California
by blink-182
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Jul 1, 2016
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 141 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 102 out of 141
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 141
  3. Negative: 7 out of 141
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. dpaudiophile
    Jul 5, 2016
    4
    Definitely not as bad as I thought it would be. Matt Skiba really adds some nice harmonies, and it's refreshing to hear that the production isn't totally over-done. In the end though, there are a couple good songs here, but most are epic, whiny songs about cliche' teen issues, and location based superficialities. The kinda-maturing, but not really at all Blink-182 (from 2003) is back! andDefinitely not as bad as I thought it would be. Matt Skiba really adds some nice harmonies, and it's refreshing to hear that the production isn't totally over-done. In the end though, there are a couple good songs here, but most are epic, whiny songs about cliche' teen issues, and location based superficialities. The kinda-maturing, but not really at all Blink-182 (from 2003) is back! and they've got not that much to say, so you better listen for a little bit I guess...

    favorite tracks, "Cynical" | "The Only Thing That Matters" | " Rabbit Hole"    … Expand
  2. Danm95VFF
    Jul 21, 2016
    5
    I wasn't too impressed with this album if I'm honest. I cringed at every comment I read on the band's social media comparing post-DeLonge Blink to +44, and wanted to defend the band so badly, but his lack of presence is definitely felt on this album. Sure, you can complain that with DeLonge still in the band they started sounding too much like Angels and Airwaves, but now that they'reI wasn't too impressed with this album if I'm honest. I cringed at every comment I read on the band's social media comparing post-DeLonge Blink to +44, and wanted to defend the band so badly, but his lack of presence is definitely felt on this album. Sure, you can complain that with DeLonge still in the band they started sounding too much like Angels and Airwaves, but now that they're without him, Mark and Travis have allowed them to become suckered into production that is too commercial even for them. Too many woahs, woos and naahs than can be recommended for inclusion on any intentionally commerical release, as well as *gasp* outside writers!!!!???!!! (Patrick Stump, for example, is credited for participating in two of the songs) as well as choruses that mainly fall kinda flat, especially compared to the likes of Enema of the State. I didn't want Delonge's replacement to sound too much like DeLonge, but instead he sounds a bit too similar to Hoppus, so you don't get that same high/low dynamic that made Blink as well as other multi-vocalist bands so great. Thankfully Travis proves to be a saving grace with his dynamic energetic drummimg, and there are serviceable Blink tracks to be found (e.g. Bored to Death, Los Angeles and No Future). Sadly, this still pales considerably in comparison to their best work,… Expand
  3. MoshuaJoyer
    Jul 20, 2016
    10
    Blink-182.1
    California and The Egress of Tom DeLonge
    By Joshua Moyer Upon hearing of Tom DeLonge's exodus from Blink-182, I was struck with a flood of emotions; anger, skepticism, denial. However, once I listened to Blink's 7th studio album California, I found myself hit with a different emotion: gleeful acceptance. Now believe you me, there exists no greater fan of Tom DeLonge's    Blink-182.1
    California and The Egress of Tom DeLonge

    By Joshua Moyer

    Upon hearing of Tom DeLonge's exodus from Blink-182, I was struck with a flood of emotions; anger, skepticism, denial. However, once I listened to Blink's 7th studio album California, I found myself hit with a different emotion: gleeful acceptance. Now believe you me, there exists no greater fan of Tom DeLonge's involvement with Blink-182 than myself. I've modeled my playing style and guitar tone after his. I own his signature Seafoam Green Stratocaster. I've purchased the same pedals he uses. I've bought everything he and Blink have ever recorded. I love this man. I would hug him, possibly kiss his cheek if I ever met him. That having been said, I could not be happier with Tom's willing (or unwilling) departure from Blink-182.

    Over the first weekend following the release, I had a chance to listen to California in one sitting while I mowed my lawn. 42 minutes and 36 seconds later, the album was over. This is where I did something weird - instead of hitting repeat while I continued to mow, I decided to weigh the album against another album. Which album, you ask? Neighborhoods, the last Blink album on which Tom DeLonge contributed. And I realized something, Blink-182.1 may be my new favorite band!

    From jump street, Neighborhoods starts out wrong. Drummer Travis Barker comes in with a killer drum beat, totally indicative of what made Blink-182 a platinum selling band. And I think to myself, "Oh here we go! Give me that sweet, simplistic, yet wonderfully crafted Blink guitar lick! Oh boy! Here it comes..." However a new sound floods through my earbuds... a synthesizer. A big swelling synth and then these little chirpy guitar strums and I think to myself, "Ugh! What is this?!" And so it goes. The whole album, save two songs. Synths, hallow sounding treble guitar tones, and no real lasting guitar riffs. It sounded more like Tom's other project, Angels And Airwaves; featuring Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker. And at this moment I realized: this is what Blink-182 would have become if Tom DeLonge had not left.

