Review:

on 2011-10-05 iamparadox Said:

Yours Truly is a one of a kind record. Of course I'm referring to the monumental new work by Sublime with Rome (SWR). The highly (no pun intended) anticipated release had epic expectations to overcome. Both fans and critics alike were anxiously awaiting it's arrival. This is the first new work from Eric, Bud, and the newest member, Rome, since they went on a long hiatus after Brad's passing. So how did it turn out?

First, let's start by asking what is most important. So many questions loomed over this project: how would the song writing and lyrics turn out, how would Rome sound in the studio, and even what quality would the new songs be? I can now confidently say that this production will alleviate most of those fears and worries on its first listen. The entire record has great pace and a smooth, consistent flow. With the amazing production and great mix from the one and only, legendary Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers), it sounds huge and expansive. Paul said that there was quite a distinct difference between Rome's approach to the studio, compared to the former singer Bradley's. Rome is much more hands on, focused, and is much more involved. Of course with SWR, there will always be a work hard, play harder mentality.

Yours Truly begins with the radio friendly single "Panic". This is the oldest cut on the album, being the first the trio wrote sometime last year. It is a good enough song, but by far not the best to choose from here. Yet since fans were familiar with it and the band was as well, it was released as the first single. Trust me, don't base your opinion of this new group and their new work solely from hearing this tune.

The first thing you notice about Rome is his guitar. His skill and love of the stringed axe shines throughout this project. "Only", the 2nd track, is a much better representation of the current SWR sound. The steady beat from the percussion is a solid basis for this great, uplifting sing along:

"I stand my ground in stormy weather
We're pickin' up the pieces that we dropped along the way
We rise and fight and fall together
Anything to forget the problems of yesterday"

And then the chorus, of course: "Whatever they say is not only, not the only way I know", is belted out as the group tries to practice what they preach by carving out their own path. "Lover's Rock" is 3rd, and is one of my favorites. It's got sexy rhythm, melody, and even some special spacey sound effects. This song seems like it was made to be on the radio--it instantly becomes another classic. Already a crowd favorite at concerts, this gem gives a glimpse of the greatness ahead for the group. Rome really shows maturity, and it comes through in the attention to detail, like in the horn parts on "Murdera".
The guys stay true to their roots on "My World", with lyrics like:

"My world is a little bit safer
And I drink malt liquor in paper
I get high, get high of the vapor"

One of the most ambitious songs here, it has an amazing acapella ending, showcasing the strength of his voice. "Paper Cuts" will shock you that this is the same band on the same CD! It's raw punk energy sound is not only reminiscent of earlier Sublime, but is also very Nirvana-esque. No surprise then that it shares the title of a song from the Bleach record. It's an original tune that tests the versatility of this new group. Other highlights include "PCH", "Same Old Situation", and "Take It Or Leave It". The normal CD ends with "Can You Feel It" with special guest Wiz Khalifa. Who else would you want with a chorus like:

"Can you feel it
Got my head in the clouds and I can't come down
Can you feel it
Got my head in the clouds and I won't come down"

The deluxe version has a couple extra bonus tracks, definitely worth getting. One of them especially deserving attention is a dub step track Safe and Sound with collaborating guest Aimee Allen. My first hunch was that this incredibly amazing work was the handiwork of Rome, being the youngest member. But when I asked him during my interview, he said it was all Eric's idea (bass player)--go figure!

In conclusion, this was not only one of the best releases this summer and of 2011, but is already becoming one of my personal all time favorite records. Rome is young, creative, energetic, and has the benefit of experience to draw from in Bud and Eric. Historically, Sublime has never fit into just one genre and it's the same here. Classic Sublime fans will most likely dig songs Only, Lovers Rock, My World, and Same Old Situation. Even the songs that are not super great are not bad and you begin to find them growing on you after just a few listens. And to state it as clearly as possible, Rome will succeed with or without Bud and Eric. You can't really compare Rome to Bradley, but in essence the true spirit is there. Several people have already told me how much they think he does sound like Brad. Mark my words, this will be a classic, just as much as the other Sublime records. You won't want to stop listening.
Rating: 9/10