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The UrgeThe Urge: Master Of StylesMaster Of Styles (1998)Sony Music Entertainment Reviewer Rating: 4.5 User Rating: Contributed by: ChrisGorman2Chris Gorman (others by this writer | submit your own) I figured, considering this band recently broke up, it would be a good time to review one of their CD's. I was going to review "Recieving the Gift of Flavor", as it is a fan favorite, but I actually prefer this album to any of their others, even the critic fave "Too Much Stereo". So here we go. .  
I figured, considering this band recently broke up, it would be a good time to review one of their CD's. I was going to review "Recieving the Gift of Flavor", as it is a fan favorite, but I actually prefer this album to any of their others, even the critic fave "Too Much Stereo". So here we go. The Urge are a complete mish-mash of styles. Most people peg them for just another 3rd wave ska band, but this could not be further from the truth. Yes, they have upbeats and a horn section, but they are much more than just a ska band. The Urge combine elements of funk, metal, punk, ska, reggea and hip-hop into one big steaming pot of musical stew. Some songs, like their cover of the Bad Brains classic "Gene Machine" are done pretty much as punk-metal. Others, like "Divide and Conquer" ride a reggea verse and chorus, with a metal cresendo for a bridge. Still other songs like "Straight To Hell" and "Identity Crisis" come off like P.O.D.-style rap-rock. You name a style, its probably on here. When the band does play straight ska-punk, they play it better than most. "Jump Right In", featuring guest vocals from Nick Hexum of 311 is a great song, one of my favorite ska-punk songs of all time. Basically, this is that rare album where every song is a keeper, and while each song is different, the overall Urge style is there. To conclude, it is obvious why The Urge called their album "Master of Styles". Its what they are, playing a variety of musical genres, and playing them well. Yeah, they get pigeonholed into the ska-core category, but they shouldn't. This CD has a lot to offer, so I would recommend it even if ska and reggea aren't your thing. They cover a lot of ground on this disc, so check it out. Recommended if you like: 311, Thumper, POD, Sublime, Sprung Monkey.           Please login or register to post comments.What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
Kurt f you say people are so negative then you go on rambling using words like stupid,dumb,doubting the intelligence,to quote a few and you say other people are negative? Your a dick(is that to negative for you) OH MY GOSH. I can't believe how stupid you guys are. I'm am starting to doubt the intelligence of 95% of the people who post on this website. (except Jimi) the 'jebus' comments made me laugh for a couple minutes...thanks! you're cute.... hey jimi I want you to use the gun first fuck head. nobody cares about you or your 5 year old comments on music. Because I enjoy dragging on pointless debates, I am not saying that 311, Sublime, POD, Thumper, The Urge and Sprung Monkey all sound the same or belong in the same catagory. I mean, Thumper is a TRUE ska-core band. They are the definition of ska-core. POD are a crappy Nu-Metal band. Sublime are a skapunk/reggea/dub/hip-hop group. They are all different, but I think if you are a fan of any of those bands, they each have elements that are also found with the Urge. Get what Im saying? 311 are closest to the Urge in sound, the Urge sound a lot like 311 with more of a ska edge and a horn section. brand THEM, sorry, I know the grammar police will be all over that one... I just don't like how Sublime is catergorized in that group. POD, 311, bleh. I'm not that into Sublime but to brand him in that group, no thanks. oh man, there are some stupid people who post on this site.... I don't even believe in Jebus. I didn't compare Sublime to 311 and POD, I compared the Urge to 311, POD, Sublime, Thumper and Sprung Monkey. Jesus people! Please don't compare Sublime to POD and 311. Sublime never went on about Jebus and never tried to copy the Beastie Boys (i.e. POD, 311) ahahaha, that person IS a moron... I recommended this band if you LIKE bands SUCH AS Sublime, 311, etc. Moron. wow thanks for the suggestions.. i've never heard of POD, 311, and Sublime.. Recieving the Gift Of Flavor is still their best release. I'm up for diversity as much as the next Joe, but come on.... I don't care how diversified you are, sucky music still sucks. |
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one redeeming quality of this album ..... nick hexum. he comes in, and writes the best song on the album. anyone who doesnt respect 311 has no brain and should be shot!