Reviews (page 5 of 13)
Edgy skate punk with enough energy to make you forget the rough parts. Come Out and Play and Self Esteem are the major hits in this one, but the rest of the album is also great, just missing the catchy hooks and melodies needed to become popular. Not quite good enough for 5 stars, but close.
Fast passed frenetic album that has some great songs but maybe just not enough ch change of tempos for how long the album is.
Brings back fond memories of hearing this album for first time. Few memorables songs with great energy, but not much creativity and eventually the next song sounds similar to the previous.
I see Offspring as more punk pop, not really punk, but yes, it's catchy. I prefer their sound in later years and this album kind of wavers into just white noise for me at times. But, "Self Esteem" is on here, and that is such a classic. Just the title already captures so much of that teenage angst, but then there's the guitar riff/wah/las that open up the track, and then driving bass that is keeping it all together. And then the key change/bridge section. The lyrics "The more you suffer, the more it shows you really care. Right?" are universally felt too. There is also some interesting jamming going on in the last track that I appreciate.
this was a good romp, I had fun listening to it. Energy from the beginning to the end. Not much to say on the lyrics though, they felt vacuous but maybe I didn't hear something good
Great memories of this album growing up. Still holds up today. Great energy and a lot of fun
I love the offspring! This is one great album! It's not my favorite but I still love it! Such good old school punk!
4/5. Hate the gimmicky talking parts :(
last song sucked ass. rest of the album was good tho.
85% Best: Bad Habit; Gotta Get Away; Come Out and Play; Self Esteem; Smash Must-Hear? Sure
Love this record. As far as I’m concerned, Offspring could have started and finished their career with Smash (Ignition was good too, but no Smash); after that, I lost a lot of interest as Offspring really started to pander to their audience and seemed very concerned with writing hits to get them on TRL, but Smash is awesome.
Fantastic album, reminds me of playing the original UT on my PC, as I had this as the background music!
Man, this thing still holds up surprisingly well. Radio hits are still good IMO, and most of it is pretty damn listenable. Wikipedia lists it as punk, but I'd call it crossover punk. 4.5 stars on this one. Makes me want to dig back through The Offspring's catalogue.
Not my favorite album ever, but it came along in my formative days, and I still have a lot of it not just memorized, but down to instinct.
Not only punk sell-outs, but punk doctors and punk hot sauce salesmen. Dexter Holland and the Offspring’s journey may have been unconventional, but it was a “Smash” early on. I can’t stand “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy),” but “Self-Esteem” and “Come Out and Play” are fun punk even if lacking in some of the rawness and authenticity of the genre. They feel already built for rock radio, even at this pre-major label stage in their career. That they signed with Columbia after “Smash” and then became progressively blander over time is no surprise in hindsight, though “Ixnay on the Hombre” has some decent tracks, particularly “Gone Away,” which might be my favorite Offspring song. Anyway, “Smash” was and remains a fun, raucous guilty pleasure full of palatable punk and suburb-friendly rage-lite.
One of the rare occasions that I like a band more now than I did when I first heard them.
Extra star for the nostalgia factor
Great album
Onhan tää hyvä poppunk-levy! Selft Esteem on megakova biisi edelleen. Kunnon melodiat ja ajoo vaan. 4/5
I hope to God that there’s someone here that played Crazy Taxi enough to have the songs “All I Want” and “Way Down the Line” etched into their memory banks alongside Bad Religion. Hell, that drum beat at the end of Smash takes me back to the menu theme for the home port of the game. I’m just laying this here, since Ixnay on the Hombre is most than likely not gonna be here. But it’s shows that The Offspring kinda built a nostalgic place in my heart, so I’m pretty biased. Listening to this, I kinda get the whole “sounding like Nirvana” thing. But the punk style of the Offspring definitely sets it apart and Dexter Holland certainly doesn’t come off like Kurt Cobain. It’s just a nice relic of the type of music that saw the limelight in the nineties. It’s fun, frantic and even delves into a serious issue or two. It’s not my personal favorite from the band, but it’s still a good time. Favorite track: Self Esteem Other hits: Come Out and Play, Gotta Get Away, Genocide, What Happened to You?, Not the One, Smash
Voice is a bit grating but it was a fun album with lots of undeniably catchy songs. Was surprised by how much I enjoyed the album. Favorite songs: Self Esteem Bad Habit 8/10
Well that was a plain good time. I never listened to them when I was 12, but if I had, I imagine it would have gone well. The dudes voice is very close to being annoying, but it works. Album cover: (A-) It kinda sucks but also rules. This would look very at home in a zine.
"Nitro (Youth Energy)" is a great start. There's nothing complicated about this. You'll have your whiny 90s punk for dinner and you'll like it. WHEN I GO DRIVING I STAY IN MY LANE. I listened to this song so much in High School. Offspring were high on the roster on my 120GB iPod classic. If I close my eyes I can see the wintery suburbs passing by through the school bus window. "Come Out and Play" is iconic. The little riff near the beginning (you know the one) is so great. "Self Esteem" is the other big hit from the record. It's probably one of the first Offspring songs I heard after "Pretty Fly For a White Guy". "What Happened to You" is an extremely "The Offspring" song. The bouncy guitar and the harmonies are great. I don't know why I love Bryan Holland's voice so much. My logical brain can see that his singing is annoying and whiny, but my 90s/00s punk lizard brain loves it. It isn't art, but it sure is fun. 8/10
hell yea man
Better than I remembered
Smashing
Loved it, but I'm biased as I love their album Americana already
+1 for nostalgia
Gen X pop punk is the American version of the long nineties. Turns out there’s a lot of collapsing middle class families in a nation.
I liked this so much more than I thought i would. Just such awesome energy
I have in the past dismissed this band as just an other run of the mill pop punk band of the era, never really paying too much attention to them. I can't say I've ever taken this genre of music too seriously, though the recent resurgence in music clearly inspired by this era has me rethinking my stance. However it isn't something I've taken too much of a deep dive into. Looking at this as a potential start of a new appreciation for this type of music. Going into this with an open mind, expecting to hear something interesting. Time to Relax That's an absolutely unhinged intro. Unrated/5 Nitro (Youth Energy) Really like the guitar riff here. Also dig the energy of the drums. A short but sweet track that immediately throws you into the album with a fast tempo and an unrelenting energy. The howling vocals pumps you up for what's about to follow. Decent. 3.5/5 Bad Habit Great buildup. The vocals are really unique. Fits really well with the blood pumping chorus. Catchy. Has a lot of charisma. Great. 4.5/5 Gotta Get Away There's a messy garageiness to the instrumental here that's quite fun. Don't love the verses, really don't like the cadance of the vocals. The chorus however works decently well. I really like the fuzzy guitar. Fine. 3/5 Genocide Has some classic punk era energy to it. Especially some of the guitar parts and the general sound of the drums. The chorus is decently effective. Lyrically it's nothing to write home about, there are some questionable lines here that bring down the quality a bit. Decent. 3.5/5 Something to Believe In Really like the way the verse is set up. Has a very interesting structure to it. Love the post chorus guitar passage. Great bass on the bridge. The lyrics are straight forward and easy to follow. Decent chorus. Good. 4/5 Come Out And Play Interesting change in instrumentation with the surf style guitar. Works surprisingly well for this style. Memorable chorus. Great pre chorus. Just all round a fun listen. Great. 4.5/5 Self Esteem Fun bassline. Feels like an archetypical song of this genre. Reject self pity anthem, feels fairly standard for this syle. Honestly kinda works. Can understand why it's popular. Angsty and edgy with plenty of attitude. Makes me cringe, but in a fun awkward way. Very memorable chorus. Aggressively 90's. Great. 4.5/5 It'll Be A Long Time Love the energy. The lyrics tell a story as old as time itself, still relevant today. Love how the tempo gradually increases towards the chorus. Decent. 3.5/5 Killboy Powerhead A bit of a forgettable punk rock track. Doesn't detract from the tracklist, but doesn't exactly stand out. Has a fast tempo and an alright chorus. Performed with the energy you might expect from the rest of the album. Average. 2.5/5 What Happened to You? Love how it gets into the action the moment it starts. Fun instrumental, I like the guitar solo. The uptempo contrasts to the dark theme of the lyrics. Doesn't waste time. Good. 4/5 So Alone Feels a bit unfinished. Would be interesting to hear a full length track of this. As it stands the themes of the lyrics come across pretty clearly, though I think it could've been expanded upon. Average. 2.5/5 Not The One That's a great start. Thoughtful and concise lyrical themes. Love that bassline. The vocals are performed with a logmt of gusto and flavour. Good. 4/5 Smash I like a lot of the guitar playing on this song. The lyrics are whatever. Decent verse melody. I find the inclusion of a hidden track kinda charming - A relic of a bygone era. Decent. 3.5/5 Myself five years ago would've laughed at even considering giving this a decent score. Back then I'd probably dismiss this for not being "artsy" or "organic" enough, dismissing its commercial success as a point against it. Today I feel quite different, yeah it's not exactly high art, but not everything needs to be. Music can be so many things, and one of those is entertaining. And this album is that. It's catchy, it's energetic and it's fun as hell. With large choruses and fuzzy guitars, as well as attitude filled unique vocals it sticks out as memorable and charming. And while I can't give it full score, as there is the problem here and there, I can't dock it too many points as it achieves pretty much what it tries to achieve. If we're to talk about problems, my main issues stem from the lyrics that at times are either a bit awkward, simply poorly written or maybe a bit sparse. This leaves some of the larger moments on the album occasionally falling a bit flat. I'd also say the spoken word is really unecessary, adding nothing to the experience. Overall I'm surprised by this experience, and while not life changing in any way I could see myself returning to it for the occasional listen when I'm feeling an itch for some 90's angst. 3.5/5 Leaning slightly closer to a 4/5.
