Write your own review of RAFRAG!

[Cock Joke]

1565 says: I moved these reviews from the other reviews index. Let's put links to magazine/blog/etc. reviews in that thread, and share your own reviews of the album in this one. Thanks! Now back to CJ's original post.

I have a blog page. I'll review it there and C & P it here.

[Count Orlok]

Really some of the best stuff they´ve ever done.

[Marco]

Fuck the American Idiot thing, I love that album but Rise and Fall, Rage And Grace doesn't sound like it (apart from 2 or 3 chords :rolleyes:) and it's 100.000 times better. The Offspring are still my favourite band, and it's awesome to see them back with this amazing album.

[Offspring.of.Offspring]

Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace

Sorry for my short reviews, I'm just a simple person. I just don't think that much. I'm not short by length though.


1. Half-Truism 10/10
Gives me energy. Perhaps this song is equal to 3 cups of coffee, that's good.

2. Trust In You 10/10
Gives me energy too. So if I listen to H-T and TIY I'll won't have to drink coffee in the morning anymore. I'd totally be pitting naked on this song.

3. You're Gonna Go Far, Kid 10/10
Hehe, good one too. Doesn't give me energy. But I'd still pit on this song.

4. Hammerhead 10/10
If this one was released the same time as the whole album, I'd like it more. But that's just IMO. Still I adore it.

5. A Lot Like Me 9/10
Meh...

6. Takes Me Nowhere 10/10
Uhhh... The chorus is like... Trust In Youuuuu, but then Takes Me Nowhereeee. Good one.

7. Kristy, Are You Doing Okay? 8/10
Nothing Green Day, just Offy. But a little soft. Alternative, that's good, it doesn't has to be fast all the time, though i prefer it.

8. Nothingtown 8/10
I Want You... All Tattoed... I Want You Bad... But this one's a little better, because of Greg's bassline.

9. Stuff Is Messed Up 10/10
If I could fuck songs, I'd fuck this one.

10. Fix You 7/10
Sorry for the 7, just don't like it that much, if I want cry songs (not that I cry, that'd be totally gay) I'll listen to Green Day. I DON'T SAY THIS IS LIKE GREEN DAY, JUST THAT THIS ONE'S A BIT OF A CRY SONG. A BIT. IMO.

11. Let's Hear It For Rock Bottom 10/10
First I hoped this song was a theme song for Spongebob Squarepants, but he lives in Bikini Bottom. But this one's fine with me.

12. Rise And Fall 8/10
Meh... I hoped this song was so heavy that I could pit naked in this one too. Now I'm kind of dissapointed. But that's just IMO. Anyway, sorry for the 8, I just don't like it so much.

[Grabbal]

Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace

5. A Lot Like Me 9/10
Meh...


Meh = 9/10

[The Man From Tallahassee]

Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace

Sorry for my short reviews, I'm just a simple person. I just don't think that much. I'm not short by length though.


1. Half-Truism 10/10
Gives me energy. Perhaps this song is equal to 3 cups of coffee, that's good.

2. Trust In You 10/10
Gives me energy too. So if I listen to H-T and TIY I'll won't have to drink coffee in the morning anymore. I'd totally be pitting naked on this song.

3. You're Gonna Go Far, Kid 10/10
Hehe, good one too. Doesn't give me energy. But I'd still pit on this song.

4. Hammerhead 10/10
If this one was released the same time as the whole album, I'd like it more. But that's just IMO. Still I adore it.

5. A Lot Like Me 9/10
Meh...

6. Takes Me Nowhere 10/10
Uhhh... The chorus is like... Trust In Youuuuu, but then Takes Me Nowhereeee. Good one.

7. Kristy, Are You Doing Okay? 8/10
Nothing Green Day, just Offy. But a little soft. Alternative, that's good, it doesn't has to be fast all the time, though i prefer it.

8. Nothingtown 8/10
I Want You... All Tattoed... I Want You Bad... But this one's a little better, because of Greg's bassline.

