date=Spring 2003|archivedate=January 13, 2005|accessdate=April 8, 2023}}</ref> In addition to their regular roles, Klopfenstein played [[electric piano]], an [[octave]] solo on "Good Thing", lead vocals on "Drunk Again", and guitar on six of the album's songs, and trumpeter Tavis Werts played [[flugelhorn]] on ten of the tracks. Tyler Jones of [[Spring Heeled Jack (band)|Spring Heeled Jack]] contributed trumpet to "What Are Friends For", "Valerie" and "Boss DJ".<ref name=CUbooklet/>

===Tracks=== ''Cheer Up!'' opens with "Good Thing", which features percussion from Ryland Steen of Square; Jones said it was Barrett's "first happy song", and that it referred to being in Reel Big Fish.<ref name=CUbooklet/><ref name=PIinterview/> [[In Music We Trust]] co-founder Alex Steininger said "Ban the Tube Top" is a "silly love song about an underage girl that turns them on because of the skintight tube top she is sporting".<ref name=IMWTreview/> It is bookended by "Somebody Loved Me", which is in the vein of [[Loverboy]], and "Cheer Up", which recalls the work of [[Sugar Ray]].<ref name=RSreview/> "Where Have You Been?" borders on [[alternative rock]]; it came about from Barrett trying to write a sequel to "Beer" after being asked to by Mojo.<ref name=PNreview/><ref name=PIinterview/><ref name=Louder10Best/> Someone had suggested to him that he swap the ska guitar part for picking to make it more distinct from "Beer". It initially had a horn section that was ultimately scrapped.<ref name=Louder10Best>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-10-best-reel-big-fish-songs-by-aaron-barrett|title=The 10 best Reel Big Fish songs, by Aaron Barrett|work=[[Metal Hammer|Louder]]|author=Barrett, Aaron|date=October 25, 2015|access-date=August 24, 2022|archive-date=August 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813132144/https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-10-best-reel-big-fish-songs-by-aaron-barrett|url-status=live}}</ref> The song's narrator discusses his girlfriend, who does not hang around with him often, with the narrator proclaiming she should "go to hell".<ref name=STSreview/> "Suckers" includes percussion samples from Iki Levy, who would contribute the same for "Sayonara Senorita".<ref name=CUbooklet/>

"What Are Friends For" is a slow-tempo ska track that includes drum [[Sampling (music)|sample]]s and percussion from Kyle Homme, and is followed by another ska song, "A Little Doubt Goes a Long Way".<ref name=STSreview/><ref name=CUbooklet/><ref name=IMWTreview/> The [[stadium anthem]] song "Rock 'n Roll Is Bitchin{{single double}} evokes the work of [[Spinal Tap (band)|Spinal Tap]].<ref name=CAreview/><ref name=CMJreview/> "[[Theme from New York, New York|New York, New York]]" (1977), a [[Liza Minnelli]] cover, is done in an [[a cappella]] style, with [[vocal percussion]] from Shawn Sullivan.<ref name=CUbooklet/><ref name=CMJreview/> The band had been asked to record the song for [[Frank Sinatra]] tribute album, and did it in a cappella as Jones said it would have been "really hard" to perform it like a [[big band]] could. The people behind the release were disappointed as they wanted something akin to the band's typical ska sound.<ref name=PIinterview/> The [[Latin music|Latin]] instrumental "Sayonara Senorita" is followed by a [[reggae]] version of "Boss DJ", where Johnson servers as the titular [[Disc jockey|DJ]].<ref name=CUbooklet/><ref name=PTreview/><ref name=RSreview/> The penultimate track, "Brand New Hero" also touches on alternative rock, while the closing song, "Drunk Again", takes influence from [[Lionel Richie]] and includes a string arrangement from Nic. tenBroek.<ref name=CUbooklet/><ref name=PNreview/>

