311 and their lack of an actual genre (wiki lists them as alt rock, rap metal, rap rock, funk rock, ska punk and reggae) are back with their new album "Uplifter". I'm not a massive 311 fan but anything with an upbeat draws me in so I picked up this 13 track album off of I-tunes. The album as a whole is relatively mellow in feeling although they do have a few rocking songs ("India Ink," "Something Out of Nothing", and their single "Hey You"). The songs flow well from one to another but I can't say that anything really sticks out and grabs you which I feel hurts it a bit. Also its general mellow feel doesn't lend it to be in high rotation. It's one of those "I'm in the mood for this" albums. Hardcore 311 fans probably love it but for the casual listener it doesn't really provide any wow factor.
Grade: 72 (C-)