9. Stuff Is Messed Up 10/10
If I could fuck songs, I'd fuck this one.

10. Fix You 7/10
Sorry for the 7, just don't like it that much, if I want cry songs (not that I cry, that'd be totally gay) I'll listen to Green Day. I DON'T SAY THIS IS LIKE GREEN DAY, JUST THAT THIS ONE'S A BIT OF A CRY SONG. A BIT. IMO.

11. Let's Hear It For Rock Bottom 10/10
First I hoped this song was a theme song for Spongebob Squarepants, but he lives in Bikini Bottom. But this one's fine with me.

12. Rise And Fall 8/10
Meh... I hoped this song was so heavy that I could pit naked in this one too. Now I'm kind of dissapointed. But that's just IMO. Anyway, sorry for the 8, I just don't like it so much.
Bizarre review score system you've got there. You say 'meh' to a 9 and say you don't really like an 8. :/

[Offspring.of.Offspring]

I know, meh mostly means 5/10. But it's Offspring you know, they get 4 points bonus.

[sheepee]

Hi All!

I'll be waiting for this album about 4-5 years. The first six track is awesome, really, they can't be better. But... The rest of the album, well, in my opinion the tracks are avarage. I speak about only the music, I don't read the lyrics (I'm not english) After several hearing (or how can you say) maybe they gonna be much better.

However The Offspring is the most respectable band in the world (that I know).
They made everything from self-power, and after they became famous they didn't become self-conceited. (Can you see? After two years of work they put their entrie album into the internet so the fans can hear the fresh, new songs for free. How many band does make such thing like this? Not too much...)
So they can be a ideal for anybody.
I wish lot of more successful album, good luck, and happy life for the members of the band.

/I am waiting for the concert in Sopron, Hungary, at July 5. This will be the first performance at Hungary, but I can guarantee that it will be a f*cking big party, 'cos there are lot of fan here Hungary/

[smashDexter]

I can really see a little bit of Green Day influence on this record which annoys the hell out of me, but overall, the record is worth the wait. We have songs like half-truism, trust in you, you are gonna go far kid, the well done experiments Kristy are u doing okay and a lot like me which sound phenomenal. For some of the tracks I wish I could have Bob Rock powers and bring them back to the studio and make them re do some parts. It's not that the rest of the songs are bad, well except for Rise and Fall which is some offspring version of basket case, but some songs can be changed and made better. For instance, Let's hear it for rock bottom has an amazing, incredible verse and it could lead to a heavier or a darker, if u wish, chorus rather than this happy Green Day alike thing. Hammerhead... Well a great song but i really don't like this second bang bang it hammers in my head part. This part could've been easily cut out. I mean, Have you ever was structured kinda like that but this time I don't think they hit the spot. I don't know. I am definitely buying the record though. The guys are so awesome! They shared a single for free download, put the whole album online. Come on! That's what makes offspring my favorite band!

[Capricorn4]

Apart from Rise and fall(wich indeed similar to american idiot,but even sound a lot more better),the rest of the songs show progress,and I like the serious topics,even there are no joke song,they kept their style without repeating the past albums.

[grimbl]

hmmmm where to start.

this album started off alright and I was hopeful. but about half way through it turned into a Simple Plan album. The problem is Simple Plan Fucking blows. I'll place some of the blame Bob Rock for the direction this album went but most of it lies on the shoulders of the Offspring themselves. This album is strike 3, at least for me. I'm done with the offspring now, and they'll go down as one of the biggest sell outs in my books.

Rating 2/10

[jacknife737]

hmmmm where to start.

this album started off alright and I was hopeful. but about half way through it turned into a Simple Plan album. The problem is Simple Plan Fucking blows. I'll place some of the blame Bob Rock for the direction this album went but most of it lies on the shoulders of the Offspring themselves. This album is strike 3, at least for me. I'm done with the offspring now, and they'll go down as one of the biggest sell outs in my books.

Rating 2/10

I don't think that i'm going to like you.

[mat.kc.]

hmmmm where to start.

this album started off alright and I was hopeful. but about half way through it turned into a Simple Plan album. The problem is Simple Plan Fucking blows. I'll place some of the blame Bob Rock for the direction this album went but most of it lies on the shoulders of the Offspring themselves. This album is strike 3, at least for me. I'm done with the offspring now, and they'll go down as one of the biggest sell outs in my books.

