Ursa Major

Six years have passed since San Francisco trio Third Eye Blind released their last album "Out of the Vein." While many things have changed in the music landscape since then, the release of "Ursa Major" proves that Third Eye Blind is still one of the most relevant bands on the scene today. The album plays out as such.

1. Can You Take Me- 8/10
Solid uptempo rocker with a searing guitar riff and an infectious bridge breakdown.

2. Don't Believe A Word- 9/10
This song is best described as an all out rock anthem. Jangly verses lead up to a chorus that is worthy of being a stadium rock song. Controversial and witty, lead singer Stephan Jenkins shows off his lyrical wit on this track.

3. Bonfire- 10/10
A haunting intro, understated midtempo verses, and the most catchy chorus on the album make this one of the best songs Third Eye Blind has ever released.

4. Sharp Knife- 10/10
A rapid fire gem, this track grabs you at the outset and takes you on a musical adventure. The verses build up seamlessly to a soaring chorus that is one of the highlights on the album.

5. One In Ten- 7/10
Weakest song on the album. A slow acoustic ballad that just doesn't connect as well as the other songs on "Ursa."

6. About To Break- 9/10
Similar to the song "Wounded" off their sophomore album "Blue," this song starts slow and builds up to a powerful chorus. The bridge is the highlight of the track as it builds up to a face melting guitar riff and a sing-a-long ending.

7. Summertown- 9/10
Stephan Jenkins went a bit overboard with the rapping at the end of this song, so I prefer to skip to the next track around the 3:30 mark. If you do that, you'll find this track to be one of the best on the album. Extremely catchy and uptempo, this song is the most pop-friendly track on "Ursa."

8. Why Can't You Be- 8/10
A solid midtempo acoustic ballad, this is the studio version of the song originally released as a live track on the Red Star EP. Jenkins has changed up the lyrics slightly (apparently, now he's the one who has forgotten about Robbie Williams), but for the most part, this is very much like the Red Star EP live cut.

9. Water Landing- 9/10
For those who have followed the story behind this song, you may find yourself singing a completely different chorus and having to correct yourself on this one. Billed as "Break Me" for several years, Jenkins decided to rework the song and the result is "Water Landing." The speed talking rap style that Jenkins has become enamored with is much more enjoyable on this track (in comparison to "Summertown"). This track ebbs and flows nicely and leads up seamlessly to a soaring chorus with solid backing vocals echoing throughout.

10. Dao of St. Paul- 8/10
A very chill song that builds up nicely to a sing-a-long chorus that is quickly followed up by a surprisingly gripping guitar solo. The fade-out of this song is a highlight.

11. Monotov's Private Opera- 9/10
A great album closer, this midtempo ballad is extremely catchy and infectious. This track also ends with a solid fade-out.

12. Carnival Barker (Instrumental)- 7/10
The 3EB faithful are big supporters of this track, but I would have preferred this slot be taken up by a song that was not previously available. That being said, here's to hoping the forthcoming "Ursa Minor" ("Ursa Major" B-Sides) is released as promised.

After six years, Stephan Jenkins and company have proven once again with the release of "Ursa Major" why Third Eye Blind is still one of the most relevant bands producing music today. Releasing this album independently, "Ursa" most likely won't receive much airplay, but fortunately this band has grown out of the phase where it needs the help of radio to spread its message.