==Release== ===Pre-release promotion=== In January and February 2001, the band embarked on a tour of Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/tour.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010124051200/http://www.reel-big-fish.com/tour.html|title=Tour Dates|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=January 24, 2001|accessdate=August 6, 2022}}</ref> In April and May 2001, they then went on a short US tour, followed by a UK tour in June 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/tour.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010411032305/http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/tour.html|title=Tour Dates|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=April 11, 2001|accessdate=August 6, 2022}}</ref> A Canadian tour with [[Home Grown]] was followed by a co-headlining tour with [[Goldfinger (band)|Goldfinger]], where they were supported by Home Grown, [[Rx Bandits]], [[Zebrahead]], [[Mest]], and [[the Movielife]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/tour.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010602115449/http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/tour.html|title=Tour Dates|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=June 2, 2001|accessdate=August 6, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/vkwl6l/reel-big-fish-goldfinger-join-forces-for-tour|title=Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger Join Forces For Tour|publisher=[[MTV]]|author=D'Angelo, Joe|date=May 16, 2001|access-date=August 25, 2022|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201225/https://www.mtv.com/news/vkwl6l/reel-big-fish-goldfinger-join-forces-for-tour|url-status=dead}}</ref> After one show, Barrett fell down a flight of stairs and injured his elbow, resulting in Valentine covering guitar duties again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/1720/accident-prone-fish|title=Accident Prone Fish|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=July 22, 2001|accessdate=August 13, 2022|archive-date=August 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813120356/https://www.punknews.org/article/1720/accident-prone-fish|url-status=live}}</ref> They played a few shows in Hawaii and Japan with Zebrahead, prior to a European tour in August 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/tour.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010801180342/http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/tour.html|title=Tour Dates|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=August 1, 2001|accessdate=August 6, 2022}}</ref><ref name=SMinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.supersonicmag.com/interview18.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020819003702/http://www.supersonicmag.com/interview18.htm|title=Reel Big Fish - Matt|publisher=Supersonic Mag|author=Melanie|date=October 2, 2001|archivedate=August 19, 2002|url-status=usurped|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref> In September 2001, it was announced that the [[Zomba Group of Companies|Zomba Group]] had acquired Mojo Records; alongside this, it was reported that Reel Big Fish's next album would appear in early 2002.<ref name=RBFnews020702/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2012/zomba-mojo|title=Zomba Mojo|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=September 26, 2001|accessdate=August 13, 2022|archive-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123063622/https://www.punknews.org/article/2012/zomba-mojo|url-status=live}}</ref> They said this move was part of a "push to diversify [Zomba's] artist roster and beef up its catalog offerings".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2020/rbf-release-date|title=RBF Release Date|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=September 27, 2001|accessdate=August 13, 2022|archive-date=August 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813121810/https://www.punknews.org/article/2020/rbf-release-date|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, the band signed to Jive Records, a Zomba subsidiary; the label re-released the band's previous two albums shortly afterwards.<ref name=RBFnews020702/> Barrett said "Mojo wanted more of a modern rock hit [not ska]. But on Jive we were allowed to do things like 'Boss DJ' and 'Valerie{{single double}}.<ref name=UEinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.unearthed.com/interviews/interview0042.shtml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109014242/http://www.unearthed.com/interviews/interview0042.shtml|title=Interview with Reel Big Fish|publisher=UnEarthed|author=Kochanski, Jennifer|date=August 2, 2002|archivedate=November 9, 2007|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref>