Rating 2/10

you're obviously a fucking joke. 1 post and the account was just made. fucking troll, get out of here.

[medi01]

My review...sorry it's brief but i think i summed it up nicely:

FUCKING AWESOME

[medi01]

hmmmm where to start.

this album started off alright and I was hopeful. but about half way through it turned into a Simple Plan album. The problem is Simple Plan Fucking blows. I'll place some of the blame Bob Rock for the direction this album went but most of it lies on the shoulders of the Offspring themselves. This album is strike 3, at least for me. I'm done with the offspring now, and they'll go down as one of the biggest sell outs in my books.

Rating 2/10

what an idiot...complete moron

[drex878]

Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace Review

Half-Truism - 9/10
Amazing song, beautiful intro. This song was very well produced.
Trust In You - 9/10
Here's the song on the album for Smash lovers. It's a typical Offspring song...but with the twist at the end, it makes for a special piece.
You're Gonna Go Far Kid - 8/10
Catchy, decent, radio-friendly song. Nothing too special, but it displays their new sound.
Hammerhead - 9/10
No description really needed. It's a great song.
A Lot Like Me - 10/10
One of the rare songs that displays Dexter's vocal range. Something special, definitely.
Takes Me Nowhere - 9/10
Very catchy, yet harder sounding than most songs on the record. The solo is great.
Kristy, Are You Doing Okay? - 9/10
Nice to see Offspring change it up a bit, they really rocked acoustic here. Very openly personal too, which I like.
Nothingtown - 8/10
My expectations went up a lot after hearing the full version of this song. I thought it sounded a bit iffy, but now I see its greatness.
Stuff Is Messed Up 10/10
Wow, possibly my favorite on the album. Very, very original while still keeping The Offspring sound.
Fix You - 8/10
I love it how they're trying new things. The Piano sounds great, its just that it completely different than any other Offspring we've previously heard. It will definitely grow on me.
Let's Hear It For Rock Bottom - 8/10
Another catchy one. Nice ska type progress in it. Nothing stands out too much here, but undeniably a decent song.
Rise And Fall - 7/10
Not a bad song, just some what standard. I do very much like the way it ends the album, though.

Though I could calculate my scores for each song and tally up an average, I don't think thats a sane way to review a record. Albums should be reviewed by how you feel after hearing the music in it's entirety. After listening to Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace, I've felt the energy from this band that I haven't felt in a long time. While still making amazing music, I see great popularity coming from these 12 songs.

In my opinion, RAFRAG deserves an A. Of course its not perfect, but you can really see the effort that The Offspring and Bob Rock put into this.

[grimbl]

what an idiot...complete moron


I was an Offspring fan since Ignition. They used to my favorite band, until "Conspiracy of One". If the last half of the new album doesn't sound like Simple Plan album then my hearing must be fucked. The problem is why are the Offspring who were so much better than Simple Plan trying to emulate their sappy pop punk sound(this is Bob Rocks influence no doubt). This is so far away from where they started, and I say too far. If I wanted to listen to Simple Plan then I would buy a Simple Plan album. But there is a reason I don't own any Simple Plan albums because they suck and now so do the Offspring. Look I've been fair to them I've given them 3 albums worth of chances to improve their sound, but they have failed to impress me since Americana.

Just the humble opinion of a lost fan though.

[The Search Button]

I was an Offspring fan since Ignition. They used to my favorite band, until "Conspiracy of One". If the last half of the new album doesn't sound like Simple Plan album then my hearing must be fucked. The problem is why are the Offspring who were so much better than Simple Plan trying to emulate their sappy pop punk sound(this is Bob Rocks influence no doubt). This is so far away from where they started, and I say too far. If I wanted to listen to Simple Plan then I would buy a Simple Plan album. But there is a reason I don't own any Simple Plan albums because they suck and now so do the Offspring. Look I've been fair to them I've given them 3 albums worth of chances to improve their sound, but they have failed to impress me since Americana.

Just the humble opinion of a lost fan though.

Ok it's just you opinion, but why do you keep saying the the band lost you as a fan? Who the fuck you think you are?

Do you imagine how many new fans the band just gained today?

