As a lifelong blink fan, there was no competition for my album of the year. One More Time… was undeniably the musical highlight of 2023 for me, a perfect token of the next chapter of blink-182. Accompanied by an intimate Zane Lowe interview and a tour that were as joyous and emotional as the music itself, 2023 was the year that blink reminded the world of their magic.
In signature blink-182 style, the album is extremely moving at the exact same time as being the epitome of fun. It’s everything that's great about the band with an extra sprinkling of excitement because of the time that has passed since the trio were last together. Feeling tearful over a song about “doing it all night long” was not something that I had imagined for last year, but it was a welcome surprise. “Dance With Me” is still my highlight, it’s the very best of blink. The quirky Tom DeLonge lyrics, the iconic pre-chorus and bridge vocals from Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker's perfect production, and the pure joy of the whole song are so nostalgic but so exciting. It embodies Tom’s description that “blink was always a way to force happiness”, especially amongst the album’s candid theme of friendship through tragedy.
The Kings of Pop-punk returned to a vibrant scene still actively celebrating their legacy, and with a rich, varied collective discography under their belts. blink-182 now encompasses everything from side project Box Car Racer to the Matt Skiba interlude. The mind-blowing talent and framework from Travis; the warmth, energy and devotion from Mark; and the captivating emotion and pure enchantment brought by Tom work together to create musical bliss, but One More Time… joins a heavenly library.
Tom’s description of the album as a “north star” for Mark during his cancer treatment summarises One More Time…. It was built on authenticity, love and hope, and its healing energy is as apparent in fast, comedic punk tracks like “Turn This Off!” as it is in “One More Time”. Not only healing for Mark, but clearly healing for all the band, and evidenced by the reaction to their comeback, healing for fans too. With or without context, One More Time… is an incredible album, it is emotive, diverse, inventive, relatable and fun.
Three More Essential Albums of 2023
Mat Kerekes – You Look Like a Stranger
The Menzingers – Some of It Was True
Taylor Swift – 1989 (Taylor’s Version)
Musical Experiences of the Year
It’s been a great year for live music. The crowd at The Story So Far at SWX in Bristol was one of the most fun I have ever been in; Peace returned to the stage with brand new music after a five-year break and reminded me why I love them so much; and I saw Microwave live for the first time in Manchester after loving their music for nearly a decade. But there’s only one answer for my favourite gig of the year and that is blink-182 at the Utilita Arena Birmingham in October, it’s one I’ll never forget.
Track of the Year
blink-182 – Dance with Me
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