They toured with Goldfinger in October 2001; for this trek, Steen covered for Reel Big Fish's drummer Carlos De La Garza.<ref name=RBFnews020702/> On October 15, 2001, Werts left the band, which they said was due to an internal conflict.<ref name=RBFnews020702/><ref name=PNSHJupdates>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2792/spring-heeled-jack-member-updates|title=Spring Heeled Jack member updates|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=February 14, 2002|accessdate=August 13, 2022|archive-date=August 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813121810/https://www.punknews.org/article/2792/spring-heeled-jack-member-updates|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, Jones was announced as his replacement; Spring Heeled Jack had previously toured with Reel Big Fish in 1998.<ref name=PIinterview/><ref name=RBFnews020702/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2196/rbf-adopt-member-of-spring-heeled-jack|title=RBF adopt member of Spring Heeled Jack|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=November 7, 2001|accessdate=February 14, 2021|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513190135/https://www.punknews.org/article/2196/rbf-adopt-member-of-spring-heeled-jack|url-status=live}}</ref> Jones talked to the Pilfers manager Randy Nichols, who in turn put him in contact with Reel Big Fish's manager, who informed him of the situation.<ref name=PNSHJupdates/> He later explained that Barrett "once described [Werts] to me as his mortal enemy".<ref name=PIinterview/> They embarked on a US tour throughout the month, however, Jones had to return home because of an illness in his family.<ref name=PNSHJupdates/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/tour.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20011031153729/http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/tour.html|title=Reel Big Fish on Tour|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=October 31, 2001|accessdate=August 6, 2022}}</ref> In February and March 2002, they embarked on a mainland European tour with [[Sum 41]] and a UK tour with Goldfinger.<ref name=RBFnews020702/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2794/thats-sum-big-fish|title=That's Sum Big Fish!|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel|date=February 14, 2002|accessdate=August 25, 2022|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513212038/https://www.punknews.org/article/2794/thats-sum-big-fish|url-status=live}}</ref> As a stop-gap release, ''Favorite Noise'', a compilation of songs from their preceding albums, was released in Europe in March 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/2675/favorite-noise-site|title=Favorite Noise Site|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=January 29, 2002|accessdate=February 15, 2021|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513204053/https://www.punknews.org/article/2675/favorite-noise-site|url-status=live}}</ref> Barrett explained that they did not have a domestic release available in Europe, only import editions, so the label released the compilation to compensate.<ref name=EPinterview02/>

===Eventual release and subsequent promotion=== On April 5, 2002, ''Cheer Up!'' was announced for release in two months' time.<ref name=PNannounce>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/3183/next-rbf-release-this-june|title=Next RBF release this June|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=April 5, 2002|accessdate=February 20, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514154721/https://www.punknews.org/article/3183/next-rbf-release-this-june|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, the band filmed a music video for "Where Have You Been".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/3401/rbf-single-video-website|title=RBF single / video / website|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=April 28, 2002|accessdate=February 21, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514171523/https://www.punknews.org/article/3401/rbf-single-video-website|url-status=live}}</ref> In early June 2002, "Good Thing", "Ban the Tube Top", "What Are Friends For" were posted on the band's website.<ref name=RBFnews120902/> "Where Have You Been?" was released to [[modern rock]] radio stations on June 10, 2002.<ref>Adored 2002, p. 30</ref> The European CD version of "Where Have You Been?" included "Average Man" and a cover of "[[There Is Nothing Like a Dame]]" (1949) as its B-sides, alongside the "Where Have You Been?" music video.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title="Where Have You Been?"|others=Reel Big Fish|year=2002|type=sleeve|publisher=Mojo/Jive Records|id=9270132}}</ref> Barrett said their label "decided ['Where Have You Been?'] was the single because there were no horns on it and they said horns were over".<ref name=Louder10Best/> The video for the song opens with Barrett singing outside a café, and later behind a display case, intermittently cutting to the band performing in a room with mannequins.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOezFIdbFrs|title=Reel Big Fish - Where Have You Been (Music Video 2002)|via=[[YouTube]]|author=ReelBigFishVideos|date=April 2, 2022|accessdate=August 24, 2022|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201237/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOezFIdbFrs|url-status=live}}</ref> A version of "Where Have You Been?" posted on the band's website included a spoken-word introduction that was left off the album version as Barrett felt it "would get old".<ref name=UEinterview/>

Originally planned for release in April 2002,<ref name=RRMinterview/> ''Cheer Up!'' was eventually released on June 25, 2002; the UK edition, which saw release on July 29, 2002, included "Rock It with I" and a cover of "[[Kiss Me Deadly (song)|Kiss Me Deadly]]" (1988) by [[Lita Ford]] as bonus tracks.<ref name=RBFnews120902/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drownedinsound.com/articles/4095.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020725220826/http://www.drownedinsound.com:80/articles/4095.html|title=Reel Big Fish - New album details|work=[[Drowned in Sound]]|author=Appleby, Tessa|date=June 13, 2002|archivedate=July 25, 2002|accessdate=August 13, 2022}}</ref> The latter had been previously available two years ago as part of a benefit album for the [[Heal the Bay]] advocacy group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/news.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000510194920/http://www.reel-big-fish.com/news.html|title=News>>|publisher=Reel Big Fish|date=May 7, 2000|archivedate=May 10, 2000|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref> The cover art of the evil clown was drawn by Aaron Barrett's father.

