Enema Of The State Review

"Enema Of The State" is arguably Blink 182's most iconic album that they've ever released.  With classics like "All The Small Things" and "Going Away To College" the album is very memorable.  My teenage years were filled with blasting this album and in the process, were some of the first riffs I started playing on guitar.  It easily was the best pop-punk album since "Dookie" from Green Day and with iconic riffs, and the simplicity of teenage angst, Blink 182 created a memorable moment for many teenagers alike.

Not only do you have the hits, but you've got some hidden gems that stick with you after a while.  Songs such as "Dumpweed" and "The Party Song" are in your face pop-punk standards that symbolize the teenage spirit that Blink was portraying.  Blink 182 wasn't wowing you with complex riffs and over the top vocal performances either, but that's what makes them so special, they don't have to.  The songs stick to your brain like a tumor and instead of over analyzing each and every song, you can sit back and bop to the music.

"Adam's Song" is the somber note on an album filled with energy and spunk.  The song was inspired by a suicide note that Mark Hoppus read in a magazine apparently and the song leaves you with a lonely feeling that throws you off in the middle of the album.  Besides "Adam's Song",  Enema Of The State doesn't lack on energy.  Each song is relatively short but they pack a strong punch and each time I listen to this record I imagine myself back in high school.  The nostalgia factor is off the charts with with one.

Final Summary:

It's "Enema Of The State" dude, its hard to top as far as classic 90's albums are concerned.  Mark, Tom, and Travis all grabbed the reigns and created a masterpiece in the simple way that Blink conducts their business.  The album inspired many teenagers, including myself, to pick up a guitar and emulate the riffs as the simplicity of Tom's guitar lines are sweet to the ear but not overly complex like a Yngwie Malmsteen solo.  Given the nostalgia factor, it doesn't get much better than a listen through Enema Of The State.

Rating: 9.0/10