 | Tracklist:
1. Session
2. We Are One
3. Kick Him When He's Down
4. Take It Like A Man
5. Get It Right
6. Dirty Magic
7. Hypodermic
8. Burn It Up
9. No Hero
10. L.A.P.D
11. Nothing From Something
12. Forever And A Day
| Ranking: #58 for 1992 | |
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On 9 Lists
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6 of 6 thought this review was well written
Ignition is The Offspring's second full length studio release and their first released on a compact disc (Debut released on vinyl then reissued in 1995). It was released in 1992, two years before the release of the massively successful and breakthrough album Smash. This is also the Offspring's first album on Epitaph. Ignition was produced by Thom Wilson, who has done work with The Vandals and the Dead Kennedys. Ignition shows The Offspring in their most punk form (along with self titled) to attract fans of punk, but still has that catchiness and pop appeal to attract fans of pop punk, and some for both. The production of this album is not as good as their later albums obviously, but is still well done. Ignition does not contain any of the Offspring's most well known or popular songs (well at least not commercially), but nevertheless is a solid album all the way through right from the opening track Session to the album finale Forever and a Day. Ignition shows what the Offspring are capable of: creating fast catchy punk rock songs.
After Dexter yells out a couple F-words, Session kicks in, and immediately sets the tone of the album, with its fast drumming and fast guitar riffs along with Dexter singing. Session is a fast punk song with a very catchy chorus. Just a great way to open up the album. The pace takes a tone down just a bit, with this next track We Are One. This song has somewhat slower verses but then picks it up in the chorus. A pretty standard Offspring song, not too great but not bad. It flows well with the album. Track number three is not only one of my favorite songs on the album, but on of my favorite Offspring songs in general. Kick Him When He's Down starts off with a nice drumbeat until the guitar comes in. Dexter sings the chorus well and somewhat upbeat. A definite highlight of the album. Next is Take It Like A Man, highlited bya distorted intro to the signature chorus with the 'Whoaaas' in the background over top of Dexter's voice. Get It Right is next and is a pretty average Offspring song. It is again, very catchy and fast. Not a standout but not a bad track by any means.
Right in the middle of the album is another one of the best the album. Track number six is Dirty Magic, and is a more mellow song as compared to the rest of the record and is also the longest song on the album clocking in just under four minutes. You may recognize this riff as they reused on Vultures (on 2000's Conspiracy of One). Anyway, after the dreary opening guitar riff, the song is in its prime. Dexter's voice sounds especially good on this song for some reason. This is definitely one of the better on the record. The next two tracks, Hypodermic and Burn It Up are two pretty standard Offspring tracks, nothing that stands out as oppose to the rest of the record. However, neither are let downs. But out of the two, I'd say Hypodermic is the better one, just catchier, although Burn It Up does have some funny lyrics such as "I'm gonna light up everything in sight, I'll drive on by your yard, And throw a Molotov cocktail at your car, Then another in the local bar" which seemt o reflect the labum title. After those two songs, is one of the best songs on the album. No Hero again displays a classic Offspring song by a catchy clean guitar riff to open up. The verse is calm, but like We Are One, has a very loud chorus.
Now we get to probably one of, if not the best on the album. L.A.P.D. is an excellent punk rock track right from opening bassline from Greg, to the climatic chorus when Dexter yells LAPD! This song also has some better lyrics on the album about the Los Angeles riots and how the police were making unnecessary arrests and beatings. This song really brings the album up to speed after it trails off a bit in the last couple songs. The last two songs on Ignition are both very well done. Nothing From Something is not as heavy as the previous song, but still is a very quick catchy, song, like most Offspring songs. Forever and a Day closes off the album is a good way. It begins with a quick drum roll with the guitar echoing in the background a few times until the verse begins. Dexter's voice is not monotone as it was on other songs, as it explores different ranges and heights. This song even has a little solo as provided by Noodles. Again, the chorus features some 'Whoaas' in the chorus but still sounds great. A very fitting ending to a great album.