Between June and August 2002, the group went on the [[Warped Tour]], where they were accompanied by [[Chris Rhodes]] of [[the Mighty Mighty Bosstones]] and formerly of Spring Heeled Jack for the trek.<ref name=PIinterview/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1452030/warped-tour-02-to-feature-bad-religion-nofx-new-found-glory-more/|title=Warped Tour '02 To Feature Bad Religion, NOFX, New Found Glory, More|publisher=MTV|author=D'Angelo, Joe|date=January 30, 2002|access-date=February 11, 2017|archive-date=April 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415015830/http://www.mtv.com/news/1452030/warped-tour-02-to-feature-bad-religion-nofx-new-found-glory-more|url-status=dead}}</ref> Garza took a break from the band due to the death of a family member, resulting in Steen covering for him again.<ref name=RBFnews120902/> Following this, they appeared at the [[Reading and Leeds Festivals|Reading Festival]] in the UK; the band pulled out of the accompanying Leeds date due to delays and no other act letting them switch stage times with them.<ref name=PTinterview/><ref name=RBFnews120902/> In September and October 2002, they embarked on a headlining US tour, with support from [[the Starting Line]] and the Kicks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/4272/contests-reel-big-fish|title=Reel Big Fish|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=September 18, 2002|accessdate=February 28, 2021|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201224/https://www.punknews.org/article/4272/contests-reel-big-fish|url-status=live}}</ref> They ended the year touring Australia and Japan.<ref name=RBFnews080203>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/news.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030802142539/http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/news.html|title=News|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=August 2, 2003|accessdate=August 7, 2022}}</ref>

