Rachel Wess
Staff Writer
It’s been 8 years since Blink-182 last released an album. Their newest album “Neighborhoods,” keeps true to old Blink-182 but it also brings new composition choices to the table such as; darker lyrics about death ,but doesn’t disappoint new or old fans. While the album is mixed with a variety of sounds it doesn’t stray towards typical music about being famous and getting girls.
The band was reunited in February 2009, after a 4 year hiatus due to opposing views. During their split guitarist Tom DeLonge formed the group “Angels and Airwaves” while lead singer Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Baker created their new band “+44”. Within those 4 years DeLonge didn’t speak to either Hoppus or Barker which kept the band on what seemed to be an infinite hiatus.
In September 2008, Barker was in a plane crash, which left him in critical condition with major burns. During Barker’s recovery Hoppus and DeLonge rekindled past feelings and the band started collaborating again. Later that year it was announced that they would be reuniting.
Since the trio got back together in late 2008 they’ve been busy with recording “Neighborhoods,” even producing the album themselves. All of the members of the band had a part in writing each song and it’s noticeable due to the different lyrics and instruments used. This is Blink-182’s 6th studio album and it remains consistent with previous albums because it brings a new feel to their sound, with many lyrics revolving around death, due to the passing of previous producer Jerry Finn.
“Neighborhoods” is a relatively short album with only 10 tracks, but within those songs are catchy lyrics and music that flows. This is present in the song “Up All Night” which proves to be upbeat and influential. “Everyone lies and cheats their wants and needs and still believes their heart.” In which Hoppus sings about personal struggles and living up to other’s expectations.
“Ghost on the Dance Floor” opens the album and gives the listeners a preview of what’s to come. The track is fast paced and up lifting but the transitions to the lyrics gain meaning and slow down. “It’s like the universe has left me. Without a place to go. Without a hint of light.” After another transition the song ends on an upbeat scale.
“After Midnight,” track 4 on the album is slower and sweeter, setting it apart on the album. It is similar to previous songs such as; “I Miss You” and “I’m Lost without You” due to its simplicity, “’Cause you are driving me crazy.” Though Blink-182 tries new sounds with their music, they never stray too far from the; original composition proven by the similarities of songs from earlier albums to this one.
Blink-182 may have disappeared for a while but now that they’re back it’s great to know that they’ll always stay true to their roots. The album is mixed with slow love songs and fast beat anthems. The lyrics have meaning other than sex and money, they talk about experiences and everyday life. People can easily relate to the heartache the love songs speak about and even about the death that Travis Barker writes in his lyrics.
“Neighborhoods” is a fantastic album and you can easily get lost in their meaningful lyrics for hours. Blink-182 is now touring with My Chemical Romance on the 2011 Honda Civic Tour. The album is out now and is available digitally and nationwide.
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