    In an interview in early 2015, founding member and bassist Mark Hoppus said, "I just wish Tom does whatever makes him happy and stops holding Blink-182 back from what we all agree we're going to do: play shows, record music... and have a good time doing it." And that's exactly what Blink-182 has done. Barker stated in an interview with NME.com that they'd "scrapped all initial tracks from their fourth coming (California) album." 16 tracks in total, all ones written and partially recorded during the final stages of DeLonge's involvement with the band. The result: the album they should have released in 2005.

    California has it all, and then some! From incredibly catchy choruses to eerily DeLonge-like guitar playing, this album is near perfection! The album kicks off with the track “Cynical”, a fast-passed intro to everything good about the genre of Pop Punk. I found myself singing the incredibly catchy "She's Out of Her Mind" hours after only one listen. The first single from the album "Bored to Death" sounds like it's from their 2001 album Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Taking a musically matured turn is the track "Los Angeles." Easily a new personal favorite, it features a minor tonality and a little more distortion than a typical Blink-182 song. The track "San Diego" has a palpable nostalgia that makes even myself feel like I grew up in San Diego having never even visited. The title track "California" showcases musical growth and unofficially caps off the album I've wanted Blink to produce since the self titled album of 2003.

    It really does pain me to admit this, but Blink-182 is better off without Tom DeLonge and Tom DeLonge is better off without Blink-182. I believe both parties were holding each other back from the growth they both desired. For me, California feels like a harkening back to days long gone while simultaneously setting up a bright new future for Blink-182 and washing away any denial, anger and skepticism I once held. I'm so excited for Blink-182.1 and what's to come.    … Expand
  4. brette
    Jul 2, 2016
    5
    Firstly, I've loved Blink for 15 years and every album they've ever made but I have to say this album is slightly disappointing.While the album contains catchy hooks and riffs reminsicent of 1999's "Enema of the State", the majority of the songs seem under developed. The lyrics seem rushed and the empty space between melodies are often filled with "woah-oh's" and/or "na na's" that getFirstly, I've loved Blink for 15 years and every album they've ever made but I have to say this album is slightly disappointing.While the album contains catchy hooks and riffs reminsicent of 1999's "Enema of the State", the majority of the songs seem under developed. The lyrics seem rushed and the empty space between melodies are often filled with "woah-oh's" and/or "na na's" that get easily lost in the mix and don't stand out like the "na na's" in "All The Small Things". Lyrics like "I can't sleep/'cause what if I dream/of going back to San Diego" in "San Diego" and "I'm not sure what I said/ I feel dumb and a long night's coming" in "Kings of the Weekend" are by no means well developed lyrics. Not that Tom and Mark were ever savants in the lyric writing department, but when these lyrics are paired with the lazy melodies Mark sings on the record, the lyrics come off as just as lazy. Not to mention most of the lyrics entail some sort of teen-angst or clear link to teenage life, which was once a traditional Blink-182 characteristic now comes off as juvenile and desperate. Especially after fans have heard their lyrical potential on the “Dogs Eating Dogs” EP, the “Neighbourhoods” album, and of course the self titled album.The band went with well known producer John Feldmann of Goldfinger who actually has quite an impressive resume for producing and writing credits, however its important to note that he has recently produced and cowritten the last two 5 Seconds of Summer albums, the last two All Time Low records, and the comeback Good Charlotte album just to name a few, which does not bode well for the classic pop-punk sounds produced by Jerry Finn on "Enema of the State" and "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket". Its obvious that Feldmann had a strong influence on the album as he almost seems like the 4th member of the band.Tracks like "Sober" and "Teenage Satellites" don't reflect the classic Blink that everyone once loved and seems like a desperate attempt to attract new fans who love a catchy pop-rock song, much like All Time Low and 5 Seconds of Summer tracks. While "She's Out of Her Mind" sounds almost like it could've lived on "Enema" and the punk beats from Travis on "Rabbit Hole" and "Cynical" which also reflect some of the same punk riffs and melodies that old fans can jump on board with, there just aren't enough of these tracks. Two thirds of the album are filled with Feldmann-like average pop-rock radio tracks while the songs with the most potential like "Brohemian Rhapsody" and "Built This Pool" are cut short for the sake of a mediocre dick joke which I’m sure are driving old Blink fans absolutely nuts at such a tease. However, I must say the album gains points for the fact that the band went back to their potty humour roots that give "Happy Holidays You Bastard" and “Family Reunion” fans a little treat.The problem with the album is that despite what many people say about Tom, his lack of presence is heavily felt. Travis seems to get a little lost at points often doing drum rolls and fills at a seemingly desperate attempt to make the tracks more diverse than every pop rock song on the radio today. If you line up "Sober" with any popular pop-country song that's relevant today, you'll see the obvious similarities in vocal melodies, rhyming lyrics and chord progression, which makes me cringe.
    While Matt's vocals and guitar playing still fit nicely into the mold, his song writing abilities are not nearly as strong as Tom's and it shows. Mark will always be a solid song writer, but what took Blink songs to the next level above +44 and Angels and Airwaves songs was the collaboration and contrast between Tom and Mark's vocals and song writing styles. Listen to "Neighbourhoods" after listening to "California" and the nostalgia almost hits you in the face once you hear the way Tom's vocal melodies and riffs fit like a puzzle with Mark and Travis. I'm not saying Matt's presence sticks out like a sore thumb, he actually does a great job of not trying to fill the Tom void and replicate what Tom had done in the past, but the difference is Matt has never written a hit and Alkaline Trio was never a particularly strong band in the pop-punk world to begin with, forcing the tracks on this record to get a little lost and like I said, underdeveloped. Its most prevalent with his riff in "Bored to Death" which is essentially ripped off of Tom's "Adam's Song" riff, and then recycled yet again in "San Diego" hoping nobody would notice.I think its clear that what Blink was going for on this record was to remain relevant while also remaining true to their old fans while at the same time attracting new fans. As Mark mentions: "It's a long way back from 17..." which is probably the most significant statement on the record. But to go with a completely new producer who apparently told Mark to just go into the vocal booth and write lyrics even if he didn't feel inspired to write may not be the best choice for a comeback album.    … Expand
  5. Duracell410
    Jul 2, 2016
    4
    Gone are the days of any real punk roots - this is full-blown pop now.
    New sound - you can hardly hear Matt's guitars under the heavy production, although there's nothing cool happening there anyway.
    Largely uninspired lyrics, and without listening to it again (so I may be wrong), there's some form of loud "woah" or "oh oh oh" or "na na na" in literally every track. Highlights are    Gone are the days of any real punk roots - this is full-blown pop now.
    New sound - you can hardly hear Matt's guitars under the heavy production, although there's nothing cool happening there anyway.
    Largely uninspired lyrics, and without listening to it again (so I may be wrong), there's some form of loud "woah" or "oh oh oh" or "na na na" in literally every track.

