There’s only one name on everyone’s mind when the question of pop punk music merch dominance comes up. Only Blink 182 can claim to take the top spot in the genre in the US and internationally. There is no question that the band is among the few real outstanding artists among a sea of obvious posers, copycats and wannabes.
Blink 182 is so much on top of its genre that the group is generally regarded as a major influential force that has shaped the music of countless other bands. The numerous recognitions that the group has received are proof of their enduring influence.
Excellent Discography
At present, Blink 182 has five studio albums, four video albums and one compilation and live album each, with a total of 21 singles and 3 extended plays. Cheshire Cat was the debut album released in 1994, the year the band was formed. It was not successful although it was the start of fame for the band and its music. Dude Ranch, which was released in 1997, attained moderate success.
Enema of the State, debuted with a spot in Billboard 200′s top ten. The song “All the Small Things” peaked at number 1 in the Hot Modern Rock Track charts, making it the most successful.
Despite their popularity though, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket which came out in 2001 became the only number one Blink 182 album in the US. The band’s eponymous album released in 2003 only managed to reach top three in the Billboard 200. Nonetheless, this piece of work is widely regarded as the group’s definitive work.
A sixth album is in the works for 2010 adding to the Blink 182 discography. It can be modestly said that the music scene awaits the latest collaboration between the band members of this popular band, which has sold over 25 million albums globally.
Constancy in Composition
Bassist Mark Hoppus and guitarist Tom DeLonge are the group’s vocalists and songwriters. They are the original 1994 members of Blink 182. Drummer Scott Raynor however who originally handled drums for the group left in 1998. Today, Travis Barker is on the drummer’s seat and shares the spotlight with the band’s two other members.
Undoubtedly, the good music that Blink 182 provides is the major reason for its popularity. The staying power of the group however is often also pinned on the fact that the members share strong personal and professional bonds. This has led to a number of important merits:
• Teen Choice Awards – Choice Rock Group (2000), Best Rock Group (2001) and Choice Love Song (2004) for “I Miss You”
• MTV Video Music Awards – Best Group Video (2000) for “All the Small Things” in addition to other nominations for Video of the Year and best Pop Video
• MTV Europe- Best New Act (2000) and Best Rock Act (2001)
Although the music of Blink 182 has been variously described as pop punk, punk rock, punk revival and skate punk, one thing is not in question. Its music is as relevant today as it was more than a decade ago in terms of teen angst. This group will definitely have their band posters on fan walls for years to come.