In January and February 2003, Reel Big Fish went on a European tour with [[Sugarcult]] and the Starting Line; Reel Big Fish were once again joined by Rhodes for the trek.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/4697/tours-reel-big-fish-hit-europe-with-guest-member-chris-rhodes|title=Reel Big Fish hit Europe with guest member Chris Rhodes|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=November 17, 2002|accessdate=March 1, 2021|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201225/https://www.punknews.org/article/4697/tours-reel-big-fish-hit-europe-with-guest-member-chris-rhodes|url-status=live}}</ref> Between March and May 2003, the band headlined Skate and Surf Fest, appeared at the Ska Summit and [[Download Festival]]s, and toured with Home Grown and Los City Angels.<ref name=PNroad/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5727/tours-finalized-skate-and-surf-fest-lineup-announced|title=Finalized Skate and Surf Fest lineup announced|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=April 3, 2003|accessdate=March 5, 2021|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517191841/https://www.punknews.org/article/5727/tours-finalized-skate-and-surf-fest-lineup-announced|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/q90bzh/for-the-record-quick-news-on-nelly-the-clipse-foo-fighters-blink-182-tool-sting-more|title=For The Record: Quick News On Nelly, The Clipse, Foo Fighters, Blink-182, Tool, Sting & More|publisher=MTV|date=January 23, 2003|access-date=August 24, 2022|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201226/https://www.mtv.com/news/q90bzh/for-the-record-quick-news-on-nelly-the-clipse-foo-fighters-blink-182-tool-sting-more|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/tour/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030405150912/http://www.reel-big-fish.com/tour/|title=Reel Big Fish Tour Dates|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=April 5, 2003|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref> On June 14, 2003, Garza left the band to focus on his family and was replaced by Justin Ferreria, who previously played with Barrett in the Forces of Evil.<ref name=PNdrummer>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6307/reel-big-drummer-switch|title=Reel Big drummer switch|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=June 14, 2003|accessdate=March 9, 2021|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201226/https://www.punknews.org/article/6307/reel-big-drummer-switch|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/c346tc/for-the-record-quick-news-on-ruben-studdard-and-scooby-doo-chingy-green-day-sean-paul-whitesnake-more|title=For The Record: Quick News On Ruben Studdard And Scooby-Doo, Chingy, Green Day, Sean Paul, Whitesnake & More|publisher=MTV|date=June 17, 2003|access-date=August 24, 2022|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201227/https://www.mtv.com/news/c346tc/for-the-record-quick-news-on-ruben-studdard-and-scooby-doo-chingy-green-day-sean-paul-whitesnake-more|url-status=dead}}</ref> Klopfenstein said Garza had become tired of music overall and the constant touring involved.<ref name=EPinterview03>{{cite web|url=http://www.europunk.net/interviews.php?id=29|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080326012349/http://www.europunk.net/interviews.php?id=29|title=Interview With Reel Big Fish|publisher=Europunk|author=Tom|date=August 28, 2003|archivedate=March 26, 2008|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref> Since this was in the middle of a tour, the band forgoed an audition process and simply asked him if he could play the drums and had a passport.<ref name=Punctuateinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.punctuate.org/interviews/rbf.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030901161932/http://www.punctuate.org/interviews/rbf.htm|title=Reeel Big Fish|publisher=Punctuate|author1=Kelly, Liz|author2=Mermer, Bobby|date=July 17, 2003|archivedate=September 1, 2003|accessdate=April 8, 2023}}</ref> Between June and August, the band embarked on a headlining North American tour; Zebrahead, [[Wakefield (band)|Wakefield]] and [[the Matches]] appeared on all of the shows while [[Gob (band)|Gob]] and [[Riddlin' Kids]] supported on select dates.<ref name=PNroad>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6107/tours-reel-big-fish-on-the-road-this-summer|title=Reel Big Fish on the road this summer|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=May 21, 2003|accessdate=March 8, 2021|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201227/https://www.punknews.org/article/6107/tours-reel-big-fish-on-the-road-this-summer|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=PNdrummer/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/news/index.php?meatid=8&offset=40|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041221091723/http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/news/index.php?meatid=8&offset=40|title=Reel Big Fish News|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=December 21, 2004|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref> One show on the tour was filmed as part of ''[[The Show Must Go Off!]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6353/reel-big-fishs-show-must-go-off|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201737/https://www.punknews.org/article/6353/reel-big-fishs-show-must-go-off|title=Reel Big Fish's Show Must Go Off!|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=June 20, 2003|archivedate=August 25, 2022|accessdate=March 9, 2021}}</ref> At the end of August, the band appeared at the Terremoto Festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6663/tours-european-dates-reconstruction-terremoto-and-more|title=European Dates: Reconstruction, Terremoto and more|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=July 26, 2003|accessdate=March 10, 2021|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201409/https://www.punknews.org/article/6663/tours-european-dates-reconstruction-terremoto-and-more|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2003, the band supported Zebrahead for a few shows in Japan, and then played a one-off show in Hawaii with the Matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/tour/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031011130303/http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/tour/|title=Reel Big Fish Tour Dates|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=October 11, 2003|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref>

''The Show Must Go Off'' video album, subtitled ''Live at the House of Blues'', was released on November 18, 2003, which was promoted with a signing session the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/news/index.php?meatid=8&offset=20|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041118142523/http://www.reel-big-fish.com:80/news/index.php?meatid=8&offset=20|title=Reel Big Fish News|publisher=Reel Big Fish|archivedate=November 18, 2004|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref> "Ban the Tube Top", "Cheer Up", "Where Have You Been?", "Suckers" and "Give It to Me" were included on the band's third compilation album ''Greatest Hit...And More'' (2006).<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Greatest Hit...And More|others=Reel Big Fish|year=2006|type=booklet|publisher=Mojo/Jive Records|id=88697027482}}</ref> "Good Thing", "Ban the Tube Top", "Where Have You Been?", and "Suckers" were included on the band's fourth compilation album ''A Best of Us... For the Rest of Us'' (2010). In addition to this, acoustic renditions of "Where Have You Been?", and "Suckers" were included on the accompanying ''Skacoustic'' disc.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best of Us... For the Rest of Us|others=Reel Big Fish|year=2010|type=booklet|publisher=Rock Ridge Music|id=RKM2-61288}}</ref>

