Blink-182
Greatest Hits
(Geffen)
On this collection, you can trace the San Diego trio’s snotty, relatively thin sound of “Carousel” (1995) grow into the undeniable “What’s My Age Again?” (1999), then become almost too sophisticated to be called punk. A progression out of adolescent selfishness through remorse to sharp insight into the lives of others accompanies the elevated chops. By the time of “Stay Together for the Kids” (2001), Blink-182 is so adept at concentrating its considerable power that the loud parts are like an aria. Plus you can make out the words. Purists may sneer that they became an arena rock band as soon as sales went up, but that’s lazy listening. The set reveals a thread linking early thrashings to a command that keeps the fury close at hand.
—Doug Taylor
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.