Uplifter Review

Released: Jun 2, 2009
Genre: Alternative rock
Label: Volcano Records
Number Of Tracks: 12
It's not that great but it has the uncanny ability of getting better "acceptable" with each listen.

Sound:	5.5
Lyrics:	3.5
Impression:	5.5
Overall rating:	4.8
Users rating:	8.7
Comments:	34

overall: 5

Featured review by: UG Team, on june 30, 2009

Sound: When a band has enjoyed lifespan of over 20 years, creativity and ingenuity (or even progress) may dwindle or falter in the face of longevity. Such is the case with 311’s latest release, Uplifter, the band’s ninth studio album. The follow-up to 2005’s Don’t Tread on Me, Uplifter picks up right where 311 last left off: loud, distorted guitar-driven anthems featuring their funky rhythm section (brought to you by Chad Sexton on drums and the slap-happy P-Nut on bass) and mixture of both dreamy, relaxed and rapped vocals.

311’s genre-blending approach to their music is at full force on their newest album, featuring blends of reggae, rap, funk, and rock. The approach is at once both satisfyingly catchy and comfortably familiar. Uplifter treads a well-worn (and successful) path, giving fans exactly what they have come to expect from the band – a collection of heavier songs such as “Mix It Up” or “Hey You” that appeal to the fans of the more raw 311 (think back to songs off of Music, 311, or Soundsystem like “Feels So Good,” “Down,” and “Come Original”) as well as softer, laid-back, and and more harmonious songs like “Two Drops In The Ocean” and “My Heart Sings” that are more reminiscent of the band’s mainstream successes in past songs like “Amber” or their cover of “Love Song.”

Despite this combination of styles, Uplifter does, as a whole, place much more of an emphasis on a heavier sound. In fact, front man Nick Hexum has gone so far as to describe this album as “the heaviest 311 has ever been,” (311.com). Well, not quite. At its best it is as intense as their heaviest music, but nothing more. What is certain, however, is that never before has a 311 album been so geared towards their successes on tour. The majority of Uplifter seems pre-packaged for their live show – anthemic choruses ready to be sung-along to and dominant, catchy riffs that will stick in your head for days. // 6

Lyrics and Singing: Similar to the rest of the albums sound, the singing on Uplifter is in the same vein of every other 311 release over the last two decades. Nick Hexum’s chorus-heavy vocals coupled with the quick rhymes of S.A. Martinez have proven to be one of the band’s trademark sounds – there is just no mistaking them. They are just another part of the consistent formula, and in most cases, it works.

On the other hand, however, lyrically Uplifter is a disaster, and an ugly one at that. And its not just that a few songs spoil what would otherwise be a solid album - tasteless, meaningless, and bland lyrics are rampant, overshadowing the positive aspects of the album, dragging it down to the murky depths of what could even be simply called half-assed writing.

Take the cringe-worthy “Two Drops in the Ocean,” as the finest example: “Thinking of you / It all comes in view / I believe we came from the same cloud / Two drops in the ocean / Tell me again / The story of when we / we will be together one day. / We're two of a kind / Forever we've been combined / Though the current will pull us apart / Two drops in the ocean.” …Really? This doesn’t come close to even their last album… or really any of the eight from the last 20 years. Even the album’s first single, the positive, feel-good “Hey You,” falls short of not just expectations but even the standard the band set in the past. Sure the album may be more geared towards their high-energy shows, but even taking that into consideration, there is a gaping hole where meaning should be. // 3

Impression: With the rapidly changing state of the music industry today and in particular the short-lifespan of both trends and artists, it is remarkable that 311 have endured the ups and downs of over 20 years. They were there for the rise and fall of nu-metal. They were there for the pop-punk explosion and subsequent transition to emo. They were there when indie finally broke through to the masses. And through it all, they have maintained a tremendous fan-base while putting out one hit after the other. Uplifter is the culmination of this consistency, an album that plays on their strengths, particularly in concert.

And while there is something to be said for consistency, after 20 years the same formula begins to come across as flat and worn-out. A new variable is needed every so often to spice things up and keep the music fresh. Unfortunately for the band this time around, however, the only noticeable addition to the formula is an ugly, lyrical turn. Despite all this, there are a few redeeming songs that help keep Uplifter from completely sinking. “Daisy Cutter” and “Golden Sunlight” have become fast favorites of mine that seem to stay fresh after several listens.

