Universal Pulse

Last updated
Universal Pulse
311-UniversalPulse(2011).jpg
Studio album by
311
ReleasedJuly 19, 2011
Recorded2010-2011
Studio The Hive (North Hollywood, California)
Genre Reggae rock [1]
Length28:55
Label 311, ATO
Producer Bob Rock
311 chronology
Uplifter
(2009)		Universal Pulse
(2011)		 Stereolithic
(2014)
Singles from Universal Pulse
  1. "Sunset in July"
    Released: June 3, 2011
  2. "Time Bomb"
    Released: July 11, 2011
  3. "Count Me In"
    Released: October 4, 2011

Universal Pulse is a mini-LP and the tenth studio album by American rock band 311, released on July 19, 2011 [2] on 311 Records/ATO Records. It clocks in at almost 29 minutes, making it the shortest album 311 ever released, as well as their first release on their own independent record company. It has a 57 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "mixed or average reviews". [3]

Contents

Album information

Like its predecessor, Uplifter , this album was produced by Bob Rock, who has produced or engineered albums by numerous notable acts, such as Metallica, Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, The Cult, Our Lady Peace and The Offspring. Unlike previous albums where their record label requested that the drums be recorded at an alternate location, all tracks, including the drums, were recorded at the Hive Studio. To support the album, 311 invited Sublime with Rome to co-headline the 2011 Unity Tour, [4] with special guests DJ Soulman and DJ Trichrome. The artwork was done by Sonny Kay. With only eight songs and clocking within less than thirty minutes, it's their shortest album to date.

The album's first single "Sunset in July" was released on June 3, 2011. [5] The album's second single "Count Me In" was released on October 4, 2011. [6]

Reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 57/100 [3]
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [7]
Consequence of Sound Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [8]
Entertainment Weekly (B–) [9]
IGN Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [1]
PopMatters Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [10]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [11]

Allmusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine gave Universal Pulse a 2.5/5, commenting "Within the sharp relief of Bob Rock’s immaculate production, this can mean that the fuzz-toned guitars and crunching riffs are strenuously underlined: they are the foundation of this unusually rock-oriented 311 album yet in this crystal-clear atmosphere they drill, not pummel." and concludes that "Universal Pulse can be wearying even at its half-hour length." [12] Consequence of Sound gave the album a 3.5/5 and declares that it's the band's best album since From Chaos , saying "Once this album has completed its first full rotation, there’s an immediate urge to play it again. It’s short, sweet, and a perfect follow-up to where the band was in 2009." [7]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Lead vocalsLength
1."Time Bomb" Nick Hexum, Tim Mahoney, SA Martinez, Aaron "P-Nut" WillsSA Martinez, Nick Hexum3:16
2."Wild Nights"Hexum, Martinez, Chad SextonHexum, Martinez3:38
3."Sunset in July"Hexum, Martinez, WillsHexum, Martinez3:56
4."Trouble" Hexum3:32
5."Count Me In"Hexum, MartinezHexum, Martinez3:27
6."Rock On" Hexum, Martinez3:29
7."Weightless"Hexum, MartinezHexum, Martinez3:19
8."And a Ways to Go"Hexum, Martinez, WillsMartinez, Hexum4:18
Total length:28:55

Charts

ChartsPeak
position
U.S. Billboard 200 7
U.S. Billboard Rock Albums 2
U.S. Billboard Digital Albums 4
U.S. Billboard Independent Albums 1
U.S. Billboard Alternative Albums 2
U.S. Billboard Tastemaker Albums 1

Personnel

Credits adapted from album’s liner notes. [13]

311
Production

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">311 (band)</span> American rock band

311 is an American rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. The band was formed in 1988 by vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Jim Watson, bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills, and drummer Chad Sexton. Watson was replaced by Tim Mahoney in 1990. In 1992, Doug "SA" Martinez joined as a second vocalist and turntablist.

<i>40oz. to Freedom</i> 1992 studio album by Sublime

40oz. to Freedom is the debut studio album by American ska punk band Sublime, originally released on June 1, 1992, on Skunk Records. It was later reissued by MCA. 40oz. to Freedom's sound blended various forms of Jamaican music, including ska, rocksteady, roots reggae, and dub along with hardcore punk and hip hop.

