Well, I guess this is growing up. Legendary pop-punk band blink-182 will mark 30 years as a band in 2022. While there are no plans to tour or release new music until next year, the band has been releasing celebratory collector’s item merchandise all year to celebrate. While fans are feeling the nostalgia from a truly important legacy that went from “crappy punk rock” to one of the biggest, and most influential bands in the world, what better time to count down the top 30 blink songs of all time? Throughout this post there will also be rare photos, and links to past interviews I’ve done with the band. Let’s celebrate a band that has meant so much to many.
Enjoy!
30. “I Miss You”
In what became a revelation for the current meme generation, the song marked a period of growth for the band that first showed off how deep the experimental nature of the “Untitled” album went.
29. “Home Is Such A Lonely Place”
A sad, yet beautiful ballad about watching your kids grow up and leave the nest. The accompanying video is equally intimate.
28. “Down”
The post-hardcore Box Car Racer vibes hang heavy in “Down,” but Travis Barker’s drums really standout in one of blink’s best mid-tempo singles.
Video interview with backstage with Tom DeLonge from 2008.
27. “M&M’s”
The band’s first official single showed why blink had what it took to crossover, and make it to the radio. “M&Ms” is playful, poppy and the riff also sets the standard for the band’s guitar sounds.
26. “Every Time I Look For You”
Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge nicely trade vocals in this back and forth blast of summer pop-punk that easily could have been a hit single. “Every Time I Look For You” is an essential in 2000s pop-punk writing 101.
25. “Darkside”
Perhaps the best/biggest chorus post-Tom DeLonge, “Darkside” is a driving, catchy jaunt that serves as the best song on “Nine.”
24. “Cynical”
“California” kicks it into gear off the bat with a fast, NOFX-style throwback. “Cynical” was a nice start to the Matt Skiba era, and a fine example of what blink + Skiba should sound like.
23. “Dogs Eating Dogs”
The title track of the criminally underrated EP features both Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge singing on this harder track. This is another great glimpse into the post-reunion blink future that could have been.
22. “Man Overboard”
The opening bass line, escalating drums, melodic guitar riff, and likely lyrical references to original drummer Scott Raynor make this an easy fan favorite. “Man Overboard” originated during the “Enema of the State” writing sessions, but was fleshed out and finished as the single for the live album “The Mark, Tom and Travis Show( The Enema Strikes Back!).” Now, if only they’d resurrect “Life’s So Boring.”
21. “Always”
The 1980s-influenced “Always” showed just how creative blink got on the “Untitled” record. A few subtle additions like the opening of Travis Barker tapping his drum sticks, and the synth-bass outro complete the song.
20. “All The Small Things”
A never-before scene portrait taken of Tom DeLonge backstage at the Weezer/ Angels & Airwaves tour. (Photo by Mike Damante)
There was an instant catchiness to “All The Small Things” that catapulted the song to a legit pop hit on the airwaves and in pop culture. When you dissect this simple song, you see all the little elements that made it special.
19. “First Date”
When blink-182 felt the frustration that management felt “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket” was missing that catchy summer song, Tom DeLonge begrudgingly wrote “First Date” in response, as Mark Hoppus started “The Rock Show” in the same fashion. Ironically, these songs became some of the band’s biggest.
18. “Don’t Leave Me”
“Don’t Leave Me” was fast enough to appeal to pre-Enema blink fans, but melodic enough to fit perfectly on what “Enema of the State” accomplished in bringing back pop-punk to the mainstream audiences.
17. “Ghost on the Dance Floor”
The song pulls you in from the start, and touches the listener in a way that generally Tom DeLonge would try to do with Angels & Airwaves, but make no mistake, this is a blink song. The AVA comparisons are lazy– if anything this sounds more like The Police. “Ghost on the Dance Floor” was a ballsy way to start the reunion era.
16. “What’s My Age Again?”
In 1999 “Enema of the State” re-introduced the masses to pop-punk. “What’s My Age Again?” helped as part of the gateway drug to punk for many just like “Longview” and “Basket Case” by Green Day did in 1994.
