Sublime

40 oz. to Freedom (1992)

fathead

Say what you will about Sublime, there is no denying their ability to put out great music. This was their first album and appealed to many different people, punk or not.

The album is a rollercoaster ride. Some songs are so chilled out that even you're mom would like them (Waiting for my Ruca, KRS-One), some are the faster ska with killer lyrics (Date Rape, Ebin, What Happened), while still most of them are the Sublime reggae grooves that Bob Marley himself would enjoy (Badfish,Let's Go Get Stoned).

The lyrics convey what Sublime was all about. Parties, drugs, and music. Some of you may think a song should be deeper than that, but it was the life they lived, and many of us can completely relate. Bradley Nowell's voice is truley great, possessing the ability to softly sing, belt out powerful tones, or let loose and scream. All the baselines are funky and infectous, and the drum beats complete the groove with great rythm and perfect fills and cymbol use. Sublime has always been more than just the three main members, with lots of songs featuring turntables, extra percussion, horns, and even guest vocals.

Sublime deserved all the popularity they recieved. No one has ever made ska/reggae this catchy and appealing before, and probably never will again. This cd can make you feel like moshing, skankin', or relaxin' all at the same time. It is truley a shame that heroin would eventually win the battle over Bradley, but it was bound to happen. Long Beach Dub All-Stars continue to bring the Sublime-style ska to the world, but without Bradley, there is an obvious void. There isn't a song I skip on 40 oz. to Freedom. My choice album by one of my favorite bands.

Can you think of another band that had the balls to cover Bad Religion, Decendents, and Grateful Dead on the same album!