Photo credit: J2 Media
O.A.R. are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their fifth studio album, Stories of a Stranger. They release the special expanded edition, Stories of a Stranger (20th Anniversary Edition), on December 5, via the Craft Recordings record label. Additionally, they have shared the single, “Sometimes (Stories of a Stranger Sessions),” the first glimpse of the expanded material. Check it out below.
Stream/download “Sometimes” and pre-order Stories of a Stranger (20th Anniversary Edition) here: https://ffm.to/oar-stories20
“Stories of a Stranger marked a new chapter for our band,” says saxophonist Jerry DePizzo. “To revisit it 20 years later, and to share songs like ‘Sometimes’ as part of this expanded edition, feels like opening a time capsule with our fans. This deluxe edition isn’t just about looking back—it’s about celebrating how far we’ve all come together.”
Stories of a Stranger (20th Anniversary Edition) revisits a pivotal era in the multi-platinum band’s career, pairing the original 2005 album with rare bonus material: a long-out-of-print EP—featuring performances of “Heard the World,” “Lay Down,” and “About Mr. Brown,” plus the studio outtake “Sometimes,” from the original Stories of a Stranger sessions. The reissue arrives in both 2-LP and digital formats, with the vinyl housed in a deluxe gatefold jacket. Alongside the standard vinyl edition, an exclusive “Cloud Swirl” color pressing will be available via the band’s official store.
With O.A.R.’s 30th anniversary on the horizon, Stories of a Stranger (20th Anniversary Edition) ushers in a new chapter of celebration for the multi-platinum-selling five-piece. As the band prepares for an action-packed 2026 marking three decades together (more details coming very soon), the band reflects on Stories of a Stranger as a pivotal moment in their journey—a career that has included multiple Platinum and Gold certifications, two sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden, more than a dozen packed shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and one of the most passionate fan communities in modern rock.
Formed in 1996, O.A.R. (short for Of A Revolution) got their start in Rockville, Maryland, and built a grassroots fanbase while attending The Ohio State University, thanks in no small part to their exhilarating live show. After making their debut with 1997’s The Wanderer, the band continued to cultivate their colorful and wildly catchy sound—a one-of-a-kind collision of bright and bold guitar work, heart-pounding rhythms, high-energy horns, and sing-along-ready vocals.
Released on October 4, 2005, by Everfine Records and Lava Records, Stories of a Stranger emerged as a monumental triumph for the band. Along with debuting at No.40 on the Billboard 200, the 12-song LP delivered hit singles like “Heard the World,” “Lay Down,” and the Gold-certified “Love and Memories.” Penned with multi-GRAMMY®️-winning songwriter Glen Ballard, the soul-baring “Love and Memories” reached No.98 on the Billboard Pop 100, No.30 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, and No.18 on the Adult Top 40.
Recorded during the Stories of a Stranger sessions, “Sometimes” makes for a glorious addition to the album. With its feel-good message of open-heartedness and hope, the life-affirming anthem provides an instant mood boost by way of its bouncing rhythms, driving guitar riffs, and sublime sax solo. Featured on Side D of Stories of a Stranger (20th Anniversary Edition), “Sometimes” appears alongside O.A.R.’s euphoria-inducing live renditions of “Heard the World,” “Lay Down,” and longtime fan favorite “About Mr. Brown”—all recorded on July 22, 2005, at the PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey.
Since the arrival of Stories of a Stranger, O.A.R. have cemented their legacy with an ever-adventurous catalog now comprised of ten studio LPs and six live albums (most recently, 2024’s Live From Boston). Known for their extensive summer touring and extraordinarily close connection with their fans, the band looks toward their 30th anniversary festivities with equal parts gratitude, awe, and elated anticipation.
“It’s hard to believe we’ve been making music together for three decades,” says DePizzo. “When we first started playing in a basement, none of us could have imagined the journey that would follow. In 2026, we get to celebrate 30 years of O.A.R. the best way we know how—out on the road with a massive summer tour, sharing new music, honoring the songs that brought us here, and capturing it all on film. It’s not just a milestone for the band, it’s a celebration of the community that’s been with us every step of the way.”
Stories of a Stranger (20th Anniversary Edition) tracklisting
Vinyl
Side A:
01 Heard The World
02 Love And Memories
03 Wonderful Day
04 The Stranger
Side B:
01 Lay Down
02 Program Director
03 Nasim Joon
04 Tragedy In Waiting
Side C:
01 Daylight The Dog
02 One Shot
03 Dakota
04 52-50
Side D:
01 Sometimes (Stories of a Stranger Sessions)
02 Heard The World (Live)**
03 Lay Down (Live)**
04 About Mr. Brown (Live)**
** Recorded at PNC Bank Arts Center, 7/22/2005
Digital
01 Heard The World
02 Love And Memories
03 Wonderful Day
04 The Stranger
05 Lay Down
06 Program Director
07 Nasim Joon
08 Tragedy In Waiting
09 Daylight The Dog
10 One Shot
11 Dakota
12 52-50
13 Sometimes (Stories of a Stranger Sessions)
14 Heard The World (Live)**
15 Lay Down (Live)**
16 About Mr. Brown (Live)**
Lineup:
Marc Roberge – Lead vocals, guitar
Richard On – Lead guitar, backing vocals
Chris Culos – Drums
Benj Gershman – Bass
Jerry DePizzo – Saxophone, guitar, backing vocals