The release starts off on a rockin' note with their first single from 11, "A Girl Like You." The guitar and drum driven tune combined with awesome lyrics and harmonies make this a great rock attitude anthem. Another single, "Blues Before and After" is another awesome drum and guitar drivin' rock anthem. Slowing down to a simple strum on the guitar, "Blue Period" is a bit more solemn and reflective, though it does has a slight upbeat 60s feel to it. And, hey, there's Belinda Carlisle singing the harmony! Back to the rock theme, "Baby Be Good" begs one's lover to be good while one is away. The harmonies and minor harmonics in the orchestration are very cool, and the chorus vocal hooks are addictive. "Room Without a View" focuses on worthlessness of focussing and reflecting so intently on the past. Again, one of the big fun features is the vocal harmonies in the refrain that are great to sing along with. Kind of along the same beat as "A Girl Like You" but a tad more mellow with a swayin' 60s feel, "Yesterday Girl" is a fun romp, though the lyrics are more about standing still. "Cut Flowers" takes a more plaintive turn, pleading to give those simple things to the one you love before they're gone. Unfortunately, I'm completely lost on the reference, so I'm not sure exactly what "William Wilson" is about, though the lyrics do touch on how life used to be simple before meeting this person. "Maria Elena" is a bit more simple in it's profession of love for Maria Elena. The tune takes a slight country turn orchestrally, however it is only very slight. However, the closing tune, "Kiss Your Tears Away" takes a stronger country rock turn, however the harmonies in the refrain pull it back to an almost Toad the Wet Sprocket sound.

Overall, I give 11 a strong 5 star rating and place it in my top 50 releases of all time. The attitude and rockin' feel (especially in the first 6 songs) really do my attitude some good any time I listen. This is one of those releases where the songs were so good and stuck with me and meant so much to me personally, I haven't been able to bring myself to purchase any other Smithereens releases. For me, this release is perfect, and I don't want to have anything else that might mar my love and appreciation for this release and artist.

As a recommendation, you really have to like well-produced guitar and drum driven pop tunes. The vocals are serious and reflective, however the tunes are definite fun and attitude driven. I'm not quite sure who to compare them to, since this style is a bit divergent in my average music listening style and taste. Let's just say that if you liked upbeat and positive late 80s and early 90s music, get 11 - it's a definite classic that will be sure to satisfy, especially for those who need a good old-fashioned attitude adjustment.

At one time I knew what the title 11 referred to, but I have long since forgotten. However, I will not soon forget the music and attitude the Smithereens introduced to me with this release. Most definitely, this "Baby Be Good."


80's Pop-rock Classic   October 17, 1999
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Ranks with REM's "Green" and Hoodoo Gurus "Mars Needs Guitars" among must haves for any pop-rock fan. Very derivitive of the Kinks and Beatles, Pat Dinizio's songs go beyond the label of retro-tunester (and the album gets better every time I listen to it). Along with "Especially For You" and "Green Thoughts", the Smithereens 11 will continue to stand the test of time.


Turn it up to "11".   March 30, 2004
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I admit I did get this for only 2 songs, but the whole thing is much better than I expected, and I'm suprised they weren't better known. The sound is 1989 alt-pop-rock, and it's some of the best I've heard. This includes the huge hit "A Girl Like You", and the minor ones "Blues Before And After", and the catchy "Yesterday Girl". "Blue Period" with "Belinda Carlisle" is also pretty good. If you enjoy the sounds of "Elvis Costello" or "Urge Overkill", check this album out. They also have a "Best Of".


Classic Rock Gem   March 22, 2005
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I don't like to bore people with long monologues for reviews, so I'll cut to the chase. This is such a great album. Great songs, great production, confessional lyrics; Dinizio and gang turned out a great album here. This will always be one of my all-time faves. Although some may beg to differ and side with the earlier stuff, this disc epitomizes all that and cranks up the volume. Check it out.


11 Has Some Moderate Moments   December 11, 1999
 4 out of 7 found this review helpful

New Jersey's Smithereens is a band of popular rootsy rock (way before the sounds of Matchbox 20 and Hootie). I have had this CD since its release in 1989. The standout track, "A Girl Like You," is a nice toe-tapper as well as "William Wilson." There is a problem, for a lot of the songs sound the same. "Blue Period," however, stands on its own with help from Go-Go Belinda Carlisle. All in all, a good effort for pop-rock fans.