Music
Store

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.


A mix of old school 311 with a new touch is a great thing...   July 11, 2001
 6 out of 7 found this review helpful

I have been a 311 fan ever since "Down" came out as a single, but I also took the chance to try out their older stuff like Grassroots and Music and I love 311 ever since. I was hesitant to give "From Chaos" a shot due to the single "You Wouldn't Believe" because I thought that was just about the best the album could get...but I was glad I was wrong. There's a mix in this album, from hard core old school 311 rock (Sick Tight) to chilled back rock (Uncalm) to beautiful laid back melodies (Amber).

My favorite song on this album is "Uncalm", with great lyrics and an unique tune. Classic 311 originality. I love the ENTIRE album, not just a couple songs out of the 12. It's pretty amazing how 311 has come back from their previous 2 albums (Transistor, Soundsystem), in which I thought were not as great as their old albums. BUY IT and get ready for a "HEADRUSH!"

Don't forget to download 311's extra track "We Do It Like This" from the official 311 site, it's also a great song expressing how they progressed in their music and their originality.


Don't listen to Miss Maerz here...   April 26, 2003
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

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,


311 EMERGES FROM CHAOS   June 20, 2001
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

311 is back with their 6th offering after surviving a long tour supporting their last effort, SoundSystem, as well as a record label change. From Chaos returns the group to a sound more reminiscent of their "blue album" than their last two records Transistor and Soundsystem. Still creating an incredible fusion of rock, reggae, and hip-hop beats, From Chaos is loaded with tracks that switch back-and-forth from catchy harder riffs to slow reggae choruses. And although you won't really find another "Down" on this album, there are some stand-out tracks that rock like old school 311. "Sick Tight," "You Wouldn't Believe" (their first single off this album), and "From Chaos" are solid tracks that capture the tight yet heavy sound of 311. There is a good mix of slower more reggae-based jams like "Amber" and "I'll be here awhile." A lot of the songs grew on me as I listened for a second and third time but in the end I didn't find this album to have as many "A" tracks as the previous two albums. If you liked the "blue album", Grassroots, or Music then this is a pretty strong album. If like me, you liked the really harder rock-based songs off of Transistor ("What was I thinking" for example) or off Soundsystem ("Freezetime" "Sever"), then you may be left wanting a little more of a harder edge. Still, tracks like "Sick Tight" and "From Chaos" keep the album from slipping into mediocrity and promise us a tour that will no doubt rock new and old 311 fans.