311 Albums Ranked

311 (pronounced “three-eleven”) is an American rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. The band was formed in 1988 by vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Jim Watson (a member briefly, before being replaced by Tim Mahoney in 1990), bassist Aaron “P-Nut” Wills, and drummer Chad Sexton. In 1992, Doug “SA” Martinez joined to sing and provide turntables for 311’s later albums. 311 has released thirteen studio albums, two live albums, four compilation albums, four EPs, and four DVDs. After a series of independent releases, 311 was signed to Capricorn Records in 1992 and released the albums Music (1993) and Grassroots (1994) to moderate success. They achieved greater success with their 1995 triple platinum self-titled album, which reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 on the strength of the singles “Down” and “All Mixed Up”, the former of which topped the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks in 1996. The band’s next three albums—Transistor (1997), Soundsystem (1999), and From Chaos (2001)—were also successful, with the first going platinum and the last two going gold. Their 2004 compilation album Greatest Hits ’93–’03 was also certified platinum. The band’s most recent studio album is 2019’s Voyager. As of 2011, 311 has sold over 8.5 million records in the United States. Here are all of the 311 albums ranked.

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10. Uplifter (2009)

“Uplifter is a great album. Of course it’s not as hardcore as their earlier stuff. You can always expect the natural progression of a band to get a little softer over the years and throughout their evolution. What I really like about this CD is it’s full, robust sound. It’s well recorded and just sounds great. Pop it into your car CD player and blast it, or throw it on at home and pump the volume up. It has a heavily produced sound that’s a joy to listen to. The songs and melodies are well written. SA & Nick share the mic in reasonable proportions.”

9. Grassroots (1994)

“Grassroots is the second-best 311 album. Music had a bunch of energy, but this one is a ________ groove machine. Almost every song on here has a killer riff, drum beat, a killer bassline, and rapping, and all of those are varied, tons of thought. Top it off with Ska choruses, percussion instruments, jazzy guitar solos, SA’awesome sound effects here and there, ambiance, and a heavy dose of Caribbean flavor.”

8. Evolver (2003)

“”Evolver” was a very good title for this album because it truly sounds like evolution for the band. Their traditional sound is implemented in every song yet it feels like the band pushes boundaries and explores uncharted territories. This could’ve backfired but the songs that took new directions actually were amazing and the band sounds as intense as ever.”

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7. Transistor (1997)

“Transistor showcases the band’s vocal talents in full effect. There is a healthy variety of musically blended styles which are 100% effective and pleasing to the ear. The two male vocalists harmonize to perfection over jagged guitar and clangy drum stylings which remain fresh and hook-drenched. It’s a pure pleasure to listen to the diversity of the voices rapping (less noisily or as often as before) at one moment, then crooning in perfect pitch and harmony (many times all the way through an entire song) at the next. Listening to such tracks as “Inner Light Spectrum” and “Use of Time” is a totally blissful experience and can lift any bad mood.”

6. Music (1993)

“Music was the foundation of building 311 into becoming an artist of commercial success and appealing to a wide audience. The album shows clear signs of the band’s evolving sound which has a slightly heavier sound on the instruments. It is a great album for a fan!”

5. Stereolithic (2014)

“This album flows well, is mixed well, but most importantly it hits you in the face with grooves and flows and positivity. Both lyrically and sonically, this is rarefied air, even and maybe especially for 311. Their music is always a positive vibe that transcends the trends with vitality and genuine love of music and life. My favorite is “Revelation of the Year”, while “Five of Everything”and “Boom Shanka” are fun tunes that make you want to bounce and groove!”

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4. From Chaos (2001)

“”From Chaos” is an amazing album that deserves to be in held in high regard with all their albums from the 90’s. The band is more in-synch musically than ever here and they pushed the creative boundaries even more while still expanding on the hip hop/hard rock formula (that is so well executed). The only song I didn’t like was track 4, and even that song was pretty decent.”

3. MOSAIC (2017)

“This album is pure gold. Right at the top with some of their best work to date. Every song has it’s own, unique sound only 311 can deliver. 311’s versatility and diversity is unmatched and this album is no exception. I dig every track with “Til the City’s on Fire” being the weakest but it’s still ok. “Wildfire” just plain kicks ass and should have been the opening track to the album”

2. Soundsystem (1999)

“‘Soundsystem’ is an enjoyable piece of work from the boys of 311. From beginning to end, this set is quick paced and hypercharged at times and at others is calm and relaxing and the guys blend this effortlessly. This energetic shockwave of… phatness (for lack of a better word) is probably the groups’ most eclectic album to date. This is easy to hear on the tracks “Freeze Time,” “Life’s Not A Race,” “Eons,” and “Leaving Babylon.” The production is awesome. The sound that comes through the speakers is crisp and sharp”

1. 311 (1995)

“I think this was one of their best albums and still is. It was hard rocking as it was melodic. Not hard enough to me a metal album but to heavy to be a alternative album. Fits right in the middle. The sound quality and production sounded light years ahead of the first two albums (music, grassroots). And the song writing and musicianship was stronger writing catchier tighter more pop friendly songs but while keeping their heavy edge. One of their best and a classic.”