The return of blink-182 is a triumphant celebration of everything fans love about the band. They’ve truly captured the magic that made them icons in the first place. The album offers a perfect balance of fun, silly anthems telling everyone to “fuck off” and emotionally charged tracks dealing with loss, heartache, and grief. It’s a collection that showcases the band's versatility, from playful to poignant, and you can feel the chemistry between Mark, Tom, and Travis as they come together to create something timeless, just as memorable as their classic material.
One of the standout elements of this album is the production, led by none other than Travis Barker himself. His drumming is larger-than-life, the beating heart of the album. The rhythm section drives the emotion of the songs, particularly in the more somber moments, while his intense, energetic playing adds fire and urgency to the more upbeat tracks. Travis’ drums provide the backbone for this emotional rollercoaster of an album.
The guitars, meanwhile, are more restrained than you might expect, used with precision and creativity. The subtle, echoing sounds and simple, yet effective riffs help build atmosphere and let the songs breathe. This restrained approach allows the songs’ emotions to come to the forefront, letting the music speak for itself without overwhelming the listener with unnecessary complexity.
Mark and Tom’s vocals are as recognizable as ever, but they’ve evolved. The unmistakable chemistry between the two of them is still present, but now there’s a deeper emotional weight behind their voices. There’s an interesting duality in their performances—capturing the joy of their youthful energy, yet infused with the bittersweetness of experience. Their voices carry an almost nostalgic warmth, drawing parallels to their past albums, but with a newfound maturity that makes these songs feel like both a continuation and a reinvention.
While there are a few odd vocal moments and some tracks that don’t fully contribute to the overall tone of the album, these are minor blemishes in an otherwise solid record. These small missteps don’t detract from the album’s flow, as the majority of it seamlessly builds from one track to the next. The singles mix perfectly with the unreleased songs, creating a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience that feels fresh yet familiar.
The boys are back—and yes, the classic dick jokes and irreverent humor are still in full force, reminding us why we fell in love with blink-182 in the first place. It’s a nostalgic yet forward-looking album that both old and new fans can appreciate, and I, for one, am thrilled to be along for the ride.
RATING: 9/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Anthem Part 3
Dance With Me
One More Time
Turn This Off!
Blink Wave