Review Summary: Once upon a time, there was this group of immature kids. They wanted to make a band.
They came out with one album. It was recognized, but it never caught anybody's eye. For 3 years they sat around coming up with songs and humor to put into the album.
Well, first off let me congradulate Blink for giving us this album. It is considered among the Die-Hards (like me) the holy grail of all of Blink's records. I completely agree with that. Second, the reason this album is considered to be so great is because it contains their first real big hit. Don't get me wrong, Carousel and M&M's are great songs, but they didn't shoot them into popularity and get them offers that got them where they are now, did they? This album contains hooks and riffs that were so catchy, it made people listen to them over and over many times before they got old. Even then, after a few weeks you started listening to this album again. This was also the last album with their first drummer Scott Raynor. Their are plenty of songs on here that all of us have heard, and love, but their are a few duds on this album as well. Well here is my rating on each one of the songs. Through the review I'm going to do my best to be un-biased.
PATHETIC- The statement that Blink always starts off their albums with strong is proved here. This song is one of the best on the album. Like I said, strong, and its a song where Mark and Tom switch off singing. Though a bit rough, The chorus has perfect harmony. "This is where I beloooong" Great song. 5/5
VOYEUR-This song isn't bad. The best way to describe it is that its kind of...an aquired taste. Some of the lyrics are pretty funny in this song, though Tom's voice can get on someones nerves very easily if they've never listened to old school Blink. The "na na na's" work well with the chorus. My favorite part is the bass solo. Decent, but not my favorite. 3.5/5
DAMMIT-Ahh yes. The song that got Blink on the charts and in the mainstream. By far the best they've ever made. I'm not blowing smoke, you can say "No, The Rock Show is much better" or "All the Small Things is." Nope. Sorry. Masterpiece is what should be called. Simple, catchy as hell, and just so darn pleasant to listen to. Even the lyrics being mature, still maintain a certain childlike sound to it. Mark's voice is kinda rough for Mark's singing, but thats what makes this song sound like Dammit. Simply a Masterpiece. 5/5
BORING- This is a very Guitar oriented song, and its good guitar too. The breakdown feels like you're slowing down in a race to catch your breath, then back to full blown running. Fast and Punky. The kissing and horse sounds could've been left out, but thats Blink's humor for you. Good song to learn how to play. 3.5/5
DICK LIPS- Here's a highlight of the album. It's a little slower then the last 4, but its one of the better songs on the album. Not much to say about it though. Musically, it's not that outstanding, but its got a feeling to it that you can relate to. it sounds better live, but it doesn't matter. Good one for the Ipod. 4/5
WAGGY-Well besides the fact that Waggy sounds alot like Strings, its kinda blah. I mean yeah the lyrics are funny "jack off in my room until noon" and again the lyrics are relatable, but the song itself is just boring. One of the few duds on this album. 3/5
ENTHUSED-Starts off with power-chords meshed with little solo riffs. One of my personal favorites. My favorite part is the 55 sec intro. Lotta guitar riffs that are fun and uplifting. The key word through this album will be, "catchy" good almost-instumental song. 4/5
UNTITLED- Here's another highlight. This is one of the catchiest songs on the whole album. Its a good medely of the slow beggining then kicking it into drive around the minute mark. Its on the better half of the album. The break down is one of the best sounding bridges on Dude Ranch, right up there with Dammit. A feel good song. 4/5
APPLE SHAMPOO- One of the songs that is sung really well. The guitar is stands out during the verse, it might even be a little louder than Mark. Like most of the songs on the album, the bass is getting jiped* and doesn't really show off, unlike Tom's guitar which is kind of a solo in most the songs. Ahh well. Aside from the singing, its an okay song. 3/5
EMO- Ok. I don't know what it is about this song, but its the ONLY one on Dude Ranch that I press the skip button on. I guess its cuz when they recorded it, it sounded like they were half-asleep through the song. 2/5
JOSIE- Here's the album's other single. This would be a perfect ode to a girlfriend. The lyrics are pretty good. The singing goes along with the rough power-chords. Catchy as hell, and pretty fast. Through out the album the drumming is also pretty bland. Same here, but you forget it when you listen to how it mixes with Mark's singing and Tom's hard chords. This also has a good music video to it. One of my favorites. Fabulous song.
Also the bass finally gets some recognition. YES! 5/5.
NEW HOPE- Punky, catchy, lyrics about the girl of his dreams. Good song, and I like the "ah ah ah ah's" 3.5/5
DEGENERATE- Here's where the joke songs start. Funny and toe-taping when the chrous kicks in. I like the easy going verse when tom talks about mooning the neihbors.
its okay, for a joke blink song that is. 3.5/5
LEMMINGS- Like the last two songs, only this one has a hooking riff that occurs through the whole song. singing is good. Nothing outstanding, but a little better than the last two. 4/5.
I'M SORRY- What could be a better way to end the catchy ass album? With a catchy ass song of course. The beggining to it is kind of sucks you in if you let it, but then Tom's voice kinda makes you jerk a little. It's pretty nasaly in this one more than usual.
The ending kind of makes me cringe when I listen to it because the sound of a dog drinking Mark's pee is kinda gross. Blink humor, you gotta love it. 4/5
Well there you have it. This album is their catchyist and most loveable of all. Don't get the wrong idea. I love every single one of the songs (except Emo) but I'm trying to do a review for a first time listener. If you want to get start listening to Blink 182, then start off with The Greatest Hits or Enema, not this one. After one of those albums, then listen to this. You'll love it. If not, then get it for Dammit. This was also our boys most "mature" album before the self-titled. Even though its intended for die-hards, everyone should have this album in their selection. You can't go wrong with the old school Blink.
Recommended songs:
Pathetic
Dammit
Dick Lips
Enthused
Untitled
Josie
All in All, a great album for Pop Punkers, hell, almost anyone can enjoy this album.
