Let the Bad Times Roll
by The Offspring
  • Record Label: Concord
  • Release Date: Apr 16, 2021
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
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  1. Consequence
    Apr 14, 2021
    67
    If The Offspring want to stay in their comfort zone, there are plenty of fans who won’t object, but it won’t keep them relevant. On the plus side, Let the Bad Times Roll offers hints of creative tangents that could revitalize the band next time around – if they’re willing to challenge themselves.
  2. AllMusic
    Apr 23, 2021
    60
    Mostly, Let the Bad Times Roll sounds like what it is: the work of middle-aged punk lifers who don't change their style, sound, or perspective.
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Apr 14, 2021
    60
    The ultra-catchy pop-punk of old is there in spades, but they're taking a cold hard look at America on This Is Not Utopia. ... Not all gambles pay off. ... A fun romp with a serious undercurrent. [May 2021, p.91]
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  5. Kerrang!
    Apr 14, 2021
    60
    So far, so good then. It’s a takeaway reinforced by most of the album, in fact. ... Where Let The Bad Times Roll will likely divide opinion is in the mid-point, three-track swing of the aforementioned, ice-hockey-goal-music swagger of Coming For You, the bookending, rocked-up cover of evil orchestral classic In The Hall Of The Mountain King, and the embarrassing dad overshare of We Never Have Sex Anymore.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    Apr 16, 2021
    40
    With a good production, some of these tracks could have been saved, but by all accounts, Let the Bad Times Roll is the worst album The Offspring have ever made.
  7. Clash Music
    Apr 14, 2021
    40
    Feels curiously unfocussed, and lacking in purpose.
  8. DIY Magazine
    Apr 15, 2021
    30
    ‘Hassan Chop’ is a welcome reprieve towards the end, introducing some of the relentless punk drive of the band at their best, but it does little to revive the rebellious ethos ‘Let The Bad Times Roll’ clearly strives for. Forged from our current volatile climate this may be; an appropriately cutting and volatile response, however, it certainly is not.

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Most Discussed Album of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 43
  3. Negative: 6 out of 43
  1. Gaberade
    Apr 21, 2021
    3
    This album was just... disappointing. As a long time fan of The Offspring and having heard every one of their albums more than once, I canThis album was just... disappointing. As a long time fan of The Offspring and having heard every one of their albums more than once, I can safely, sadly say that this is the worst one. The production is bad, and the songs are meh, at best. Though, I did really enjoy “Hassan Chop”. It had vibes very similar to songs like Da Hui, Lightning Rod, and The Noose from their 2003 album “Splinter”. Now I haven’t even mentioned the worst part yet. Dexter (the vocalist) used AUTOTUNE. Wtf man?? It’s painfully obvious on the weird piano rendition of “Gone Away” and it’s just sad to see. Look man, we get that you’re aging, and it’s harder for you to hit those signature high notes of yours, but please don’t resort to autotune. Just sing in a lower register. Overall, 3 out of 10. This was not worth the nearly decade-long wait, and I am disappointed with it in nearly every aspect.… Full Review »
  2. PhilBurgwin
    Apr 19, 2021
    10
    Excellent new album from The Offspring. Loved it, 10 out of 10. Takes me back to Smash days. The Offspring what a band, still brilliant.
  3. FatedScythe777
    Apr 21, 2021
    4
    It’s certainly not bad, but it’s definitely not good either. Overall it feels like a lite version of Ixnay in the Hombre and Americana, whichIt’s certainly not bad, but it’s definitely not good either. Overall it feels like a lite version of Ixnay in the Hombre and Americana, which wouldn’t be a bad thing if the mixing wasn’t so terrible. You can barely hear Dexter over the rest of the group, with focus seemingly given to Pete’s drumming. Last time drums took priority in the album of a band I loved, Bob Rock **** up Metalica’s St. Anger album.… Full Review »
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