One More Time Review: Unrealized Potential
After a long hiatus, Blink-182 made a much-anticipated comeback with their new album "One More Time," released on October 20, 2023. This album marks a significant moment for the band, heralding the return of guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, who parted ways with the band in 2015. The album, primarily recorded over seven months in 2022 and 2023 at drummer Travis Barker's studio and produced by Barker himself, represents a blend of the old and the new for Blink-182. But does it live up to the hype and the legacy of their previous work? Let’s dive in.
The album kicks off with "Edging," the first single, which, to put it mildly, is a letdown. It's a pop-punk track that fails to capture the essence of what made Blink-182 stand out in their heyday. The lack of soul and originality in this song sets a not-so-promising tone for the album. Moving on to "Dance with Me," things take a positive turn. This track stands out as a cool anthem, one that promises to be a hit in live performances; a reminder of the band's ability to create catchy and energetic music.
However, the album hits another low with "More Than You Know." It's a track with potential, sadly marred by poor production choices and an overreliance on pitch correction, stripping away the raw energy that could have made it a standout. Then there are short tracks like “F**k Face,” which feel more like fillers than actual contributions to the album. They seem out of place and do little to enhance the overall experience.
But it's not all doom and gloom. "Turpentine" emerges as the album's saving grace. This track is everything the rest of the album should have been – heavy, with compelling lyrics, and a strong theme that should have been more prevalent throughout the album. It's what Blink-182 is capable of when they hit the right notes.