    Highlights are Matt Skiba's vocals and obviously, Travis' impressive drumming (which comes out with a bang in the first track - probably the best track on the whole record).    … Expand
  6. bobfrumacct
    Jul 1, 2016
    4
    What else can I say about this album other than generic? I've been a huge blink-182 fan since I was a kid. From the Flyswatter demo all the way to self titled. Taking a brief break for +44 and AvA advancing as musical artist's and experimenting with new things. When your heart stops beating was phenomenal showing off some of Mark's lyrical writing skills along with song composition. TomWhat else can I say about this album other than generic? I've been a huge blink-182 fan since I was a kid. From the Flyswatter demo all the way to self titled. Taking a brief break for +44 and AvA advancing as musical artist's and experimenting with new things. When your heart stops beating was phenomenal showing off some of Mark's lyrical writing skills along with song composition. Tom DeLonge's WDNTW really showed off what Tom can do with new equipment and a whole new set of members to drive his ego to the next level. When they returned for the previous album Neighborhoods they still brought back that matured sound they grew and evolved to be. California is a huge regression in my opinion. Mark writes so bland and generic. Everything is super catchy but I feel it lacks some depth. Instead of continuing in the direction of self-titled, they're really trying to bring back that "old blink sound" and I think its completely unnecessary. The 2 joke tracks are cringe worthy from a bunch of dudes in their 40's. Why are we going back to that "old sound". Blink used to speak about how they were maturing their sound and moving in a more serious direction, and it worked. Going backwards and following this formula where its Mark->Skiba->Mark->Skiba, rinse and repeat is just terrible. Such a huge disappointment for a huge fan. Blink isn't Blink without Tom, it's just a cover band. If this was a band with more members I wouldn't be so torn up, but they're a 3 piece and had a consistent lineup for over 10 years. RIP Blink.… Expand
  7. Losing_Streak
    Jul 1, 2016
    9
    This album falls right in line with Blinks evolution of their music. Mixing the Mature sound of the Self Titled Album with some of the quirks from Take off your Pants and Jacket. California is just what i wanted after Neighborhoods. Matt Skiba's addition to Blink is great. He gives them some need rejuvenation to their sound. I cant wait to see them later this summer!
  8. Jake-531
    Jul 1, 2016
    10
    California covers a wide variety of previous styles from the band, keeping them fresh while venturing into new territories. Matt Skiba brings a new energy that can only be rivaled by their late 90's-early 2000's golden days. Mark Hoppus still sounds as good as he did 20 years ago and he brings his sickest bass lines in the band's history. What else can be said of Travis Barker that hasn'tCalifornia covers a wide variety of previous styles from the band, keeping them fresh while venturing into new territories. Matt Skiba brings a new energy that can only be rivaled by their late 90's-early 2000's golden days. Mark Hoppus still sounds as good as he did 20 years ago and he brings his sickest bass lines in the band's history. What else can be said of Travis Barker that hasn't been said already? And John Feldman brings a polished production reminiscent of Enema of the State or Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Overall, this album is a consistent blast of energy, super catchy melodies, experimentation, somber moments and excellent performances from everyone involved. I have no problems ranking it as my new #1 favorite Blink album!… Expand
  9. wshfrwngsthtwrk
    Jul 3, 2016
    10
    This is the album that Blink-182 needed to release for years to come. I know some diehard fans are going to have bias feelings towards Tom's departure. But, I frankly believe it was the drastic change the band needed in order to survive. Tom DeLonge was far too concerned with moving forward with Angels & Airwaves, which he can gladly do without the pressure of trying to keep both bandsThis is the album that Blink-182 needed to release for years to come. I know some diehard fans are going to have bias feelings towards Tom's departure. But, I frankly believe it was the drastic change the band needed in order to survive. Tom DeLonge was far too concerned with moving forward with Angels & Airwaves, which he can gladly do without the pressure of trying to keep both bands going with only having the full desire for just one of them. I take nothing away from Tom's songwriting ability, but I personally believe Matt Skiba just happens to be better at songwriting and was looking forward to the "new and improved" Blink-182. After listening to California for the first time (I haven't stopped listening to it much since I got ahold of it), it immediately took me back to when I heard Take Off Your Pants & Jacket for the first time. In my opinion, it's the band's best record since that album. Every song brings something different to the table while consisting of some continuity. Call me crazy, but Mark Hoppus and Matt Skiba are a match made in Heaven. California just has the classic sing-a-long Pop Punk vibes that Blink-182 had back in the late 90's and early 2000's. It was obvious on both self-titled and Neighborhoods that Tom was pulling away from Blink-182 and was ready to stick a fork in his contribution to the band. That was notably clear for both albums since they recorded each one separately. This was the first album in god knows how long that they actually recorded together in the same studio. You can tell by listening to California that they had a blast writing and recording this album; which is something Mark and Travis haven't had with Blink-182 in a long time. They're both just happy as much as I am that the band is alive and well.

