Album review – Luke Petty
The much anticipated ninth album from much loved Blink 182 has finally arrived and we definitely need to ask ourselves “What’s my age again?” as it has taken many of us back to our younger selves with this one. Tom Delonge has finally returned back to where he belongs after 12 long years since their last album together. When the news broke of the return every single fan was astounded and everyone was waiting for this album to be dropped. The California pop punk legends have released One More Time and have taken us back to the smart-ass attitude that only Blink 182 possess.
Kicking off with ‘Anthem Part 3’ continuing on from the 2001 hit ‘Anthem Part 2’ with some nifty guitar chords and banging drum beats while the lyrics announcing they are setting aside past fuck ups and drama and putting it behind them.
“Ole’ Ole’ Ole!” ‘Dance with Me’ really puts you back to 1997 with Tom’s vocals. It’s a catchy, upbeat ode to letting loose and having fun, with a sing-along chorus that will be stuck in your head for days.
‘One More Time’ focuses on Mark’s recent battle with cancer, facing his mortality. The title track really tugs at everyone’s heartstrings and really brings tears to the eyes of all fans. A masterfully created ballad singing “Do I have to die to hear you miss me/ Do I have to die to hear you say goodbye” in Tom’s trademark nasal timbre including Travis with backing vocals which takes us all back and shows that there are truly more important things in life. Real love shown between the band putting aside the past. Love always wins.
One of the other tracks that were previously released at the same time as ‘One More Time’, ‘More than You Know’. A real slow atmospheric intro before driving into a classic punk rock chorus, a song about emotions and feeling more than they are able to express those feelings. A very honest and vulnerable song, well written and another great hit on this album.
‘When We Were Young’ takes its name from the Vegas festival that’s all about capitalizing on nostalgia. The song offers a fascinating exploration of how our perception of aging and perspective evolves over time. All of this unfolds against a backdrop of electrifying guitar riffs, making it a thought-provoking and energetic journey through the passage of time.
In ‘You Don’t Know What You Got’ the band beautifully expresses their gratitude for a friend’s survival. This heartfelt and emotional ballad immerses you in the story, making you feel like you’re right there with them. It’s a testament to their incredible songwriting abilities, seamlessly blending their pop punk roots with genuine, soul-stirring emotional depth.
17 tracks of sheer brilliance, 2 being quick fire 30 second songs get your heart racing and your head banging. But beyond these little adrenaline bursts, this record serves as a shining example of why Blink 182 has always been a dominant force in the world of punk rock. The reunion of the entire band has brought immense joy to countless fans and fulfilled many dreams. One More Time will undoubtedly find its place among the greatest albums, and one can only hope that this isn’t the final chapter for this incredible band.
Blink 182 are touring Australia in 2024 and selling out fast – dates and tickets here
