Released: Jul 12, 2011
Genre: Ska-Punk, Reggae, Alternative Rock
Label: Fueled by Ramen
Number Of Tracks: 12
This is the first studio album from Sublime's new lineup; a solid release with tracks appealing to original fans as well as those with Rome's flair of originality.
Yours Truly
Reviewed by:
jimmyjimbo72, on july 13, 2011 5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Sound: This is the first studio album from Sublime's new lineup; a solid release with tracks appealing to original fans as well as those with Rome's flair of originality.
Sublime is well known for its creative mish-mashing of reggae, ska, punk, rock, hip-hop and even blues. While Sublime With Rome stays true to this sound, "Yours Truly" seems to have diverted away from punk; while there are incredible ska punk tracks such as "Panic" and "My World", the only pure punk track is "Paper Cuts", which has a fantastic breakdown but lack's Brad Nowell's emotion and aggression, possibly leaving fans of his punk work a bit disappointed.
The main body of this release is composed of reggae tracks; these are all fantastic. My favourite is You Better Listen, which starts with a dirty guitar riff and eventually reaching a chorus of very nice female vocal harmonies. I also adore "Lovers Rock", a solid reggae track with a well-placed brass section.
"Yours Truly" also contains some acoustic rock tracks, such as "PCH" and "Spun", both great tracks which are so enjoyable to listen to. Rome has contributed his own style to Sublime With Rome, pleasing fans old and new. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: While the lyrics aren't the strongest point of this album, songs such as "Panic", which I perceive as dealing with the rush that is the human race and how easily relationships between people are broken down, are very well written. Most of the songs have a great lyrical flow, in particular "You Better Listen" which has a great vocal rhythm. At the very least, each song has a relevant set of lyrics.
In comparison to Nowell, the differences are evident; while Brad discussed topics such as heroin abuse ("Pool Shark") and broken homes ("Wrong Way"), Rome's preferred topic seems to be relationships ("Lovers Rock", "My World", "PCH", "You Better Listen"). Not that Brad didn't cover that subject at all.
Rome is a fantastic singer and although I feel that his voice is not at all suitable for punk, lacking a great deal of aggression, he is great at all of the other styles present on "Yours Truly". // 8
Impression: When compared to Sublime's other albums, I feel that this latest release would be on par if there was an extra punk song with a high level of aggression or emotion. Nevertheless, it's a solid release, pumped with reggae-ska-acousticy goodness. I've listened to this album so many times since it was available for streaming on their Facebook page and I can't wait for my preordered album to jump the pond. My favourite songs are "Panic", "Lovers Rock", "My World", "PCH", "Take It Or Leave It", "You Better Listen" and "Spun". I don't like "Paper Cuts"; yes, I know I've whined about a lack of punk tracks but I feel that this track is unnecessary since it doesn't meet my punk requirements.
Yours Truly
Reviewed by:
NWH, on august 25, 2011 1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Sound: Sublime With Rome's debut album "Yours Truly" was a major disappointment to me. I was expecting an album that was very similar to the original Sublime and was hoping that Rome Ramirez would be somewhat like Bradley Nowell, and while some may argue with me, when I listened to the CD, I was not reminded of original Sublime. The band's style seemed overly poppy, almost to the point of being bubble-gum. Many people who are more into more mainstream music like pop and hip-hop may like this album, but speaking from my own perspective, this album is just plain bad. // 5
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics of the songs seemed to fit in with what the band was playing and were mostly well written and the lyrics flowed properly. Rome's voice is very soft and while he hits all the notes, it does not feel very personal and it sounds like he is singing someone elses lyrics, that he does not feel connected to. When I listen to a song I like to hear the emotion in a singers voice and Rome just sang the whole album with the same tone. // 4
Impression: I am a huge fan of Sublime with Bradley, but the only songs with the same sort of vibe are "Panic" and "Same Old Situation". "Yours Truly" is like if you took the punk out of original Sublime and replaced it with a Top 40 sound. I realize Rome is trying to do his own thing and be original, but I think he should've kept some of that old school punk feel in it. They seemed to try to please both pop fans and Sublime fans. Some Sublime fans may enjoy "Yours Truly" but this one does not. If I lost my copy of this album, I would just go buy another album and pray it is way better than this one. As much as I wanted to like this album, I just couldn't. // 4
Nice review, I've actually come to love the new Sublime with Rome record. At first, like most Sublime fans, I was very skeptical about the abilities Rome Ramirez would have and how he would fit in the Sublime sound. Brad will never be replaced, but Rome's a great second.