==Reception== {{Album ratings | rev1 = [[AllMusic]] | rev1Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=AMreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/cheer-up%21-mw0000660120|title=Cheer Up! - Reel Big Fish {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|publisher=AllMusic|author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|accessdate=February 28, 2021|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628230255/https://www.allmusic.com/album/cheer-up%21-mw0000660120|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev2 = [[In Music We Trust]] | rev2score = B<ref name=IMWTreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.inmusicwetrust.com/articles/51r34.html|title=Reel Big Fish Cheer Up! (Jive Records)|publisher=[[In Music We Trust]]|author=Steininger, Alex|access-date=August 6, 2022|archive-date=June 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618030205/http://www.inmusicwetrust.com/articles/51r34.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev3 = ''[[The Mercury News]]'' | rev3Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=TMNreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.bayarea.com/mld/bayarea/entertainment/3671929.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021220180101/http://www.bayarea.com/mld/bayarea/entertainment/3671929.htm|title=Reel Big Fish fights gloom with big dose of laughter|work=[[The Mercury News]]|author=Danton, Eric R.|date=July 16, 2002|archivedate=December 20, 2002|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref> | rev4 = Punknews.org | rev4Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=PNreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/review/1021/reel-big-fish-cheer-up|title=Reel Big Fish - Cheer Up|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=June 25, 2002|accessdate=August 6, 2022|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201329/https://www.punknews.org/review/1021/reel-big-fish-cheer-up|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev5 = Punktastic | rev5Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=PTreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.punktastic.com/index.php?navID=2&reviewID=225|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030113004353/http://www.punktastic.com/index.php?navID=2&reviewID=225|title=Reel Big Fish - Cheer Up!|publisher=Punktastic|author=Bushy, Mark|date=July 18, 2002|archivedate=January 13, 2003|accessdate=August 25, 2022}}</ref> }} ''Cheer Up!'' was met with generally favourable reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]]. Erlewine said the shift in sound "may distress some die-hard fans, but it actually results in a varied, infectious record that isn't just their most diverse album, it's their best". He added that while it did not "capture the zeitgeist like their debut, but there's more character here, and it's more consistent, too".<ref name=AMreview/> Mongomery wrote that it was "much less caustic than previous attempts" as it weaves outside influences, such as Latin and reggae.<ref name=CMJreview/> Adrian Zupp of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' complimented the mix of styles, and called it a "forceful and imaginative enough album to make lot of folks sit up and take notice".<ref name=RSreview>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/recordings/review.asp?aid=2044281&cf=1149|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020814201314/http://www.rollingstone.com/recordings/review.asp?aid=2044281&cf=1149|title=Reel Big Fish: Cheer Up! : Music Reviews|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|author=Zupp, Adrian|date=June 25, 2002|archivedate=August 14, 2002|url-status=dead|accessdate=February 28, 2021}}</ref> Bushy said regardless of the shift, "this is still the same Reel Big Fish that so many people fell in love with. The horns are still there, there are a number of great ska guitar riffs, and most importantly the sense of fun the band covey is still there".<ref name=PTreview/>

Steininger felt that "without the ska, they seem two dimensional, but have enough sugary hooks to compensate and deliver an enjoyable treat". He mentioned that some of the songs "fall prey to their own saccharine ways and relying too much on the sweetness while falling short in the energy department".<ref name=IMWTreview/> Punknews.org founder Aubin Paul wrote that as is the case with their previous releases, the lyrics were "always spot on, whether lyrically light, or painfully serious relationship deconstructions, and you can count on them to mix it up".<ref name=PNreview/> Soundthesirens' Kamtin Mohager wrote that it "changes everybody's mood as they listen to this band create such happy and uplifting music, though sometimes the lyrics are bitter and harsh".<ref name=STSreview>{{cite web|url=http://soundthesirens.com/reviews/reviews.cgi?id=194|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021217174028/http://soundthesirens.com/reviews/reviews.cgi?id=194|title=Reel Big Fish - 'Cheer Up!' (Jive/Mojo)|publisher=Soundthesirens|author=Mohager, Kamtin|archivedate=December 17, 2002|accessdate=August 24, 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref> Eric R. Danton of ''[[The Mercury News]]'' wrote that the "upbeat, energetic music mostly subverts the gloomy lyrics and only enhances the tongue-in-cheek songs".<ref name=TMNreview/>

