Enema of the State cover

Enema of the State

Blink-182 · 1999

35 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A playful yet introspective blend of catchy melodies and youthful angst wrapped in energetic pop-punk rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dumpweed Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    What's My Age Again? — This track encapsulates the album's youthful irreverence and humor while addressing themes of immaturity and self-reflection, making it emblematic of Blink-182's sound.
  • →
    All the Small Things — The song's catchy hooks and relatable lyrics about love and relationships helped it become a defining hit for the band and the genre.
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    Adam's Song — With its more serious tone, this track delves into themes of loneliness and depression, showcasing the band's ability to tackle deeper issues alongside their signature humor.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with youthful themes, balancing energetic pop-punk with introspective moments.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a fast tempo with upbeat tracks, while the second half introduces slower songs that explore deeper themes.
  • Several tracks feature a call-and-response vocal style between the lead singers, creating a dynamic interplay throughout the record.
  • The use of humor in lyrics is prevalent, often juxtaposed with more serious undertones in songs like 'Adam's Song' and 'Dysentery Gary'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quick, punchy song bursts
  • energetic youthful vibes
  • lighthearted rebellious spirit
  • nostalgic carefree moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album established Blink-182's mainstream reputation and commercial success.
Themes
California skate culture· post-teen angst
Career context
Released on June 1, 1999, Enema of the State was Blink-182's third studio album and marked their commercial breakthrough. Following the underground success of Dude Ranch, this album catapulted them into mainstream popularity, solidifying their place in the pop-punk scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Green Day· Paramore· The All-American Rejects

Tracklist

  • 1 Dumpweed Start here 2:23
  • 2 Don’t Leave Me 2:23
  • 3 Aliens Exist 3:12
  • 4 Going Away to College 2:59
  • 5 What’s My Age Again? 2:28
  • 6 Dysentery Gary 2:45
  • 7 Adam’s Song 4:09
  • 8 All the Small Things 2:48
  • 9 The Party Song 2:19
  • 10 Mutt 3:23
  • 11 Wendy Clear 2:50
  • 12 Anthem 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata