martindavey87 It’s crazy to think that somehow this album would spurn an upwards momentum that would lead Limp Bizkit to, at one point, being the biggest band on the planet. Released in 1997, ‘Three Dollar Bill Y’all$’ is the debut album of the Florida-based nu metal outfit. They weren’t the first band to fuse rock and rap, in fact, bands like Stuck Mojo, Body Count, H-Blockx and Clawfinger and countless others were already worldwide names by this point. But for some reason, ‘Three Dollar…’ was one of the earlier albums that helped usher nu metal into the mainstream. I just can’t see what people saw in it!

Now, I should point out, I’m not a Limp Bizkit hater. In fact, I really like them! They’ve released some absolute bangers, and, let’s face it, was the soundtrack to my (and everyone else’s) teenage years at the turn of the century. But that still doesn’t explain to me what people back in 1997 saw in this album.

Overall, it’s very forgettable. The guitar riffs are quite messy, and Fred Durst’s blend of rapping, singing and shouting just aren’t really cutting it. At least not yet, anyway. Then there’s the cover of George Michael’s ‘Faith’ which was an early hit for the band, but again, does nothing for me. But if I had to pick, I guess ‘Pollution’, ‘Counterfeit’ and ‘Stuck’ are all okay.

But only okay. Nothing more.

It’s amazing that the band would go on to absolutely conquer the world, because if any bands released a debut this lacklustre and generic today, they’d be doomed. Still, the band are headed to bigger and better things, so skip this album and get the next one.

Unitron At first listen, Three Dollar Bill, Yall$ is an awesome banger of a metal album with tons of great riffs and songs that get you pumped much like almost every Limp Bizkit album. More and more though, the band's unique influences and the album's songwriting style sinks into your ears.

Heavy massive metal grooves are blended with hip hop rhythms and turntables, noisy post-hardcore riffs, and atmospheric post-rock textures and melodies. Yeah, post rock influences in a metal album that wasn't Neurosis before everyone was trying to copy them. All these sounds brought together by fantastic songwriting and performances hasn't really been matched, not even by the band. Even the outros of each song have some cool little switch in sound that makes it a perfect album listening experience. (Though I'd be lying if Counterfeit isn't a particular favorite and lands on most metal playlists I make).

Fred Durst is at his most anxious and schizophrenic, rapping and screaming like a madman with a gritty rawness. Wes Borland is either delivering monolithic grooves, atmospheric melodies, or both in the case of a song like Sour. For once one of those really long songs on the end of a 90's album isn't just a bunch of silence and a hidden track, as Everything is a straight up wandering spacey post-rock epic and acts as a perfect chill down after the heaviness yet keeps the intensity. Sam Rivers and John Otto bring a fantastic rhythm section, with the former being a really underrated bassist. Bringing both funk and complimenting the quiet guitar sections, I especially love the short funky swing bassline during the bridge of Stuck.

Significant Other is the most definitive Bizkit album and more instant hit, but Three Dollar Bill is a fantastic album and keeps growing on me as my favorite with its pure rawness.