Great album. This came onto the scene and didn't sound like anything else. "Come out and Play" painted a grim picture in a funny light. And "Self Esteem" highlights the nature of that relationship you just cant escape. Dexters voice (and intelligence) makes this a band to listen to.
Fun
The Offspring rips. The last 5 min of silence is a little odd though.
The Offspring is one of those bands that I like sometimes and other times just find a bit tiresome. They usually have high energy which I like and the tracks on this album are no exception. The album contains a few of their all time biggest hits, but a lot of the other songs disappeared a bit for me. A lot of them sounded similarly enough that I probably wouldn't be able to pick them out. Standouts Come Out and Play Self Esteem What Happened to You? 4/5
This surprisingly really hit the spot and kept me awake for my drive home yesterday
Solid punk-rock album, I liked the voice that came in occasionally that was entertaining. The lyrics were pretty solid especially on the more popular tracks, and the instrumentation had a nice flair to it which kept the album interesting. If I had to critique this I would say it’s a pretty traditional sounding punk-rock album, so it doesn’t really offer anything special sound-wise. Favorite Tracks: Self Esteem, Come Out and Play, and Gotta Get Away.
"Ah, it's time to relax" hahaha... what a great album. The riffs are great, vocals are fun, the narration is funny, the secret song is soooo cool, and so many of these songs I was BLASTING in high school. I think this album could benefit from maybe more variety, but overall....sooo good. "Come Out and Play" and "Self Esteem" are ICONIC. Liked Songs: "Nitro (Youth Energy)" , "Bad Habit" , "Gotta Get Away" , "Something to Believe In" , "Come Out and Play" , "Self Esteem" , "It'll Be a Long Time" , "What Happened to You?" , "So Alone"
Full of energy and dissidence, some felt too 90’s to really enjoy, but some of it really holds up
Good album, Offspring's BEST IMHO!
FINALLY SOME GOOD FUCKING FOOD omg after like 5 consecutive albums of shitty 60s rock bands, I needed some actual bangers. The Offspring makes me think of the imaginary boyfriend I had when I was 14 who was a punk-skater-pianist, so I love it. Miss him dearly.
There’s a funny thing that happens listening to an Offspring album. Despite the high energy, shouty vocals, it’s so on par for them as a band and always quite consistent in what they put out that somehow it is easy listening. It never feels forced and while there’s always a bit of comedy/whimsy, it gets the balance right, for me anyway. I reckon you’re either into it or you aren’t, as it’s a highly homogenous album and I’m hard pushed to pick out individual tracks barring those I knew already, but it just works.
The Offspring were at the forefront of the 90s punk revival and this excellent album shows why. There's not a bad track on it.
It's the Offspring. It's fun. It's catchy. Has some great songs, not as many as later albums, but everything is still massively enjoyable.
The nostalgia is strong with this one. I was 13 when this came out and it feels like it was genetically engineered to imprint directly onto my adolescent brain but here in the year 2025 it doesn't quite measure up to those memories. Like a lot of kids of the era, Smash was my entry point into punk but this didn't really stick with me for the journey. There's a lot of other big punk albums that came out circa 93-95 by NOFX/Rancid/Pennywise/Green Day/etc, that i'd rather listen to these days, but a few of these songs are stone cold classics and still grace my playlists today. Smash also deserves a ton of credit for being such a big hit that it afforded Epitaph records the ability to release a bunch of other great punk music over the years that it might not have had otherwise. 4/5 rose-coloured nostalgic stars, drawn directly onto my social studies binder during study hall.
From my formative years.
4/5
Way better than Dookie.
had a really great time with this. awesome guitars
Very nice album.
If you were going to pick an album from The Offspring for this list, it would probably be this one. Smash is the album that broke the band into the mainstream, propelled by the success of its singles, and helped usher in a resurgence of punk rock music in the wake of grunge. If anything, Smash shares characteristics with Green Day's Dookie and Rancid's ...And Out Come the Wolves, which did well during this time. They're all enjoyable with guitar riffs aplenty, punching percussion, notable basslines, and the attitude and production that feels like opening a time capsule to what the skate culture was like in the mid-90s. Dexter Holland, Noodles, Greg. K and Ron Welty weren't looking to get that ambitious with this record, instead sticking to what they knew, as they weren't expecting the raging success they got. There are hints of a more melodic hardcore approach they might have taken, such as on "Genocide" and "It'll Be a Long Time", but overall, they stuck to their guns and made a fun record. Though I'll freely admit, I'm getting tired of hearing "Self Esteem". Don't get me wrong; the guitar and bass lines on this track are iconic. But Dexter's passive-aggressive lyrics about being stuck in an abusive relationship just feel diffuse to me, which may be the point of the song, but does not mean I enjoy it. I'll take "Come Out and Play" and "Gotta Get Away" any day of the week. What else can I say except Smash lived up to its title, which is again something not even the band expected. Props to them.
Wasn't at all familiar with The Offspring. Really punky and fun album. Lots of swearing :'(
This is really hard to evaluate. On face value they have some strong songs but the 5 star system is hard to evaluate as flip flop between 3 and 4 stars as the score is not granular enough. My reasoning for the strong score would be they are primarily a punk band. I grew up on The Offspring and lapped up their more mainstream fair which is more moderate punk and dimminished their essence despite me liking some of it arguably better. This album is more pure and natural for the band. There is no gloss and they bounce along like tigger on speed. To me this is no different to the Pixies, or Ash or dare I say Neil Young (different genre but same principle). The lead singer in the offspring cant sing to save his life as far as I can tell to my untrained ear and seemingly thrashy at times but it works in the context of their bands music and style. I can see why it has a polarising effect like the other bands I mentioned all for different reasons but they come out on the better end of the scale for me in spite of it almost. One persons micky mouse (Neil Young) is anothers Nightingale. To confirm for the record I like Pixies, Ash and The Offspring. Neil young less so he is a whinning little ear worm.
I've had a real soft spot for the offspring since manually adding 'Splinter' to the radio on GTA 3. They are a bit of a one trick pony but they do it so well with such an infectious energy that I always find myself smiling along. No different with this album which sounded exactly as I was expecting it to but I enjoyed it from start to finish. 'Self Esteem' was a highlight and I thought it was more slightly more nuanced than the rest of the album and I liked the scar sound of 'What Happened to You?'. I accept that they aren't defining any genres or breaking new musical ground, but it's a fun and energetic poppy punk-rock album and for some reason I can't help but enjoy it.