''Cheer Up!'' peaked at number 115 on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]];<ref name=Bill200/> outside of the band's home country, it charted at number 47 in Australia and number 96 in the UK.<ref name=Auschart/><ref name=UKchart/> "Where Have You Been?" reached number 76 in the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name=UKchart/>

==Track listing== All songs written and arranged by Reel Big Fish, except where noted.<ref name=CUbooklet/>

{{Track listing | headline = ''Cheer Up!'' standard edition track listing | extra_column = Producer | title1 = Good Thing | extra1 = [[Val Garay]] | length1 = 3:38 | title2 = Somebody Loved Me | extra2 = Garay | length2 = 3:19 | title3 = Ban the Tube Top | extra3 = Garay | length3 = 3:10 | title4 = Cheer Up | extra4 = Garay | length4 = 2:43 | title5 = Where Have You Been? | extra5 = Garay | length5 = 4:01 | title6 = Suckers | extra6 = Garay | length6 = 3:58 | title7 = What Are Friends For | extra7 = Aaron Barrett | length7 = 3:35 | title8 = A Little Doubt Goes a Long Way | extra8 = Garay | length8 = 3:19 | title9 = Dateless Losers | extra9 = Garay | length9 = 3:34 | title10 = Valerie | extra10 = Barrett | length10 = 3:55 | title11 = Rock 'n' Roll Is Bitchin{{'-}} | extra11 = Garay | length11 = 2:53 | title12 = [[Theme from New York, New York|New York, New York]] | note12 = [[Liza Minnelli]] cover | writer12 = {{hlist|[[John Kander]]|[[Fred Ebb]]}} | extra12 = {{hlist|Barrett|[[Scott Klopfenstein]]}} | length12 = 3:25 | title13 = Sayonara Senorita | extra13 = Garay | length13 = 4:09 | title14 = [[Robbin' the Hood|Boss DJ]] | note14 = [[Sublime (band)|Sublime]] cover | writer14 = [[Bradley Nowell]] | extra14 = [[Gordie Johnson]] | length14 = 3:09 | title15 = Brand New Hero | extra15 = Garay | length15 = 3:40 | title16 = Drunk Again | note16 = includes [[hidden track]] "[[Give It to Me (The J. Geils Band song)|Give It to Me]]"; [[the J. Geils Band]] cover | writer16 = {{hlist|[[Peter Wolf]]|[[Seth Justman]] ("Give It to Me")}} | extra16 = Garay | length16 = 10:33  }}

==Personnel== Personnel per booklet.<ref name=CUbooklet>{{cite AV media notes|title=Cheer Up!|others=Reel Big Fish|year=2002|type=booklet|publisher=[[Mojo Records|Mojo]]/[[Jive Records]]|id=01241-44235-2}}</ref> {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''Reel Big Fish''' * Aaron Barrett – lead vocals, guitar * [[Carlos de la Garza (music producer)|Carlos de la Garza]] – drums, percussion * [[Scott Klopfenstein]] – trumpet, backing vocals, lead vocals (track 16), guitar (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 and 15), [[electric piano]], [[octave]] solo (track 1) * Dan Regan – [[trombone]], backing vocals * Matt Wong – bass guitar

