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Posted on
Jun 4, 2009 at 11:21am by
Peter04
If you’re looking for the perfect summer album with the right mix of rock and reggae, then look no further than 311’s ninth studio album, Uplifter. For their first studio effort in four years, the Omaha, Nebraska quintet of Nick Hexum, SA Martinez, Tim Mahoney, P-Nut, and Chad Sexton have created the quintessential summer album with just the right mix of rock and reggae to keep your summer festivities going. This is an immense improvement over their last album, Don’t Tread on Me, which felt both rushed and unpolished by their avid fan base.
The album’s first single, “Hey You” starts off with a hard rock guitar pattern before settling into a steady reggae groove for the rest of the track. This hard rock sound comes courtesy of producer Bob Rock, who has worked with artists such as Metallica and Bon Jovi to create a new and dynamic sound that still retains the distinctive 311 sound that they’re known for.
The album continues its musical journey on “It’s Alright”, a straight up rock tune that highlights Nick’s smooth and melodic vocals, delivered impeccably. “Golden Sunlight” is an ambient and mellow tune that gives SA Martinez a chance to show his vocal chops, which are hip-hop inspired and fit into the song perfectly. “India Ink” is a fast paced and melodic tune about displaying your gifts, skills, and abilities to the world and showing people what you’re all about. The song has appropriate Indian styled musical influences spread throughout the song. “Something Out Of Nothing” is a groove laden track that will remind fans of 311’s earlier work, especially their 1994 sophomore effort “Grassroots”, which helped cement 311’s reputation as one of the most consistent and eclectic bands in music today.
My favorite song off the album is “My Heart Sings”, an acoustic and mellow tune that feels as if you’re relaxing at a beach on a warm summer night with mosquitoes in the air and positive energy from those around you. These types of songs are one of 311’s signature traits and songs that exemplify this include “Amber” from 2001’s From Chaos LP and “Beyond the Gray Sky” from 2003’s Evolver. The music of 311 and the summertime seem to go hand in hand with each other due in part to the sun soaked reggae vibe and the fast paced rock sound that has made 311 who they are today.
This album is a terrific companion to your summer barbecues and road trips. For whatever adventure you’re planning to embark on this summer, be sure to take this album with you as this album is bound to illicit some positive responses from those around you and as a result, you will have some memorable experiences from listening to this album.
Album Score:
4/5 pts.
NOTE: Don’t forget to check out 311 on tour this summer! For Boston area fans, they will be playing at the Comcast Center on June 24 in Mansfield, MA. For a complete listing of tour dates, check out 311’s website at http://www.311.com
Track Listing:
1. Hey You
2. It’s Alright
3. Mix It Up
4. Golden Sunlight
5. India Ink
6. Daisy Cutter
7. Too Much Too Fast
8. Never Ending Summer
9. Two Drops in the Ocean
10. Something Out of Nothing
11. Jackpot
12. My Heart Sings
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