What makes Ursa Major by Third Eye Blind notable?

The album debuted at number 16 on the Billboard 200, marking a return to commercial viability for the band after a significant hiatus. Critics noted its thoughtful songwriting and production quality, with some reviews praising it as a strong comeback that explored deeper themes compared to their earlier work. The album also contributed to the resurgence of interest in 90s alternative rock during the early 2010s. Ursa Major is Third Eye Blind's first studio album in six years, following the lukewarm reception of their previous release, Out of the Vein. The band was navigating lineup changes and a shifting music industry, making this album crucial for re-establishing their presence in the alternative rock scene. Released in 2010, it aimed to reconnect with fans while showcasing a matured sound.

Who is Ursa Major for?

Ursa Major works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, reflective late-night listening and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Ursa Major?

Ursa Major has 12 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Ursa Major

Third Eye Blind · 2010

47 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of reflective lyrics and polished alternative rock melodies with an undercurrent of nostalgia and emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bonfire — This track stands out for its anthemic chorus and vivid storytelling, encapsulating themes of longing and celebration that resonate throughout the album.
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About to Break — A powerful exploration of vulnerability, this song combines emotionally charged lyrics with dynamic instrumentation, illustrating the band's growth since their earlier hits.
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Water Landing — With its introspective lyrics and layered production, this track showcases the band's ability to blend melancholy with melodic hooks, representing the album's emotional core.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build on the emotional weight of the lyrics, particularly in tracks like 'About to Break' and 'Water Landing'.
The album closes with an instrumental track, 'Carnival Barker', which provides a contrasting shift in mood and allows for reflection after the preceding lyrical content.

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

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, consistent energy levels
reflective late-night listening
gradual builds and payoffs
introspective mood exploration

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a return to commercial viability after a long hiatus, showcasing thoughtful songwriting.
Career context: Ursa Major is Third Eye Blind's first studio album in six years, following the lukewarm reception of their previous release, Out of the Vein. The band was navigating lineup changes and a shifting music industry, making this album crucial for re-establishing their presence in the alternative rock scene. Released in 2010, it aimed to reconnect with fans while showcasing a matured sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Jimmy Eat World· Dashboard Confessional· Matchbox Twenty