<i>Soundsystem</i> (311 album) 1999 studio album by 311

Soundsystem is the fifth studio album by 311, released on October 12, 1999. Soundsystem, which was certified Gold by the RIAA, was the last 311 album on Capricorn Records before the band switched to Volcano Records in 2000. Recording processes for the album began on March 11, 1999.

<i>311</i> (album) 1995 studio album by 311

311 is the third studio album by American rock band 311, released on July 11, 1995, by Capricorn Records. The album contains the successful singles "Don't Stay Home", "All Mixed Up", and "Down", and was certified triple platinum with sales of over three million copies.

<i>Grassroots</i> (album) Album by 311

Grassroots is the second studio album by American rock band 311, released on July 12, 1994, through Capricorn Records. The album was intentionally recorded to have a "muddy" tone, and was recorded in a small house in Van Nuys where all of the band members lived together. This album also contains the track "Applied Science", which is a staple in 311's live show and has included a full-band drum solo since 2000. P-Nut records with a five-string Warwick bass for the first time here as well. It was certified gold in 1999 by the RIAA, having sold over 500,000 copies.

<i>Transistor</i> (311 album) 1997 studio album by 311

Transistor is the fourth studio album by American rock band 311, released on August 5, 1997, by Capricorn Records. The album saw a change in musical style as fewer songs feature rapping in comparison to the band's previous albums.

<i>Déjà Voodoo</i> (Govt Mule album) 2004 studio album by Govt Mule

Déjà Voodoo is the sixth studio album by southern rock jam band Gov't Mule. The album was released on September 14, 2004, by ATO Records. It was the first Gov't Mule album to feature Andy Hess as a member, and the first studio album to feature Danny Louis as a member. It was also the first album that Gov't Mule did not play live before its release. The title is a reference to the band's belief that it rocks just like it used to before the death of former bassist Allen Woody.

<i>From Chaos</i> 2001 studio album by 311

From Chaos is the sixth studio album by 311, released on June 19, 2001.

<i>Robbin the Hood</i> 1994 studio album by Sublime

Robbin' the Hood is the second studio album by American ska punk band Sublime, released on March 1, 1994, on Skunk Records. It is noted for its experimental nature, low production values, and numerous samples and interpolations of other artists.

<i>Dont Tread on Me</i> (album) 2005 studio album by 311

Don't Tread on Me is the eighth studio album by 311, which was released on August 16, 2005. The first single, "Don't Tread on Me", was released to radio on July 26, 2005. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks and #1 on the R&R Panel Alternative chart. The second single, "Speak Easy", was released on November 22, 2005 and a third "Frolic Room", was released on June 13, 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SOJA</span> American reggae band

SOJA is an American Grammy-award winning reggae band based in Arlington, Virginia. Formed in 1997, their music is currently produced under ATO Records. The eight-member band has released a number of singles, albums, and DVDs, including SOJA – Live in Hawaii. Their third full-length album Born in Babylon peaked at number 11 on the Top Heatseekers chart, while their 2012 album Strength to Survive topped the Billboard Reggae Album Chart. The band continues to tour and record new music.

<i>Beautiful Creatures</i> (album) 2001 studio album by Beautiful Creatures

Beautiful Creatures is the debut studio album by American hard rock band Beautiful Creatures. It was produced by Sean Beavan at Bay 7 Studios in Valley Village, Los Angeles, California, and was released on August 16, 2001, through Warner Bros. Records. The album peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers, while the single "Wasted" peaked at number 37 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks.

<i>Uplifter</i> 2009 studio album by 311

Uplifter is the ninth studio album by American rock band 311, released on June 2, 2009 by Volcano Records. It is the band's first album in nearly four years, the longest gap between albums in 311's career. Uplifter was produced by Bob Rock, who has produced or engineered albums by numerous notable acts, such as Metallica, Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, The Cult, Our Lady Peace and The Offspring. It debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, their highest position to date.