    I wish Tom DeLonge the very best with his future musical endeavors; whether that be continuing in Angels & Airwaves or not, but I am very interested in seeing where this new look Blink-182 goes from here. Matt Skiba joining forces with Mark and Travis is the best thing to happen to this band in a very long time.    … Expand
  10. Thirdrail
    Jul 2, 2016
    8
    I'm not sure how this Blink album fails to meet anyone's expectations. It sounds exactly like every other album that Blink has ever made. Which is kind of the point of Blink in the first place, isn't it? You want a seven course musical meal, go download a Wynton Marsalis discography. Blink is audio comfort food, like pizza by the slice. I'm happy they're back, and I look forward to more ofI'm not sure how this Blink album fails to meet anyone's expectations. It sounds exactly like every other album that Blink has ever made. Which is kind of the point of Blink in the first place, isn't it? You want a seven course musical meal, go download a Wynton Marsalis discography. Blink is audio comfort food, like pizza by the slice. I'm happy they're back, and I look forward to more of their melancholy silliness in the future.… Expand
  11. skanonoy
    Jul 1, 2016
    2
    Only a few songs are really memorable, and the rest are just like copies of other pop bands. I was looking forward for the addition of Matt Skiba, but the album fell short because of the addition of John Feldman who looks to have more say on the album direction than the trio. Album also miss the memorable guitar Riffs distinct vocals that Delonge would have brought to the table.

    The    Only a few songs are really memorable, and the rest are just like copies of other pop bands. I was looking forward for the addition of Matt Skiba, but the album fell short because of the addition of John Feldman who looks to have more say on the album direction than the trio. Album also miss the memorable guitar Riffs distinct vocals that Delonge would have brought to the table.

    The album is 2/10 under blink 182 name. But could be 6/10 if it was from a new formed band.    … Expand
  12. LeoDiCaprioFan
    Jul 1, 2016
    8
    Without Tom DeLonge, I never thought Blink-182 will never the same without him. But when Matt Skiba joined the band and they recorded the album. Then the album finally released. It was pretty much worth the wait. Their songs are pretty catchy and head-banging. But some of their songs on this album were pretty short like "Built This Pool" and "Brohemian Rhapsody" were very short songs thatWithout Tom DeLonge, I never thought Blink-182 will never the same without him. But when Matt Skiba joined the band and they recorded the album. Then the album finally released. It was pretty much worth the wait. Their songs are pretty catchy and head-banging. But some of their songs on this album were pretty short like "Built This Pool" and "Brohemian Rhapsody" were very short songs that were under a minute and they are not really a song. However, the other songs like "Bored To Death", "No Future" and "Teenage Satellites" were beautiful amazing songs on this album and other songs on this album are very good. A pretty good band's work!… Expand
  13. SRanken
    Jul 2, 2016
    8
    Feels like classic Blink. Enjoyed this album much more than their last one. Skiba makes a great addition to the band. The short songs like 'Built This Pool' are great. Only complain is it needs more dick jokes.
  14. marctheextra
    Jul 2, 2016
    8
    How to describe this? When TOYPAJ came out, several critics brought it down, some giving it a 2/10- I think the metacritic was around 65. Sure, it wasn't what we were used to after Enema but 15 years on it's still an album any Blink fan knows the lyrics to.

