Description
Third Eye Blind – Ursa Major – Vinyl Record
Third Eye Blind’s Ursa Major (2009) is the band’s fourth studio album and marks their return after a six-year hiatus following the release of Out of the Vein (2003). With Stephan Jenkins still at the helm as frontman and primary songwriter, Ursa Major showcases a more mature, introspective, and politically conscious version of the band while retaining the alternative rock sound that defined their earlier work.
This album reflects Third Eye Blind’s evolution, both sonically and lyrically, offering a blend of introspective songs about personal struggles and socially aware commentary. Musically, Ursa Major incorporates a mix of the band’s signature melodic rock with heavier, more aggressive tracks.
Ursa Major leans heavily on Third Eye Blind’s signature alternative rock sound, characterized by catchy hooks and melodic guitar lines, but it also introduces heavier guitars, more experimental song structures, and darker lyrical content. There’s a clear evolution in the band’s sound, with Jenkins’ songwriting tackling deeper and more complex themes.
The album has moments where grunge-inspired guitar riffs and heavier, driving rhythms come to the forefront, giving Ursa Major a more aggressive and raw sound compared to the band’s earlier, poppier material. While songs like “Bonfire” and “Sharp Knife” highlight the band’s knack for melodic, anthemic rock, tracks like “Can You Take Me” and “About to Break” bring in heavier, more confrontational sounds, showing their versatility.
Key Tracks
“Bonfire”: One of the more reflective, upbeat songs on the album, “Bonfire” mixes jangly guitars with Jenkins’ smooth vocals, creating a feel-good atmosphere. The song’s catchy chorus and positive energy make it a standout, and it lyrically explores themes of rejuvenation and rediscovering joy.
“Sharp Knife”: A melancholy, introspective track, “Sharp Knife” deals with themes of loss, vulnerability, and mortality. The song’s slower tempo and acoustic guitar give it a somber, reflective feel, with Jenkins delivering emotionally raw lyrics about dealing with life’s challenges.
“Don’t Believe a Word”: This politically charged track features some of the heaviest guitar riffs on the album and reflects Jenkins’ frustration with political corruption and dishonesty. It’s a standout due to its raw energy and aggressive tone, making it one of the more confrontational songs in Third Eye Blind’s catalog.
“Water Landing”: A multi-part, dynamic track that starts softly with acoustic guitar and slowly builds into a full-fledged rock anthem. The song explores emotional turbulence and relationship struggles, showing Jenkins’ ability to craft deeply emotional songs with gradual build-ups.
Ursa Major sees Jenkins addressing broader societal issues, including political corruption, war, and environmental degradation. Songs like “Don’t Believe a Word” directly reflect Jenkins’ disillusionment with political leadership, making the album feel more socially conscious compared to previous releases. Alongside its political commentary, Ursa Major continues the band’s tradition of introspective lyricism. Jenkins explores themes of personal growth, vulnerability, and emotional conflict, especially in songs like “Sharp Knife” and “Why Can’t You Be.” Themes of love, relationships, and their complications remain central to the album. Tracks like “Bonfire” and “Dao of St. Paul” reflect on romantic connections, hope, and renewal, with Jenkins’ lyrics oscillating between optimism and melancholy.
Tony Fredianelli, the lead guitarist on Ursa Major, delivers a blend of melodic and heavy guitar parts that fit well with the album’s varied moods. From the jangly, upbeat riffs on “Bonfire” to the harder-edged, grunge-inspired sound of “Don’t Believe a Word,” the guitar work is dynamic and central to the album’s sonic palette. Jenkins’ vocal delivery is a key feature of the album, maintaining the emotional depth and vulnerability that has always been a signature part of Third Eye Blind’s sound. His ability to shift between reflective, intimate singing and more powerful, anthemic performances gives the album emotional range. The album balances straightforward rock songs with more complex, evolving tracks like “Water Landing.” This diversity in songwriting showcases the band’s ability to craft songs that are both accessible and experimental.
Ursa Major marked Third Eye Blind’s return after a long hiatus, with fans eagerly anticipating new material. While it didn’t achieve the commercial success of their earlier albums, it was well-received by the band’s dedicated fanbase and praised for its maturity and depth.
The album’s political themes resonated with listeners who shared Jenkins’ frustration with the state of the world at the time. Simultaneously, the more personal, emotionally charged songs continued to appeal to fans who connected with Jenkins’ introspective songwriting style.
Ursa Major signaled a more mature phase in Third Eye Blind’s career, showing that the band could evolve while still maintaining their core sound. The blend of personal introspection and broader social commentary set the album apart from their previous work.
Ursa Major by Third Eye Blind is a mature, introspective album that showcases the band’s evolution, both in terms of sound and lyrical content. With a mix of politically charged songs and deeply personal tracks, the album captures the band’s ability to balance emotional vulnerability with broader social awareness. While it didn’t reach the commercial heights of their earlier work, Ursa Major stands as an important chapter in Third Eye Blind’s discography, reflecting their growth as musicians and songwriters. The album’s mix of heavy and melodic elements, along with Jenkins’ introspective lyrics, makes it a thoughtful and engaging listen for fans of alternative rock.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic seal
Track Listing
Can You Take Me
Don’t Believe A Word
Bonfire
Sharp Knife
One In Ten
About To Break
Summer Town
Why Can’t You Be
Water Landing
Dao Of St. Paul
Monotov’s Private Opera
Carnival Barker (Instrumental)
