Review Summary: "California" is worth giving a listen to, but not worth getting your hopes up for.
On July 1, the 182 day of the year, music fans were hit with the release of Blink-182’s seventh studio album, “California.” The pop-punk trio’s previous album was released in late 2011 and earlier this past year the “indefinite” departure of lead singer/guitarist Tom Delonge was announced, leaving fans unsure of Blink’s future. Shortly after Delonge’s departure it was announced by Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker, the remaining two members of the group, that Blink would go on and fans could expect something new this year; “California.” The album features Alkaline Trio’s guitarist, Matt Skiba, in a mostly successful attempt to replace Delonge as Blink-182 crashes into 16 new songs.
Staying true to their playful selves, “California” features two tracks that will remind listeners that these musicians know how to crack a joke, no matter how old they are. The two tracks, “Built This Pool” and “Brohemian Rhapsody,” are extremely short, with the longer of the two being only 30 seconds and the question “is that really it?” being prompted by Skiba at the end. For those who remember listening to “Cheshire Cat,” Blink’s debut album, these two tracks come with no surprise and remind listeners of Blink’s roots despite their new structure.
Aside from jokes and nostalgia, “California” attempts to create a blend between the previously immature Blink to the more grown up group that they’re trying to become. The group attempts to achieve this by playing the same fast, messy, pop-punk riffs they always have, and *combining that with lyrics that seem to be more personal and profound. The title track, for example, features the lyrics “Two little kids out on the lawn/Once we had love now it’s gone/Good things haven’t happened yet/I’m empty as a movie set/It’s what I’ve always wanted.” Hoppus invites listeners into his world as he references his own kids and his struggle of being unhappy despite the fact that he has everything he’s ever dreamed of.
In addition to the loud songs fans would expect, the album also features an acoustic song titled “Home is Such a Lonely Place.” Coming in as track number eight, this toned-down song draws out a lot of emotion with its lyrics and unexpected nature. The instrumentation of this song is very new to Blink and features a subtle string arrangement in the background while both Hoppus and Skiba sing. The lyrics ring out above all in this ballad as Hoppus sings lines such as “I’ll hold on tight/But not enough to hold you back.”
*** Lyrics aside, the album is a little sloppy and very pop with not enough punk. Being that I appreciate the loud punk sound Blink has always provided, it was a bit of a disappointment to hear this new soft side. The guitar seems toned down and certain tracks, such as “Left Alone,” are entirely forgettable and just down right boring. The songs seem to lack an edge or identifier altogether and, despite the fact that I’ve listened to the album numerous times, I probably still couldn’t name some tracks. My first listen was filled with anticipation and excitement, but by the third time around there are things you can’t deny and songs like “Left Alone” just don’t live up to anyone’s expectations.
*** On the topic of Skiba, I will say I commend his efforts. In some places I almost prefer his voice over DeLonge’s and the transition works. It’s my assumption that DeLonge took the band in a new direction before leaving which gave “California” its more mature vibe. Somehow, the boys in Blink sound like men and that’s a side of them listeners rarely find.
*** In all, the album doesn’t suck, but it also isn’t the greatest. Blink shows progression in some areas such as lyrics, but seems to be regressing to a more pop sound that I’m sure will disappoint most, if not all, fans. “California” leaves you with songs stuck in your head that you know could be better and a vision of Blink you’d rather not have. While I do think it’s worth a listen it just doesn’t live up to its potential.
