Ranking All 7 Blink-182 Studio Albums From Worst To Best
Well I guess this is growing up.
Of all the bands that have made their name in the pop punk scene over the years, very few can claim to be as iconic and prevailing as Blink-182.
This three-piece rock outfit got their start in the southern California skate punk scene before rising to the mainstream and taking the world of music by storm. And despite lineup changes, a notorious hiatus, and personal tragedy among the band's members, Blink has endured for just over twenty-five years now.
In addition to their various demos, EPs, and compilations, Blink-182 has a released a total of seven studio albums over their long career. When listened to in succession, these records really paint a picture of just how much their style has evolved over time, as well as of their uncanny ability to go from carefree to poignant and back again at a moment's notice.
Now that Blink's most recent studio release, 'California' (and its deluxe edition), has been out for some time, it seems as good a time as any to try and decide which album from this iconic group's heterogeneous catalog is the very best.
7. Neighborhoods (2011)
The lineup of Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker is undeniably Blink-182's most recognizable and iconic. That being said, the trio's work is not entirely infallible.
Following the group's initial breakup in 2005, two major splinter acts emerged. DeLonge went on to form Angels & Airwaves, while Hoppus and Barker started +44.
It's clear that each member fully embraced their new adopted musical styles, as when Blink-182 reunited to record their sixth studio album, 'Neighborhoods', the final product felt less like a long-awaited Blink reunion and more like an Angels & Airwaves/+44 collab.
The sounds of the two respective splinter groups are terrific on their own, but don't exactly mix. What's more is that in 'Neighborhoods', it felt as though the two styles were fighting against each other, as opposed to trying to cooperate.
Objectively, 'Neighborhoods' is a decent album. The flow is solid and the group's overall musical talent does shine through, resulting in great tracks like 'Up All Night' and 'MH 4.18.11'.
As a Blink-182 album, however, 'Neighborhoods' really lacks a clear identity. It's also the band's shortest album track-wise and the deluxe edition didn't add a whole lot. In turn, it's arguably Blink's weakest outing to date.