Blink-182's Comeback Album Disappoints

When Blink-182 announced that it was going on an indefinite hiatus in early 2005, many feared that it was the end of the pop punk group. However, in February 2009, after many years and numerous solo projects, the band reunited to record its first album in six years and is currently headlining the 10th Annual Honda Civic Tour. Neighborhoods, released September 27, has been highly anticipated but may be slightly disappointing to long-time fans. This album is not a typical comeback album and shows major differences from Blink-182’s pre-hiatus work.

The hiatus has been kind to Blink-182, lyrically. With the exception of "Wishing Well", the days of lyrics consisting of nothing but “Na Na Na Na Na Na Na” are gone. "Ghost on the Dancefloor", the first song on the album, has the line, “So our wounds start to heal.” Seeing as this is the first album after the band members lost touch and nearly broke up, it’s probably safe to say that this is a mission statement of sorts. The other songs on the album follow suit, filled with clever –albeit at times slightly nonsensical – lyrics that were absent on previous Blink releases.

However, that’s not to say that Neighborhoods bears no resemblance to prior Blink-182 albums. Hidden amongst the new sound and writing styles, there are several tracks that are reminiscent of the band’s earlier days. "Wishing Well" sounds like it could very well have been a track off the 1999 album Enema of the State, with a classic blink chorus. In addition, "MH 4.18.2011" sounds like it could have been at the end of Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, which was released in 2001. And of course, Tome DeLonge’s trademark voice shines through on each track, instantly transporting listeners back to the days of "All the Small Things".

Blink-182 fans expecting a repeat of Enema of the State will be sorely disappointed in Neighborhoods. On its own, the album is decent. However, it pales in comparison to pre-hiatus Blink music. The songs are not as catchy and most of them lack the passion and heart that was so obvious in previous releases. Overall, the album is a lot darker than one would have expected from Blink-182. However, the change is completely understandable. With six years, a break up/reformation and a near-fatal plane crash between them, it is impossible to think that Blink-182 would ever be able to slip completely back into the lighthearted, joking songs found on earlier albums. All in all, Neighborhoods is a mediocre return to the music industry from a band that was once well on its way to oblivion.

Rating: 5/10