Transported back to the 90s. Have to admit I didn’t realize how important of a band The Offspring were not that their most famous song was actually about race riots. 4/5
I'm a fan of slightly later Offspring, but this album is still a solid listen with mostly good songs and few greats. 4*
I discovered this right as I was starting to play bass and learned each song by ear by repeatedly listing to it over and over again. When I got an acoustic guitar I went back and learned them all over again. I remember playing self esteem with my band in front of our school. Looking back, it was definitely pseudo punk for the masses but it was hard baked into my dna before I realized.
Not quite as iconic of a 90s album as Americana, but still a mostly solid album
Still works
Actually fairly listenable
Love it! Early u2 and mysticism of the doors
Was not time to relax, did not listen via compact disk on my stereo, did not soothe my savage beast. Punk bangers from start to finish, a very fun listen. The kind of music that would probably change my life were I to see it live.
Bangers. Loved this album
More US punk is it.. les go i guess Spoken intro into SHOUTING is a big sell so far Oh i am liking this. Maybe the entire purpose of this website/project is to make me listen to American guitar lads. Guitar guys. Might need to make a cd of this so I can drive 80mph through a school zone. Okay this rocks .if anything it goes on a bit .. I'm still waiting for the bonus track to jumpscare me.. but otherwise I'm absolutely sold nice one.
When you say back to high school. Lead singer is a badass!
6. The intro to the album is kinda funny. I am very nostalgic for this genre of music, this is the kinda music that plays in video games I grew up with, They literally take up half the songs in Crazy Taxi. It's the kind of music that is loud and annoying on purpose, maybe for attention, and I love it. Overall this is a great punk rock album and would be glad to listen to again. Favorite Song: Come Out and Play Least Favorite Song: Killboy Powerhead Overall Score: 7/10
Cool
I remember this album and reminds of my teenager time.
Yes, worth it here. Yes. Sarcastic elbows will complain about the shouting and give it a lower mark. Yes it’s not terribly deep. But it’s fun. And given its surprising success, is a decent artifact of punk in the mid nineties. 3.5
Klassiker
I do think they are growing on me. They certainly have a deeper meaning on a lot of their songs than originally thought.
Not a punk guy but they packed a punch in some of their songs
Okay, love parts of this album. "Come Out and Play" is one of their best songs, takes me back to middle school. "Self Esteem" is another straight banger. Love the fast and furious, really punk feeling songs in the middle. I think the lyrics of most punk bands are really undervalued, which is especially true of The Offspring. This is not the best punk album of the time (I think Dookie is better) nor is it The Offspring's best album (Let the Bad Times Roll is). But it is a very solid album. Don't love the long silence leading into a secret song at the end, but it is very 90's. Only reason this isn't a 5 is cause I know they have better albums, and while I agree this should be on the list, I don't think it is 5 star worthy.
normally punk is not my scene & usually only a song or 2 at a time, but I enjoyed this listen. good variation & not just the super fast banging drums & heavy guitar. like that lyrics have some depth & even some humor.
LA LA LALALAA LA LA LALALA
Yeh self esteem is the tune and the rest is no doubt offspring, maybe a low 4. Sound but no Americana and I probably won't be back.
Honestly don't know if this that great or it just takes me back to a time when I thought this album was great
Loved the sweeping power chords of this post punk group. It's a first listen for me but I think i will revisit it at some other time..to get the most from it!
I grew up with the offspring and always loved them (particularly Americana) but I’d never listened to this end to end. I really enjoyed this one. I know some people don’t consider them “high brow” but they have their place in music and have done so successfully. Self esteem is an absolute bop and their little musical intros and outros and interludes are funny. I would for sure listen to this on my own
Love the offspring. High energy, fun album. Only one song has a slow intro that kind of ruins the flow. I will admit that I'm hindsight, one song can be hard to distinguish from another in a few instances
Bangers present, I give it 4/5.
Solid. I’d have to be in the mood for it but very well done
J’ai toujours aimé The Offspring comme un plaisir coupable. Leur côté baveux et juvénile me fait rire, leurs pièces restent en tête
This is great driving rock with a little bit of fun mixed in. You'd think you might get tired of the singer but not so.
3.5
Couple good songs and a bit more to blend it together, funny intro and outro though.
I enjoyed the hell out of this album when it came out, back when I was 20. I haven't listened to it in its entirety for quite a while, so I was a bit apprehensive that it wouldn't hold up. But I still enjoy it. The just-refined-enough punk energy, the alternating serious and humorous lyrics combine to make a fun, entertaining album.
Relentlessly heavy while still being upbeat and catchy. So much energy from a band making the music they want to make. Love a hidden track as well
This is admittedly all nostalgia for me. If I had never heard this album before I don’t think I’d like it as much. But I have so many memories, good and bad, from high school attached to it that I can still revisit this one from time to time and enjoy it. I’ll give it a 4 for the awkward teenager trapped in some dark corner of my mind.
This album has a special place in my heart. I had a lot of emotional events happening when this came out, and this was on my life's soundtrack. Very nostalgic. I actually like their album before this one, Ignition, better. This one s a bit more refined. Their first album is nice and raw, too. I can't really listen to anything after this one, as I think they just turned to shit. Genocide, Something to Believe In, and Not the One are favorites. Solid 4 from me.
For me not being much of a punk fan, I feel like this is a punk album for people who are not that into punk, if that makes any sense. I guess really it's pop punk with catchy melodies and hooks that can appeal to a wider audience. Maybe a real punk connoisseur might not like Offspring, but to me this album is just more digestable than the hardcore punk because of it's melodic appeal. I always liked this album more than Green Day who I thought at the time was their counterpart. There's so many singable parts on this album and the singer has a very recognizable voice. I am going to guess that they were influenced by the Ramones.
Great album. No misses.
Before Elon Musk was “moving fast and breaking shit”, The Offspring did exactly that in the 90s - and this album is the perfect encapsulation of that. Except unlike Musk, the Offspring don’t completely fucking suck
decent melodic punk
I’ve never been a huge fan of Dexter, which is a shame because his vocals are probably Offsprings’ most distinctive feature. There’s always been something disingenuous about his “punkness” that rubbed me the wrong way. Plus he has sort of a punchable face, which might be more of a personal problem than anything else. That being said… Smash is probably the definitive mid-90s pop punk album. This and Dookie are the albums that created the safe space for bands like Blink-182 and Sum-41 to really take off. I’m not a huge fan of the biggest hits off of Smash. Bad Habit has got to be my favorite of them all, since in my opinion the Offspring is best when they are full-octane, rather than focused on writing hits. This is undoubtedly their best work and what was to come would be some of the worst, cringiest work of the late 90s. 3.8/5
Skate punk classic
Great stuff
Great album. Steady sound, fun vibe, and a few classics that I love.
- The most 'yeah's per capita of any band. - Have always enjoyed the raw sound of the Offspring over their 90s punk contemporaries (like Green Day); the underlying hint of violence that comes from Holland's vocals gives me the same thrill as the Sex Pistols. - A lot of super solid tracks here ("Nitro," "Bad Habit," "Gotta Get Away," "Self Esteem"). But while they do a good job if mixing up rhythms and tempos, sometimes even mid-song, their songs do eventually start to blend together. - "Come Out and Play" is catchy as fuck. But having that be their breakout when they are a very white band essentially calling out observed black gang violence...not the best.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this given the genre is not generally to my taste. Wouldn't put it on repeat but really a nice surprise
Classic.
Pretty solid
One of my foundational bands and this is them at the height of their sound. Funny, angry, but still listenable
Classic 90's.
More of a 3.5 but high school university me loved it.
The perfect amount of screaming
If you're going to listen to pop punk, make it The Offspring.
Banger
The most tony hawk pro skater album to ever tony hawk pro skater
Like this one more than anticipated! The vocals are unique and definitely a highlight. Stand out was "come out and play" for me.
