Could never really get into these guys.

i don't know man, they're pretty accessible

Album Rating: 3.0

i think it's a decent listen. certainly not from chaos or as memorable as any of their other releases for the matter, but it has its moments.

Album Rating: 3.5

At first I thought this was better than uplifter, nothing more, nothing less. After playing it a few times, its really not that bad. Cant compare it to their early stuff but I would give this a 3.5

Album Rating: 2.5

Review fucking sucks! The only downside is the length. There's not a stinker on here and "Time Bomb" and "Rock On" are classic.





Thank you for your in-depth dissection of my allegedly shitty review for an album by a band you clearly have a boner for. Also, my fault for not realizing your clearly superior knowledge that the album doesn't have "stinkers".

Album Rating: 3.5

Troll or tard sowing? Those songs are bottom of the barrell here

I disagree, therefore your review sucks!!

am i doing it rite?

While Sowing's review may have been well written, as they say you can polish a turd but it's still a piece of sh*t. First of all, how about giving props to 311 for making 10 albums and being on the scene for two decades??? If you actually went to a show instead of sowing your wild oats, you would know that 311 is one of the best live performances out there. And "Universal Pulse" is currently #2 on I-Tunes...give some respect where it's due.

Now as a 311 fan, admittedly "Evolver" and "Uplifter" were somewhat disappointing. Having said that, "Universal Pulse" definitely exceeded my expectations and might be their best album since their self-title in 95. With the exception of "Rock On" and the first half of "And a Ways to Go", 311 has finally found the right formula for successfully weaving a funk & reggae sound into their straightforward, guitar-heavy riffs. Unlike previous releases, Chad Sexton actually recorded the drums live in the studio - which is one of the key contributors to the high degree of chemistry and energy that can be felt on this album.

In response to Sowing's comment about Universal Pulse being evidence that 311 will never again produce a song as exciting as "Down" or effortless as "Amber", I don't disagree if an album's success is measured by how many blockbuster singles it produces. "Sunset in July" and "Time Bomb" both have radio potential and Hexum delivers on "Count Me In" and "Wild Nights"; but where Universal Pulse really sets itself apart is with innovative tracks like "Weightless" and "Trouble", which carry unique catchy melodies and powerful lyrics.

Ultimately 311 seems to be one of those bands that people either love or hate. They looked like they were on the decline the last few albums but Universal Pulse has proven that they are not done. Here's Billboard Magazine's review from a critic that actually matters:

http://www.billboard.com/news/311-find-freedom-and-control-with-no-major-1005279632.story#/news/311-find-freedom-and-control-with-no-major-1005279632.story

Album Rating: 2.5

Thank god for "critics that actually matter" to show me the error of my ways



you changed my life

lol iTunes charts

Ke$ha's been #1 on there, she must be awesome

"While Sowing's review may have been well written, as they say you can polish a turd but it's still a piece of sh*t."

Album Rating: 2.5

yeah i better stop with these shitty reviews

Sowing's review is great, as are all of his reviews. Get the fuck out of here with that nonsense.

This band still makes music?

Congrats on bringing out the never-been-here-before-fanboy hate, Sowing. Only the highest caliber negative reviews can accomplish that.

311 has always been one of those bands that gets an unfair rap from people that have only heard singles/hits/maybe 1 full album zamg and think they know the band. What crazy overreacting fanboy above said is true, they are one of the better live acts out there, but this does sound like it's not as good as their other stuff. Still need to listen

They could be the best live band in history that has been around since the dawn of time and has made every single major contribution to the evolution of musical style ever, but that still would have no impact on the quality of this specific album.

Album Rating: 3.0

I am a huge 311 fan, and I am sorry to say that SowingSeason really hit the nail on the head here. Their sound has changed..and it hasnt been for the better. Like it or not, After From Chaos their sound changed and they did lose that "edge" that make them stand out from the rest. I do however think this is one of the better releases they've put out in the last 5-7 years. 3/5 from me.

Agreed. I feel that SowingSeason is right on the money here- props for the great review.

I mean, my last username on here was OmahaStylee94... Total 311 reference. :P

I feel that they're lacking that originality that their music once possessed, and are more intent on just making music that functions best when blasted at the pool...

Album Rating: 2.5

thanks for the props/support. for those of you who think this review is unfair, i would like to point out that i did dedicate a whole paragraph to this album's strengths. if you found a specific problem with my logic in forming my conclusion, then let me know. but dont throw a fit just because i said that a band you like released an average album. hell, even some of the greats release an average record from time to time, just get over your hard-ons.