July 11 marks the anniversary of the release of 311’s self-titled, third studio album, most commonly known as “The Blue Album.”
Capricorn Records released the best-selling LP in 1995, and it has also been certified 3x Platinum by the Recording Industry of Association of America. Many fans and critics consider the Blue Album 311’s best.
The album spawned three hit singles: “Don’t Stay Home”, “Down”, and “All Mixed Up.” MTV played the music videos all the time, especially “Down,” during the late 1990s. This was the first 311 album of theirs to really go mainstream. It was also the first 311 album that got me into them.
It features a really cool blend of alternative rock, rap, funk, reggae, and even some “mosh-pittin” hard rock. Catchy melodies, heavy guitars, and hip-hop influences also illustrate the album’s sound.
Other favorites of mine from the Blue Album that you should check out are “Jackolantern’s Weather”, “Loco”, “DLMD.” Hell, the whole album is worth checking out! Just pop it on and rock out!
The Blue Album was produced by Ron Saint Germain, who has worked with everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Michael Jackson to Mick Jagger, Tool, Soundgarden, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aretha Franklin and many more!
1977, Germain has amassed over 75 gold and platinum awards, selling well over a quarter billion units and earning 14 Grammy Awards.
311 played the Trocadero Theatre in 1995 and the Electric Factory in 1996 for this particular album cycle. It wasn’t until they released the follow-up album Transistor in 1997 that I finally got to see 311 live for the first time. They played in Camden at the (then) Blockbuster-Sony Entertainment Center – the good old E-Center!
The Blue Album is a landmark album in 311’s career. It helped to establish the band as a major force in the alternative rock scene. It certainly remains one of their most popular albums to this day.
311’s “area show” in 2023 was a performance at the Atlantic City Beer Fest, and I was there! Check out my photo gallery.