In 1999, Blink 182 followed up the modest success of their Dude Ranch album with the monster selling Enema of the State, an album that spawned 3 huge singles and videos that often showed just exactly what you were dealing with: 3 guys who make no apologies pop punk and have the best possible time doing it.

Of course, in punk circles, Blink was cascaded with calls of "sell out" or any other phrase that would indicate they didn't deserve the "punk" part of how their music is described. In reality, Blink 182 didn't so much sell out as evolve their sound into something that has become more and more radio friendly from the first album the band put out.

So it's now 2001 and Blink 182 is back, this time with their fourth studio album (I don't care what anyone says, Buddha isn't a true record) titled Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. OK so on first glance, it doesn't look like the band has grown up at all in the last two years. However, the music contained on the album shows a definite sign of growth, one that in many ways, mirrors the growth another 3 piece California pop punk band, Green Day, experienced on the transition from the mega-selling Dookie to the more thoughtful Insomniac.

Stay Together For the Kids is the true standout track, beginning very mellow and with a great mix, it explodes into a seething fit of resentment that is still delivered with the kind of cheeky balance that gives Blink 182 their appeal. They sing about love lost, fitting in, and now, divorce, with an attitude that almost seems to say "hey, I'm mad but it's ok, I can deal." Lyrically, this song is a huge leap forward for the band, simple, but not overly so, and musically, it stands as different and interesting compared to the previous Blink material.

The first single, The Rock Show, is the most obvious choice for the lead single, both because of it's simple lyrics and catchy riffs (it talks about falling in love during the annual summer Warped Tour), but also because it's one of the only songs that holds any kind of really close resemblance to any of the material on Enema of the State.

I also really like the opening track, entitled Anthem Part II, the sequel to Anthem from Enema. It's a perfect showcase for just how good of a drummer Travis Barker is. It's amazing that guitarist Tom Delonge and bassist Mark Hoppus hold back so much when blessed with the amazing talent that Barker possesses.

I feel this is one of the better pop punk albums released in the past few years. There are a couple of moments where the band lacks a true goal (Happy Holidays, You Bastard stands out above all), but for the most part, Blink has risen above the sell-out chants to create an album that is at the very least, fun. And perhaps the best thing about them is is that they don't try to be anything else...they just try to have fun.




Recommended: Yes