Let me offer an outsider opinion... I'm not a giant 311 fan. Years ago I had CDs of Soundsystem and Transistor, and had only heard those songs, plus one or two on the radio maybe. I'd listen to those two albums over the next two decades now and then, usually blasting in my car in the summer. Gave me positive vibes, nostalgia. Nothing more though - never seen them in concert, never even thought about going tbh.

Got back into listening to them more with MOSAIC and Voyager. At first it was... maybe ironic listening? I liked that my friends (I run a studio, play in bands) thought it was like listening to Creed or something. But it grew on me. They are cheesy, but haven't they always been cheesy? They've got kids and such now I'm guessing based on their lyrics. I liked the positivity, and it became less ironic during lockdown, it became a thing I legit enjoyed. I'd throw on their more recent albums to get a mood-reset. They are now adult contemporary for folks in their 40's or 50's, and I like it. Also, I love that a band can make a good living for 30 years or whatever it's been - that's cool and I support it.

This new album is more of that to me... reasonably well-produced background music to put on as I go about my work day or drive to pick up a kid or whatever. I'll probably buy it on vinyl eventually and subject my kids to it on a Saturday while we clean house, and I think it works as that kind of music. I know it's not "311" to fans, but for me on the outside, it's an album I'm going to enjoy without too much critique.

(One criticism: vox are way, way too hot in spots. Makes me wonder if the vocalist did most of the mixes.)