nosmiles's Music Page / Album Reviews

Americana - Offspring

Rating: 5/10
From the slump the Offspring fell into with Ixnay On The Hombre, they jumped right out of it with Americana and went 10 feet further.

"Pretty Fly" is the classic Offspring song. Cool guitar/bass riffs, extra sound effects, and a punk-type of humor. "The Kids Aren't Alright" is actually somewhat like Pretty Fly, it just has a darker undertone and is more serious. Surprisingly, not many of the songs are complaining about ex-girlfriends or women in general. No "Self-Esteem" type ballads. They sort of speak out on society as a whole, except for the ever-so-cool cover of "Feelings". They were quite experimental on this album. I.E. "Why Don't You Get A Job" is very Beatles-esque. "Pay The Man" has a very long but interesting instrumental intro. The song itself, and especially vocals, are not very offspringish, but it works good for them, and keeps you from getting bored.

The diversity of using different instruments throughout the album works out well. Like with Ixnay On The Hombre, the Offspring continues to have the classic "Intro." You can get through this album and enjoy it without being a huge offspring fan, but the few songs that do have the classic offspring sound-only a true fan can appreciate them. Not every song, but more as the album as a whole has a bit of a dark undertone. I think if you are an offspring fan then you will like this album as much as any other offspring album. If you're not, then you just might end up skipping over a few songs.

Best Aspect: Great music wise.
Worst Aspect: Takes getting used to.
Yay: Staring At The Sun, Walla Walla
Nay: N/A
The hits: Pretty Fly, Why Don't You Get A Job?
Similar: Rancid, the Living End, Vandals
Style: Punk/Rock
Special Notes:

  • The lyrics are included in the cd booklet.
    There is a secret polka/string version of Pretty Fly after "Pay The Man".
  • The lead singer of The Vandals does the voice effects.
  • Feelings is originally by Albert Morris.
  • The CD is enhanced with music videos, and a sample of their home video Americana.

  • Track List - Lyrics
    1. Welcome
    2. Have You Ever
    3. Staring At The Sun
    4. Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)
    5. The Kids Aren't Alright
    6. Feelings
    7. She's Got Issues
    8. Walla Walla
    9. The End Of The Line
    10. No Brakes
    11. Why Don't You Get A Job?
    12. Americana
    13. Pay The Man