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So, here's the track-by-track run-down:

1. Anthem, Pt. 2- A really well-written song, lyrically wise, much better than Anthem Pt. 1 from Enema. 9.25/10

2. Online Songs- Pretty short, but Travis's drumming is fast-paced and keeps the song going. It's about Mark having a "fling" with an AIM "cyber girlfriend." 8.5/10

3. First Date- This was originally my favorite song on the album, but over time and overexposure on the radio it's gotten slightly worse, plus the video didn't do it any justice. 9.75/10

4. Happy Holidays, You Bastard- A 42 second song that is chock full of obsceneties. Keep this out of the reach of parents. 8/10

5. Story of a Lonely Guy- Tom's voice actually sounds passionate on this one, the lyrics are deeper than what you'd expect from Blink, probably my favorite on the whole album. 10/10

6. The Rock Show- Yes, it's been overplayed, but the music video is funny and the song is pretty good, too. 9.5/10

7. Stay Together for the Kids- Interesting transition from verse to chorus, and the message about divorce is strong, too. 9/10

8. Roller Coaster- This love ballad would make an amusing music video, but alas, First Date, The Rock Show, and Stay Together have already had their runs as the hits. Oh well, still a good song, and the synthesizer is a nice touch. 9.25/10

9. Reckless Abandon- Interesting ways to spend your summer abound in this song, and it's one of Blink's punk attempts. Cool transition into the next song. 9.75/10

10. Every Time I Look for You- Fans of American Pie 2 will recognize this one off the bat, but I don't like it as much as the others. Gets old after the beginning. 7.75/10

11. Give Me One Good Reason- The anthem against everything; this seems to be Blink claiming that they're punk, yet, oddly enough, this song doesn't have much of a punk sound as most punk songs, but, the messages are clear and kinda funny. 7.75/10

12. Shut Up- Mark sounds genuinely angry in this song, and it adds to the effect. The message is that of a typical downhill relationship. Travis's drumming sounds exceptionally cool on this one. Probably my second favorite. 10/10

13. Please Take Me Home- A decent ending, but they could've done better. 8/10

Now, you can either get the boring CD with no hidden tracks, or you can get one of these three...

Red Plane

14. Time to Break Up- This is the one hidden track I haven't heard, so I can't give a review on this. I've heard it's good, though.

15. Mother's Day- Um...seeing as how it's only about 8 words repeated over and over (and most are vulgar), it's pretty bad. 4/10

Yellow Pants (this is the version I own, but I have the others downloaded, except for Time to Break Up)

14. What Went Wrong?- A good song about a relationship. Tom goes acoustic on this one, and has a sincerity in his voice that makes the song better. 9.5/10

15. F*** a Dog- Talking about things most of us normal people would find vulgar, this short track is "interesting" to say the least. 7/10

Green Jacket

14. Hold On- This is a good song, explaining everything you need to know about guys and girls. 8.75/10

15. When You F***** Grandpa- While somewhat comical, this song is pretty gross, but it's what can be expected from Blink. 6.75/10

So, all in all, this CD won't disappoint if you're a fan of Blink. But make sure a parent doesn't hear tracks 4 or 15 (no matter what version), and you might want to have them steer clear of Reckless Abandon, just to be safe. If you must, get the clean version, but the unedited is a lot better. Happy listening!


Definetely a Great Effort   July 17, 2001
 41 out of 43 found this review helpful

All Right. What I am going to say is not going to please to many people, But y'know What? I DON'T CARE, so here goes:

When Enema of the State was released, MTV struck once again. They took the songs from enema, overplayed their music videos on TRL, and effectively got Blink to be labled "pop". Now, Takeoff has been released, and features some of the best punk songs they've ever produced. Can anyone seriously say that after hearing "Anthem Part Two", "Roller Coaster", or "Give Me One Good Reason" that Blink is not still capable of Hi quality punk? If they can then they are kidding themselves. I guarantee you that if they heard the same exact songs coming out of NOFX, or MXPX, that they would consider it punk without question. Why? Because of the name. And for those who at this very moment are saying to themselves "this guy doesn't know what punk is," Some of my favorite bands include NOFX, No Use For a Name, and Rancid, so I think I know what I'm talking about. The fact of the matter is that MTV could make ANYTHING pop. Any song they play on TRL will become "pop." And, by the way, as for the term "teeny-bopper", (which all of you high And mighty "I don't listen to anything that is remotely popular" people use so easily), Anything that teens listen to en masse could be considered that. Are the majority of Greenday's fans Teens? I think so. How about Staind? hmm... Yup, them too. But do you see them being branded pop? of course not. Now, I will openly and freely admit that yes, Blink's style has changed over the past 7 years, but WHO DOESN'T?? Changing ones musical style is the sign of talent. Would you really be happy if Blink was putting music out that sounded just like Cheshire? I doubt it. Lastly, (I'm almost finished, I swear) as for the whole "Sell Out" thing that people keep yammering about, I have a question to ask: Do you see Blink 182 brand nail polish out there? How 'bout Commercials of them advertising shoes, or soda, or sporting equipment? Unless I'm gravely mistaken, (which I'm not) the answer is no. This Cd is excellent, combining powerful, serious lyrics in the forms of Anthem Part two, Story of a lonely Guy, and Stay Together For The Kids, Songs about falling in and out of love, like The Rock Show, Online Songs, First Date, and Please Take Me Home, and two joke songs. The Songs are all excellent in their own way, each with a different message, and each with an excellent punk hook. Stay Together for the Kids has to be my favorite, as I can relate to it, and paints a truly vivid picture of a family that is falling apart. An excellent buy for any Blink OR punk fan. I also recommend Cheshire Cat, and Dude Ranch, which are both outstanding punk albums. The one problem with this cd is that I have to find the other four bonus songs and listen to them (I have the Red version).