    I've been listening to California several times from start to finish, and it's beautiful. The production allowed for a    How to describe this? When TOYPAJ came out, several critics brought it down, some giving it a 2/10- I think the metacritic was around 65. Sure, it wasn't what we were used to after Enema but 15 years on it's still an album any Blink fan knows the lyrics to.

    I've been listening to California several times from start to finish, and it's beautiful. The production allowed for a rollercoaster of emotions as songs went from rejection to growing up. Drums heavy on a lot of the songs, guitar perfect and incredible bass licks. Maybe a bit bass and Mark heavy at times, but hey it seems to work. I've played a few songs at a party this weekend and people instantly knew it was Blink...it is! I think people need to realize that writing 10 Dude Ranch or Enema's in a row would be boring....we need variety. Mark, Matt and Travis are incredible song writers and this is proof!    … Expand
  15. Daranus
    Jul 5, 2016
    9
    You know, sometimes in life, you do not have a choice. We didn't have a choice whether we would get a new blink 182 album with the whole old crew. So the options would have been, no album, or this album.

    And that said, I'd take this album over no album ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. I have a good time listening to it. Thanks for bringing back good old memories guys. Tom might be missing, but you    You know, sometimes in life, you do not have a choice. We didn't have a choice whether we would get a new blink 182 album with the whole old crew. So the options would have been, no album, or this album.

    And that said, I'd take this album over no album ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. I have a good time listening to it. Thanks for bringing back good old memories guys. Tom might be missing, but you guys managed to capture the feel of Blink 182 and thats what counts for me. I can feel it    … Expand
  16. Razzadad
    Jul 7, 2016
    8
    This is the first release for Blink 182 post Tom Delonge. Does it sound different? Yes. Is it a bad change? Depends on who you ask. The detractors of this album will say it is not real Blink 182. I personally believe this album sounds more "Blink 182" than either of their past two efforts. Does Matt Skiba bring something to this album? Definitely. Upon first listen through, I found myselfThis is the first release for Blink 182 post Tom Delonge. Does it sound different? Yes. Is it a bad change? Depends on who you ask. The detractors of this album will say it is not real Blink 182. I personally believe this album sounds more "Blink 182" than either of their past two efforts. Does Matt Skiba bring something to this album? Definitely. Upon first listen through, I found myself kind of bored with the whole album. All of the criticisms of the band's decision to move on without Tom had worn me down. I thought what I was hearing was a by the book "pop-punk" record, released to capitalize on the nostalgia of aging 20 somethings. A few days later, I could not get the songs out of my head. I attribute this to the absolutely on point vocals by Matt Skiba, especially during choruses. While the lyrics in my opinion are lacking in the depth department, the greatest success of this album is its dedication to making the songs so damn easy to sing along with. On the opening "Cynical" Skiba yells with intensity "What's the point of saying sorry now?/ Lost my voice while fighting my way out." These kind of chanting choruses are a common theme in this album. There isn't much to say about Mark or Travis that hasn't been heard before, and you won't find too much new to discuss here. Their performances on this album are very tight and clean, and the production is very well done. I have had this album on repeat for a few days now, and I believe it might be on repeat for many to come. At the very least I'd recommend that any skeptic would at least give it a chance. If you put aside the drama, and listen to the music, it might just surprise you how much you like this one.… Expand
  17. giair
    Jul 13, 2016
    8
    Being a huge fan of 90´s records, I must say that here the band finally shows some of their essence.
    It’s a good album, not perfect, but ok. Let´s hope this is the beginning of a new era for Blink 182, even without Delonge (good for Skiba).

