BLINK-182 ONE MORE TIME ALBUM REVIEW
"ANTHEM PART 3" - BLINK 182
The day has finally arrived as Blink 182’s newest record One More Time officially drops across the globe. DeLonge’s return to the band along with stellar Jerry Finn-esque like production by Barker, makes this album an absolute masterpiece. The record is humble, honest, cathartic and of course peppered with that signature Blink humor. The guitar tones are finally back to those of Enema of The State and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Barker and the production also encapsulate those signature albums with masterful use of keys,organs, and synth. “One More Time” is a rare thematic album by Blink, but also peppered with easter eggs throughout. It is a true work of art by the pop punk trio.
Here is our track by track review on the new record:
“Anthem Part 3” - What a way to kick off the new record. The name of the track alone has fans invested before anyone hits the play button. Strong riffs out the gate with hard hitting drums from Barker. Very reminiscent of Anthem Part 2, but in itself is something completely different Like.Zane Lowe said in the recent interview with the band, (and I’m paraphrasing) it’s like this song is looking back at the other two Anthems , “..with wisdom.” It’s the perfect start.
“Dance With Me” - We’ve already seen the Ramones-esque style video for the track, which like the song itself is straightforward pop punk at its best. It’s honestly just fun. The “Ole Ole Ole” hook is super catchy, especially when the track has been performed LIVE recently during the European tour. This track is taylor made to be heard LIVE, and sung along with.
“Fell In Love” - Another track fans got an early look at, it’s a solid song with HelloGoodbye vibes. Simple melodies, but strong lyrical content.
“Terrified” - This HAS to be the lost Boxcar Racer track that Travis and Tom were alluding to, during the Zane Lowe interview. From the chord progressions to the vocal melodies, this is an absolute treat for not only Blink, but Boxcar Racer fans alike. The effects on the drums during the bridge mixed with Barker’s one of a kind drumming is absolutely stellar.
“One More Time” - It’s almost a perfect song, if not a perfect song. The title track is simply the heart and soul of this album. It’s the most honest, heartfelt, humbling song that I’ve ever heard. It’s an apology and a reunion all at the same time. Even the song structure starting out with Tom on the acoustic, going to Mark, and the two coming together on the “I miss you”, then Travis chiming in on vocals is absolutely BRILLIANT.
As I had written in my previous review of the, “One More Time” music video: Aside from an absolutely BRILLIANT concept, this one pulled at the heart strings with DeLonge's pre-chorus lines like "Do I have to die hear you miss me?" "Do I have to die to hear you say goodbye?." "I don't want to wait to do this one more time." Hoppus' line, "I with they told us it shouldn't take a sickness, or airplanes falling out the sky", will also hit you right in the feels, referring to the fact that tragedy typically is what brought the band back together. The real tear jerking moment is when Hoppus and DeLonge sing the second verse together, "I miss you. Took time that I'd admit it. It still hurts even after all these years. And I know the next time, ain't always gonna happen. I gotta say I love you while we're here." If you're not completely bawling at this point, the camera zooming up on Travis Barker simply singing the words, "One More Time" will get you every time. Barker's brush work on the song is absolutely incredible, making this an absolute masterpiece and quite possibly a new mission statement for the band.
BLINK 182 NEW MUSIC VIDEO "ONE MORE TIME"
“More Than You Know” - This is the perfect track to follow the title track. The song has really grown on me with the hook, “But I feel more than you’d ever know.” It’s a great driving pop punk track but the words are so honest and so deep. It’s almost like Hoppus and Delonge are talking to each other directly on this one. I go more into the track here on BCP+.
“Turn This Off” - This is your funny “Happy Holidays You Bastard” , “Family Reunion” , “Built this Pool” over the top raunchy thirty-second track. Signature Blink move and the fans are here for it.
“When We Were Young” - I almost did a double take thinking Blink 182 had already released a song with this title, but it was actually, “When I Was Young” back on the Dog Eating Dogs EP. I absolutely love the clean guitar and vocal melodies from DeLonge to kick off the song. The choruses are a lot of fun and poppy, but I think the magic here is in the verse lyrics and melodies from Delonge and Hoppus.
“You Don’t Know What You’ve Got” - Absolutely love the drum, rim, and cymbal work by Barker to open this track. The guitar riffs are almost an amalgamation of “Adam’s Song” (as well as the cymbal work) and “Bored To Death.” Simple catchy, sing along chorus which I imagine will serve well for live crowds. On point for the overall theme of this album.
“Blink Wave” - Straight 80s vibes with the synth and bass to open the song. Great cymbal work again by Barker here. The title is absolutely fitting as this is something a bit more experimental but harnessing 80s vibes like Blink has done in the past with songs like “Always.” The chorus is simple and melodic, but the real treat here is the vocal harmonies in the Bridge. The last chord and keys are VERY reminiscent of the ending of “All The Small Things” , as Barker did a STELLAR job of channeling Jerry Finn Production on this ending.
“Bad News” - I adore this intro on the acoustic with Hoppus. In fact, I wish it was longer or there was an acoustic call back during the bridge. This may be one of my personal favorite track on the album. High energy, blazing guitar riffs, and a heavy breakdown. I love DeLonge’s riffs during the verses. Selfishly I need a full acoustic version of this.
“Hurt/Interlude” - The interludes are never my favorite as they are a little spacey for me, but it is the perfect small representation of Delonge and the Angels & Airwaves on the record.
“Turpentine” - The guitar tones are absolutely fantastic in this one, as once again, Barker nails the production. I really like the feel of this song, and it is VERY Tom Delonge in the lyrics. Stick around til the end of the song for a very tongue in cheek moment. I literally laughed out loud.
“Fuck Face” - There’s absolutely no “POP” in this punk track featuring Tim Armstrong from Rancid. This is your driving old school punk song which we’ve seen Blink/Boxcar channel a few times on past records.
“Other Side” - The Intro Riff is VERY reminiscent of the bridge guitar melody in “Dammit” Some Boxcar Racer familiarity on the verse guitar. I like the chorus and overall vibe of this one. Once again, Hoppus on the acoustic during the bridge really stands out to me.
“Childhood” - And now for something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT as “Childhood” has more of a reggae/jammy feel. I love the clean guitar tone from Delonge on this one. “Where did our Childhood go?” is the theme as we’ve seen commonly from veteran pop punk bands such a Yellowcard as of late. The song seems to be about reminiscing on the past, but also finding yourself in 2023. It’s a great closer on the album.
Blink 182 has returned and seemingly in their final form with an incredible record. As Barker said, the three of them are Blink 182, and they should never settle for anything less. One More Time is an absolute treat for longtime fans of the band exactly what we’ve been waiting for all this time.
9.2 out of 10
ONE MORE TIME is available now on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music and blink182.com