'''Additional musicians''' * Tavis Werts – trumpet, [[flugelhorn]] (tracks 1–4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15 and 16) * [[Spring Heeled Jack (band)|Tyler Jones]] – trumpet (tracks 7, 10 and 14) * [[Ryland Steen]] – percussion (track 1) * Shawn Sullivan – [[vocal percussion]] (track 12) * Kyle Homme – drum [[Sampling (music)|sample]]s (track 7), percussion (track 7) * [[Gordie Johnson]] – [[Disc jockey|DJ]] (track 14) * Iki Levy – percussion samples (tracks 6 and 13) * Nic. tenBroek – string arrangement (track 16) {{col-2}} '''Production and design''' * [[Val Garay]] – producer (tracks 1–6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16), recording (tracks 1–6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16) * Aaron Barrett – producer (tracks 7, 10 and 12), digital editing * Scott Klopfenstein – producer (track 12) * [[John Avila]] – recording (track 12) * Jim Goodwin – recording (track 12) * Shawn Sullivan – recording (tracks 7 and 10), [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]], chief engineer, digital editing * Kyle Homme – mixing, digital editing * Gordie Johnson – producer (track 14) * David Schiffman – recording (track 14) * Joseph Zook – 2nd engineer * Josh Atkins – 2nd engineer, digital editing * Adam Samuels – 2nd engineer * Pavan Grewall – assistant engineer * Ross Garfield – studio technician * Tom Ames – studio technician * Alex Feliscian – studio technician * [[George Marino]] – [[Audio mastering|mastering]] * Richard Harbaugh – [[photography]] * Robert Barrett – cover art * Mark Mediana – art direction, design {{col-end}}

==Notes== {{More citations needed section|date=August 2007}} *On the commentary for Reel Big Fish's ''The Show Must Go Off!'' DVD, Aaron Barrett says that the song "Valerie" is, contrary to popular belief, not about a girl, but is in fact about the album's producer, [[Val Garay]]. *Aaron Barrett is quoted on ''You're All In This Together'' (the concert DVD included with ''[[Our Live Album Is Better than Your Live Album]]'') as saying that he was asked indirectly by the president of Jive as to why "all of his songs were so depressing." In response to this statement, Aaron claims he went into the president's office and played a version of "Cheer Up", replacing all negative words with positive words; "I've got a funny feeling, we're not born to lose, and I've got a funny feeling that this life is worth living through!" Apparently, the president said he understood why the songs were so pessimistic.

==Charts== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+Chart performance for ''Cheer Up!'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2002) ! scope="col"| Peak position |- {{album chart|Australia|47|artist=Reel Big Fish|album=Cheer Up|rowheader=true|access-date=September 10, 2022|refname=Auschart}} |- !scope="row" | [[UK Albums Chart|UK Albums]] ([[Official Charts Company]])<ref name=UKchart>{{cite web|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_R.HTM|title=The Rabble Army – RZA|publisher=Zobbel.de|accessdate=August 25, 2022|archive-date=April 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415061005/http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_R.HTM|url-status=live}}</ref> | 96 |- !scope="row" | US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]<ref name=Bill200>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/reel-big-fish/chart-history/tas/|title=Reel Big Fish|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=August 25, 2022|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211221744/https://www.billboard.com/artist/reel-big-fish/|url-status=live}}</ref> | 115 |}

==See also== * ''[[Anthem (Less Than Jake album)|Anthem]]'' – the 2003 album by contemporaries [[Less Than Jake]] that similarly saw the reduction of ska elements

==References== '''Citations''' {{Reflist}}

'''Sources''' {{refbegin}} * {{cite journal|author=Adored, Ivana B.|title=Post Modern|journal=[[Hits (magazine)|Hits]]|date=June 7, 2002|issue=797|volume=18|oclc=15994494|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Hits/00s/2002/Hits-2002-06-07.pdf}} * {{cite magazine|last=Mongomery|first=Brooke|title=Reviews|magazine=[[CMJ New Music Report]]|date=July 8, 2002|issue=770|volume=72|issn=0890-0795|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aBw3t2fY64UC&pg=PA10-IA2|access-date=May 3, 2021|archive-date=August 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825201420/https://books.google.com/books?id=aBw3t2fY64UC&pg=PA10-IA2|url-status=live}} * {{cite book|last=Partridge|first=Kenneth|title=Hell of a Hat: The Rise of '90s Ska and Swing|publisher=[[Penn State University Press]]|year=2021|location=University Park, Pennsylvania|isbn=9780271090535|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yn80EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT47}} {{refend}}

==External links==  *[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kJqFKjCPLAweZdXQiTVdbmoFvIFwneGao ''Cheer Up!''] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)

[[Category:2002 albums]] [[Category:Jive Records albums]] [[Category:Reel Big Fish albums]] [[Category:Albums produced by Val Garay]] [[Category:Mojo Records albums]]