Finger Eleven Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
There have always been vague underpinnings of funk in Finger Eleven's rhythms, but it still comes as a bit of a shock that "Paralyzer," the opening track of their fourth album, Them vs. You vs. Me, finds the Canadian quintet embracing the full-on disco-rock that started to emerge when they released their last album in 2003. Four years later, this sound isn't exactly passé -- plenty of bands are still pushing it -- but it's not exactly fresh either, except within the context of Finger Eleven, where it does add some welcome new dimension to their traditional '90s alt-rock sound. Sure, it's hard not to see it as a little bit of a desperate bid for relevancy, but even if the move comes across as calculated, the occasional dash of disco-rock gives Them vs. You vs. Me a little bit of needed new hue to a collection of otherwise colorless but capable by-the-book alt-rock, pitched partway between Stone Temple Pilots and Matchbox Twenty. Finger Eleven are pros, so they can deliver Oasis-styled anti-love songs like "I'll Keep Your Memory Vague" or Live-inspired anthemic ballads like "Change the World" with as much workmanship as their grungy rockers, but they need something to stand apart from the pack -- and the addition of awkward funk rhythms to the likes of "Lost My Way" nearly accomplishes that. So, the variety of rhythms, along with the increasing emphasis on acoustic-based power ballads, gives Them vs. You vs. Me the greatest musical variety of any Finger Eleven record, but they remain boxed in by their good intentions: they remain a group that's too polite too dislike but too well-mannered to remember. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
It's always somewhat confusing when bands go eponymous on anything but their first album. More often than not, such a decision designates a mid-life crisis of sorts, where said artists are simultaneously trying to reaffirm their identity while reinventing themselves for the future. Canada's Finger Eleven obviously arrived at these crossroads with their third set of foreboding, angst-ridden alt-metal, yet, ironically, the album easily qualifies as their most confident and sincere statement to date. Where its very solid, but concession-prone predecessor, Greyest of Blue Skies, had smacked of pre-fab radio-bound nu-metal sleekness, Finger Eleven represents a far more honest and confident reflection of the band's natural instincts. Clearly the sound of a band embracing their personal creativity wholeheartedly -- no matter what commercial fate it may bring them -- first-half winners like "Complicated Questions," "Stay in Shadow," and the strangely Devo-esque "Good Times," undoubtedly stand out as the most distinctive work of the band's career. Unfortunately, similarly revealing second-half offerings like "Conversations" and "Panic Attack" don't quite measure up in terms of quality songwriting inspiration; and the band's sporadic forays into acoustic numbers, though well-intentioned, exude greater technical competence than outright inspiration. A mixed blessing to be sure, it's a fair assumption that Finger Eleven signifies a personal victory for this Canadian quintet, but only time will confirm its prophecy of a new dawn for this well-intentioned group. [Finger Eleven comes packed with a bonus DVD featuring live performances and behind the scenes studio footage.] ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
'Greyest of Blue Skies'
Release Date 7/25/2000
Tracks 11
Label Wind-up
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
With their second release on Wind-Up Records, Finger Eleven attempts to establish itself as legitimate rock stars in an already saturated market. Like fellow Canadians Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven relied on a lone single from its debut album to hit it big with alternative radio outlets and springboard its career. And like Our Lady Peace's "Starseed," "Quicksand" did just that, bringing the band's name into households throughout North America. In fact, comparisons between the two Ontario-based bands go beyond simply location and career path. Their musical styles are also remarkably similar, built upon simple electric guitar work and their lead singers' extremely flexible voices. The Greyest of Blue Skies marks a bit of an evolution from the sound established on Finger Eleven's first album, Tip. The Greyest of Blue Skies is quite pensive and features more prominent guitars than its predecessor, but it is also pleasantly harmonic at times. The songs have a polished feel to them, regularly breaking into catchy, but far from cheesy, refrains that will have all but the most stoic listeners singing along. The band is able to pull off fast and heavy pieces like "Suffocate" (first released on the Scream 3 soundtrack) as well as deeper, more ponderous songs such as "Sick of It All" without appearing hypocritical in the slightest. In the end, the album is an enjoyable listen that stays away from the fluff and filler that often plague alternative rock bands. For fans of Canadian rock, Finger Eleven is the next logical step from "that other band." ~ David Reamer, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The debut recording from Finger Eleven, Tip blends alternative grooves with a heavy rock edge. The catchy hooks and reflective lyrics provide a rich and layered presentation, giving songs like "Above" and "Awake and Dreaming" remarkable levels of emotion. By experimenting with timing and tempo in their compositions, Finger Eleven displays a flair for musical detail and craftsmanship, setting them apart from the sonically similar Stone Temple Pilots and fellow Canadians Our Lady Peace. This collection of powerful and deeply felt songs moves through rock soundscapes with impressive results. ~ Roxanne Blanford, All Music Guide