    Highlight: Sober, Left Alone
  18. wesleywilliam_
    Jul 6, 2016
    9
    Well first of all, Mark, Travis and the whole lot themselves said they were trying to go back to the basics and recapture the magic that made blink who they are, and please stop me if I'm wrong, but aren't lazy, immature lyrics what made them so big in the first place? It's also understandable that they didn't try to venture too far and experiment with more "mature" lyrics as some of y'allWell first of all, Mark, Travis and the whole lot themselves said they were trying to go back to the basics and recapture the magic that made blink who they are, and please stop me if I'm wrong, but aren't lazy, immature lyrics what made them so big in the first place? It's also understandable that they didn't try to venture too far and experiment with more "mature" lyrics as some of y'all were calling for them to. There's a new member in Matt for Christ's sake. It would be unwise to change so much in such a short time since fans of the band would probably complain. Heck, people were calling for Matt's head even before the first single off the album came out. As far as I'm concerned, Jon Feldmann did his job in the studio. Giving the band a much needed sense of direction ever since Jerry Finn passed away. The band themselves spoke out against Neighborhoods which in hindsight was still a good album but was characterized by infighting and odd recording procedures. Sure Sober and Left alone were a bit over produced and sounded much more pop-ish but they're still good tracks in their own right. The album really brings out the best of blink which is fast paced tunes and catchy hooks filled with lyrics of teenage years, family, home and their experiences. It contains tracks like Cynical, She's Out Of Her Mind, Rabbit Hole and the Only thing that Matters which are quick and catchy just like a lot of other blink songs. The record also shows they can get serious when it matters in California and Home Is Such a Lovely Place which are reminiscent of Stay Together for the Kids or even, I Miss You. It also contains the joking side they're well known for in Bohemian Rhapsody and Built This Pool (for those who say that joke fell flat and younger Mark was funnier, well joke's on you; he actually played that song a really long time ago on his show, Hoppus On Music). There's even Los Angeles, a more experimental track which would not feel out of place on Self-Titled and reminds me of Feeling This. Teenage Satellites' lyrics and No Future's tune both sound like something off Enema and don't even get started on their prolonged "Na Na Na" and "woah"s and repeated lyrics in choruses. Those are things that have been a staple in Blink's music from the very beginning (see All the Small Things and Family Reunion). Plus the lyricism of San Diego is all about Mark's life experiences, another one of their lyric staples (see Stay Together for the Kids which was about Tom's parent's divorce) . Of course we would have liked to hear Matt more but with Tom gone, someone has to become the primary singer right? And Mark becomes just that and let's Matt handle the other parts, just like Mark did before Tom's departure. All in all the record does just what they set out to do, go back to their roots and incorporate the things that they're already known for. All this cynicism and dislike is definitely unwarranted.… Expand
  19. NotForsaken
    Jul 12, 2016
    9
    This album is a triumphant return to form for blink. It acts as a sampling of the sounds that have made up all of their most popular albums and serves as a fantastic summer album.
  20. MarkHoppus
    Jul 13, 2016
    8
    It took a few listens, but I really grew into it. Matt Skiba helps this album a ton. I can really feel the enthusiasm in his vocals throughout most of the songs, and it's payed off. I can't say it's a perfect record(The critics score would probably be a few points higher if Sober was just taken off the album entirely) but it's exactly what diehard blink fans(And yes, I'm one of them)It took a few listens, but I really grew into it. Matt Skiba helps this album a ton. I can really feel the enthusiasm in his vocals throughout most of the songs, and it's payed off. I can't say it's a perfect record(The critics score would probably be a few points higher if Sober was just taken off the album entirely) but it's exactly what diehard blink fans(And yes, I'm one of them) want. Fun and energizing.… Expand
  21. YT_Guyyy
    Dec 11, 2016
    1
    THIS is in the top 5 best rock albums according to the Grammys? Holy **** they're just a huge circlejerck, where selling copies is the only thing that remotely matters. This album is pop punk at its worst. I never liked pop punk, I like some Green Day songs, I guess Blink-182 have good songs, but pop punk is one of the worst genres of music ever, and this album is the worst of the worst.
  22. NIntendoFan94
    Feb 25, 2017
    9
    This album is indefinitely worth the hype! Blink 182's California could be the best album of 2016. Bored to Death was awesome song, Tom De Longe done a great job with this album. It has potential!
  23. rjmacready
    Dec 6, 2020
    6
    Hands-down, the weakest studio album "Blink-182" has released. I'm not usually the type to whine about "missing band members", but man...can you feel Tom DeLonge's absence on this one...

    At least the album after this attempts to carve its own identity, as opposed to palely imitating former glories. Not a single memorable song in the batch (with the possible exception of "Home is Such a    Hands-down, the weakest studio album "Blink-182" has released. I'm not usually the type to whine about "missing band members", but man...can you feel Tom DeLonge's absence on this one...

    At least the album after this attempts to carve its own identity, as opposed to palely imitating former glories. Not a single memorable song in the batch (with the possible exception of "Home is Such a Lonely Place", which is at least a half-decent ballad). And did the world REALLY need yet another album with the word "California" or one of its derivates in the title?    … Expand
  24. aadityamudhar
    Sep 9, 2016
    7
    Without Tom DeLonge, I never thought Blink-182 will never the same without him. But when Matt Skiba joined the band and they recorded the album. Then the album finally released. It was pretty much worth the wait. Their songs are pretty catchy and head-banging. But some of their songs on this album were pretty short like "Built This Pool" and "Brohemian Rhapsody" were very short songs thatWithout Tom DeLonge, I never thought Blink-182 will never the same without him. But when Matt Skiba joined the band and they recorded the album. Then the album finally released. It was pretty much worth the wait. Their songs are pretty catchy and head-banging. But some of their songs on this album were pretty short like "Built This Pool" and "Brohemian Rhapsody" were very short songs that were under a minute and they are not really a song. However, the other songs like "Bored To Death", "No Future" and "Teenage Satellites" were beautiful amazing songs on this album and other songs on this album are very good. A pretty good band's work!… Expand
  25. StevenProctor
    Sep 20, 2019
    9
    A massive return to form following Neighbourhoods. A tad overproduced is the only thing i coud find wrong with this album, with nods to sounds from right across their career such as the Dude Ranch inspired Cynical kicking things off. From front to back it ups the melody, ups the immediacy and ups the fun: welcome back Blink.
  26. than_Q
    Aug 15, 2016
    6
    On no terms am I against this album, I personally think that it's a well written love letter to the original style and lineup that Blink-182 presented to the world in it's original day... except, it certainly doesn't feel like they've put their heart and soul into this album, as most people would expect, I just simply don't feet completely satisfied. The album has a huge amount ofOn no terms am I against this album, I personally think that it's a well written love letter to the original style and lineup that Blink-182 presented to the world in it's original day... except, it certainly doesn't feel like they've put their heart and soul into this album, as most people would expect, I just simply don't feet completely satisfied. The album has a huge amount of highlights but for every good song, there's just one that is below the bar and it's a serious shame that it simply couldn't have been as good as everyone wanted it to be.

