311 is severely underappreciated in the nu metal community. While they're not in the same bracket as bands like Linkin Park, Slipknot, or Korn, they still deserve their spot in the nu metal conversation. Their music consists of the main staples of the genre such as rapping, funky and groovy guitars, hip-hop beats, even down to the use of turntables. 311 blended numerous genres that seemingly wouldn't go together, but made it work. Their catalog is an eclectic mix of punk, metal, rap, hip-hop, reggae, and funk. Due to their wide arrange of influences, 311 was popular with stoners, surfers, rockers, skaters, punks, and rap fans alike. But for some reason, it still feels as if 311 has not gotten the recognition they deserve for creating some of the freshest and distinctive music to this day. Join me on this sacred 311 Day for celebrating this unique musical act and giving them the flowers they deserve.
"Come Original"
This song is self explanatory. It's also a great track to tell everyone who your band is, what you believe in, and what to expect when you spin their records. Featured on 1999's Soundsystem, "Come Original" is a call to artists, spreading encouragement to embrace their individuality and create their own identity. Many people will gravitate to music that is authentic and unique. 311 is a perfect example of one of those bands. They're so hard to put a label on, and they're in a category of their own. The lyric "Funk slap bass mixed with the dancehall and / Hip-hop beats and punk guitar and / Deadly on the mic, the one S.A. / Name is 311 and you know it ain't easy" tells fans exactly the kind of genre fusing 311 is all about. Thirty years later, in a world constantly infiltrated with AI, this track hits even harder. Also, this music video is just oozing 90's aura. Artists these days don't really make music videos quite like this anymore, and it's a shame.
Fun fact: "Come Original" was inspired after a 1998 trip to Jamaica where the locals took vocalists Nick Hexum and Doug "S.A." Martinez to dancehalls and even a reggae festival.
"Two Drops In The Ocean"
This song probably wouldn't make most '"top ten 311" lists, but it is severely underrated because it isn't one of their popular singles or even from their height of success in the 90's and early 2000's. I remember the first time I heard this song, I was hooked due to how magnificent it was. The message is very sweet, talking to a loved one about how they are two drops of water coming from the same cloud, landing in a vast ocean, but they are so perfect for each other that nothing will keep them apart. 311 paired the oceanic lyrics with island music that sounds straight out of a tiki bar on a serene, peaceful beach. As a cherry on top of the cake, the dual vocalists Hexum and Martinez provide beautiful harmony on certain phrases. I have in fact listened to this song while laying on a beach, and it was a fantastic experience.
Fun Fact: "Two Drops In The Ocean" is the ninth song on 311's ninth studio album, Uplifter. It was released on June 2nd, 2009 and it debuted at the third spot on the Billboard 200, which was their highest charting album to date.
"Nutsymtom"
This is the track with the most classic nu metal vibes on this list. 311's second studio album, Grassroots, is their grittiest release and "Nutsymtom" is three minutes of pure chaos. The first half of the song shows off the rapping skills of both Martinez and Hexum, while the second half highlights the funky bass playing of Aaron "P-Nut" Wills and futuristic sounding guitar tones laid down by Tim Mahoney. To me, it's like a love child of Limp Bizkit's Three Dollar Bill, Y'all$ and Incubus' S.C.I.E.N.C.E., years before either of those albums were even thought of. "Nutsymtom" is the most unique track in the 311 catalog that I know.
Fun fact: Grassroots was recorded in a house where all of the band members lived together at the time, intentionally giving the album a muddy rather than crisp and clear sound.
"Do You Right"
The talent and potential within this band shone through even as early as their debut in 1993. They were so young at the time, but that clearly didn't hold them back. "Do You Right" is an essential feel good song, one that you blare in your car, windows rolled down, with your friends on a beautiful summer day. This track is so fun, fresh, and groovy. You'll instantly want to move your body along with the music. How could you not when there's a jamming tambourine involved? It's also interesting that a band originating from Omaha, Nebraska, incorporates beachy vibes into their music so well. The music video is worth a watch, with Nick Hexum's bowl cut (hey, it was popular at the time) and Rick Astley-esque dancing, the immaculate 90's fashion, and the random performing with monkeys in the middle of it.
Fun fact: "Do You Right" is the first 311 song to chart, coming in 27 on the US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard).
"Little Brother"
For a song that wasn't originally released on the final version of Don't Tread on Me, it has ended up being one of their best. Unfortunately, the lyrics are relatable to many people who have dealt with a loved one struggling with drug addiction. Not only can 311 make upbeat party songs and laid back tracks, they also create music with a message about real world problems. However, just because this track has a more serious lyrical composition doesn't mean it is lacking in the groove department. It's very catchy and will easily get stuck in your head.
Fun fact: "Little Brother" was originally released as an iTunes Bonus Track, but was widely released later on the Archive compilation album.