Setlist from the second time blink-182 played the Honda Civic Tour. (Photo by Mike Damante)
15. “Feeling This”
The first single off “Untitled” showed right out of the gate that blink was growing up. The riff was still pop-punk by nature, but the drums felt big. It’s easy to see why the song became a favorite within the band.
14. “Waggy”
Joke-song moments aside, “Dude Ranch” is an extremely introspective record. Some of the band’s best, and broadest lyrics are on this album. Don’t forget to sing along to bridge at the end with the solo that leads into the outro.
13. “Apple Shampoo”
There's lots of nostalgia with pre-Enema blink-182, and “Apple Shampoo” really pulls you back to 1997. “Apple Shampoo” is fast, fun and full of good vibes.
12. “Natives”
“Neighborhoods' ' was a mix of progressive pop-punk, and attempted throwback sounds that are just now finally being lauded for just how great the record is. “Natives'' is a perfect example of blink remembering its roots, but also looking toward the future. Lyrically, as well, this is the direction they should have continued with.
11. “Pathetic”
As blink was on the cusp of breaking big, its major label debut “Dude Ranch” spawned two radio singles (“Dammit” and “Josie”) and MTV airplay. “Pathetic” is a loser punk anthem that uses harmonies and melodies that display blink stepping up its game on the opening track of a special album.
10. “Zulu”
The fan-boy favorite of the list, this obscure underdog anthem is everything you love about the band. From the old-school EP “ They Came To Conquer…Uranus,” this song deserves to be played loud at the skatepark.
9. “Adam’s Song”
It wasn’t just fun and games on “Enema of the State,” as “Adam’s Song” showcased how blink could write somber songs that struck a chord. Despite the depressing lyrics, there is a glimmer of hope with lines like “tomorrow holds such better days,” which became integral in showing that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
8. “Aliens Exist”
Before Tom DeLonge helped de-stigmatize UAPs with To The Stars, he wrote this catchy Ramones-ish ode to aliens and his love of UFOs. Three chords and references to the Majestic-12 is sometimes all you need.
Herer are some interviews with I’ve done with blink-182
blink-182 mend fences, back on tour
7. “Violence”
Influenced by art-punk/indie bands like Bloc Party, “Violence” was blink’s answer to combining drum and bass and punk. It still feels like Southern California punk rock, but elevated.
6. “Anthem Pt. 2”
The epic intro builds into an appropriately titled anthem that is a mid- tempo punk banger. It’s not quite Bad Religion, but angsty enough to rebel against governing authorities. As great as the introduction is, wait until the outro hits.
5. “The Rock Show”
Inspired by the vibes of the Warped Tour, and early punk inspirations like the Ramones and Screeching Weasel, “The Rock Show” became THE anthem to the summer. “The Rock Show” also serves as remembrance of a time when pop-punk and Hurley and Atticus shirts and Dickies shorts dominated malls.
4. “Going Away To College”
This one’s special. Hidden behind all the huge radio singles off “Enema of the State,” “Going Away To College” is the best song on the record. The opening guitar riff sets the song’s romantic tone, and the song takes past punk songwriting tropes, and smartens them up. Go back and listen to the first notes of this song and feel the nostalgia.
3. “Josie”
The best blink-182 songs are the ones that feature both Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge dueling vocals.“Josie” is a prime example of this. “Josie” is representative of the 1990s melodic punk that were the soundtracks to skateparks, and “Josie” is one of those songs that perfectly captures the essence of blink.
2. “Dammit”
“Dammit'' became an alt-rock hit that was more progerssive than the punk rock singles on the radio. There is a beauty and brilliance in the simplicity of the song, which perfectly defines blink. “Dammit'' became an anthem for all the loser kids of the 1990s.
1. “Carousel”
Blink’s most intricate and memorable bass line leads off this fast, SoCal punk song that would be the blueprint for blink-182. Somehow a deeper song about isolation and societal politics is equally as energetic, as it is mature beyond young blink’s year. The first song they’ve ever written is the best one.
-By MIKE DAMANTE
If you are a fan of pop-punk, Mike Damante’s latest book “Hey Suburbia: A guide to the emo/pop-punk rise” is out now, and features interviews with Alkaline Trio, blink-182. Descendents, New Found Glory and others.