    For the songs that I do like, including the feature song, bored to death, I can feel the passion and pure love for the album that I wanted to feel when I bought it, and I certainly loved the introduction song, 'cynical', and just created such an intense and fast-paced tone for the rest of the album and I love it. Songs like 'home is such a lonely place', 'left alone', and 'California' are highlights for me, as they're catchy, fun, and overall great, and I wish there was more of it, and there just simply isn't enough to satisfy my expectations.

    And now for the negative aspect of the album. All the songs sound very similar to each other, I mean, there's different tempos and reorganisation of notes, but I knew from the minute I heard the song 'out of her mind' (pretty cliche song and topic) it sounded almost identical to 'bored to death' the track right before it. When you see how many songs are on the album, 16 to be exact, you would expect something lengthy and full, but most of the songs feel hollow and empty and after I had my first listen to the album I knew that I had been lying down in bed listening to the album for a while, it certainly didn't feel like a 40(?) minute album.

    Overall, it certainly isn't bad, but I expected more from such a critically acclaimed band, I feel let down and disappointed by many of the songs, but I suppose that it just makes all the other great songs even better, nonetheless, I wish that this was better (I also wish that Tom DeLonge had stayed because I can't stand Matt Skiba), but I do need to be grateful that it isn't complete trash like most comeback albums would be. I would recommend this to any hardcore fan, but regular music enthusiasts should be wary and maybe consider saving that $20 note in their back pocket unless you feel as though you really want to listen to an okay-ish album.    … Expand
  27. WhiskeyStories
    May 23, 2017
    5
    While it is an enjoyable album, California feels very hollow and generic. One of my favourite bands is Blink 182, so I was quite disappointed in this album. After Tom left the group, it felt like all the emotion and sentimentality left with him. Tom and Mark really complimented each other, which is best heard in my opinion on Enema of the State, which manages to be both extremely fun andWhile it is an enjoyable album, California feels very hollow and generic. One of my favourite bands is Blink 182, so I was quite disappointed in this album. After Tom left the group, it felt like all the emotion and sentimentality left with him. Tom and Mark really complimented each other, which is best heard in my opinion on Enema of the State, which manages to be both extremely fun and able to pack an emotional punch at the same time. While Matt Skiba is a great replacement, I found California lacking in originality and trying way too hard to bring back an early 2000s nostalgia, not really moving forward, Favourite tracks: Bored to Death and Misery (from the deluxe edition)… Expand
  28. eraserland
    Jul 14, 2016
    9
    California is the direction that Blink should be headed. This is the right album to be released, and it is only going to get better from here. Matt Skiba is well introduced to the fans and has not disappointed at all, as exemplified by the tracks Left Alone and Teenage Satellites. Skiba's charisma also helped the choruses of tracks such as Cynical and San Diego. As for Mark and Travis,California is the direction that Blink should be headed. This is the right album to be released, and it is only going to get better from here. Matt Skiba is well introduced to the fans and has not disappointed at all, as exemplified by the tracks Left Alone and Teenage Satellites. Skiba's charisma also helped the choruses of tracks such as Cynical and San Diego. As for Mark and Travis, everything that should be said about them is already said. They are still the Mark and Travis we liked. Aside from the whoas and na nas which I think is overused in the entirety of the album, there is no negatives to say for the album. Blink-182 is definitely back!… Expand
  29. Oshikaru-Sensei
    Jul 27, 2016
    6
    Nothing on this album is of poor quality, it just simply lacks originality. It's something nice to have in the background, or an easy way to hear some simple tunes, but it doesn't bring anything new to the table.

    Overall, it just feels like it was over-produced. There's a lot of modern/popular musical gimmicks, lots of "nah-nah-nah's" and repetition of words/phrases, making it feel    Nothing on this album is of poor quality, it just simply lacks originality. It's something nice to have in the background, or an easy way to hear some simple tunes, but it doesn't bring anything new to the table.

    Overall, it just feels like it was over-produced. There's a lot of modern/popular musical gimmicks, lots of "nah-nah-nah's" and repetition of words/phrases, making it feel churned out by some big studio rather than that garage band feel Blink-182 had in the past, trying radically different themes and sounds per album.