Solid effort into the pop punk fray
When you think iconic albums of the 90s, this one pops up for sure. The Offspring were essential in bringing more palatable punk music to the masses. Some great tracks on this album and really not a bad one. The cover art is great too and very recognizable. I hope we get a good 90s run from the list going. Been looking to own this album on vinyl for a while now...3.63.
The Offspring kick ass. Smash rocks pretty much from start to finish. 'Nuff said. Give me more solid 90's rock and I'm going to love it every time. The Offspring had an pretty incredible run in the 90's that is often overlooked and deserves another look. I look forward to (hopefully) at least one more entry from them. 3.69 stars
Good energy a bit rough and loud
I had a lot of fun. This is how pop punk should sound! Low 4 for this one. I hear a lot of Nirvana in it and it’s pretty basic stuff but still 47 minutes of nonstop fun
Fav song: Self Esteem Classic punk album from one of the GOATs of American punk music. Shame how hard they fell off later in their career but it doesn’t stop this album from being legendary.
not the best Offspring but it was my gateway album.
This was the album that really introduced the Offspring to the world. Perfect post punk from 1994. Still a good listen when I'm in the mood for uptempo, angsty rock.
Some albums from the 90s feel like they couldn't be made today and this is likely one of them. There are some questionable scenarios here that would likely be problematic today, but those songs still do enjoy good bit of radio time today too. For as much as I listened to this album back in the day, I don't remember a lot of these songs, but I also think I probably had it stuck on repeat for "Come out and Play" the whole time, partly because it was my favorite, partly so my mom didn't hear some of the other songs. For me now there are 3 solid tracks I'll be adding to my playlist and maybe a 4th. Is this the best album in the world? No. Did it age well? Not really. But the band has a unique place in the timeline here and are still around today. Props to them for having something so immature last so long. Don't get me wrong I'm also immature and why I've got several songs on my playlist today. Favorite track "Come out and Play" 3.5/4
4.38
Got this album at my 14th birthday party. Think my friend Tom got it for me. Still shreds. "Self Esteem" is my favorite. Also, funny story. An old boss of mine, when writers would talk about combining posts — and losing the opportunity for the traffic that would come from two different headlines — would always say: "You gotta keep 'em separated."
I love this album. It was one of the first ones I bought as a young kid learning to find my own music. I set it aside after a while, but for some reason it has come back into my life lately. I love the hard punk edge. I love Dexter Holland's piercing voice. The messages remind me of some of life's events when I was in college, but some of the other songs seem pretty relevant in today's world too...
This is a great punk album that crossed into mainstream and remained punk. It's also a band that I have never checked out beyond this album, so shame on me. I'll do that now.
Another pleasant surprise. I knew the singles, but had always avoided the album, assuming it would be rather jejune. Which it is, but it’s also energetic and fun, not too serious or taxing, and an overall good time.
downloaded 3,4,5,7&11
es bueno, el mejor es Conspiracy of One though
After several plays really got into this. Hard, brash and some great tunes.
Fun 90s punk
I know this group, but somehow I have never listened to their music. I liked the album and decided to listen to some more songs from this group and what was my surprise when I had already heard many of their songs. I recommend it to everyone - a great band and a great album.
Ljudet av mitt pojkrum. Till skillnad från en del andra skivor som gick varma i de tidiga tonåren (typ RATM) så falnade glöden inför musiken med åren. Även om Self Esteem är en evig sing-a-long. En riktig klassiker i genren.
'Smash' by The Offspring remains a landmark in punk history, capturing the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the '90s. Released in 1994, it hit me like a freight train when I first heard it—its brash, high-octane sound was everywhere, from locker rooms to skate parks. The album's mix of razor-sharp riffs, infectious hooks, and unrelenting pace made it stand out, with tracks like "Self Esteem," "Come Out and Play," and "Bad Habit" becoming anthems of teenage frustration. The Offspring's tight musicianship, from Dexter Holland's snarling vocals to Greg K.'s relentless basslines, blended with Thom Wilson's production to create a sound that was both tight and raw, paving the way for the punk-pop era that would follow. While the album’s formula works wonders, it occasionally falls into repetition, especially toward the end. The band’s signature move of switching tempos mid-song can be a bit predictable. Still, this is a minor critique—the album’s energy never dips, and even the weaker tracks carry the same intensity. 'Smash' wasn't just a punk album; it was a cultural phenomenon that broke through mainstream consciousness, influencing bands like Blink-182 and Sum 41. Thirty years on, its status as the highest-selling independent album of all time speaks volumes about its lasting impact, proving that punk was never just for the underground.
Brings back memories of my youth. Although kinda commercialized punk, still nice to hear.
I like how the intro is like relax then goes into 90s hell yeah monster energy. Skate skate skate! Bad habit is actually so real lmao. I like the skate punk bangers more than the more poppy cuts. I hate hidden tracks but these ones are actually cool cause there basically just instrumentals of songs heard earlier on the album. It’s like a little treat or extra not a whole new song you have to slog through 5 minutes of silence to get through
if the beastie boys made punk rock instead
you gotta hand it to em
As someone who loves punk rock, Smash by The Offspring is an absolute gem. This album perfectly captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the genre while also showcasing the band's knack for catchy melodies and biting lyrics The first thing that strikes me about Smash is its relentless pace and attitude. Tracks like "Self Esteem" and "Come Out and Play" are iconic, with their unforgettable hooks and relatable themes. Dexter Holland’s vocals balance between melodic and angsty, which works brilliantly for the album's overall vibe. Noodles' guitar work is another standout, with riffs that are as gritty as they are memorable. Lyrically, the album tackles themes like disillusionment, social alienation, and personal struggle, all of which still feel relevant today. The energy in songs like "Gotta Get Away" and the title track, "Smash," feels authentic, and the mix of aggression and melody ensures the album stays dynamic from start to finish. Another highlight is the production. Despite being independently released, it sounds polished without losing that raw punk edge. The album flows well, and it’s easy to get lost in its high-energy beats and emotionally charged moments. if i had to If I had to nit-pick, some tracks, like "Something to Believe In," feel a bit overshadowed by the album’s heavy hitters. They’re not bad, but they don’t quite have the same punch as the standouts. Additionally, while Smash stays true to its punk roots, it occasionally borders on repetitiveness, especially if you listen to it all in one go If I had to nit-pick, some tracks, like "Something to Believe In," feel a bit overshadowed by the album’s heavy hitters. They’re not bad, but they don’t quite have the same punch as the standouts. Additionally, while Smash stays true to its punk roots, it occasionally borders on repetitiveness, especially if you listen to it all in one go. it delivers relentless riffs and relatable themes. While a few tracks feel overshadowed and slightly repetitive, its impact on punk is undeniable. A must-listen for fans, it’s a fiery reminder of why punk rock remains so electrifying.
Went into this expecting to be a big-time hater. Offspring (and pop punk by extension) have always been at odds with my personal tastes, and I've continually been turned off by Dexter Hamilton's voice. I am pleasantly surprised to say that not only is this album enjoyably consistent and relatable, but I actually have come around to tolerating Dexter's screeches. They're pretty great honestly but I never thought they were "bad" just not fer me, ya know? Like Geddy Lee haters. Also Forrest review Moving Pictures again. 4.5/5
I remember being a child going to the swap meet with my grandparents to sell they made. I don't remember where it was but it was somewhere south and hot. I was super bored and hated being there and walked around all day looking at stuff. For wahtever reason fell in love with a bonsai tree. There was a place there that sold bonsai trees and they made me feel a sense of wonder and whimsy that I can't explain. I asked the owner about them and caring about them and told me they can live for a long time if you cared for them. I I somehow managed to get one for 5 dollars and convincing my parents to get me it. I have a vivid memory of hearing Handlebars by Flobots in my grandpa's pickup truck while caressing the top of the tree. I can't remember what it looked like but the porcelain base of it. A blue paint on ceramic that was trying hard to look porcelain. I feel i also heard a song off this album on the way back but im not sure. It might have been a system of the down song. It doesn't really matter but I remember that listening to this and it was a wonderful memory.