Even though Brad is not singing on this record, I happen to think it's as good as the old Sublime. I've been listening to it since it was streaming on their Facebook page. I'm actually planning on buying the album today.
I am fairly impressed with this release! Considering how it's a completely new singer it's very good. Rome does a very good job on most of these tracks but no one ever beats the original Sublime. That's just it lol
Great album, I really hope they drop the "with Rome" from their name though. Its not "ACDC with Brian Johnson" or "Alice in Chains with William Duvall"
Wished Wiz Khalifa wasn't guesting on the new album, that guy is overrated.
Good write up. Nobody comment and say shit like "Rome ruined Sublime" or any of that shit. It's good man. It's all about peace and love.
I lol'd. But it's very true.
I'm yet to hear this, but am cautiously optimistic. I never really saw Brad as Christ's Gift to Man, even if I did love him. As for those complaining about the name and such, it's "Sublime with Rome" to avoid legal action from Brad's family. And they're not really living off their past success - about 80% of people who liked Sublime will hate them for taking the name. The rest will ultimately look at them as a different band.
It takes more than one man to make or break a band, and I'm glad they're back playing decent tunes.
Great album, I really hope they drop the "with Rome" from their name though. Its not "ACDC with Brian Johnson" or "Alice in Chains with William Duvall"
Wished Wiz Khalifa wasn't guesting on the new album, that guy is overrated.
Great album, I really hope they drop the "with Rome" from their name though. Its not "ACDC with Brian Johnson" or "Alice in Chains with William Duvall"
Wished Wiz Khalifa wasn't guesting on the new album, that guy is overrated.
They can't. Nowell's estate won't let them.
I know, but its been almost 20 years. The estate of Bradley Nowell needs to get over it.
I saw these guys a few months back with the Dirty Heads, and I must say I liked it. No one I talked to at that concert said anything like "Rome sucks" or "change the name!!!/!@#!1!". They just enjoyed the music and many of the illegal substances they brought.
I didn't expect this album to really be the "same" Sublime, and I think I like it that way. Rome seems to be doing his own thing and having fun with it, without trying to be Brad.
Great album, I really hope they drop the "with Rome" from their name though. Its not "ACDC with Brian Johnson" or "Alice in Chains with William Duvall"
Wished Wiz Khalifa wasn't guesting on the new album, that guy is overrated.
Oh man this album is great. No one will EVER be Brad, but Rome is a pretty ****ing close 2nd. Oh, and we need a Lou-Dog replacement! Dalmatians for everyone!
No one beats Brad but I love Rome. His voice goes just as well with the music. He brings the youth and relevance to the band, if Brad was still alive this record would have been vastly different and most likely for the worse.
Great album, I really hope they drop the "with Rome" from their name though. Its not "ACDC with Brian Johnson" or "Alice in Chains with William Duvall"
Wished Wiz Khalifa wasn't guesting on the new album, that guy is overrated.
Great album, I really hope they drop the "with Rome" from their name though. Its not "ACDC with Brian Johnson" or "Alice in Chains with William Duvall"
Wished Wiz Khalifa wasn't guesting on the new album, that guy is overrated.
I agree with every part of both statements.
I agree about wiz khalifa, that being said though, he sounded fairly decent on "can you feel it"
Wished Wiz Khalifa wasn't guesting on the new album, that guy is overrated.
I agree with every part of both statements.
I agree about wiz khalifa, that being said though, he sounded fairly decent on "can you feel it"
Wiz sucks in his own music and that song. I think Can You Feel It is one of the best songs on the album, and he completely ruined it. However, if you have not gotten the deluxe version, get it. Dynamite is the best song on the entire album and you can only get that and a few acoustic versions of Panic and Lover's Rock with the deluxe version.
Considering how it's a completely new singer it's very good. Rome does a very good job on most of these tracks but no one ever beats the original Sublime. That's just it lol