Known as one of the originators of the punk pop genre, blink-182 has a wide range of musical styles displayed in their music. They are most commonly known for their catchy music as well as for their satire and comical songs. Their profanity-laden music combined with their clever integration of toilet humor has made their main fan group teenagers. On their most recent CD however, the style of the music was modified as a sign of growing up and that band has since attracted a more adult audience. Despite the “indefinite hiatus” the group announced in 2005, blink-182 remains popular. The list below is their top 10 songs from 1996-2005, a span in which the group produced five mainstream albums as well as several live compilation CDs.
Top Ten Songs by blink-182
1. “All The Small Things
Perhaps blink-182’s most famous song of their thirteen-year career thus far was “All The Small Things.” A mainstream and rock hit, the song peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as many weeks at number 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Besides it’s catchy tune and lyrics, the song is remembered mostly for it’s hilarious video. The video parodied a number of different artists of the time including some of the most well known pop icons.
2. “Adam’s Song”
This hugely popular song is widely regarded to be one of the most serious the group has done to date. Its slow nature makes it stand out from the rest of the groups mostly fast paced tracks. Written to inform lonely kids about alternatives to committing suicide, the song created a stir and received much news coverage in 2000 following a news report that a teenager had killed himself while listening to the song.
3. “What’s My Age Again”
Another famous and well-known pop punk song of the groups is “What’s My Age Again?” Known to many as the song, which propelled them to mainstream success in both the United States and particularly the United Kingdom. The song reached the top 40 in 199 and rode the wave of success generated by “All The Small Things” to reach the top 20 in 2000. The video displays the members of the band running through the streets of a city naked and is one of the most well remembered aspects of the group besides their music.
4. “Dammit”
blink-182’s first mainstream success, “Dammit” peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Modern Rock Chart. The songs varying speeds and featured guitars make the songs tune memorable. The song focuses on the problems teenagers face and how it is all a part of growing up. This song is widely regarded as the single that propelled their career forward and I very similar in style to some of their other songs.
5. “The Rock Show”
Perhaps the most famous song from their album Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, “The Rock Show” also registered as a mainstream and a rock success. The song reached number 71 on the Billboard Top Singles Chart as well as number 2 on the Billboard Top Rock Singles Chart. The fast paced song received wide airplay not only on rock stations but mainstream radio stations as well.
6. “Mutt”
This song is heard in the film American Pie along with a guest appearance by blink-182. The song is referred to as the theme song of the film, particularly based on the similarity between its lyrics and the themes covered in the film. Although not being a chart success, the song is a favorite of many for it’s creative lyrics and singing style.
7. “Going Away To College”
A combination of fan base and catchy lyrics has made this one of blink-182’s most memorable songs. The songs title and lyrics refer to the transfer from high school to college, a stage that many of their fans found themselves in. This situation led to an increased interest in this song n particular and offered a unique listening experience in a tough part of some teenager’s lives.
8. “First Date”
“First Date” was the follow up to the hit “The Rock Show.” It peaked slightly lower than it’s predecessor on the rock charts, coming in at number 6. Despite this popularity the song failed to achieve much of a mainstream success. The song’s lyrics discuss the popular topic of dating and nervousness.
9. “Stay Together For The Kids”
One of blink-182’s most serious songs, the song is a slower song covering the topic of divorce. It received mild success but was a favorite to some people who favored both the slower tempo as well as the topic it discussed.
10. “Down”
Completing the triangle of blink-182 slow songs, down is a song about love. The song was released late in the bands career and therefore exemplifies a different style. It’s slowed down tempo yet strong lyrics offer a good balance for most ears. Although not conforming to their previous “teenage style,” this song was well received by adults and teenagers alike.