In short, Uplifter has something to offer for every 311 fan. Whether its through songs that you can cut-loose and just rock out to or songs that create the perfect soundtrack for sipping drinks on the beach, there is something for everyone. But with their trademark style growing older and their lyrics losing all but the slightest semblance of meaning, 311’s style is growing stale and needs serious reworking before album #10. // 6

- Chris McDonald (c) 2009

overall: 4.7

Reviewed by: Force Reaver, on june 22, 2009

Sound: The first thing that you notice when you dive into Uplifter is that Tim Mahoney brought out his A game on this one. His solos are beautifully done and have so much emotion and feeling to them. Don't get me wrong Mahoney has always been an amazing guitarist, its just that in previous albums Mahoney sticks to playing single note solos or very fast speed licks that feel rushed and sloppy. In Uplifter you can tell Mahoney has a much greater control and feel over his speed which results in more consistent notes and better sounding solos. P-nut is no slouch either and returns full force with the pounding bass we all know and love and some amazing riffs. Now lets take a look at this album track by track to get a real feel for it.

01.Hey You: the CD starts off with its hit single "Hey You" and right off the bat I'm not impressed. The song sounds like something recycled off "Don't Tread on Me." The Riffs are boring and nothing new sounding is present.
02.Its Alright: the title for this song is something that you can use to describe the entire album of Uplifter. With that said Its Alright starts off promising with a catchy verse and beat that builds up to a very bland and disappointing chorus. The chorus feels out of place and the chords used here are disappointing and mediocre. The only thing that will make you want to re-listen to this track is P-nuts amazing solo/outro at the end of the song. The bass is so funky and popping you can't help but put a smile on your face. Its like a happy ending to a horrible massage.
03.Mix It Up: it's catchy at certain parts but at the end of the day the song starts to drag on and become boring. The main verse riff is horrible and uninspiring. The only thing that you look forward to in this song is when Nick sings these lines:
"I was never too good at math anyway
But when you add it up it comes out more I have to say
A lot of people looking for what you and me have found
And now it seems no one's around, uh"
Nicks voice sounds very nice here and catchy. Then again this is the only part of the song that changes up the boring pace.
04.Golden Sunlight: this song has to be one of my favorites off the new album. Its very mellow in the beginning and has this sound that makes you feel like your on beach with fresh sea wind blowing in your face. The chorus is very powerful with strong distorted chords ringing in. The song kicks it up a notch in the end and will have you head banging with a groovy bass and guitar bridge.
05.India Ink: this song is incredibly mediocre. Very lame verse chords but an interesting sound for the chorus. There isn't much more I can really say about this song.
06.Daisy Cutter: I have mixed feelings when it comes to this song. I love the beginning and the verse but the chorus riff feels out of place and the cheesy chorus lyrics kinda ruins the song in my opinion. There is a catchy guitar solo and lick towards the end that I wish was present in the beginning.
07. Too Much Too Fast: This is easily the worst song off the entire album. Words cant even really explain how bad it sucks its like some retro island jam that just doesn't really come together at all.
08.Never Ending Summer: another one of my favorites off the album. The song begins with a cool heavy crowd chant intro. Its a good jam for the most part. The chorus, like most on this album, is a big let down and very lame. A cool bass outro by P-nut is followed by one of Tim Mahoney's greatest solos ever "Or at least greatest on Uplifter."
09.Two Drops In The Ocean: a very poor attempt at trying to make you feel like your on a Caribbean cruise. Its 311 trying to be groovy and romantic and some guy will probably try to make out with his girlfriend to this song. This track is really not my cup of tea. Where previous 311 songs like "Amber" nail the romantic at sea mood this song falls flat on its face.
10.Something Out Of Nothing: the only other song that I like off Uplifter. The verse is hard and you can jump and head bang to it so that's a positive. It feels like the song should be on an older 311 album like "From Chaos." Its hard vibe reminds me of "Sick Tight." The chorus is very similar to Never Ending Summer. Nick even sings almost identical.
11.Jackpot: a good jam to rock out to. Sounds similar to "Hive" and something that should be on the blue self titled album. The only song on the album that really feels attached to 311's roots. Its not flawless but its close.
12.My Heart Sings: a really chill track. The kinda song you could play while sitting out on the porch as the sunsets while enjoying a smoke and a cold one. Its not amazing but its not horrible either. Its about one step above average.