I remember I was gap-yearing it out in the basement of one of my best friend (at the time)'s rental houses, and we had held the yearly tradition of our summer cook-out called the 'steak and bake', where we all cooked for each other and partied like none other. My friends' dad, relatively fresh post-divorce, picked up a stack of CDs I'd brought with me, and my boombox, as I was triaging through my first time making steamed shrimp dumplings. He picked up the recently purchased 'Smash', flipped the case over, nodded, and looked at me and said, 'you got some good shit', and then proceeded to next pick up 'Because The Internet' and stare at me strangely as I bastardized a hoisin sauce. Have some angst. 8/10
Had some fun grunge and Ska like elements. Not a 5 as there was some songs I didn't care for, like the 10 minute one that goes silent for a while
Aside from self esteem and come out and play I really liked it'll be a long time. A solid album if a bit repetitive but that's just their style so no points deducted.
Never disappointed by The Offspring.
I've come around on this album, which has aged well.
Great album, definitely some mediocre songs on this, but the hits were hugely successful at the time and still enjoyable today
Alternative rock; punk vibe. The Offspring always sounds kind of corny to me, but their songs are still lots of fun.
Good ol' 90s punk rock. How I've missed you.
Opened the door for the second wave of punk
One of my favorites from the 90s. the Offspring is perfect for getting into nostalgia of my youth.
Gear: Abyss DIANA MR Artwork: 🩻☀️🟧 Production: 🎧😐🆗 Music: 💯🍕🍔🌭🍻🛹🧷🤘 Rating: 🍺🍺🍺🍺/5
a bit spooky but loved the kinda punk rock vibe, a trend i’ve noticed with older music is the meaning and protest often nestled into the song.
You have to take this album at face value for what it is, punk music for skating aimed at teenagers/young adults in the 90s. And judging it in that way, its not that bad. Nothing groundbraking but not awful.
Love the Offspring!! I just listened to this one again a couple weeks ago. Really great skate punk with vocals that are equally compelling and shrill, and another grab bag of random influences thrown in. SMASH from me!
I'm not sure what hits so well for me with these guys but their energy ....their sound....takes me back
This was SO MUCH FUN! I went to see them in concert shortly before Covid shut everything down. I was looking for some nostalgia. The opener - Sum 41 - were very fun. The Offspring was... dull. Turns out all I needed to do was listen to this album.
One of best things to come out of the 90s grunge/skate-punk era. Already was well-acquainted with the bigger hits from this ("Come Out and Play" and "Self-Esteem" are a couple of my favorite 90s songs) but really liked the whole albums from start to finish.
High energy, pop punk goodness. Didn’t realize most of the songs I’d heard from this band were all from this one album!
A good hard rock record.
good
Really enjoyed this
Fantastic album!
It’s a vibe.
Don't normally like this kind of music, but this is very original and I like the narration touch;)
For some reason I thought The Offspring were a metal band. This is SO up my alley. Best track: Come Out and Play
I cannot deny how important this album was for a 10 year old me. Secretly passing around tapes and playing Bad Habit outside of adult earshot was a formative experience. Ultimately, the importance of this album overtime has waned and it hasn’t held up as well as Dookie (not helped by future Offspring forays into pop-rock) but for a moment this album was among the most important in the punk revival and I still go back to the singles still every now and then when I’m looking for a shot of nostalgia.
Ugh I am not doing a good job at this anymore. I don’t know what the stars mean to me. Hahah
Pretty good
This brings me back to days playing Crazy Taxi in the arcades. But for real, this is a really solid album. Good shit.
Some great bangers here!
Huge heap of nostalgia probably adding an extra star to this album for me. Still know all the words to the introduction! A couple of songs feel a bit ‘okay grandpa’ after 30 years but I enjoyed when I first listened and I enjoyed it as much this time around.
Very nearly a 5 star album but there are a couple of low points for me (often the tracks i enjoyed the most as a youth, like Come Out And Play). Nothing else they did touched the heights of this album. Alongside dookie this album represents the best of a certain wave of american punk that inspired a lot of rubbish (including further offerings from offspring and greenday).
Classic punk album. Self Esteem just stays a classic!
Degelijk grunge/punk album. Alleszins hun beste werk imo 4.1
not totally my style but cool to check out!
The Offspring used to shoot a fire hose into the crowds of their shows on hot days, and I remember getting hit point blank by the lead singer when I’d crowd-surfed to the base of the stage. Also, I’m sure I got a majority of my teenage speeding tickets because I drove a lot with this album in the CD changer. Interesting to be reminded that I used to be young and I used to be more of an asshole than I am now.
Quite pleasantly surprised. A very fun way to rock
You gotta keep 'em separated. This is a fun, angry pop-punk album with a couple great radio hits. Pretty solid throughout, except for those unfortunate cringe-inducing spoken bits.
Super funny album full of energy
Pretty solid complete album. A lot of emotion in it, but it might just be for nostalgic reasons for me. I’d listen to it again.
4 great album, loved the energy
Smash is the third studio album by the Offspring, originally released in 1994. This is a very solid pop punk album. These guys and Green Day are often credited with bringing that pop-punk sound to the mainstream. Although I feel like they have a different take on pop punk with this record. It's nothing like Green Day's sound. I feel like the Offspring take a lot of influence from 80s hardcore while Green Day took a lot from bands like Sex Pistols. I'm not super knowledgeable on punk so I may be completely wrong on this. I also hear a good amount of 90s alternative influence in this album, with very catchy hooks and even a tiny bit of that grunge-influenced sound. This album is pretty much perfect skate punk.
Bought this album and Dookie at the same time, both being my first CDs. As a duo these were huge for bringing 'punk' into the mainsteam. Whereas Dookie was full of hooks and leaned into the hooks and pop sheen, Smash maintained a harder edge, but still undeniably catchy. I was less inclined to let my parents hear me listening to this.
An all timer. Self Esteem only hits harder and harder as I get older
This is great loved every song was great thoroughly enjoyed all these songs. Especially the 10 minute title track 8-9/10
Basically generic nonsense. Very high-energy and fun though. Definitely worth listening to.
Strangely enjoyable
Nostalgic for me- holds up
This was a very nice flashback. Several bangers on here, and there was not much that was bigger in 1994 as “Self esteem”. Great summing and drive throughout. 4.25/5
This is a really good record. Outside of the two radio hits I had forgotten how straight up punk this album is. The songs are tight and brief and to the point and the overall feel is a nice tough group of songs. And to think it was all done with a $20K budget is impressive. I also had no idea that these guys were on indie Epitaph Records for this release which makes it even better, seeing that so many great bands are associated with that label. From Bad Religion to The Vandals and Descendants to Social Distortion to Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys. A perfect fit at the time. And revisiting this album confirms it is still a perfect legacy fit today.
Y’all ’member that movie Idle Hands? Offspring was playing at their prom and then the main character interrupted the set and they were telling him to get off the stage and then the hand came up and tore off Dexter’s scalp? That was awesome. Also, they did a great cover of I wanna be sedated in that movie. Also, Jessica Alba is in that movie and is amazingly hot in that movie. And that might be underselling it. Also, apparently Dexter has a PhD in molecular biology. Impressive. Anyways, this album rocks. La. La. la-la-la La. La. La-La-La….🤘
Punky, catchy nothing more to say really! Reminds me of being 12ish and thinking I was really cool 😎
Just Fun!
I liked this. Noisy and fun.
Some real good energy. Kinda shouty, but it fits the style. Come Out and Play was one of my favourites, so that was a nice hidden track.
One of the great 90s rock albums
Good ol' pop-punk. Brings me back to my early teens.
Similar to Green Day, The worst thing about the songs is they are 2-3 minutes. Conversely, that is also their strength. Fun slightly hyper pop punk.
I’ve never knowingly heard of this band or their music, but while listening through I kept thinking “why do I recognise this guys voice”…..then Self Esteem came on and the scales were lifted, great album.
Even better than I remember it being at the time. The start of an interest in punk rock which had taken off with Green Day’s Dookie. An interest that has morphed into modern day punk pop through daughter’s music tastes. You can follow a lot of today’s pop punk back to the time of this album and Dookie. Good to hear this one again.