[grimbl]

Ok it's just you opinion, but why do you keep saying the the band lost you as a fan? Who the fuck you think you are?

Do you imagine how many new fans the band just gained today?

ya I do, a bunch of people who don't know what good ORIGINAL music truly is. There is nothing original about this, it the same packaged up pop punk sound thats been beat to death for a long time now. it's not awe inspiring, and it will not go down in history as the Offsprings best work, far from it.

[leo3375]

ya I do, a bunch of people who don't know what good ORIGINAL music truly is. There is nothing original about this, it the same packaged up pop punk sound thats been beat to death for a long time now. it's not awe inspiring, and it will not go down in history as the Offsprings best work, far from it.

This basically smacks of troll behavior. It seems that you are simply looking to deliberately piss people off and you are not prepared with a logical defense to back up your opinions.

Now, back on topic.

[Little_Miss_1565]

ya I do, a bunch of people who don't know what good ORIGINAL music truly is. There is nothing original about this, it the same packaged up pop punk sound thats been beat to death for a long time now. it's not awe inspiring, and it will not go down in history as the Offsprings best work, far from it.

Ah, so maybe they should experiment with static and all kinds of non-traditional sound sources and be truly original. Oh wait, Merzbow kind of has the market cornered on that. How about they do tons of operatic screaming and heart-wrenching wailing, find themselves a four octave vocal range and be true artists? Ah, shit, I knew I was thinking of Diamanda Galas. What about performing in masks and giving voice to the deepest darkest anger of teens? Oh right, Slipknot...

You see where I'm going with this? Who gives a fuck if it's "original" because there is always always always always going to be someone else to compare it to. It's the nature of music. The Offspring have always been just as they are on RAFRAG, albeit in different forms. This shit is fucking GOOD, so who cares if they're not pioneering brave new lands in the musical landscape.

[grimbl]

Oh really I thought this was a thread for reviews. I gave one. it seems it's others that have a problem with my opinion.

[smashDexter]

ya I do, a bunch of people who don't know what good ORIGINAL music truly is. There is nothing original about this, it the same packaged up pop punk sound thats been beat to death for a long time now. it's not awe inspiring, and it will not go down in history as the Offsprings best work, far from it.

Dude go jerk off or something, Rise and Fall Rage and Grace is so far the most original stuff they have come up with! 'cause they don't care about "fans" like you who just like bitching... my friend, the offspring would never release another smash or ixnay ... and unlike splinter, this time they didn't try to make another smash or americana

[T_immortal]

Alright I figured I'd give this a shot, I don't know if this would belong on another thread, but the sticky looked like it was for links to reviews. Im gonna go song by song on this one, here goes:


Half Truism: The intro sounds like one of those music boxes until it explodes into something amazing, right off the bat you can tell that Dexter's voice is in the best form it's ever been, a fantastic way to kick off an album. 10/10

Trust In you: A classic Offspring sounding song, powerful lyrics, fast guitar, and so much energy put into this one. The bridge is something out of this world. Would fit right into "Smash" (the album I mean). 10/10

You're Gonna Go Far, Kid: Well assuming most of us have heard the live version, the studio version blows it out of the water. Good single material, and Is it just me or does it have a more upbeat sound than the two tracks before it, while maintaining the theme of seriousness that is already apparent in this album? The standard of excellence continues. 10/10

Hammerhead: Well what hasn't been said about Hammerhead? But I finally feel that here's a single that doesn't seem out of place when heard alongside the other songs on the album. 10/10

A Lot Like Me: I would have to say the best song on the album, Dexter's voice has completely changed for this one, and he pulls it off with flying colors. This song as a single would be wonderful (for me anyways) Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace's equivalent to Gone Away and Race Against Myself. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. 10/10

Takes Me Nowhere: Now this is where I start eating humble pie, as the preview kind of put me off of this one, but the full version changed me thoughts on it. I get a kind of "Kick Him When He's down Vibe"? Great song, like the 5 before it. 10/10

Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?: Another song that the previews did not do justice to. This is deep stuff lyrically, and a very moving song. A welcome departure from the heavier sounding soungs before it. 9/10

