Why Do They Rock So Hard?

Why Do They Rock So Hard? is the third studio album from Reel Big Fish. Despite being the follow-up to the wildly successful Turn The Radio Off, this album failed to reach the same affluence.

It is the longest Reel Big Fish studio album.

Tracklist
**: All songs written by Aaron Barrett except where noted

Musicians

 * Aaron Barrett - Guitar, lead vocals, synthesizer, celesta
 * Scott Klopfenstein - Trumpet, vocals, keyboards, celesta
 * Grant Barry - Trombone
 * Andrew Gonzales - Drums
 * Dan Regan - Trombone, screams
 * Matt Wong - Bass Guitar, vocals
 * Tavis Werts - Trumpet, flügelhorn
 * Coolie Ranx - Vocals
 * Brandon Werts - Percussion
 * Sam Avila - Organ
 * John Avila - Piano
 * True: 129 - Scratching
 * Jay Gordon - Backing vocals

Production

 * Tim Palmer and Joe Zook - Mixing
 * Jay Rifkin and Steve Baughman - Engineering
 * Jay Gordon and Steve Gamberoni - Engineering
 * Jenny O - Art diection
 * Dave Holdredge - Digital editing
 * Patrick McDowell - A&R
 * John Avila - Mixing and Producer
 * Donnell Cameron - Engineer, Mixing
 * Kevin Dean - Engineer
 * Lisa Johnson - Photography

CD
For its original 1998 release, Why Do They Rock So Hard? was originally presented in compact disc format. Like Turn The Radio Off, the album cover doubles as a poster and full-length liner notes. The poster depicts the non-silhouetted versions of the band members seen on the front cover. The liner notes include lyrics, artwork, personnel, and special thanks information.

The clean version of the album was also released in 1998, sporting the same cover art and liner notes as the explicit version.

Vinyl
The album first came to vinyl in May of 2018, distributed by Sony Music Commercial Music Group. Unlike Turn The Radio Off, Why Do They Rock So Hard was not initially released in physical stores. It was available on Reel Big Fish's website for a limited time, and is now for sale at their live shows.

Digital
The album is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music for streaming. Being digital copies, none of them feature the poster or liner notes.

Reception
Why Do They Rock So Hard failed to reach the same commercial success that Turn The Radio Off garnered. Despite this, the album received generally favorable views from critics. Punknews.org stated: "'This CD is a must have for anyone that likes good, fun, happy music. With songs that range from reggae/hip hop to some of the best ska out there, you are bound to never skip a track.'"Aaron Barrett stated that this was his favorite Reel Big Fish album until the release of Our Live Album is Better Than Your Live Album.

Music Videos
Why Do They Rock So Hard has one music video.