Are They Still Sublime?

 

By: Nakeem Grant

 

1996 was the last year that Sublime released an album. Following the sudden death of their lead vocalist, Bradley Nowell, the band collectively decided to go on hiatus. 15 years later, it came to an end in 2011 as they returned with a new sound, a new lead vocalist and a new band name due to the fact that Nowell owned the legal rights to their original name.

Yours Truly is the latest album to be released by the newly named group, Sublime With Rome. For people that have never listened to neither the old or new Sublime, this is an album that they would enjoy. For fans of the original group, this new sound could take some time to get used to. Overall, ska/reggae rhythms are still the basis of their sound. However, it definitely has a more ‘21^st century’ vibe to it compared to the more classic sound of their last album self-titled, Sublime.

Rome Ramirez, the new lead vocalist is the main difference between the way this album sounds compared to Sublime’s older work. Sublime won their fans over with an untraditional style and blend of music which stemmed from the creativity of Nowell. His concept circled around doing what he loves whenever, wherever with no repercussions as the band would play rock chords mixed with ska music. Nowell even sampled older hip-hop and reggae songs and integrated it into the bands music to give it a unique edge. Songs such as “Let’s Go Get Stoned”, “Smoke Two Joints” and “Get Ready” embody this idea. Every now and then, he would sing songs that were a little more family friendly such as “Rivers of Babylon” and “Badfish”.

Unlike Nowell, Ramirez features music that is more love and relationship-oriented and he does not come off as an explicit artist. Similar to what Taylor Swift has done with country music, Sublime with Rome (along with the Yours Truly album) comes off as a group that is more pop-driven. “Spun” and “You Better Listen” are a few songs on this album that embrace the genre of pop-reggae. Tracks like “Lovers Rock” and “Take It or Leave It” covers both the ups and downs of love, but it isn’t raunchy like the original group. “Dynamite”, a bonus track on the album is the closest that older Sublime fans will get when it comes to that old-school ska/reggae sound.

Ramirez also sings about the recreational usage of marijuana similar to Nowell. But even that sounds like he’s just trying to have a good time while Nowell knew he was going to have a great time. Some of their qualities are similar but in terms of artistry, Nowell was clearly more of a fighter while Ramirez is a lover.

Yours Truly is simply a spin-off album that is viewed as the Sublime with Rome era rather than the next chapter to this reggae-rock group, Sublime. When it’s all said and done, older fans should understand that Bradley Nowell will never truly be replaced. Ramirez is a young, upbeat singer that is paving his own path in this reconstructed band. On this album, he brings a vibe that promotes fun, love and happiness but if there is anything to truly compare him to Nowell, it’s that he sings his music with pride and passion from his heart and soul. So in essence, the group is still sublime.