The bottom line is to get over the name, and listen to the music. Instead of trying to impress people with how you don't conform all that, just listen to what you like!! If you don't like this cd, don't listen to it. If you think it's the best thing ever, listen to it. But, for the love of God, Don't get all high and mighty about what is "pop" and what isn't. You all may now click the "Not helpful" Button at will. That's ok, I didn't write this to be popular, just to make myself heard. Have a nice day.


Don't slam this record unless you truly appreciate the genre   November 20, 2001
 23 out of 26 found this review helpful

I want to start my review on a bit of a negative tone, but I need to say what needs to be said. For all the punk fans reviewing this album negatively and calling everyone who listens to it mindless drones you really need to wake up. Apparently it hasn't sunk in yet that pop punk and hardcore punk are two very different genres of punk. If you don't like it fine, but don't come on here pushing your opinions on everyone else who really can appreciate this record for what it is. Now that I cleared that up I can get down to my review, and to kick it off I'll let you know this is a great album by Blink 182. Personally I didn't enjoy "Enema of the state" except for a few tracks, but that's not because I dislike the music it was just my personal opinion. "Take off..." really satisfied me with it's great variety of songs and lyrics. Songs such as "Happy holidays...","First date", "The rock show" and "Please take me home" showcase Blink's ability to institute teenage toilet humor in with quality music. "Anthem Pt. 2", "Story of a lonely guy","Stay together for the kids","Reckless abandon","Give me one good reason" and "Shut up" prove to the world that this trio can write serious songs as well. For those who really do like pop punk and Blink 182 you'll find that you can truly appreciate this release by this ever so talented band.


Posers   June 15, 2001
 21 out of 38 found this review helpful

First of all, I'd like to start off by saying that the only thing I despise more than 12 year old girls liking Blink-182 is you posers that say you have been down with the band since their "Buddah Days". Buddah was initially realeased in the early 90's as a cassette with a distribution of only 1000 copies. The Buddah you can buy on CD was released in '99 (not that long ago you fools). I first heard Blink-182 the summer before my Junior year in high school, I was 16 years old. I am now 21 and after listening to this CD, I am reminded why I loved this band so much. It reminds me of Dude Ranch musically and Cheshire Cat lyrically. It does lack the D.I.Y. feel of those albums though. Enema of the State is a failure. It does not deserve to be called a punk CD. It is very overproduced and I have a feeling the Blink-182 boys really did not put forth their best effort. One more thing, much props to Travis, but I think the band was at their best with Scott Raynor at the drums. Call me nostalgic but it's true. Those who understand this review will appreciate it.


Punk?... Who are you people   June 15, 2001
 20 out of 38 found this review helpful

It seems as though the majority of people who decided to write reviews on this cd have no clue what "punk" is. Well let me fill all of you in... THIS CD IS NOT PUNK! Now, I'm a blink fan from way back and I've liked all the stuff Buddah, Cheshire, even up to Enema. But this cd is.. is.. beyond explination. I don't think they sold out, and I don't think they got back to thier roots. I just think they went into the studio with some crappy songs, hoping to re-make some of the money that they must have lost on the live album. With the exception of Travis (always be Barron Von Tito to me) Barker this album lacks the display of talent and straight ahead rockin out that I have always loved to hear from Blink. Now there's lots of post production crap and strange distortions... SCREW IT ALL. Rock out like you mean it don't throw it together and put your picture on it so you can sell it to 12 year old girls and call yourself a sex symbol.... so.. in conclusion I only have to say that I am not going to see blink live when they come to KC and if they put out another piece of garbage like this.... DON'T CALL IT PUNK!! Get off your butts and go buy some NOFX. They've been punk since before most of you could walk.