"Wake Your Mind Up"
Lyrically, this is one of the more inspirational offerings from 311. "Wake Your Mind Up" invites listeners to approach life with a positive and optimistic attitude rather than enveloping their brain in negativity and dwelling on their problems. No matter what troubles one may face in life, there is always a brighter side. "I'm controller of my destination / Gotta change my mind to help me break away / The sun creeps over the hillside to shed this light no man could ever take away" is one of my favorite 311 lyrics of all time. It's easier said than done, but this song is a nice reminder that wallowing in a gloomy outlook will not improve circumstances and it is important to take control of your life and make it better yourself. Even if it's just little things, you gotta do what you can to take care of yourself. Not to mention, Hexum and Martinez's back and forth vocal delivery is fantastic. Switching off every line rather than every chorus or verse makes for an even better live performance.
Fun fact: "Wake Your Mind Up" is the ninth track off of 311's sixth studio album, From Chaos. This album was written during their tour promoting their previous album, while they were in the midst of an ugly breakup with their record label. Thus, many of the songs on this record feature a positive outlook on life as a way of the band fighting against their feelings of negativity due to stress from the process of suing Capricorn Records.
"Beautiful Disaster"
This track has arguably 311's most famous guitar/bass riff from their entire discography. It even featured on Guitar Hero World Tour, that's how iconic the guitar is. "Beautiful Disaster" is the 311 song I heard the most on the radio when I was growing up. Written about the disintegration of a toxic relationship, the lyrics are something that yet again, unfortunately many people can relate to. Having a partner who is self-destructive, avoidant, and miserable but refuses to do anything to better themselves is a tale as old as time. Describing someone as a "pretty" train crash doesn't negate the fact that they are still a train crash. Being attractive doesn't excuse being a mess. While you may have loved that person and enjoyed the good times together, the relationship was ultimately a beautiful disaster that had no chance of working out in the end.
Fun fact: One of the most world renowned professional wrestling tag teams, The Motor City Machine Guns, used "Beautiful Disaster" as their entrance theme song in Ring of Honor and CHIKARA.
"All Mixed Up"
Written after vocalist Martinez experienced feelings of "confusion and being unfaithful, "All Mixed Up" explores themes of confidence, trusting your gut, and staying true to who you are despite what others may think of you. This song came out during the peak of 311's success with their triple platinum self-titled album, and while the band garnered many fans, they also received much ire from critics. Some people just didn't get the mixing of multiple musical genres. They declared that they weren't going to listen to the harsh comments because they were happy living their dream with their best friends. This track speaks to a wider audience outside of just the music industry, encouraging everyone to embrace their individuality and do what makes them happy, or else you might regret it in the future. Not to mention, 311's signature sound is all mixed up, pulling inspiration from numerous different acts. "All Mixed Up" is a quintessential 311 song.
Fun fact: The title of the song was taken from an interview with Elvis Presley where he stated that he felt "all mixed up" regarding his emerging celebrity status.
"Amber"
"Amber" is 311's most popular song, and it's hard to argue with it. I don't know how they managed to capture the essence of a color with music (maybe someone with chromesthesia can explain), but they did. Amber is a warm and cozy deep golden-yellow, likened to that of a beautiful sunset or sweet honey. Having your aura and energy compared to something like that is such a wonderful compliment. The reggae influence is strong in this track, with the music video showing the band enjoying a day at the beach during peak sunset hours. "Amber" has been included in numerous romance movies such as 50 First Dates, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Dear John. This song is timeless and one that everyone can enjoy, regardless what style of music you listen to. You don't need me to tell you why this song is amazing, I'm sure you already know.
Fun fact: Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls fame was the inspiration for this track, as she was in a relationship with vocalist Nick Hexum at the time. She even featured in the music video.
"Down"
Opening up with an instantly recognizable guitar riff, "Down" is one of 311's most popular songs for good reason. The first single off of their 1995 album, 311, this is what broke the band the mainstream. The music video was consistently played on MTV, giving them their most commercial success up to that point. While 311 are not considered a heavy band, this is one of their heavier tracks in comparison to a lot of their other more chill and slowed down offerings. The flow of the lyrics is impressive as it follows the beat of the music rather than a more natural way of speaking. The combination of words may seem random and eclectic, and can be difficult to decipher if you're not reading the lyrics. However, the band uses the track to express their gratitude for not only their fans, but also each other. Thank you, 311, for the decades of great music.
Fun fact: The Offspring covered "Down" in preparation for their co-headlining tour with 311, Never Ending Summer Tour, in 2018.
If this isn't enough 311 and you want to continue the celebration, here is a Spotify playlist that I made. It consists of all ten of these songs, plus some other favorite tracks. 311's cover of The Cure's "Lovesong" was omitted from this list because I wanted to only include songs that the band themselves wrote, but it deserves at least an honorable mention here.
Happy 311 Day!