All in all Mahoney's head busting solo's and P-nuts funky/forceful bass sound great. However the sound falls short with some lackluster riffs, uninspiring choruses, and just flat boring songs. The solos are not enough to uplift Uplifter from the 5 that it is. // 5

Lyrics and Singing: 311 has always had a reputation for cheesy lyrics. With old school classics like "Off beat bare ass""Transistor" and the super cheese lyrics of "Other side of things" this album is no different. I love 311 and their cheezyness but I have to say that I felt that some really good songs were ruined by the lyrics. In particular the song Daisy Cutter starts off with great lyrics and a great beat but then gets slaughtered when the chorus comes in with:

"My daisy you make me go crazy
Forever amaze me
Now let's let the day go lazy
My daisy you know what im after
Your musical laughter
A more beautiful disaster"

The first track and hit single off the album "Hey You" has very horrible lyrics. The song is about how the power of music saved 311 from drugs but the execution of the song along with the lyrics makes it feel like an anti-drug anthem for middle school kids then the actually powerful "uplifting" song that it should be.

The track "Two Drops In The Ocean" has very romantic lyrics. They are well done but once again not my cup of tea. The lyrics on this album are a new low of cheezy that I did not think that 311 could reach. // 4

Impression: If you are a hardcore fan of 311 like me you will probably pick this album up. Its not that great but it has the uncanny ability of getting better "acceptable" with each listen. It has some really great ideas but compared to other albums its just a disaster. It tries to stretch in different musical directions all at once but cant seem to pull it off. I almost was going to give the album a better rating because of its ability of getting better with each listen but then I put in "Don't tread on me" and actually found myself enjoying it more then Uplifter. If you get the album burn the few songs you like onto your computer and then put it with the rest of your CD collection and get ready to watch it collect dust. 311 fans are just going to have to wait for something else to replace "Grassroots" in their car. // 5

Comments

[CptRevell]

Maybe you will rate it better after repeated listens? Or can you just tolerate what you think is bad? Not sure what you were getting at there in that last paragraph.

[slypoonce]

i was definitely hoping for something a little more from them with this album. overall, disappointing.. but it does have some good moment's. P-Nut is as funky as ever... you can always count on some killer bass lines.

[nostr0tomas]

My sister is a huge 311 fan, even went out to fly to memphis a few years ago to see them and we live in jersey. i've been hearing this album EVERYDAY since it came out. I'm sick of, then again i've never been a big fan of these guys, the only song i like is "down" so that says much. I figure if my sister likes it then it's a good album as far as 311 goes, but even she skips a few songs. which ones? who knows. I can't get pasted the one song that they chant "311 3 3 11" thats just pathetic to put that on a studio album. if it was live, heck yeah that would be the tits.

[thndrcypher]

I don't understand how anyone can take this review seriously. It sounds like it was written by a 13 year old. If you're going to review a CD, review it OBJECTIVELY. Don't bitch for an entire page about how the music "sucks" because it's not your "cup of tea".

Force Reaver, learn how to write.

UG, it's reviews like this that make people not take your site seriously.

[HavokStrife]

I can't really take this review seriously right off the bat. I mean, Too Much Too Fast is pretty much my favorite song off the CD and homeboy's like, "Ugh this trash is the worst song ever!"

This CD is a giant step in the right direction when considering Don't Tread on Me.

Oh, and you didn't even say anything about Get Down. That's another one of my favorite songs on the album. I also like how you reek douchebag eliteness when you on about having to keep listening to Grassroots. Cuz yeah, that's the ONLY 311 CD I listen to, not Music, or Transister, or the self titled or anything.

I give this album a 7 or 8 and this review a straight 2!

This site is getting plagued by prepubescent retards lately. As if the constant "What guitar should I buy I play Green Day songs" threads weren't bad enough.

[KingJustinian25]

I saw them live and it kicked ass. A ton of energy and they sounded great, everyone was freaking out on every song. But I would definitely rate this album higher. I love "It's Alright" but the viewer didn't give it a good rating. This happens with every band, they change styles a little bit, and old school fans get pissed off. They sort of went away from a lot of rap-rock on this album, and they all get pissed. I liked the old, and I like the new.

[Jetfanmack]

I like every song on the CD, and I bet it will sound even better live. I give the album an 8. The music is great. If the lyrics were up to par, it would be one of my favorite albums ever.

