blink-182 - blink-182
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Despite their newfound earnestness, [blink] seem incapable of pretension. [21 Nov 2003, p.82]
  2. 91
    A dark, emotionally intense record, best experienced on headphones. [Jan 2004, p.97]
  3. You can't deny that these dudes are on to something great. Seriously.
  4. 80
    Blink-182 have found a new, angrier way to never leave junior high. [Dec 2003, p.135]
  5. An unexpected and welcome maturation.
  6. Maturity suits these guys: Five albums into their career, it sounds like they're just getting warmed up.
  7. I miss the penis jokes, I sincerely do, but when life's little fuckups sound like cosmic conundrums--and here I'm referring not just to the new disc's big choruses but, more importantly, to its snaking structures and unrelentingly urgent harmonies--now-and-then comparisons fail.
  8. Blink-182 is a challenging listen, although not for the reasons one usually associates with Blink-182.
  9. The disc does meander in spots, and its most achingly sincere love songs become cloying, but it's easy to both enjoy and appreciate Blink-182's effort and evolution, especially when hooky pleasures continue to function as its primary stock in trade.
  10. 40
    The heart of the album sticks closely to their well-tried formula: sing-song melodies and puerile lyrics set against a steady backdrop of numbingly bland riffage. [Jan 2004, p.106]
  11. The majority of material... is forgettable. [Dec 2003, p.118]
  12. Someone should put Blink 182 out of their misery.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 118 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 89
  2. Negative: 5 out of 89
  1. 10
    Perfect album. All the songs are amazing. Tom Delonge and Mark Hoppus are the best at what they do in their genre. Travis Barker is the worlds best drummer. This album is a lot more insightful and serious than their other work, but could be their best material. Fav songs: asthenia, go, and feeling this. Full Review »
  2. MK
    3
    OOOH WATCH OUT THEY'VE "GROWN UP" NOW!!!!
  3. blink-182's fifth album is very different from their previous raunchy album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. They have gone for a more mature sound, incorporating experimental elements into their music. This album actually turned out very well, earning the band higher acclaim from older audiences. With the experimental approach (especially with "All of This," featuring vocals from Robert Smith of the Cure) blink-182 has put out another worthy record. Full Review »