Don't Tread On Me
by 311
  • Record Label: Volcano
  • Release Date: Aug 16, 2005
Metascore
51

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. AllMusic
    60
    There are no missteps on the album, and the group's faithful will have plenty to rock with. But Don't Tread on Me still feels like one to grow on instead of one to remember.
  2. PopMatters
    60
    Every song is tightly wound and well-produced, even as the overall feel is lighter than previous 311 efforts, save a couple of ill-advised ventures into social consciousness and hard rock.
  3. Rolling Stone
    40
    Instead of seeming angry or inspired, 311 just end up sounding like the pop world has passed them by.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    Intermittently catchy numbers help a bit, but not enough to counter the overwhelming aura of by-the-numbers blandness. [19 Aug 2005, p.143]
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  6. Blender
    40
    Barely breaks a sweat as it revisits the lukewarm metal riffs, barely passable rapping and sunny Caribbean choruses of [their] previous seven studio albums. [Oct 2005, p.145]
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  7. Billboard
    40
    Things start out strong... [But] the rest of the material is basically an easy-listening version of the band, with vocals weak enough to be distracting and an over-reliance on multilayered, kitchen sink production. [20 Aug 2005]
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  8. E! Online
    50
    It's business as usual.
  9. Amazon.com
    50
    Fans of albums such as 2001’s From Chaos and 2003’s promising Evolver will likely find Tread familiar and perhaps even comforting, but it’s unlikely to invite a new horde of fans as the album often sounds like an imitation of the bands 311 helped inspire in its decade-plus career.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 37
  3. Negative: 13 out of 37
  1. brookso
    Dec 12, 2005
    10
    311 have been my favorite band for years and this is album is great. Some songs "Solar Flare" and "Waiting" are a little bland and get old 311 have been my favorite band for years and this is album is great. Some songs "Solar Flare" and "Waiting" are a little bland and get old after a few listens. "Frolic Room" is the poppiest song 311 has done in awhile, but it delivers as an essential party song. "Speak Easy" is a beautiful love song and gives me the chills everytime i listen to it. "It's Getting OK Now" is probably the best song on the album lyrically and musically..I hope hard-rcokers like this are the future of 311. "Getting Through To Her" is a solid song that grows on you after each listen. If your expecting another Grassroots, then you'll probably think this a pop-sellout album. If you keep an open mind and enjoy great reggae music, then this album is great. Soundsystem is still 311's best album imo, but this right up there.… Full Review »
  2. Rwmfilm85
    Feb 27, 2021
    3
    Don't Tread On Me is the only REAL miss in 311's discography. Sure there are fans that long for their old sound (it's 2021), and others thatDon't Tread On Me is the only REAL miss in 311's discography. Sure there are fans that long for their old sound (it's 2021), and others that love the new sound, but on this album there isn't anything memorable and even the music sounds pretty sloppy.… Full Review »
  3. nathanbo
    Mar 26, 2016
    0
    The first track, Don't Tread On Me is good, but nothing special. This to me is the perfect introduction to this album because it about sums upThe first track, Don't Tread On Me is good, but nothing special. This to me is the perfect introduction to this album because it about sums up the entire thing. The first couple songs are the best , but even at best they sound as if I had heard the songs before. As the album progressed I was continually Waiting for more distinguishable music. When I heard Whiskey and Wine I said to myself, It's Getting OK Now, but in actuality it was too little too late. I like reggae infused alt rock, but this didn't work for me. I loved some of 311 previous music, but this just sounds like some rejected tracks by Sublime and the Dirty Heads were slapped together and covered. I think many die hard 311 fans will hate this as much as I have, but I think it is still a sound that can appeal to others. With that being said if you do like 311 I would skip this alum. The music really isn't as reggae as it should be and the songs that appear to want to rock harder just feel awkward. I don't know what 311 has left in them, but even the albums released after this were better.… Full Review »
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