Feels like they got lost in the sauce on some of these tracks, but overall these tracks go HARD. Also the sounds dont offer Tham much sonic variety, but again, they go HARD, so who cares?
Not bad
The Offspring er stadigvæk en fest, men den alligevel ikke ældet med ynde. Men stadigvæk en omgang drenget og glad i låget musik... Gutterne, og øl som ikke en gang skal være særlig kolde, så er det en fest igen.
Hård lyd. Punket tempo. Melodiske riffs. What’s not to like? Tja. Singlerne er jo fantastiske. Men på trods af utallige gennemlytninger så hænger resten af sangene bare ikke fast i min hjerne. Jeg nyder dem mens de spiller. Men puff så er de glemt igen. Derfor kan de ikke blive til mere en 4 meget store stjerne
This one brings me back to high school. I'm a fan of the Offspring and I remembered this being a high energy album. I never really paid attention to the lyrics of some of the less popular songs and didn't realize they had a relatively serious message.
LOADS of fun
did not think i would enjoy this but i actually really do. I think its interesting to listen to And i like the beat slightly repetitive but i think thats just always the case
Love it.
I have always loved this album. Even though it feels a bit like watered down punk, I'm not a fan of punk so for me that might be a good thing! I enjoy it as much now as I did when it came out so I'm going to give it a 4 (it's a 5 in my heart though). Fave Track: Self Esteem Rating: 4
I agree with the homie that said this is to punk rock what Taco Bell is to Mexican food. I like it, but I’m not proud of it, and it is certainly not authentic.
Good album
Sick
Maybe it's the nostalgia talking (where this album appeared on my brother's CD tower along with multiple of his friends), but I loved this. It held up far better than I thought it would. Had a great time listening to it, and actually hope to return in the future.
Bits were catchy
Listened to this album constantly back in the day. The only weak spot is “What Happened to You,” which clearly signaled what their sound was going to change to in the future, unfortunately.
yeah this was great, i loved the energy and the hidden track at the end, come out and play was the best song it’s amazing
3.49 rounding up to 4 I may be dumb but I'm not a dweeb. Good gym music to pump the iron to. If I had been still waking up today, probably would have been a 3.
### **Album Review: *Smash* by The Offspring** **Introduction:** Released in 1994, *Smash* is the third studio album by American punk rock band The Offspring. It was released on Epitaph Records, an independent label, and quickly became a landmark in the punk rock and alternative music scenes. With hits like “Come Out and Play” and “Self Esteem,” the album went on to sell over 11 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling independent album of all time. The album's success played a crucial role in bringing punk rock to mainstream audiences in the 1990s. ### **Lyrics:** The lyrics in *Smash* reflect a blend of angst, social commentary, and a rebellious spirit that resonates with the youth of its era. Dexter Holland, the band's frontman, often adopts a storytelling approach that captures the frustrations and disillusionments of young people. Tracks like "Bad Habit" and "Come Out and Play" address themes of road rage, gang violence, and social dysfunction. Holland’s lyrics don’t shy away from raw language or controversial topics; they confront the realities of urban life, alienation, and societal decay. "Self Esteem" is particularly notable for its introspective nature, dealing with themes of self-loathing and toxic relationships. The lyrics are both simple and effective, resonating with a broad audience while retaining a punk edge. However, the lyrical content, while reflective of the band's punk roots, sometimes lacks depth or nuance, often resorting to clichés or straightforward storytelling. Songs like "Genocide" and "So Alone" reflect on broader themes of nihilism and existential despair but do so in a way that feels somewhat repetitive. ### **Music:** Musically, *Smash* is an energetic blend of punk rock with a touch of alternative rock and metal influences. The album is driven by fast, aggressive guitar riffs, pounding drums, and catchy hooks. The guitar work by Noodles is one of the standout elements, characterized by its speed, precision, and occasional forays into surf-rock style melodies, particularly noticeable on tracks like “Come Out and Play.” The bass lines by Greg K. provide a solid foundation that adds to the album's raw, driving sound. The band's rhythm section is tight, with Ron Welty's drumming providing a dynamic range that shifts from rapid, hard-hitting beats to more restrained, groove-based patterns. This variety helps keep the album engaging throughout its 46-minute runtime. Songs like "Gotta Get Away" and "What Happened to You?" showcase a more melodic approach, incorporating reggae and ska rhythms into the punk framework, adding diversity to the album's sound. Despite its strengths, some critics argue that the album's musical formula can be somewhat repetitive. The high-tempo tracks often blur into one another, and while the band’s sound is consistent, it may lack the innovation found in the works of some of their contemporaries. ### **Production:** The production of *Smash* was handled by Thom Wilson, who was known for his work with punk bands like The Adolescents and Dead Kennedys. Wilson’s production style is minimalist and raw, maintaining the live energy and authenticity that is central to punk music. The album is characterized by its clean, crisp sound that still retains a gritty edge, which perfectly complements the aggressive nature of the music. However, the production has its drawbacks. While the sound is clean, some argue it lacks the dynamic range and depth that could have elevated the album further. The mixing tends to favor the guitars and drums, which, while appropriate for a punk record, sometimes overshadows the bass and vocals. Dexter Holland’s voice, though distinctive, can sound buried in certain tracks, limiting the emotional impact of the lyrics. On the positive side, the album's production does an excellent job of capturing the raw energy of The Offspring’s live performances, which is arguably one of the reasons for its widespread appeal. The sound is polished enough for mainstream radio but retains enough of its edge to satisfy punk purists. ### **Themes:** *Smash* explores a variety of themes, many of which are common in punk rock. It delves into disillusionment with authority, personal frustration, social alienation, and the struggle to find one’s identity in a chaotic world. Tracks like “Come Out and Play” and “Something to Believe In” reflect a deep cynicism towards societal structures and the futility of seeking solace in them. One of the album's recurring themes is self-destruction, whether through toxic relationships (“Self Esteem”), substance abuse (“What Happened to You?”), or violence (“Bad Habit”). There is a palpable sense of frustration and anger, which is often directed both inward and outward. The lyrics often convey a sense of urgency and a need to confront these issues head-on, reflecting the raw emotion that drives much of punk music. However, while *Smash* successfully captures the rebellious spirit of punk, it does not delve deeply into political themes, unlike some of its contemporaries in the punk scene. The lyrics are more personal than political, focusing on individual experiences rather than systemic critique. This can be seen as both a strength and a limitation; the personal focus makes the songs more relatable but may also feel less substantial or thought-provoking to some listeners. ### **Influence:** *Smash* had a profound impact on the punk rock and alternative music scenes of the 1990s. It played a significant role in the mainstream acceptance of punk rock, helping to pave the way for other bands like Green Day, Rancid, and Blink-182. The album's success demonstrated that punk music could achieve commercial viability without compromising its raw, aggressive sound. *Smash* also influenced the direction of The Offspring’s career, establishing them as one of the leading bands in the 1990s punk revival. The album's success enabled the band to transition from independent status to a major label, which further cemented their place in the mainstream music industry. Additionally, the album’s widespread appeal proved that punk rock could cross over into different demographics, attracting fans beyond the traditional punk scene. However, the album’s influence is not without its critics. Some purists argue that the success of *Smash* marked the beginning of the commercialization of punk rock, where the genre began to lose some of its original rebellious edge and became more palatable to mainstream audiences. While *Smash* retained much of the aggression and energy of punk, its clean production and catchy hooks arguably opened the door for a more watered-down version of the genre. ### **Pros of *Smash*:** 1. **Catchy and Accessible:** The album features several memorable tracks with infectious hooks and choruses that made it accessible to a broad audience. 2. **Energetic Performances:** The band’s performances are high-energy and passionate, capturing the raw essence of punk rock. 3. **Variety in Sound:** While rooted in punk, the album incorporates elements of reggae, ska, and alternative rock, adding variety to its sound. 4. **Lyrical Relatability:** The lyrics, while simple, resonate with listeners due to their straightforward, unfiltered take on everyday struggles and frustrations. 5. **Impact and Influence:** The album played a key role in bringing punk rock to mainstream audiences and influenced many bands in the genre. ### **Cons of *Smash*:** 1. **Repetitiveness:** Some tracks on the album can feel musically repetitive, with a similar formula applied throughout. 2. **Limited Lyrical Depth:** While the lyrics are relatable, they lack the nuance and complexity that might be found in other punk rock works. 3. **Production Limitations:** The production, while clean and polished, lacks the dynamic range and depth that could have enhanced the emotional impact of the songs. 4. **Lack of Political Focus:** The album focuses more on personal issues and lacks the political edge that defines much of classic punk rock. 5. **Perceived Commercialization:** The success of *Smash* is seen by some as a turning point towards the commercialization of punk, diluting the genre’s original rebellious ethos. ### **Conclusion:** *Smash* by The Offspring is a seminal punk rock album that helped bring the genre into the mainstream during the 1990s. Its blend of raw energy, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics captured the spirit of the era, making it a crucial release in the punk revival movement. While it has its limitations, such as repetitive musical structures and a lack of lyrical depth, the album's strengths in accessibility, energetic performances, and cultural impact outweigh these drawbacks. Ultimately, *Smash* remains a significant release that encapsulates the rebellious spirit and youthful angst of 1990s punk rock. Its influence is still felt today, both within the genre and in the broader landscape of alternative music.
