‘Sweet Number One’ brings evolution 9 back to the sound of classic power pop

A song first written in the mid-80s has finally received its full release through evolution 9.

“Sweet Number One” began as an early demo by project leader Dave Follweiler, written after he became interested in Pennsylvania group St John’s Alliance and their mixture of original songs and 1960s covers.

Follweiler originally hoped the band might record the track, but the idea remained dormant for decades. He later revisited the composition and developed it into the finished evolution 9 single.

The new recording retains the song’s classic pop foundations while adding a modern studio finish. Follweiler contributes vocals and keyboards, including a simulated 12-string guitar sound, with Gene Cullison, Hub Willson and Jon Lamson completing the lineup.

For Follweiler, the release reflects a wider philosophy behind evolution 9: older musical ideas can still find an audience when given the right setting.