What makes 2011 by The Smithereens notable?

'2011' received positive reviews, reaffirming The Smithereens' place in alternative rock history and demonstrating their enduring appeal. The album's release contributed to a resurgence of interest in the band, particularly among longtime fans who appreciated their consistent sound and lyrical themes of love and loss. Released in 2011, '2011' marked The Smithereens' first studio album in over a decade since 'God Save The Smithereens' in 2007. This album showcased their return to form after a significant hiatus, during which they remained active through touring and live performances. The band aimed to reintroduce their signature sound while incorporating fresh elements that reflected their growth as musicians.

2011 works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, nostalgic melodies for reflection and heartfelt lyrics with charm.

How many songs are on 2011?

2011 has 13 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

2011

The Smithereens · 2011

46 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of melodic rock with nostalgic undertones and heartfelt lyrics that capture the essence of longing and reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sorry — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and introspective lyrics about regret and reconciliation, establishing an emotional foundation.
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A World of Our Own — This track encapsulates the band's ability to blend upbeat melodies with reflective lyrics, illustrating a longing for connection amidst life's chaos.
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Nobody Lives Forever — This song features a poignant exploration of mortality and the fleeting nature of life, showcasing the band's lyrical depth and musical maturity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc across its length.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks feature layered guitar harmonies that create a rich, melodic texture, particularly evident in 'A World of Our Own' and 'Keep on Running'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
nostalgic melodies for reflection
heartfelt lyrics with charm
for evening drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a decade, reaffirming the band's enduring appeal.
Career context: Released in 2011, '2011' marked The Smithereens' first studio album in over a decade since 'God Save The Smithereens' in 2007. This album showcased their return to form after a significant hiatus, during which they remained active through touring and live performances. The band aimed to reintroduce their signature sound while incorporating fresh elements that reflected their growth as musicians.
Stylistic neighbors: Soul Asylum· Big Star· R.E.M.