What makes Gone Away by The Offspring notable?

Gone Away is notable for its commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The single's introspective nature marked a departure from the band's earlier, more rebellious anthems and has since influenced numerous bands within the alternative and punk rock genres. Released as the third studio album by The Offspring, Gone Away arrived at a pivotal moment in their career following the breakout success of Smash in 1994. By 1997, the band was solidifying its position in the mainstream punk scene, showcasing their growth with more mature themes while maintaining their signature sound.

How many songs are on Gone Away?

Gone Away has 4 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

Gone Away

The Offspring · 1997

12 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A poignant fusion of punk energy and emotional depth, balancing raw instrumentation with reflective lyrics.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Gone Away (single version) — This track stands out as a heartfelt exploration of loss and grief, showcasing a more vulnerable side of the band's lyrical approach.
→
Cool to Hate — With its aggressive tone and sharp commentary on social attitudes, this track encapsulates the band's punk roots while addressing themes of disillusionment.
→
D.U.I. — This song combines catchy hooks with a critique of reckless behavior, exemplifying the band's knack for blending fun with serious messages.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases emotional depth through its composition but lacks cohesion with the other tracks.

What we noticed

The single version of 'Gone Away' features a slower tempo compared to the other tracks, creating a stark contrast in energy.
The arrangement includes layered guitar harmonies that build throughout the song, culminating in a powerful chorus.
The lyrics of 'Gone Away' are introspective and personal, differing from the more aggressive themes present in the other tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established wider recognition after the success of Smash, showcasing emotional depth.
Themes: grief and loss· reckless nightlife
Moods: Melancholy· Cathartic
Career context: Released as the third studio album by The Offspring, Gone Away arrived at a pivotal moment in their career following the breakout success of Smash in 1994. By 1997, the band was solidifying its position in the mainstream punk scene, showcasing their growth with more mature themes while maintaining their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Bad Religion· Pennywise· NOFX