Third Eye Blind :: "Ursa Major"

Well since I revisited my Sugar Ray days because they released a new album recently, I’ve decided that since Third Eye Blind are also releasing this month, why not review another old favorite?

I remember getting their self-titled debut for my 13th birthday and even though I was fairly new to the music game, I was able to appreciate the awesome-ness of that album. Third Eye Blind produced such colossal hits as “Semi-Charmed Life”, “Jumper” and “How’s It Going To Be?” but to be honest, the entire album is filled with great quality songs. I consider it by far their best album!

The band’s second attempt, Blue, was not as huge of a success but still produced some really great tracks such as “10 Days Late”, “Anything” and “Deep Inside of You”. Unfortunately, the band’s success tapered with their third release, Out of the Vein, and I lost track of them. I have the album but there is nothing really spectacular about it as I listened to it once and never went back for more.

Now, after an EP and a Best Of collection, Third Eye Blind is releasing their first full-length album in six years. The new attempt, entitled Ursa Major, is a solid attempt but still not up to the standards of their debut.

“Can You Take Me” is the first track of the album and a strong one at that. Like the old Third Eye Blind that was at the peak of its popularity, the song consists of the same distorted guitars and big back-up vocals and drums that seemed to be their recipe for success.

The second track, “Don’t Believe a Word”, is their first single. The song starts off with a cool muffled guitar melody, has a really catchy chorus and most importantly, has lead singer Stephan Jenkins’ unmistakable falsetto back-up vocals. Unfortunately, the message seems too preachy and cheesy, especially when Jenkins questions music by saying, “Rap stars braggin’ ’bout shooting each other?” That line alone is not really sung but said; it sort of kills the song.

“Sharp Knife” is a pretty little ditty with light snare and melodious electric guitar picking that turns into loud, distorted guitars and bigger drums about halfway through and alternates back and forth throughout. I usually like songs that alternate back and forth like that and this time was no different. Third Eye Blind seems to pull it off very well.

Sadly, I was completely thrown off with “One in Ten”, which features what sounds like a banjo, horns, piano and acoustic guitar. I know, it sounds cool on paper, but Third Eye Blind fail to pull it off with this song and it just comes off sounding like there is way too much going on. “About to Break” is another alternating song like “Sharp Knife” but unlike “One in Ten”, the banjo sounds okay. Although Jenkins’ and Tony Fredianelli’s guitar work is pretty impressive in the song, the gang vocals are questionable.

Though the album isn’t their strongest attempt, I think it’s better than Out of the Vein. If you can get past the ever-present cheesy lyrics, Ursa Major is worth a listen to anyone who was a fan of the band back in the late 90’s when they were at their prime. The music itself is typical Third Eye Blind, which is definitely a good thing. Too bad for us (and them) they probably will never match the greatness of Third Eye Blind, their debut. But that’s only one gal’s opinion!

Ursa Major comes out tomorrow (Tuesday, August 18th, 2009). Click here to check out the (pretty cool) video for “Don’t Believe a Word”.

Buy the album at our record store on Amazon

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