By the mid-1980s, something unusual was happening in the world of popular music: the 1960s were making a comeback. Classic bands were being rediscovered by a new generation, and vintage television shows were being re-aired to enthusiastic new audiences. In the midst of this cultural resurgence, The Monkees, the made-for-TV band that had once been dismissed by critics and adored by millions of fans, found themselves unexpectedly back in the spotlight. One of the most striking results of this revival was the release of “That Was Then, This Is Now” in 1986—a single that not only climbed the charts but also offered a surprisingly introspective commentary on growth, change, and artistic longevity.
“That Was Then, This Is Now” marked the first new Monkees single in over a decade, and it quickly became a centerpiece of their 20th Anniversary reunion. While Davy Jones was not part of this particular recording, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork returned to the studio, working with producer Michael Lloyd to create a song that felt at once contemporary and connected to their pop roots. It was released as part of the compilation album “Then & Now… The Best of The Monkees”, which included both classic hits and newly recorded material.
What made “That Was Then, This Is Now” especially compelling was its lyrical maturity. Written by Vance Brescia, the song does more than just trade in nostalgia—it reflects on it. The lyrics acknowledge the past without clinging to it, offering a quiet message of self-realization and forward motion: “You know something that you just can’t trust / It’s something that you just can’t touch / You don’t, you don’t understand.” This was not the cheeky rebellion of “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” or the playful charm of “Daydream Believer.” Instead, it was a song for those who had lived through both the highs and lows, and were ready to move ahead.
Musically, the song blends 1980s pop-rock sensibilities with hints of the melodic craftsmanship that defined The Monkees’ earlier work. The production features shimmering guitar tones, tight percussion, and layered backing vocals that echo the era without sounding overly slick or synthetic. Micky Dolenz’s vocals, now deeper and more grounded than in the 1960s, bring a richness to the track that suits its reflective theme. There’s an honesty in his performance—a sense that he’s not just singing someone else’s words, but genuinely connecting to the song’s message.
The commercial response was more than respectable. “That Was Then, This Is Now” reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the first Monkees song to chart since 1968. It also became a staple of their 1986 reunion tour, where fans—both old and newly converted—heard it as a bridge between generations. For many, it wasn’t just about remembering The Monkees; it was about rediscovering them in a new light.
In hindsight, “That Was Then, This Is Now” stands as more than just a comeback single. It’s a meditation on time, transformation, and the enduring power of music to reflect who we were and who we’ve become. For a band often associated with youth and television stardom, this song revealed a deeper layer—one shaped by years of experience, a renewed sense of purpose, and a willingness to evolve.
In a career filled with bright pop moments and cultural milestones, “That Was Then, This Is Now” remains a quiet triumph. It reminds us that the passage of time, rather than diminishing artists, can instead enrich their voice, deepen their stories, and—if they’re lucky—bring them back to a waiting world, right on time.
The Monkees – That Was Then, This Is Now