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Blink-182
self-titled<
2003, Geffen
All right: let it be known now that I‘m not a fan of pop-punk save a few bands that impress me, and Blink-182 have never ever graced that special list of bands. I‘m not ignorant of Blink‘s signature snot-nosed brat punk anthems, either. I can honestly say I‘ve heard each of the band‘s releases. So that being said, why am I writing a review? Why even bother with a band I have already decided I don‘t like? Well, it‘s simple, really: the band finally caught my attention with their sixth full-length, and I think the band deserves another chance to grace my CD collection.
One thing that I love this CD for is that it sees the maturity of a band I thought would never grow up. Realizing that there is more to this world then boobies and parties, Blink seem to settle down to more mature themes, as well as a more mature sound that doesn‘t instantly label this as radio-rock. The band also opted to leave the name of the CD as simply Blink 182, compared to previous announcements that this would be released as Use Your Erection Volume 1, which would‘ve been the first of two installments that would add a touch of the band‘s humor to Guns ‘N Roses Use Your Illusion. Does this mean that the band is finally showing that they are growing up, and moving on to a new direction? I hope so.
If you are a music fan, you‘ll notice that in recent music trends, punk in general is becoming a whole lot more popular. You‘ve also probably noticed that ‘screamo‘(in other words, the bands that ruined the genre‘s name, turning it into what the sounds of Taking Back Sunday and The Used are considered now) is all the rage, and bands that fit the description are being signed left, right and centre. Blink-182 have to hold their ground in this market that they once dominated, and they don‘t let you down by conforming to the screamo trend, which the band should be commended for.
Finally, I am left at a loss for words to describe this. My breath hasn‘t been taken away by this album, but at the same time, when the right mood comes over me, I‘m sure the sounds of this CD will grace my eardrums quite often. I can‘t begin to explain how anti-Blink I was previous to this release, but this one really does it for me. They continue the good, and corrected the bad that(in my opinion)was associated with Blink. Don‘t take my word for it though: I‘m sure you can find this CD in your nearest music retail outlet for a half decent price, and come on, it has official approval as of…..now.
- Josh Chambers