    I would've had a short album with really powerful songs then something that feels like quantity over quality. Cynical was such a powerful start to the album, has a very dark Neighborhoods feel, but everything afterward lacks that intensity and heart.

    I would recommend it, but only if you're looking for music to waste some time with. It's not something to analyze, as it starts to wear on you pretty fast.    … Expand
  30. TheArchetypes
    Sep 9, 2016
    6
    Nothing on this album is of poor quality, it just simply lacks originality. It's something nice to have in the background, or an easy way to hear some simple tunes, but it doesn't bring anything new to the table. Overall, it just feels like it was over-produced. There's a lot of modern/popular musical gimmicks, lots of "nah-nah-nah's" and repetition of words/phrases, making it feel churnedNothing on this album is of poor quality, it just simply lacks originality. It's something nice to have in the background, or an easy way to hear some simple tunes, but it doesn't bring anything new to the table. Overall, it just feels like it was over-produced. There's a lot of modern/popular musical gimmicks, lots of "nah-nah-nah's" and repetition of words/phrases, making it feel churned out by some big studio rather than that garage band feel that the band had in the past, trying radically different themes and sounds per album.… Expand
  31. RenZimE
    Nov 2, 2016
    10
    Simply put, this is the best album Blink 182 have released since 2000. The departure of Tom Delonge is and always will be saddening, but it is clear his passion lives elsewhere now. It must be said however, that the new arrival, Matt Skiba, has captured the magic of Blink perfectly and in my opinion every song is fantasticly written and performed. This is Blink 182. You can't get betterSimply put, this is the best album Blink 182 have released since 2000. The departure of Tom Delonge is and always will be saddening, but it is clear his passion lives elsewhere now. It must be said however, that the new arrival, Matt Skiba, has captured the magic of Blink perfectly and in my opinion every song is fantasticly written and performed. This is Blink 182. You can't get better than this!!… Expand
  32. kappakappa
    May 2, 2017
    9
    It's a pretty good album from Blink-182. California contains some good songs like "Cynical", "Bored To Death", "Left Alone", and "She's Out Of Her Mind".
  33. albl81
    May 27, 2017
    10
    Blink-182.1
    California and The Egress of Tom DeLonge !!Matt Skiba brings a new energy that can only be rivaled by their late 90's-early 2000's golden days, their songs on this album were pretty short like "Built This Pool" and "Brohemian Rhapsody" were very short songs that were under a minute and they are not really a song. However, the other songs like "Bored To Death", "No Future" and    Blink-182.1
    California and The Egress of Tom DeLonge !!Matt Skiba brings a new energy that can only be rivaled by their late 90's-early 2000's golden days, their songs on this album were pretty short like "Built This Pool" and "Brohemian Rhapsody" were very short songs that were under a minute and they are not really a song. However, the other songs like "Bored To Death", "No Future" and "Teenage Satellites" were beautiful amazing songs on this album and other songs on this album are very good. A pretty goo    … Expand
  34. tekkara
    Sep 20, 2017
    9
    California is blink 182 hitting the refresh button and coming out with a new sound that has the same blink 182 feel. Cynical, Bored to death, She's out of her mind, sober, kings of the weekend, no future are just a few examples of the many great songs that make this album. Iv always never really been a fan of blink 182 with only liking a very few songs over their 6 albums but this albumCalifornia is blink 182 hitting the refresh button and coming out with a new sound that has the same blink 182 feel. Cynical, Bored to death, She's out of her mind, sober, kings of the weekend, no future are just a few examples of the many great songs that make this album. Iv always never really been a fan of blink 182 with only liking a very few songs over their 6 albums but this album has changed my mind about them.… Expand
  35. MysticManiac
    Mar 10, 2018
    9
    Not a perfect album but Blink 182's best album to date. Both the original and deluxe songs are great collections of songs and the album is unfairly criticized because of Tom Delonge's absence.

    The overuse of the Nanana's and Woah-oh's and the pointless and unfunny "joke" songs are the main valid criticisms of the album
  36. fhzJester
    Aug 21, 2019
    7
    The songs are great but some looks like others and it also have a lot of simple songs making them look the same

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2016
74
#74 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Aug 10, 2016
    80
    California collects 14 hook-drenched punk-pop barnstormers that both reflect nostalgically on their youthful vigours (Bored To Death, Kings Of The Weekend, San Diego) and revisit them impressively (Teenage Satellites, No Future).
    Read full review
  2. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Jul 11, 2016
    70
    California isn’t a perfect record, nor does it need to be. It displays a band getting back on the right page with great energy yet struggling a bit to find equilibrium.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    Jul 6, 2016
    55
    The earnest California takes plenty of time to sprawl out, from wound-licking power ballads (“Home Is Such a Lonely Place,” “Hey I’m Sorry”) to high-shine navel-gazings that hew closely to past hits.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »