Artist: 311 Album: Universal Pulse

Year: 2011
Duration: 29:00

A of the Album: Universal Pulse by 311

311 has been a staple in the alternative rock scene since the early 90s. A band that started out as a group of friends from Omaha, Nebraska, has since risen to become one of the most successful alternative rock bands in history. In 2011, the band released their 10th studio album, Universal Pulse, which is the focus of this . This album is different from their previous ones as the band experiments with new sounds and styles, which is reflected in the album's genres like alternative rock, reggae, dub, and even metal. So, let's dive in and see how this album holds up against the rest of 311's impressive discography.
Universal Pulse is a departure from 311's earlier sound, which was more focused on alternative rock and rap-rock. The album's new sound showcases the band's ability to experiment with different musical styles, which can be heard in tracks like Sunset in July, Time Bomb, and Weightless. These tracks have a reggae and dub influence that gives them an upbeat and relaxed tone, perfect for a summertime playlist. The album's lead single, Sunset in July, showcases 311's musical evolution with its catchy chorus and layered instrumentals.
The metal influence on Universal Pulse can be heard on tracks like Rock On and And A Ways To Go. Rock On has a heavier edge than most of the album's other tracks, with a driving riff and explosive chorus. And A Ways To Go is a standout track that experiments with the rap-rock sound that 311 is known for. The song's chorus is infectious, and the rap verses are witty and self-aware, which adds to the overall strength of the track.
One of the album's most innovative parts is the production, which was handled by the band's longtime producer, Bob Rock. The album has a polished and smooth sound, which adds to the overall vibe of the album. The production on Time Bomb is exceptional, with each instrument layered perfectly to create a well-rounded and cohesive sound. Time Bomb is a standout track as it features a blend of different sounds and styles that 311 has mastered over the years.
The best songs on Universal Pulse are Sunset in July, Weightless, And A Ways To Go, and Time Bomb. These four songs showcase the band's musical versatility and evolution. Sunset in July is an excellent summer anthem, Weightless is a classic 311 style track, And A Ways To Go is witty and clever, and Time Bomb is a standout track with its layered instrumentals and sound.
However, despite the album's strengths, it does fall short in some aspects. The length of the album is an issue, as it only features eight tracks and has a running time of just over 30 minutes. Some listeners may feel that the album is too short and could benefit from more tracks. Additionally, while the band's sound has evolved over the years, some fans may feel that Universal Pulse is too much of a departure from the band's earlier sound, which might not be to everyone's liking.
In conclusion, Universal Pulse is a strong album that showcases 311's musical diversity and evolution. The album's experimentation with new sounds and styles is a significant strength, and it's evident that the band has mastered these new musical elements. However, the album's short running time might not be to everyone's liking. Ultimately, Universal Pulse is a solid album that is worth checking out for both longtime fans and newcomers to the band's music.