Album Review 1 - Blink-182 by Blink-182

I'll start my first album review by selecting the last one released by my favourite band. This was the album which was thought to be the band's final release after their "indefinite hiatus" in 2005.

This self-titled album for Blink-182 evidently shows a higher level of maturity, which was lacking from all their previous releases. The content is still no different as the majority of this album is dominated by lyrics about relationships. On a more exciting note it has a much more experimental sound with some electronic input and unique structures to the rhythm of a few tracks, which they pull off well, at least for any typical Blink-182 fans.

It starts off with "Feeling This" which lyrically is compatible with many tracks on previous albums, but however gives an indication to an album that is more diverse than what Blink-182 fans are used to, especially with the overlapping vocals throughout, providing a catchy edge to this track.
"Obvious" is the first of some unusually dark tracks, which suits Tom Delonge's angry vocals.
This leads into the pick of the tracks "I Miss You" for what Blink-182 fans will remember for many years for all the right reasons. A unique style that makes it hard to believe it was devised by this band and is instrumentally reminiscent of the Police, which complements the dark tone.
"Violence" is lyrically weak, but is supported well with an odd structure that turns into a typically catchy Blink-182 track.
This is followed by another highlight of the album "Stockholm Syndrome" which with regards to the female voice reading out a war letter* in the build up to the start, gives an indication to a dark and moody song, which eventually is executed brilliantly and is also superbly written by Mark Hoppus.
"Down" is the simplest sounding track on the album, which doesn't provide much, but is generally likeable.
This slides into what is easily this band's most surreal track "The Fallen Interlude" which at least provides something different for two minutes, but wouldn't be missed had it not been included.
The same can be said for the following track "Go" although it has a catchy rhythm to it at least.
"Asthenia" is another lyrically weak song, but is a treat when listening to the sound of the guitars, which I'm sure the fans will never tire of.
"Always" is like something out of the 80's and is matched by a supremely directed and entertaining video for the single release.
"Easy Target" is too short to be a favourite, but is among the best written on the album and is accompanied by a suitable dark tone.
The inclusion of Robert Smith is a delight for "All Of This" but doesn't offer much reason to listen to over and over unlike the tracks around the beginning of the album.
The penultimate track "Here's A Letter" starts off quite exciting, but trails off disappointingly much like the end of the album in general.
"I'm Lost Without You" is touching for the soft-hearted, but overdone and not suited for Tom who doesn't really have the voice to pull off this song. The album ends with the most unnecessary drum solo from Travis Barker, but loveable for all Blink-182 to appreciate his undeniable talent.

Overall a job well done to prove their growth as a band, which arguably starts off as one of the most exciting albums, but then like many albums, ends poorly. Having said that, more than half of the tracks should leave fans with great satisfaction, though I doubt that matches the satisfaction of the news of the reunion of Blink-182 earlier this year with the prospect of another mature and pleasurable album to listen to in the near future.

*With regards to some description in "Stockholm Syndrome" the album features a booklet with comments provided by Mark, Tom and Travis explaining each song.

**All album reviews will exclude bonus tracks as they differ with the release in other countries.