This song has a lot of different types of songs that should make all 311 fans happy. Some killer guitar soos, too.

[Drewdolph21]

This is their best album since From Chaos..... definitely better than Don't Tread On Me

[KingJustinian25]

Jetfanmack wrote:

I like every song on the CD, and I bet it will sound even better live. I give the album an 8. The music is great. If the lyrics were up to par, it would be one of my favorite albums ever.

This song has a lot of different types of songs that should make all 311 fans happy. Some killer guitar soos, too.

It did sound better live. I recommend anyone unsure of if they want to go to the summer unity tour to go. Ziggy and the Expendables were awesome. 311 played for almost 2 hours, almost every old hit and new stuff.

[Incubus311DMB]

I've been loving the album with every listen. It's Alright, India Ink, and Never Ending Summer are all definitely worth listening to.

[GuitarGod_92]

They won't ever top Don't Tread On Me. That was easily their best album.

[Pool_Shark]

thndrcypher wrote:

I don't understand how anyone can take this review seriously. It sounds like it was written by a 13 year old. If you're going to review a CD, review it OBJECTIVELY. Don't bitch for an entire page about how the music "sucks" because it's not your "cup of tea".

Force Reaver, learn how to write.

UG, it's reviews like this that make people not take your site seriously.

He actually did a very good job reviewing the CD. If you read the whole thing he didn't bash all of it, and I can agree with him this isn't a very strong 311 CD, and I'm a pretty big fan of 311.

[sbriggs31]

I disagree i feel this was a shitty review, i think there are really good songs on here although one of the only problems I have with it is the lack of their reggae roots on here. All in all this is a great cd, better than don't tread on me

[SMITH05]

I thought this was a good/ strong album that showed that 311 can keep their sound for the most part, but still evolve as a band. Granted we'll probably never get another album like from chaos or a song like "who's got the herb" and everything in between, but this album showed that they cAn still give you that funky feeling with catchy choruses, sick bass lines, impressive guitar work and crazy drums. Although Chad was a little boring on this album, p nut and tim are amazing. But I really admire chad as a drummer and wish he would have brought more to this album. "golden sunlight","too much too fast, and "two drops in the ocean" show that 311 still has it. Can't wait to see them in central park

[jmh886]

i love 311 but this cd is not good. they peaked at evolver and have been going downhill. they need to step it up.

[courtkid1012]

I don't think India Ink is bad. This really isn't a 311 CD. None of the songs are completely chill. They try to incorporate the whole chill idea into most of their songs, but it just doesn't work out. Evolver is still my favorite. It wasn't anything like I was expecting and I was really disappointed when I listened to it. Don't Tread On Me wasn't that good when I first listened to it, but it got better as I listened to it. It definitely beats out Uplifter.

[SydBareass]

A lot of mixed emotions above about this one. I've been a huge 311 fan for a good fifteen or so years now, and, personally, I think it's their best and fullest-sounding album since Soundsystem. I just find it funny that this reviewer lists what I feel are some of the best songs on the album (It's Alright, Too Much Too Fast, etc...) as the worst. I think the band made a smart decision to work with someone other than Ron Saint Germain behind the boards and musically, Uplifter shows a lot of maturity and comfort in each band member's playing. I'd give this album an 8 or a 9 and recommend it to anyone, 311 fan or not.

[killanick87]

i just think this review is foolish.this CD is a GIANT step above Don't Tread On Me.this cd is not their best, but i give it a 7.5

[taylorhindman]

I thought this album was terrible. Sure it had its few moments but in my opinion, Don't Tread On Me was way better.

[Arkinazz]

HavokStrife wrote:
This site is getting plagued by prepubescent retards lately. As if the constant "What guitar should I buy I play Green Day songs" threads weren't bad enough.

Hilarious!

[cozz4130]

I believe you should review an album subjectively but the authors are right. This album is lame and cheesy. I will always love 311 but this shit sucks.

[rickdimsey cs]

311 sounds a little cheezy / I'm getting older so I'll half-ass it on this album. HOWEVER: Go see the live show because no matter how cheezy they sound on the album, in real life, that sh!t is f*cking amazing. ALL the songs sound sooo much better live, especially Never Ending Summer and Golden Sunlight.

[NateDawgg23]

i think judging music in general is a joke because you going to judge it how you like it.

