Review
Alright, pop-punk faithful, gather 'round! Let’s dive into the whirlpool of nostalgia and youthful rebellion that is Blink-182's legendary third studio album, "Enema of the State." Dropping into the world on June 1, 1999, this album didn’t just land – it exploded, defining an era and carving the band’s name into the annals of punk rock history.
First off, let’s talk tracks. "What’s My Age Again?" and "All the Small Things" – you know the ones. Those songs that kicked open the doors to mainstream airwaves, cranked up the volume on every car stereo, and became the anthems of every teenage misfit. We’re talking 15 million copies sold worldwide, people. That’s Titanic level. The radio simply couldn't get enough of these guys.
And then there’s that album cover. You know it as well as your own reflection – unless you’re a vampire, in which case, cool...keep reading. Featuring Janine Lindemulder, the ex-adult film actress and perpetual 90s icon, the artwork is as unforgettable as the sound that accompanies it. This cover became the visual embodiment of the band's cheeky humor and irreverent spirit.
Jerry Finn’s masterful touch on production took Blink-182’s raw punk energy and brought it shimmering into every suburban living room. Polished yet rebellious, their sound got the royal treatment, making it impossible not to sing along whether you were in a crowded arena or alone in your bedroom, clutching a Sony Walkman.
Lyrics? Oh, they hit home. From rants about breakups, suburban shenanigans, and the clumsy steps towards adulthood, "Enema of the State" is chock-full of tales drawn from the band’s own lives and those of their friends. Each track radiates that poignant teenage angst, raw yet undeniably catchy.
Despite the naysayers who dismissed it as too commercial upon release, this bad boy of an album has aged like fine wine – or, in punk terms, like a well-worn pair of Chuck Taylors. Its influence stretches far beyond the boundaries of the pop-punk genre, inspiring countless bands to pick up guitars and go for broke.
The live tours following the album's success were legendary. If you were lucky enough to catch the Loserkids Tour, The Mark, Tom and Travis Show Tour, or the 2001 Honda Civic Tour, consider your concert bucket list enlightened. And just to flex their cultural permanence, Blink-182 celebrated the album’s 20th anniversary in 2019 by belting it out in its glorious entirety.
So, what’s the lasting verdict on "Enema of the State"? It’s a pop-punk juggernaut. A cornerstone of late 90s rock. A record that still resonates with anyone who ever felt the rush of youthful rebellion. Blink-182 didn’t just make an album with this one; they crafted a cultural touchstone that will keep us bouncing along for years to come. - Milo
