Review Summary: Come Out and Play.
The Offspring were a huge part of the 90's punk scene. Their self-titled debut and sophomore effort Ignition are both well-respected albums, but did not achieve much commercial success. In 1994, everything changed. The Offspring exploded onto the scene with their third studio album Smash. Led by a few extremely popular singles, Smash showed that this group had capabilities far beyond your average punk band, and helped kick-start an immensely successful career. It's a timeless classic.
Smash begins with "Time to Relax", a spoken-word intro that any dedicated Offspring fan can likely recite word for word. After this, a powerful drum roll from Ron Welty kicks things off with a bang in "Nitro (Youth Energy)." Welty's performance and Noodle's fast-paced riffing dominate this high tempo track, but the lyrics aren't too bad either. While they may be a bit repetitive, they send a strong message as Dexter Holland sings about living "like there's no tomorrow." "Nitro" really sets the tone for the album, and was a great choice as an opener. The next two tracks are two of the most popular from Smash. "Bad Habit" is another fast song. This time bassist Greg K. gets things started with a nice bass line, but the lyrics are possibly the strongest element of this track. The song is about road rage, and Dexter goes on a memorable profanity-filled rant following the second chorus. "Gotta Get Away" was the least successful of the three singles, but still did quite well commercially, and remains one of the band’s most well-known songs. It moves at a slower pace than much of the album, which is only natural as it follows two very fast tracks. It has an almost grungy sound, and is one of the most memorable tracks that Smash to offer (which is saying something). Welty's performance in particular stands out here. Next is "Genocide", a track in which Noodles's performance is great right from the opening riff.
Following "Genocide" is perhaps one of the most underrated tracks The Offspring have ever released. "Something to Believe In" is certainly one of the highlights of the album. Each member of the band adds something to the song. Noodles's guitar work is catchy and powerful once again, Welty's pounding drum fills are awesome, and Greg K. gets his chance to shine in the bridge. The lyrics are pretty relatable. The song is about not conforming, and not following everyone else just because someone tells you too. Dexter sings "Do you accept what you are told/ without even thinking/ throw it all and make your own/ and give me something/ something to believe in." "Come Out and Play" was the band's first major hit, and it's easy to see why. This track is not only one of the best from Smash, but one of the best from The Offspring in general. From the catchy middle eastern riff, to the famous "you gotta keep 'em separated" line, to the dark lyrics about gang violence, the song provides plenty of memorable moments. It's an Offspring anthem. Speaking of Offspring anthems, "Self Esteem" was a wildly successful single, and another song that really helped the band gain recognition. Dexter sings about being in an unhealthy relationship where he feels he's being taken advantage of. When he sings "Now I know I'm being used/ that's okay, man, 'cause I like the abuse/ I know she's playing with me/ that's okay 'cause I got no self esteem", he just sounds very believable. You can feel the emotion in his voice. Like "Come Out and Play", "Self Esteem" is quite worthy of its recognition.
While the rest of Smash may not have any of the band's most famous work, it's still great. "It'll Be a Long Time" is another standout. It's another high energy song, and this time the lyrics get a bit political. It's about wondering when the world will come to its senses, or "listen to reason", and I can't help but feel the lyrics are extremely relevant today. Next is "Killboy Powerhead", which is actually a cover of a Didjits song. It's nothing too special, but it's a catchy and well-done cover. Noodles has said that it's his favorite song to play from Smash. "What Happened to You?" is notable for being different from anything else on the album. It's basically a ska punk song. Another fast and catchy song, this one also contains a nice little solo from Noodles. The next two tracks are possibly the two weakest on the album, but it almost seems unfair to call them the weakest because they're still plenty enjoyable. "So Alone" clocks in at 1:17, and is the closest thing on the album to filler. It's still good for what it is, and should probably not be taken too seriously. It's just a loud and aggressive punk song. "Not the One" is about dealing with the problems caused by previous generations, and how the cycle just continues. The title track is the closer, and what a closer it is. It just may be the best the album has to offer. It's another thrashy, in-your-face song, but it just seems to be a step ahead of the rest. Listening to it without singing along is just about impossible. The chorus of "I'm not a trendy ***hole/ I do what I want/ I do what I feel like/ I'm not a trendy ***hole/ don't give a ****/ if it's good enough for you/ 'cause I am alive" is just great. "Smash" also contains an extended instrumental section that's pretty impressive. The song is flat out awesome.
The thing that stands out most about Smash as a whole is the energy that the band shows throughout. They don't play any songs half-assed. It also lacks the type of stupid singles The Offspring would release on later albums (think "Pretty Fly", "Original Prankster", and "Cruising California"). The rawness also adds a certain element that has not been seen on an Offspring album since, and likely won't be seen again. Smash is undoubtedly the best effort from The Offspring, and one of the albums most responsible for making punk rock a mainstream commodity. It's one hell of a punk album, and is always worth a listen.
The Offspring:
Dexter Holland - Vocals, Guitar
Noodles - Guitar
Greg K. - Bass
Ron Welty - Drums
Top Tracks:
Gotta Get Away
Something to Believe In
Come Out and Play
Self Esteem
It'll Be a Long Time
Smash