early 90’s punk album (there’s even a ska song!). other than the date rapey vibes of “self esteem”, which i have always been uncomfortable with, this is a solid album. highlights: “bad habit” “come out and play” “not the one”
Bought this as a teen and thoroughly enjoyed it. Hadn’t listened in awhile and it still holds up.
Todo un éxito de ventas y crítica para este fenomenal álbum de punk californiano. Responsables del revival punk de los 90 junto con Bad Religion, Rancid, Pennywise y NOFX, sin olvidar a Green day... Presenta algunos de los estribillos más pegadizos de los 90 y 4 singles memorables (Come Out and Play, Self Estee, Gotta Get Away y Bad Habit) en este disco hallaron el punto exacto entre comercialidad y calidad. Otros discos de una de las mejores cosechas que ha dado la música, 1994: BLUR: Parklife, PORTISHEAD: Dummy, MANO NEGRA: Casa Babylon, SUEDE: Dog Man Star, NAS: Illmatic, PAVEMENT: Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, OASIS: Definitely Maybe, NEIL YOUNG: Sleeps With Angels, AMERICAN MUSIC CLUB: San Francisco, R.E.M.: Monster, HOLE: Live Through This, JEFF BUCKLEY: Grace, MASSIVE ATTACK: Protection, THE AUTERS: Now I’m A Cowboy, NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS: Let Love In, JOHNNY CASH: American Recordings, SEBADOH: Bakesale, UNDERWORLD: Dubnobasswithmyheadman, STONE ROSES: Second Coming, BECK: Mellow Gold, MARK LANEGAN: Whiskey For The Holy Ghost, TOM PETTY: Wildflowers, THE BEASTIE BOYS: Ill Comunication, KRISTIN HERSH: Hips And Makers, SABRES OF PARADISE: Haunted Dancehall, JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION: Orange, NIRVANA: Unplugged In New York, ALI FARKA TOURE & RY COODER: Talking Timbuktu, PULP: His’n’Hers, THE PRODIGY: Music For The Gilted Generation, VERUCA SALT: American Thighs, THE WALKABOUTS: Satisfied Ma, MANIC STREET PREACHERS: The Holy bible, Elvis Costello: Brutal Youth
It’s definitely not a masterpiece, but it’s just really fun.
Fun, puerile, and mall punk
Very enjoyable album. Not mind-blowing by any means, but solid throughout.
Good stuff. 4/5
I don't think this one objectively deserves 4 stars, but I've got too many good memories of this album from when it first came out
Really fun
This was no skips for me as a kid. Still almost entirely good
storytime: in 2019 i took a road trip with my mother through pennsylvania, where we had a loooooong stretch of driving through amish country with no service and nothing to entertain us but local radio. she, a lifelong lover of puzzles and scrabble, got SO excited about "a song about play!!!" and was heartbroken that i was like. mom this is ABSOLUTELY a song about child gang activity i haven't listened to much of the offspring since i was a teenager, and i was braced for a rough listen, but liked it far more than expected.
La la la-la-la, la la la-la-la
166/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
One of the pinnacles of angsty teenager edge that bring back lots of memories of high school. The album does start to taper off towards the end, the last third does feel tacked on and more forgettable. But this is a very fun listen that captures a raw energy coming of age in a crazy world. Top tracks: Come Out And Play, Self Esteem, It'll Be a Long Time
Hard not to be biased on this one- a big fan of The Offspring's hit songs. I havent taken the time to listen to their albums start to finish though. This onr immediately hits hard and establishes both the sound and tone of the album early. Lots of 90s angst and weight in all the best ways. Overall- was definitely rocking out to it. Really brought back a lot of 90s nostalga for me
Banger. Didn't expect it to be this good. Come Out and Play (Keep 'Em Separated) is such an outstanding anthem.
A high-energy profanity-filled song about road rage? Fuck yeah love that shit It's really good but a bit too derivative of Nirvana. I kept thinking I'd rather listen to Nirvana Favorites: "Bad Habit", "Self esteem", "Come Out and Play"
A blast from the past that reminds all 12 year olds of that glorious trip to Sam Goody to pick this bad boy up. Still has catchy as ever.
I'm not fully objective on this one since it's an important record for me, discovered at the beginning of my teenage years, that started to open me to rock, punk, metal. The truth is it's not a bad album, it's even a really good one in its own genre. And it is sufficiently diversed, with faster songs (most of them), some more down tempo, some almost surf (What happened to you?), some almost metal (the Smash riff). It's production is much rougher than what they did afterwards and I kinda like it better that way.
Cool punk album
There’s a certain charm to early 90’s pop punk. It’s not as slick and glossy as it became in the early 2000’s, and it seemed to be filled with bands that - despite their success - didn’t seem to care. The Offspring’s ‘Smash’ really captures the era it was released in. It’s raw. It’s energetic. It’s naive. It’s angsty. It’s dumb. It’s smart. And it’s just fun. The heavy riffs are addictive. The lyrics resonate with a lot of us who were young when this was released. And I would rank it high enough with a lot of early pop punk LP’s. A must listen to any fan of the genre.
Class just before they got stupid! Which was a great shame
rockin pop punk album
Really cool and fun songs.
As an album, this gets a bit yell-y for me by the end, but as a fan of "Come Out and Play" and "Self Esteem" back in days of yore, I knew what I was getting into. Overall I liked it more than I thought I would.
I owned the later album Americana from the Offspring and enjoyed their poppy-punk confections. I hadn’t listened to this album before but I knew the hits off it. “Come Out and Play” always appealed to me, but this time I followed along the words and had no idea this was about gang culture. That inspired me to pay more attention and I had a greater appreciation for this album. A lot of fun!
This is the definition of 90's pop punk. Even in my punk phase, I didn't love this album. It holds up though. The 3 singles on this push it to a 4/5.
i like when they go laaa laaa la la laa
Put this on, head down to your local skatepark and watch the kids - 'cause you're way too old to be skating now, you WILL hurt yourself. Solid legit pop-punk. Thrashy and smashy. Respectful of its SoCal punk roots. Good energy, fun, doesn't take itself too seriously. And isn't that what rock and roll is all about, my friends? Frontman Dexter Holland has a PhD in molecular biology 🧬, owns a hot sauce company, AND wrote Self Esteem. My idol.
Nice
Classic, radio ruined it.
I was a 90’s grunge head and this album completely passed me by. Aside from Self Esteem this was pretty much new to me yet thirty years on I completely dig it. If I’d listened to this when I was a teen it would no doubt have been a firm favourite. Great album.
I’m very biased on this album. I have enjoyed it for 30 years now and every time I hear it I feel like a teenager again. Great energy throughout, great production and much more informed lyrics than I realized.
A classic
really fun punk album. it's energetic, aggressive, obnoxious. everything here works really well, the sound and the instrumentation is classic 90s punk. to me the highlights are the "big" songs - 'come out and play' and 'self esteem'
Got a lot of epic tunes
Surprisingly haven't listened to much of the offspring before other than their few well known songs. Enjoyed this album, gave me vibes of a skateboarding ps1 game.
