Since its conception in 1992, Blink-182 has inspired a cult-like love from its teen fandom. Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker have become icons in the pop punk genre, irreplaceable in the hearts and iPods of teenagers everywhere.
The anticipation for their new album has been building since the release of their self-titled record in 2003. For eight years, fans have been wondering what the band would do next, and finally the wait is over.
Amidst much hype, Blink’s sixth album Neighborhoods dropped on Sept. 27 to join the ranks with past albums such as Dude Ranch and Enema of State.
The opening song “Ghosts on the Dance Floor” is an ode to the classic Blink sound with its high energy, fast beats and unmistakable vocals. It fits perfectly with the long list of Blink songs that have made their way to the Billboard charts. The smooth transition it creates lets fans reacquaint themselves with the band and relive the nostalgia of older songs.
The album really hits a stride with the third song, “Up All Night” – a fast-paced teen anthem with the same underlying angst found in older songs like “All the Small Things” and “What’s My Age Again?” In contrast, the next song, “After Midnight” begins the evolution into a new and more mature sound.
The band hasn’t lost its fun and childlike attitude by any means, but they have changed. Each member has grown individually due to side projects and life experience. The mature sound and lyrics provide much needed development to the band’s sound, without which Blink-182 would join the long list of artists who have been unable to progress, releasing countless albums of the same old thing.
While there are some fans unwilling to let go of the old sound and wish for the same style Blink-182 had eight years prior, the album is a well-rounded mix of old and new Blink sound.