MikeSandy.net

News Post

311 Uplifter

Today, 311 released Uplifter, their ninth studio album. I suggest you pick up a copy. I think it's their best effort since 2001's From Chaos. If you buy the Deluxe CD/DVD version of the album, you'll receive two bonus tracks and a "Road to 311 Day" DVD. My only criticism about the album is that, because there is such a breadth of styles on the album, it doesn't flow very well song-to-song. Other than that minor complaint, it's a ridiculously solid album.

Here are my brief reviews of the songs:

  1. Hey You - The first radio single off Uplifter is good, but not great. It's a decent way to start the album, but it's not a highlight.
  2. It's Alright - My current favorite song on the album. The drum beat is infectious, the message is uplifting, the bass break-down in the middle of the song is cool, and the chorus is rocking.
  3. Mix It Up - A fairly average song overall, but it's executed in a way that is uniquely 311.
  4. Golden Sunlight - 311's most mature song to date. Another song with an uplifting message. P-Nut, 311's bassist, calls it "epic." I tend to agree.
  5. India Ink - A very heavy song with OK verses and an absolutely soaring, simple, yet memorable chorus.
  6. Daisy Cutter - A catchy, melodic, yet rocking song about a girl.
  7. Too Much Too Fast - A completely new style for 311. It's a jazzy Britpop-inspired song. It's definitely not a bad song, but it's not a style that I prefer.
  8. Never Ending Summer - A song that will likely become a live show staple because of its 311 chant-ready intro and its absolutely rocking heavy metal-inspired guitar solo.
  9. Two Drops in the Ocean - A chill song that is growing on me.
  10. Something Out of Nothing - A song with heavy verses and some short guitar solos throughout.
  11. Jackpot - 311's best rap-rock song since Sick Tight on 2001's From Chaos. This song is old-school style 311 at its best. It's a song built specifically for their live show.
  12. My Heart Sings - Another chill song. It definitely isn't a bad song, but there's nothing particularly special about it either.
  13. I Like The Way - A funky bonus track with one of the more surprising chorus hooks you'll hear. SA really hits the high note on this one.
  14. Get Down - A long, meandering bonus track laced with some jazzy vocals, infectious rap-rock, a synthesizer solo, and a calming chorus.

Overall, I believe the album is a huge step forward. The rocking songs rock harder, and the chill songs feel more complete. 311 took four years to write and record this album, and it shows. The material on this album feels more focused and more finished.