311 “Uplifter ” Album Review

On my way to the office I heard the single “It’s Alright” off 311’s newest album “Uplifter” this morning. And what better time to hear it. The heavy storm downpour left my jeans soaked, I was running late for office and the traffic never looked so damn awful. But anyway.

It’s Alright is the culmination of what 311 has been doing for the past 20 plus years. It opens with upbeat drum beats and then subtle reggae strokes fill in. The chorus then shifts to almost alt rock, after which funky bass lines plays. And the rest just kept my head bobbing. Like as if  I’ve never heard of that familiar sound before. I missed it. Or maybe I’ve just been stuck to the Greatest Hits album. This is new and damn straight is it alright. It’s fucking 311!

So I immediately downloaded the new album. Usually I read reviews first, but no. Coz after listening to every track, no review will even matter. This album is for the fans, and it is fucking awesome. It’s for us who grew up to 311 playing all those songs on our cassettes, Cd players and in our Ipods. For us who threw up on countless house parties with loud 311 music blasting in the background. For us music fans who had overplayed From Chaos too long (Don’t Tread on Me was ugh, forgettable). We are in 2009. And what joy it is to have new songs from 311 that remind us how awesome their music is. I won’t be able to stress enough how cool this album is unless you get a listen. The whole album is great although there are a few that’s kinda lame. Here’s what I feel are the outstanding tracks.

1. It’s Alright – as i said
2. Mix It Up – catchy
3. Golden Sunlight  – epic
4. India Ink – old skool!
5. Two Drops in the Ocean – a love song
6. My Heart Sings – that cool acoustic strumming

In a bundle, the many different genre blending styles keeps the listener not skipping any songs. Better yet, one is left wanting more.

Gasp. This has been a one sided review right? Well that’s what you get from a fan. In this era where synths and drum beats rule the airwaves (hey no beef, i listen electro-pop too), it’s calming to have 311 churn out this gnarly effort. More soundtrack to those mellow moods.

Alright I really wanna shut up now. Just grab the album ok. Cool.