[Chevelle454]

you guys are nuts, because i thought this cd was pretty good

[Eiji-Takahata]

Never Ending Summer, Jackpot, My heart sings, and Two drops in the Ocean are definately worth a listen.

[Dallin Johnson]

If you don't like the music, whatever. It's your loss. What bugs me is when people give the album a bad review because it's not that same 311 as Grassroots or their self titled album. If they kept writing the same stuff you'd get sick of that too and want them to write different stuff!

While I don't think this is their best album, I don't think it's bad. It's different from stuff they've done before, but that doesn't make it bad. There are some songs I really like and some I kinda like. There really aren't any that I don't like. Once you listen to this album a few times, it really grows on you. I like it a lot.

[emoboi311]

the album is the best album i've ever heard in my life...

this was a crappy review...its just one mans opinion

this album was number 3 on the billboard 200

this album rules in my review

[madefortvmovie]

emoboi311 wrote:
this album was number 3 on the billboard 200

Good point. I mean, clearly the billboard 200 is the best reflection of the strength/quality of the album. After all, this week the Jonas Brothers new release is number 1 on the Billboard 200.

The charts SONLY reflect quantity, not quality.

[madefortvmovie]

^*ONLY (sorry, bad spelling :/ haha)

[Mastashake627]

Alright. You people seem to forget. So i'll remind you 311 creates music to broadcast many messages of peace love unity and respect. Reviewers: I see what you're trying to do here. You want to make your opinion heard here but you should really try and keep it more calm and collective. Obviously you're dealing with 311 fans (Most Hardcore Fans Ever). You need to not put down the album in anyway but instead discuss what should have been done to it to make a better album. Commenters: We all can understand that 311 doesn't listen to the bullshit reviews that people put up right? Don't worry about it guys. Just discuss what you like about the album. It's alright. Don't worry about a thing. In all mixed up, nick states: "Fuck the naysayers, they don't mean a thing. This is what style we bring!" Or perhaps from Transistor: "Music critics, music critics Not afraid of a guy who'll tell you he's never been in a mix Been in a mix, been in a mix We're from the grassroots so big up to out friends
Every crew, every click and every posse
Big up to all the heads not of hypocracy"

[pray4gg]

Concerning the UG Team review...
Sound: This section of the review is filled with simple statements about genre-blending, how heavy the music is (or is not according to the review), and how the songs are made for live shows. So where's the explanation for why this album gets a score of 6? Where's the part of the review that says why the UG Team thinks the sound of the album is mediocre (with "dwindling creativity")?

Lyrics: I'm a 311 fan and I'll admit that lyrics are the weakest part of this album. They are straightforward in a rather juvenile way. Being a fan, I just laugh at it and keep nodding my head. Realistically, I completely understand why most people would probably laugh at the lyrics and then stop listening. That said, I find it odd that the reviewer hates the cheesy lyrics, but then cites "Daisy Cutter" as a favorite song. That song is at least a good 8 out of 10 on the cheesy scale.

Impression: This section features much better writing, and actually tells the reader why the reviewer has the given opinions (unlike the Sound section) by discussing a "worn-out formula." However, it's a bit funny that you should consider 311's style to be so consistent throughout 20 years. Their message and attitude is the same, but their musical style has changed drastically. This is why you have so many people who hate 311's new stuff and only like the "old-school" 311 (ironically, the official 311 forums are filled with these people).

[pray4gg]

More bias from a 311 fan

Dear nostr0tomas,

Regarding the 3-11 chant in "Never Ending Summer"...it is pretty cheesy. I'm sure it also seems rather self-aggrandizing, but I like it and don't find it arrogant or what have you.

That chant was started by fans at live shows. 311 put that chant into a song as homage to the fans. When I heard that on the album, I immediately appreciated it as a "easter egg" or inside joke/reference for the fans.

[Force Reaver]

Look Im not bashing the cd and yes their are other cds out there besides grassroots. But maybe you should read my entire review as I pointed out all of the high points and low points that I saw. Again this is just my opinion, but I felt that this was probably 311's weakest album. Feel free to listen to what ever you want but stop with all the hate just because I gave uplifter a bad score. I have been with 311 through thick and thin but I believe that they can do better then this.

[auguitarboy]

THE GUY WHO WROTE THE ARTICLE NEEDS TO HEAR 311 LIVE. 311 PUTS THE BEST CONCERT ON EVER. I HOPE THERE'S A FOLLOW UP TO THIS ARTICLE.