<i>Curse Your Branches</i> 2009 studio album by David Bazan

Curse Your Branches is the first full-length album by David Bazan, the front-man of the indie rock band Pedro the Lion. It was released on September 1, 2009, on Barsuk Records. It is rated 82/100 by critics on Metacritic, earning it the distinction of "universal acclaim".

<i>Set the World on Fire</i> (Black Veil Brides album) 2011 studio album by Black Veil Brides

Set the World on Fire is the second studio album by American rock band Black Veil Brides, released through Lava Records/Universal Republic Records on June 14, 2011. It is the first Black Veil Brides album with drummer Christian "CC" Coma, who succeeded Sandra Alvarenga on drums after the latter's departure to join the band Modern Day Escape.

<i>Yours Truly</i> (Sublime with Rome album) 2011 studio album by Sublime with Rome

Yours Truly is the debut studio album by American rock group Sublime with Rome, released on July 12, 2011 by Fueled by Ramen. It is the first album since the original Sublime disbanded in 1996 following lead singer and guitarist Bradley Nowell's death. According to the liner notes, the album is dedicated to him.

<i>Whatevers on Your Mind</i> 2011 studio album by Gomez

Whatever's on Your Mind is the seventh studio album by English indie rock band Gomez released on 6 June 2011 by ATO Records. As with their last album, production on Whatever's on Your Mind was overseen by the band as well as Brian Deck, known for his work on albums from bands such as Modest Mouse, Counting Crows and Iron & Wine.

<i>Red</i> (Dia Frampton album) 2011 studio album by Dia Frampton

Red is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Dia Frampton, released on December 6, 2011, by Universal Republic Records.

<i>Days Go By</i> (The Offspring album) 2012 studio album by The Offspring

Days Go By is the ninth studio album by American rock band The Offspring, released on June 26, 2012, by Columbia Records. Produced by Bob Rock, it was the band's first of two albums by the band to feature to feature drummer Pete Parada, who played on four songs and joined a year prior to the release of their previous album Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace (2008), and their last album to feature bassist Greg K. before he was fired from The Offspring in 2018. The band commenced work on Days Go By in 2009, with plans to release it in 2010. However, its release was pushed back several times while The Offspring continued touring and writing new material. The writing and recording process spanned three years and six recording studios and was finished in March 2012. During the recording sessions, the Offspring re-recorded "Dirty Magic", which serves as the album's ninth track.

<i>Holy Ghost</i> (Modern Baseball album) 2016 studio album by Modern Baseball

Holy Ghost is the third studio album by the American rock band Modern Baseball, released on May 13, 2016 on Run for Cover Records.[3] The album follows their third EP, The Perfect Cast, which was released on October 23, 2015, via Lame-O Records, as well as their sophomore studio album, You're Gonna Miss It All, released in 2014, and their compilation album, Techniques, also released in 2014.

References

  1. 1 2 "IGN review". Archived from the original on 2012-11-02. Retrieved 2011-07-27.
  2. ↑ "New 311 album title". 311 Official Web Site. May 25, 2011. Retrieved 2011-05-25.
  3. 1 2 "Universal Pulse Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic". Metacritic . Retrieved 2012-05-21.
  4. ↑ "311 / Sublime with Rome". Punknews.org. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  5. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: 311 Debut Funky New Single". SPIN.com. 2011-06-03. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  6. ↑ MusicRemedy.com /. "311 - Count Me In - Listen/Watch Now". Musicremedy.com. Retrieved 2011-11-19.
  7. 1 2 "Allmusic review".
  8. ↑ "CoS review".
  9. ↑ Anderson, Kyle (2011-07-29). "Albums: July 29, 2011 (311, Universal Pulse)". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved 2012-05-21.
  10. ↑ Rausch, Will. "311: Universal Pulse". PopMatters. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  11. ↑ "Rolling Stone review".
  12. ↑ Thomas, Stephen (2011-07-19). "Universal Pulse - 311". AllMusic. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  13. ↑ Universal Pulse (booklet). ATO. 2011.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.