Craig BrettWhen Enema of the State first appeared on my radar, it was all thanks to a friend of mine. “You’ve got to listen to this album, it’s brilliant” he said. I hadn’t heard of them, I had no idea what to expect but I had to put my trust in him. I am glad I did.
This album is as iconic in sound as it is for its album art. However, once I listened to “All the Small Things” I thought to myself, “Yes, I’ve heard this before, but I had no idea it was a rock band called Blink 182”. We skipped from All the Small Things to the opening track “Dumpweed” to “Aliens Exist” and ” Mutt”. Of course, we listened to the album in its entirety and the drumming, the guitaring and their unique sound had me wanting more. At this point, we then tracked back to the album “Dude Ranch” where the classic “Dammit” was played. At this point, I knew this band was for me.
Let’s not forget the opening riff for “What’s My Age Again” as well as its iconic video of the band members Tom, Mark and Travis speeding through the streets on foot while naked. At this point, it was clear that this band wanted to do things differently. I mean of course they did, they mocked boy bands in their videos, they played out mock GAP adverts and just kept on adding comedic themes to their music. It was captivating and very different but that’s what really made this album unique.
This album alludes to a time when teenagers were rowdy, they didn’t care, partying was big and things were just very different and Blink 182 were the ones to head up this change in attitude. It’s hard to believe that this album was released back in 1999. Back then I was a fresh-faced teenager, shaving was off the cards, and I was free and easy. Now I am older, I am no longer fresh-faced but I do often find myself stopping and singing the words ” He pauses shaving and he tells himself that is the bomb” as I shave in front of the mirror. Of course, I am not the bomb but one thing is for sure, Blink 182 got it right and I have to thank them for releasing this sensational album!