I really like the offsprings music, Haven't really heard any song of this album apart from self esteem. I really enjoyed it.I'll probably listen to it again soon.
Lots of energy and lots of good songs.
It sure was the Offspring. Enjoyable and energetic, just a fun listen.
The Offspring puts on such a good show. Looking forward to listening to this album end to end. This album goes pretty hard and makes me want to rage a bit. 4* (from 4.5 rounded down). Highlights: gotta get away (drum intro), self esteem, come out and play, bad habit
Good music from when punk was becoming more of a thang. These guys definitely had a distinct sound. Dexter was on to something here..
I was happy to see this album this morning! I've always liked The Offspring. I'd never listened to this album before but I ended up recognizing probably 4-5 songs, surprisingly. There are some real classic 90s songs here. I loved this nostalgia trip this morning. After it was finished, I listened to Conspiracy of One, which was one of the first CDs I ever bought. Doing this challenge has reminded me how much I enjoy punk music!
A lot of fun with some great tracks. Less keen on the jibber jabber that crops up.
Good listen. I know they’re considered punk but it felt more grungy/rock/little bit punk to me.
I'm mixed here. I think the hits from this album (Gotta Get Away, Self Esteem, Come Out and Play) really hold up and are still solid songs, but I think a lot of the rest of this was very much of-the-time, and is just doesn't have any staying power. A lot of it sounds VERY similar, and while I generally like these guys, I'm not going to be listening to the deeper cuts. Good album, but top-to-bottom not one of my favorites. I'd give it a 3.5 if that was possible, but I'm rounding up on the power of the highlights rather than any consistency.
Hell yeah
A punk rock best!
Classic
Damn, the skate-punk of my youth. These were the sounds of teenage angst for the mid-90s to the early 2000s when nu-metal ruined everything. Yes, it can get juvenile, but that was the point. Punk crossing over to the pop market to shape the heart of Gen-X culture. The singles on this one are undeniable.
Smash or pass? I’d smash.
Good, fresh music. So many good songs on this album. The vocals get to bit a bit much over time, but definitely a great album.
To me, this album is all about nostalgia. There was a time I really liked it, as a youth, and then I "outgrew" it. And later, only 5 or so years ago, I went back and have an appreciation for it, similar (though less) than "Nevermind" in the pop-hooks with attitude that "Smash" also has. I'd probably give it a 3, overall, as it is nothing revolutionary or anything I'd die on a hill to defend, but I'm bumping it to a 4, just because I personally enjoy it.
Day146 - 30 years old and it holds up really well. four really good songs on here
Great songs/album
I loved this album when I was a kid first getting into “alternative” music. It actually holds up better than I expected. Too bad everything they did after this was trash.
A banger of an album for sure.
Punk Rock auf einem Indie Album der 90er. Es klingt wie Nirvana mit Rap und Hard-Rock Elementen. In keinem Stück wird dieser Stil prägnanter als in “Self Esteen”. Mein Geheimtipp ist der Ska-Song “what happens to you” - Ja und es macht Spaß den Mix (wieder)zuhören; wenn’s mal was härter sein soll.
Loud, fast, and angry, it is no wonder that they are the founding of the Southern California punk scene. Punchy lyrics that are sadly still relevant 20 years later. Loses a little bit of steam near the end of the album, but overall the impact is unavoidable.
I really enjoyed this album, even though I hadn't heard it before.
Surprisingly good. Lead to and inspired some fun music over the next decade to two.
I wanted to hate on this album, but can't. 3 or 4 bangers and a driving fast paced fun gym album. Surprising 4 from me.
As a teenager I went on a long road trip from the North of England to the French Alps by bus. I had a new discman and 2 CDs. They were Dookie by Gree Day and this. I must have listened to each album 5 times each and they are both burned into my soul. This isn't clever, its not the best punk rock and it's not pushing the boundaries of anything. But it was and still is a shit-ton of fun and perfect for a confused, energetic and angry teenage boy. I sang along to every word, I made my kids listen to it and coughed over the swear words and we call bounced around like fireworks in a tin can.
Loving a bit of offspring!
01) Time to Relax (Intro) - / 02) Nitro (Youth Energy) - 7,5 03) Bad Habit - 7,5 04) Gotta Get Away - 9,0 05) Genocide - 8,0 06) Something to Believe In - 7,0 07) Come Out and Play - 10,0 08) Self Esteem - 10,0 09) It'll Be a Long Time - 7,5 10) Killboy Powerhead - 7,5 11) What Happened to You? - 8,0 12) So Alone - 8,0 13) Not the One - 7,0 14) Smash - 7,0 TOTAL: 8,00 (80/100) I was 16 when this came out, and I remember I wasn't a big fan of all that punk revival. I felt like I should like Green Day and Offspring, but for some reason, I didn't care for them much. I did like the singles though. "Self Esteem" is with Radiohead's "Creep" one of my teenage hymns. I guess I'm not the only one :-)
For as cheesy and ridiculous as this band would go on to become, this early break out album was a fun album. Though it is hilarious this was considered punk. This ain’t punk. This is pop music. And “pop punk” is an oxymoron.
I liked this more than I thought I would
A big surprise to Dork (less so, Goof) and a lot of fun. His voice is nostalgic.
Man I wore this one out as an angsty teenager. Someone said "Offspring is like Taco Bell for Punk", and yep, sometimes what I want is Taco Bell. Not as much as after I found the real thing, though.
Great music, not a huge fan of the vocals
An older record than I thought. It was still very popular in the late 1990s and that's when I thought it came out back then. There are some timeless fours and fives on here, but as a whole I don't see revisiting it a lot. I do like the quirkiness of the narration tracks throughout the album.
Very strong on the nostalgia factor and a strong punk entry.
I knew the popular tracks: Come Out and Play, and Self Esteem. I found myself getting into some of the other tracks, like Smash, so I'll bump this up a bit.
Gonna blame this one on nostalgia.
What can I say about this one I listened to it 25,000 times- I own the cassette which is missing the spoken word intro. This album along with Dookie and The Blue Album really form the three major columns of alternative rock in 1994 slowly moving past grunge into pop-punk and nerd rock: something quicker, wittier, less weighed down by its own importance. It still rocks.
I miss early Offspring. Back when they had an edge and sang about things with some substance. In hindsight you can see the beginning of them transforming into the meme songs they would become known for on this album, but it wasn't really noticeable at the time.
Enjoyably loud and aggressive. Singles are classic, and the rest very listable and fun. "Genocide", "Not the One", and the title track stood out. Also the "Killboy Powerhead" cover.
I'd written this off before listening as bland punk rock but the guitar and melodies are really hooky and I loved it.
I enjoyed that, didn’t think I would. I probably wont listen again (unless I suddenly become 20years younger and need to edit a skate stunt video) It’s very good and bouncy American punk ska!
This was a wonderful blast from the past - pure post-high school nostalgia. I purchased this album sometime the summer of 1994 while at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood, CA with some friends of mine at what had to be the largest Tower Records I had ever been in. I got this and the Weezer Blue Album at the same time. I cranked this CD on the way home and loved every minute of it. I wasn't a huge punk fan, but this album definitely scratched that itch.
Solid pop-punk album, has some generational bangers and great hidden gems, I was actually surprised I liked this album more than I was originally expecting to.
4.0
This might be an unfair rating. Music being a kind of "photograph" of life reminds us of times and places when we "first heard it" or the like. This is no nastalgia per se. It is actually a sort of fact of the human brain. So it is not a "wish to return" or a desire for today to be "like then" (although looking at today's world...) Anyhow, it is more like a feeling like "The Offsping were always cool, always there to kick in the adrenalin, when times turned towards the fun... and for that I throw out any "hard scientific objective" critiicism and just go with my gut.
It’s like eating Lucky Charms. You know it’s terrible, but it’s so good and you just can’t stop. Their addictive riffs are like those crappy dehydrated marshmallows that get stuck in your teeth and linger, reminding you all day that you should do better things for yourself.