Greatest Hits [CD + DVD] [CD+DVD] [Explicit Lyrics]

The songs are listed in chronological order of release, and represent most of their popular singles, even though they weren’t all certified hits. Included of course are their biggest trademark songs, 1999’s “What’s My Age Again” and “All the Small Things” from the album Enema of the State, as well as “Feeling This” and my favorite “I Miss You” from their untitled 2003 album. There are also two “new” songs - “Not Now” recorded for the untitled album, but only included in the UK version as a bonus, and “Another Girl, Another Planet” a cover of the song by British Rock & Roll band “The Only Ones” and the theme song of Travis’ reality show “Meet the Barkers”.

Although blink-182 is one of the most popular punk/rock groups around, it’s uncertain whether there will be any more albums in the future seeing that they are on a “break”. This album showcases their best work, and is a good choice, especially if you don’t have the earlier albums.

Amanda Richards

'Carousel' is sadly unremixed, leaving the cringey Tom Delonge vocals of the early 90s to give a false start to the album (I always felt this song was crying out to be re-recorded for a third time). Luckily, it picks up from here, and my only gripes are;

1) 'Wasting Time' should have been on here instead of the unappealing 'Josie'. It's just a much better song, simple as that.

2) 'Carousel' should have had its lyrics re-recorded (as above). Tom can actually sing now, he must be so ashamed when he listens back. The live version on the Mark, Tom & Travis Show album shows what an amazing song this is when sung in tune.

3) Although released as a single proper, I still think that 'Down' is Blink's weakest one. Indeed, I've seen clips of them writing the song online, and felt it was a MUCH better song in acoustic form. I think that 'Anthem Part 2' or the criminally underrated 'Story Of A Lonely Guy' (from TOYPAJ) would have been better.

4) 'Go' was a very average song in studio form, so why a BBC session of it was actually recorded, let alone included on the greatest hits album is beyond me! I'd have the rare, yet amazing song 'What Went Wrong?' in its place any day.

These minor points apart, this is a treat of a purchase. If only 4 tracks' inclusion can be questioned, then it speaks volumes for the quality of the rest of the album. Press play, sit back and take a journey through time with blink-182 as your guide. They say you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone, and with blink-182, never a truer word was said. Here's hoping that the Delonge/Hoppus misunderstanding turns out to be merely a break for blink, and not a break-up. Failing that, Plus Forty Four and Angels & Airwaves will have a hard act to follow, let alone emulate. Never forget.