Creatures (For A While) - The band's first single off the album is one with a cool intro which turns into a heavy guitar riff. The bass is really catchy on this song, as are the lyrics, making it a good choice for a single. A good opening to the album. 4.5/5
Reconsider Everything - The highlight of this song is its repetitive guitar riff, which is still very good and not forced. The lyrics are very good, although you'll have to listen about 5 times to fully understand the message. Drums in this song are cool too. 3.75/5
Crack the Code - A funky song that does not fail to convey that the boys still know how to rap after 13 years. The drums and bass really compliment each other well. This song is very well written lyrically as well. 4.25/5
Same Mistake Twice - A powerful song with a well conveyed message. Once again, the song is very well written ("Another detail just goes by,
Fallen into the abyss that has become your life"). Perhaps the "rocking-est" song on the album, if you will. 4/5
Beyond the Gray Sky - My favorite song on the album. The first time you hear it, you think "wow, that's just another cool reggae/rock song just like 'I'll Be Here Awhile'", but then you realize that the song is about a friend of the band that ended his life early and the band wants to know... "What made you want to end it all? Wasn't there something I should have tried, To help you see beyond the gray sky?" Nick's voice is perfect for this song. 5/5
Seems Uncertain - A cool song, revealing the softer side of the band. Another well-conveyed message. 4/5
Still Dreaming - Unfortunately one of the weaker songs on the album, although S.A.'s verses do make up for some of the forced guitar riffs and weak choruses. 3/5
Give Me A Call - Honestly, I don't really know why i like this song, but it is one of my favorites from the album. The reggae/jazz style shown in this song is very good, and the transitions from the verses to the choruses are very good as well. 4.5/5
Don't Dwell - The funky bass intro is cool (Seinfeld style), and so is the chorus at the end of the song. Other than that, not too much to show from this song. 3.5/5
Other Side Of Things - A great intro-verse to a funky/rock song that has very cool raplike verses from Nick. Very similar to the earlier songs (Grassroots). 4/5
Sometimes Jacks Rule the Realm - A great way to end the CD, combining just about all of the elements that 311 brings to the table. This song has 3 parts, the first which is a soft acoustic ballad. The second mixes great guitar solos with lyrics that flow smoothly and very good work on the drums by Chad. The third is after the bulk of the track is over, with a very flowing guitar bit. A nice track to end on. 4.25/5
Well, that's my first review. Hope it didn't suck too much, and maybe, i hope it is helpful for you.
Cheers, ADAM
