311 Album: “From Chaos”

First of all, I give this a 4.5, Transistor is a 5 in my book...

The review from Amazon.com on this album is ignorant. "From Chaos" is a brilliant album, by a band that is over stereotyped in the whole rap/rock genre. 311 is so much more than typical angst rap/rock (linkin park, korn, etc) they have one of the best drummers in rock ( except Danny Carey from Tool of course) and both of their lyricists are simply amazing. Miss Jennifer basically said "Whoa, Amber is the color of your energy" is pathetic, when in fact, this is more like the amazing and groundbreaking lyrics we heard from "Transistor" Nick is talking about aura's here, for those who have no clue what these are, just go read up on them (yahoo works well) and you'll discover the depth and originality behind Nick's and SA's lyrics. Although in my opinion, 311 doesn't tap the fountain as Tool does, 311 is one of the only bands to stay positive in the midst of all this angst-ridden manufactured garbage called "rock." We should be thankful for musicians like Tool, Dredg, 311, Deftones, etc for giving us true auditory beauty. And making music for themselves, not for the record company execs,

On their 6th studio release, From Chaos, 311 continue to be one of the most groundbreaking and original acts around today. 311 seemlessly meld metal, rap, hip-hop, reggae, and punk into another mind-blowing disc. 311 does a good job of taking aspects of all of their previous discs and combining them with new creative wrinkles, ensuring their music will never get stale. Overall, From Chaos rocks hard but doesn't forget the melody and songwriting in the process. Songs like Sick Tight, Wake Your Mind Up, and You Get Worked showcase 311 at their hard-rocking best. Full Ride is pure funk while Uncalm is one of the most unique songs 311 has ever put together, combining heavy guitar and beautiful vocal melodies. Amber, Champagne, and I'll Be Here Awhile are melodic gems that re-inforce the diversity of 311. Finally, the title track, From Chaos, is a rockin' and catchy melodic tour de force that would make an amazing 2nd single of off this album. Nick Hexum's and SA Martinez's raps and vocals are as tight and melodic as they have ever been. Tim Mahoney throws in some heavy and unique guitar riffs throughout while P-Nut and Chad Sexton are brilliant as usual. Lyrically, the band has never been stronger as they touch on a wide range of subjects that regular people go through on a daily basis. At a time when most rock acts continually re-hash how terrible their lives are with negative lyrics, it is certainly refreshing to see a rock band write about issues that others can relate to, while infusing their lyrics with positivity.

As the pioneers of the hybrid rock genre, it is a shame that 311 still do not get the recognition and respect they so richly deserve. Its hard to see second-hand hacks like Crazytown and Papa Roach being rewarded with a ton of radio and MTV airplay while innovators such as 311 are not. However, 311 will still be going strong 5-10 years from now, due to hardwork, determination, and a loyal grassroots following, while today's flavors of the week will be nowhere to be found.

As for certain so-called music critics, pay no attention to them. It seems that instead of just listening to the music and enjoying it, they look for reasons to pick it apart. As for the suggestion to work with other artists to increase 311's mainstream following, that sounds an awful lot like a suggestion to sell out. While I've learned that 90% of music critics have no idea what they are talking about, its a shame they are in a position to influence the many people who may be checking out a band for the first time. In regards to the critics, "ignorance is bliss to those uneducated".

Congrats to 311 on an amazing new album. I wish them much success and hope they can continue to provide us with great music for years to come.

When I heard 311's new single "You Wouldn't Believe", I knew that 311 was back. I was hoping this album would be heavier, more "old school" than Soundsystem and Transistor. From the first track to the last, this album is perfect the entire way. Well, ALMOST perfect. It took me awhile to pick apart every song, but i realize a few problems with this CD. Still more creative than most bands, 311's lyrics on "From Chaos" are good, but a little shallow compared to 311's past albums. The guitar work is a bit choppy, somewhat lacking the regular flow on past albums. Nick Hexum's voice is slightly flat on a few tracks, including "I Told Myself", and "I'll Be Here Awhile". Its not very noticable. "Sick Tight" is a classic 311 song, fast paced, "Head-rushing", blended style type of song. "You Wouldn't Believe" was a good choice for a first single. "From Chaos" is a cool song, I hope it will be the next single. It has SA rapping and Nick's smooth vocals, not at all flat on this track. "Amber" is the song making fans go crazy. I'm not sure why, I didn't find anything truly "great" about it. "Uncalm" sounds like something off of Transistor. All in all, this album is really good no matter what amazon's editor says (she's crazy). 311 is always breaking new ground! (Tell me if you ever heard a song like "From Chaos" on any other 311 album). This album is great, buy it and you won't be disappointed. Also try the self-titled "Blue Album" if you want to get hooked on 311. If you don't like this album at first, don't worry. Some of the songs take a little listening to get to like them, then you're hooked!

311 goes right back to their old formula with From Chaos, their sixth studio record. More than anything, the songs on this cd are reminiscent of the 1995 Blue Album, which included the hits "Down", "Don't Stay Home", and "All Mixed Up". Just like the last album, Soundsystem, this new one begins with a loud, fast song - called "You Get Worked." At first listen, the best songs are probably the title track, "From Chaos", "Wake Your Mind Up", "Uncalm", and "I'll Be Here Awhile". There's little or no experimentation on this album, but it sounds good to get back to the stuff you'll really hear at a 311 show. The word is that all songs on the cd will be played extensively on tour, and that the band will follow up the first single "You Wouldn't Believe" with a heavy, fast song and then go for a slow number as the third single. There are only really two calm songs on the album, one of which is actually ska (and it sounds great). If you ever wondered when you were going to get another Blue Album, this is the cd to go buy. "Stay Positive and Love Your Life" (Hexum).

Allow me to express how in awe I am right now. Got the point? I shall begin my review of 'From Chaos'.

Although I've always admired 311 and liked a few of their songs here and there, I never became what you would probably consider a complete "fan" until a few months ago. I got three of their albums ('Evolver', 'Soundsystem', and 'Transistor') last month and was extremely impressed, especially with 'Soundsystem'. I remembered loving "You Wouldn't Believe" and "Amber", and wanted to purchase the 'From Chaos' album.

After a month of looking for it, I found it today...and my CD collection will never be the same.

I don't see what this negativity is about - this is a BEAUTIFUL album. Not only is 311 the most original band out there, this album just flows. I am ecstatic about it. I can see this becoming one of my favorite CDs of all time. I like every song on here (that's rare). Standouts are "Amber" (I still haven't gotten sick of it), "You Wouldn't Believe", "Uncalm", and "Champagne." Tim Mahoney is among the best guitarists I've ever heard and even though many reviews on here proclaimed Nick Hexum's voice to be monotone, I find it to be beautiful and soothing.

All in all, a wonderful album. Amazing. I recommend it to anyone - 311 fan, not 311 fan, someone who's never HEARD of 311 - ANYBODY. This album is perfection and I'm not sure how I've went this long without it.