311 – 311 (1995) Review – Drew Martin Writes

311

Nicholas Hexum, Chad Sexton, Tim Mahoney, P-Nut, S.A. Martinez

311

1995

When it comes to a breakthrough hit album, third time’s the charm for 311. The Omaha, Nebraska quintet struck a chord with their third studio album, also known as “The Blue Album.” 311’s blend of musical styles and refusal to adhere to a specific genre came together in the perfect eclectic mix of alternative rock in 1995. This album is their magnum opus, the shining star in the 311 discography. Not only is this my favorite 311 album, but one of my favorite albums from the 1990s. Correction, one of my favorite albums ever, regardless of the decade.

Clocking in at 39:58, this album fits into the prefect time frame for optimum enjoyment with time to spare. How can you not enjoy this? Such a fun album to sit back, take in, and enjoy. It’s a perfect match for spring, summer, or early fall. A nice warm day to open the windows, or go for a ride on the backroads enjoying the weather and the music. This is a full album too. You can’t call any of the tracks filler. For the most part they’re a lively explosion of energy, and the odd slower tempo offerings have a steady, pulsing rhythm with an edgier vibe. In a sense they have to as they have an actual message. The lyrics are clear and delivered with force instead of the stream of conscious rhymes that flow throughout the majority of tracks.

Three singles came off this album, and an “unofficial” one. “Don’t Stay Home,” “Down,” and the popular and most well-known track “All Mixed Up” were official singles. “Hive” received a fair share of radio and music television air time, though not officially released. “Down,” “All Mixed Up,” and “Hive” are the three tracks most people know by heart. The truth is so many of these could be singles. The lively, funky fun of “Random,” “Jackolantern’s Weather,” and “Loco.” Perhaps the toned down seriousness of “Guns” or “Misdirected Hostility.”

My favorite tracks are “Jackolantern’s Weather,” “Loco,” and “Don’t Stay Home.” That’s not a knock against the other 11 tracks that make up this album. I can listen to this repeatedly. If you haven’t heard it, there’s no better time like the present. Try not to put this on repeat and jam on it for a couple of hours. A perfect album to welcome one of the first warm days of the new year. That is if early spring hits your area. A warm weather album. A Friday album. The perfect way to celebrate “3/11 Day,” the eleventh of March. 3/11.