Third Eye Blind - A Look back

[thespoonfeed]

Everyone remembers the first CD they ever owned. For some, it was a thoughtless piece of plastic (maybe even Now Vol. 1); for others, it was a blissful experience that never left our ears nor our hearts. Well my first CD was Third Eye Blind’s self-titled album, and for me it has remained one of the best CDs I have heard since I received it on my 10th birthday.

I think almost everyone who pays attention to music would recognize the exceedingly catchy “Semi-Charmed Life” and probably “Jumper” as well. This album began for me what would become a lifelong love for alternative music. I can also say that this album defined the style of music by which I most associate. Though my tastes in music have certainly changed since I was 10, I can always look back to this album and Third Eye Blind’s music in general as a starting point from which all my current musical tastes have evolved.

The album which I received on my birthday, is one of the only albums that I know I can listen to straight through and love every single track. Every song on this album is amazing. From the opening guitar lines of “Losing a Whole Year” to the glorious opus of alcohol abuse and recovery “God of Wine,” this album always takes me on a journey tthird_eye_blind_self_titledhat I never tire of. Though I received this album in 1998, I think it actually took me a couple of years to fully understand and appreciate it in its entirety. Songs like “Thanks A Lot,” “I Want You,” “The Background,” “Motorcycle Drive-By,” and the aformentioned “God of Wine,” really make this album so great. The lyrics are extremely imaginative and descriptive, and really give the listener a unique insight into the mind of Stephen Jenkins (the lead singer). “Motorcycle Drive-By” is one of those fan favorites that probably gets played at most concerts yet nobody other than hardcore fans really know about it. The lyrics are extremely vivid, and it’s also one of the only songs that I could sing along to from start to finish. While I’m sure most alt-rock music fans already own this CD, I would be surprised if they have listened to it all the way through. If you are one of these people, then you need to familiarize yourself with the rest of the “unpopular” songs on this album. You will be blown away by their synthesis of catchiness and emotional depth.

The band’s second album, Blue, has more than its fair share of haters. I will admit that it is certainly not anywhere near the quality of their first album and there are some tracks here that are just plain unlistenable. Nevertheless, I feel that this album is extremely underrated. The first five tracks to this album, “Anything,” “Wounded,” “10 Days Late,” “Never Let You Go,” and “Deep Inside of You” are are stellar songs. Most people have probably heard “Never Let You Go” on the radio, and though this song is one that I would agree could get old fast, it was nevertheless extremely catchy in its time. This album also contains what I believe is Third Eye Blind’s most underrated song, “The Red Summer Sun.” Actually, it isn’t fair to even call this song underrated because it is completely unknown to most people. As someone who values variety, unpredictability, and authentic emotion in music, this song is a perfect blend of all three. Furthermore, this brings me to another point I would like to stress about Third Eye Blind to which I have previously alluded. This band writes some of the most imaginative and vivid lyrics I have ever heard, and this song is a perfect example. It deeply expresses a nostalgic look back at a carefree time in the singer’s life which many of us can relate to. Unfortunately, the rest of the songs on this album are not as good. The highlight is the last track, “Darwin.” Also of note, is the instrumental track, “Slow Motion.” The complete version (with lyrics) can be heard on the compilation album, A Collection. This album, though a bit lame in that it recycles previously released material in the exact same version as originally released, is still worth a purchase just to hear the lyrics to this song. Extremely intense, and violent, these lyrics criticize the violence-obsessed society in which we live.

In 2003, the band released their next full length album, Out of the Vein. Personally, I feel that this is the band’s weakest album. However, it still has quite a few memorable tracks. The well known one one is “Blinded” which really is a great song. I would also recommend, “Can’t Get Away,” even though it sounds a bit like a certain song by Hanson that starts with Mmm and ends with Bop. My favorite song on this album has to be “My Hit and Run,” which describes in chilling detail a motorcycle accident and the thoughts flashing through Jenkins’s mind as happened. The song is very emotional yet remains extremely catchy – something Third Eye Blind really has a knack for.

Third Eye Blind is one of the most creative, imaginative, and original bands I have heard to date. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of the depth and creativity that this band possesses, as they are only familiar with songs that have received radio-play such as “Never Let You Go” and “Semi-Charmed” life. While these are indeed excellent, catchy songs, they only scratch the surface of what this band has to offer. I would recommend listening to a few “underrated” or unheard of songs I have listed with the lyrics in front of you so you can really tune into the the imagery as well as the musical material.

Unfortunately, Third Eye Blind’s next full length album, Ursa Major, wasn’t released until August, 2009, a full 6 years after their last release (not counting the silly greatest hits album). Without a doubt this is their best work to date after their self-titled debut.

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[Antonio]

now i know there'll be some hate in this thread, but i just want to say that i dig this band. i wouldn't say that they're one of the most creative, imaginative, and original bands, though, but hell, i like them for what they are.