Evolver is 311's seventh overall major-label studio album and the second recorded in 311's recording studio The Hive in Burbank, California. Despite the success of the single "Creatures (For a While)" (which reached #3 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart) and positive reaction from their fanbase, Evolver became the first 311 album to not receive an RIAA certification.
"Evolver" is an "Enhanced CD" containing a featurette on the making of the album cover.
Track listing
"Creatures (For a While)" (Music: Hexum/Mahoney; Lyrics: Hexum/Martinez) - 4:27
"Reconsider Everything" (Hexum; Hexum/Martinez) - 2:50
"Crack the Code" (Hexum; Hexum/Martinez) - 3:55
"Same Mistake Twice" (Hexum) - 3:22
"Beyond the Gray Sky" (Mahoney; Hexum/Martinez) - 4:18
"Seems Uncertain" (Hexum) - 3:36
"Still Dreaming" (Sexton; Hexum/Martinez) - 3:41
"Give Me a Call" (Hexum/Sexton; Hexum/Martinez) - 3:21
"Don't Dwell" (Hexum/Wills; Hexum) - 2:40
"Other Side of Things" (Sexton; Hexum/Martinez) - 3:08
"Sometimes Jacks Rule the Realm" (Hexum) - 6:37 (around 4:55 without Coda)
"Coda" (Wills/Hexum) - 1:14
Outtakes
"Time Is Precious" (Hexum) - 3:07 (Available via 311' website)
"What Do You Do?" (??; Hexum/Martinez) - 2:42 (Evolver Japan Import)
Demos
"Jerrybird" - Early demo for Beyond the Gray Sky
Miscellanea
Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any relevant information into appropriate sections or articles. (January 2009)
"Beyond the Gray Sky" is about the suicide of Nick Hexum's close high school friend David Barker.
A hidden track can be heard at 5:22 on Track 11 of P-Nut and Nick Hexum jamming together. P-Nut is playing high up on the neck of a bass guitar, Hexum is playing a vibraphone and a double bass harmonica.
"Time Is Precious" is a b-side from Evolver, that can be downloaded at 311's official website.
"What Do You Do?" is a b-side from Evolver, it is not yet posted on the band's website and is extremely rare. Although it is included as a (Bonus Track) on the Japanese Import version of Evolver.
The voice saying "Watch it now!" on "Creatures (For A While)" is reggae musician Black Chiney.
The music from Creatures (For A While) has been used on the Howard Stern Show and NFL Today (CBS).
Personnel
Nicholas Hexum — guitar, vocals
Tim Mahoney — guitar
S.A. Martinez — vocals
P-Nut — bass
Chad Sexton — percussion, drums
Production
Producer: Ron Saint Germain
Engineer: Zack Barnhorst
Digital editing: Zack Barnhorst
Mastering: Joe Gastwirt
Studio technician: Matt Hunter, Daniel Wates
Art direction: Ron Ulieny
Directors: Joe Lynch, Steven Oritt
Concept: Ron Ulieny
Design: Dan Levin
Layout design: Dan Levin
Photo coordination: Amber Vantris
Photography: Ron Ulieny
Photo assistance: Jeaneen Lund
Artwork: Mike Allen, Christy Greenwood, Louie Hozwell, Marguerite Olivelle, Chris Waltes
Lighting: Todd Hickey
Charts
Album
Year Chart Position
2003 The Billboard 200 7
Singles
Year Single Chart Position
2003 "Beyond the Gray Sky" Modern Rock Tracks 39
2003 "Creatures (For a While)" Modern Rock Tracks 3
Creatures
311 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be kind to everybody, yeah
Open up to light
Let it flow through my body, yeah
But sometimes I'm unsure, I tell my baby
But sometimes I'm unsure, I tell my baby
I'm slippin' into darkness
I'm creepin' into darkness
I don't want to start this
I'm attracted to darkness
Be positive with love
Just see the good in everybody
Yeah, yeah
But sometimes I'm unsure, I tell my baby
But sometimes I'm unsure, I tell my baby
There's something going on in my heart
I feel it weigh me down so I reach up for
The wide blue sky, try to pull it into
The deep arc of my arms
I'm slippin' into darkness
I'm creepin' into darkness
I don't want to start this
I'm attracted to darkness
The lyrics of "Creatures" by 311 express a desire to do what is right, to open up to light and be kind to everyone, but also acknowledges that sometimes it is difficult to maintain a positive attitude. The line "I'm slippin' into darkness, I'm creepin' into darkness" suggests that the singer is having trouble maintaining the positive attitude they aspire to, and is instead drawn towards negative thoughts and emotions. The singer acknowledges that they are "attracted to darkness," but still strives to find positivity and light. The lyric "I feel it weigh me down so I reach up for the wide blue sky, try to pull it into the deep arc of my arms" further illustrates this idea of actively seeking out positivity.
Despite the challenge of staying positive, the singer encourages others to "be positive with love" and see the good in everyone. The repetition of the line "sometimes I'm unsure, I tell my baby" reinforces the idea that the singer is seeking support and understanding from someone close to them, perhaps a partner or friend. The song seems to express a tension between darkness and light, and the struggle to choose the right path.
Overall, "Creatures" is a song about the difficulties of maintaining a positive attitude, but also the importance of striving for positivity and seeking support when it is needed. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and honesty, as well as a determination to find light in the midst of darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to do what's right
I aspire to do good deeds
Be kind to everybody, yeah
I want to treat everyone with kindness
Open up to light
I want to embrace positivity and optimism
Let it flow through my body, yeah
I want to internalize these positive feelings
But sometimes I'm unsure, I tell my baby
I admit to my partner when I am feeling uncertain
But sometimes I'm unsure, I tell my baby
I express my feelings of uncertainty to my significant other
I'm slippin' into darkness
I feel like I am descending into negativity
I'm creepin' into darkness
I am gradually becoming more negative
I don't want to start this
I don't want to feel this way
I'm attracted to darkness
I am drawn towards negative thoughts and behaviors
Be positive with love
I want to approach others with kindness and positivity
Just see the good in everybody
I try to focus on people's positive traits
Yeah, yeah
An expression of agreement or confirmation
But sometimes I'm unsure, I tell my baby
I confide in my partner when I am uncertain
But sometimes I'm unsure, I tell my baby
I share my doubts and insecurities with my significant other
There's something going on in my heart
I am experiencing intense emotions
I feel it weigh me down so I reach up for
I feel burdened by these emotions and want to escape them
The wide blue sky, try to pull it into
I look to the sky for inspiration and tranquility
The deep arc of my arms
I long to embrace this sense of peace and calm
I'm slippin' into darkness
I am falling back into negativity
I'm creepin' into darkness
I am gradually succumbing to negative thoughts and behaviors
I don't want to start this
I don't want to feel this way
I'm attracted to darkness
I am drawn towards negative thoughts and feelings
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: AARON WILLS, DOUGLAS MARTINEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind