Has it really been 20 years since the release of Blink-182’s masterpiece, Enema of the State? As I ponder that very question, I am literally forced to ask myself, “What’s my age again?”
20 years ago, a 16 year old drummer (yours truly) was finding his identity in school, in work, and in life. Every day I would walk to work at the local movie theater with my favorite album in my portable CD Player. Enema of the State was indeed that album, and it helped me find influence as a musician, and my identity as a teen.
Everything about Enema of the State was exceptional. Every single track was amazing. The guitar tones and vocal harmonies were mind blowing. In fact, the Jerry Finn-produced record is still one of the best produced records of all time in my option. I learned the drums to every track after being enamored with Blink’s then newest member, Travis Barker. The drums were like nothing I had ever heard before on a CD. I could hear every single bell, splash, and fill perfectly. Like many others, I even went so far as to learn all of the Tom Delonge guitar riffs. Mind you I didn’t even play guitar.
Aside from the instrumentals and song structure, the themes of Enema of the State are on point. The SoCal trio touched on everything from young love, loss, suicide, insecurity, and empowerment. (Poop Jokes not withstanding) Something about these punk rock lullabies mixed with the innovative stylings of Barker became something of legend in the world of pop punk.
In fact, songs like “What’s My Age Again?,” “Adam’s Song,” and most notably, “All the Small Things” enabled the band to transcend into the mainstream.
Enema of the State went triple platinum in the year 2000. Following the record’s success the band even released an absolutely amazing live Album Entitled The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show: Enema of the Stage featuring nearly every track from Enema of the State. Even the non singles on the record are some of my favorite songs of all-time. Songs like “Going Away to College” and “Wendy Clear” have always been near and dear to me.
Now that 20 years have passed, the band has finally announced that this tour will feature the band playing the epic record in full on stage. Mind you, Delonge has not yet reunited with the band but that hasn’t been able to stop Barker and Hoppus from finding success (and a Grammy Nod) with Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba.
I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today in terms of journalism and performing if it weren’t for this record. I wouldn’t have made the friends that I’ve made or shared the stage with all of the amazing musicians that I’ve gotten to perform with. Enema of the State was more than an amazing cd, but the start of a golden age of Pop Punk music.