Overall Ignition is a very solid release from a band that most say have gone downhill. I wouldn't say they went totally downhill from here, just different. After the release of Ignition, The Offspring added a more poppy sound to their music and became more mainstream, so this album provides a good look at The Offspring before they did all that. New fans that look into this record will probably find this very different from later Offspring material as it doesn't have the humor that they have been known to put in some songs (which can be good because lyrics are more serious and political than later albums but still has the comical charm on some) and it doesn't not have any experimentation; as every song is basic punk rock. Which leads to the downside of this album is that it can get a little repetitive after a while as many songs do sound similar at first or even after a while. Either way I recommend this album to any fan of punk rock in general as it is good from start to finish.
Standout Tracks:
L.A.P.D
Dirty Magic
Kick Him When He's Down
Forever and a Day
Session
No Hero
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 3
This is the most indepth review for this album so props to you.
I used to love the Offspring when I was younger, but now I sort of grew out of them. 'Smash' is still an excellent album and this features some excellent songs, mostly the ones that you recommended.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Thanks.
The Offspring is really the only pop punk band i still listen to. I'v guess i never grew out of themThis Message Edited On 03.01.06
Digging: Wilco - Being There | | |
They're one of the few left standing over trails of crap.
Digging: Animal Collective - Fall Be Kind
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Dude, you're a genius! L.A.P.D. IS the best song on the album. It should have definately been on their 'Greatest Hits' album!
IMO, Burn It Up and Hypodermic are two of the greatest songs. Hypodermic's riffs sound awesome and Burn It Up is just friggin' hilarious.
Awesome review! I agree with the rating.
Digging: Gorod - Neurotripsicks | | |
This and self-titled base themselves on what TSOL laid down. You must be deaf if you can't hear the TSOL influence. I still think this is a good album though I wouldn't listen to it all the time.
| | | Album Rating: 3
This is a pretty good album, but it's definetly not their best. Does anyone know if they're gonna make a new album? I doubt it though, considering they just put out their greatest hits album and most bands don't make any more albums after thatThis Message Edited On 04.27.06
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^Green Day. Hillary Duff (painfully). I know there are more...This Message Edited On 04.27.06
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
[quote=MetallicaMan8]This is a pretty good album, but it's definetly not their best. Does anyone know if they're gonna make a new album?[/quote]
A new album is expected from them this summer or fall.This Message Edited On 04.27.06
| | | Album Rating: 3
aha I said most not all, Music Official101This Message Edited On 04.27.06
| | | Album Rating: 3
Wait did you just say Hilary Duff has a greatest hits album? She's been around for like what 3 years? She's in no position to be putting out a greatest hits album
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Yeah. Pop's crazy shit.
| | | Album Rating: 3
So how many songs were on the album like 3?
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Ba-Zing! Nah actually a lot of new ones. Whatever it's off topic.
Offspring: One of top two bands in pop punk today.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
I hope you are not thinking of Green Day as the other one. :rolleyes:
But seriouslyThis Message Edited On 04.27.06
| | | Album Rating: 3
Sorry i would also like to get back on topic. But how can you refer to a greatest hits album as a greatest hits album, if you put a bunch of new songs on it. The whole purpose of a greatest hits album is to bring back a bunch of past songs that people liked. I know the Offspring put "Can't Repeat" on their greatest hits album but a bunch of new ones that's quite a stretch
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Yeah. I'm just saying Hillary Duff is insane.
And yes Tom, I didn't put Green Day number one, but they are in the top two or three. Taking Back Sunday has quickly been climbing up my charts as well.
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Yeah the Offspring. This is ok, but it's not their best... < Don't you hate it when people say that? The album is decent, some of it can be rather monotonous though.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Their first four albums are my favorites from them. But yeah, this and their debut do seem a little montonous though.
Whoa, this review isn't even the main one and its gotten like 15 replies today. Mostly from Music Official and Mettalicaman though, but still.
I just did a review, but this one is getting more replies than my new one, even being 2 months old.
| | | Album Rating: 3
[quote=tommy]A new album is expected from them this summer or fall.[/quote]
I'll be looking forward to this release even though their last three albums have been dreadful.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
i think burn it down is one of the best tracks on the cd.
and i agree with EN, LAPD shouldve been on greatest hits.
Digging: Protest the Hero - Fortress | | | |
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