To the seasoned and professional reviewer, this album may not be the most top-notch album of the year. But to me, a simple music lover and pretty huge 311 fan, I can't get enough of this disk. I saw them live 6 days before the record came out, which I think plays a huge role in my 311 enthusiasm, but regardless, this CD makes me happy, plain and simple.
It's perfect for the summer release, with a consistent laid-back attitude with enough punch to get you through the day. Although I myself prefer the jump-up-and-down rousers to the "Amber"-type mid-tempo tracks, the disk is an ear-pleaser. The title track grows on you. I admit, at first I thought "This is it?", but after a couple listens you learn to love it.
"Thank Your Lucky Stars" has a "Visit"-like quality to it, which I love, not to mention fantastic harmonization by Nick and SA. Anything that even so much hints to the golden oldies from "Music" or "Grassroots" gets an A in my book.
Skip ahead through the nostalgia-based "Frolic Room" and uber-chill (and uber-awesome) "Speak Easy" and you land on "Solar Flare", which is the album's attempt at a rouser. Not the biggest fan of the song, but I give it props for its thoughtful political lyrics and driving tempo. It's just better live.
"Waiting" is one of my favorites, although I definately wouldn't expect such a cute track from 311. It's a guilty pleasure track to the maximum, geared toward the female audience. It's catchy, it's fluffy, it's fun...'nuff said.
Skip again through the off-beat "Long For The Flowers" and you hit the meat of the album, consisting of "Getting Through To Her" and "Whiskey and Wine", undoubtedly the two best tracks on the disk. "Getting Through..." is the brain of a sexual abuse testament hidden in a summer slow jam's body. Catchy refrain, great vocals by SA, and a good heart make this a must-listen.
"W&W" is my personal favorite. The mood reminds me of a basement party, with a guy just slow jamming on a guitar, and the lyrics drive home similarly to Dave Matthews Band's "Grace Is Gone". It's a perfect combination to keep you wanting more, and with a duration of a mere 2 minutes and 45 seconds, it really does.
The disk finishes off pretty clean with the pop-punk "It's Getting OK Now" and multi-faceted yet repetitive "There's Always An Excuse". I like the final songs, but after the two precessors, they just don't quite cut it. Then again, anything that follows "Whiskey and Wine" isn't going to be quite up to par.
Overall, the album is good. It's got plenty to love, not to mention SA gets his due props as a vocalist after years of playing second fiddle to Nick's spotlighted status as "the hot lead singer" (which is true, but regardless). I do agree with some of the complaints that it's simply mid-tempo and doesn't really rise any strong feelings, but after a 15-year run that put their balls to the wall, especially with touring, you have to cut the boys some slack. Summer's the time to kick back, relax and "let the world slide"...let them, and yourself, do it with "Don't Tread On Me."