Nothingtown: A solid listen, and would make for a decent single. This song gets extra points for the solo (especially the bass solo!). Has a bit of a pop-ish sound to it but that's not a bad thing at all . However, all of the above mentioned, I'm not feeling this one as much as I have some of the other songs on the album. 8/10

Stuff Is Messed Up: There's no better song to say "fuck authority" than this one. An awesome angry rant anthem, sounds like a cross between "Bad Habit" and "Holiday" by Green Day, with the former being the lyrical content, and the latter being the sound. Really good song to jam to, I can't wait to see this one live (if they play it live ). 10/10

Fix You: Now heres something a lot different from what we've heard. Similar to "Denial, Revisited". Good song, again here's one that wasn't done justice by the preview. Although I can't say I'll listen to this one everytime it comes on, I might end up skipping it eventually. 7/10

Let's Hear It For Rock Bottom: One song I just couldn't get into. I don't know what it is, but this one doesn't have the hook factor that most of the others on this album have had. I like the verse, but not so much the chorus, however I think this one may grow on me in the future. 6/10

Rise And Fall: Say what you will about the "American Idiot" comparisons, this is a solid close to a great album. It's good, and for the record it does sound a lot like "American Idiot" which isn't a bad thing (unless it becomes a single and gets overplayed as much as AI did). It's worth mentioning again, good closeout to the album. 8/10

In conclusion:

A mezmerising, captivating entry from the band we've come to know and love over the past number of years. If it were to be compared to the other albums, I would say it's Ixnay On The Hombre's sequel, with dashes of Smash, Ignition, and even Conspiracy of One thrown in to spice things up a bit. As I write this conclusion, Half-Truism is playing for the 10th time on loop on my laptop. They just couldn't seem to go wrong with this one, even the only song I didn't like all that much had its moments, and Dexter was not kidding when he said this is some of the best stuff they've ever done. It truly is, and was worth the wait 100%. Although it would be nice to see something new before 5 years from now (but that's looking too far ahead I think at the moment ). Lyrically, the band has matured, and Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace is a testament to their newfound seriousness that showed signs of emerging with "Splinter", but has come into full light on this latest addition to their discography. Musically, influences from other songs are ever present throughout the album, and it's truly wonderful to see how The Offspring's sound has evolved over time. Ive been following them since "Conspiracy Of One", since I was 12, and I've never been prouder to be a fan. They've vindicated my faith and patience completely with this new record, and they deserve every accolade it brings them. Thanks for something special guys!

A+! :)
Yes I got rid of the adding scores up part :)

[Indii]

Ah, so maybe they should experiment with static and all kinds of non-traditional sound sources and be truly original. Oh wait, Merzbow kind of has the market cornered on that. How about they do tons of operatic screaming and heart-wrenching wailing, find themselves a four octave vocal range and be true artists? Ah, shit, I knew I was thinking of Diamanda Galas. What about performing in masks and giving voice to the deepest darkest anger of teens? Oh right, Slipknot...

You see where I'm going with this? Who gives a fuck if it's "original" because there is always always always always going to be someone else to compare it to. It's the nature of music. The Offspring have always been just as they are on RAFRAG, albeit in different forms. This shit is fucking GOOD, so who cares if they're not pioneering brave new lands in the musical landscape.

Never thought I'd quote Mod in any forum to say she is so right that it hurts. ;)

[jacknife737]

So this is quite an emotional day for me, I’ve been listening to the band for about a decade, they were the band that not only introduced me to what “punk rock” was, but music in general.

So, immediately I noticed the apparent absence of an “intro”, the band opting to instead “let the music do the talking”. Half-Truism was a song that grabbed my attention when I first heard it as a bootleg from the Australian Summer Sonic Festival, the studio version seems to be slower than the live version, and the vocals are near orgasmic, especially during the chorus. This track would be an amazing single.

Next is Trust in You, this track had me bouncing around my room like I was in a mosh pit, its going to go down amazing live. It is definitely similar to previous Offspring tracks, both Smash and All I Want came to mind. However, like fellow punk pioneers Bad Religion, the Offspring have managed to create a track that offers both something new, and old.

You’re Gonna Go Far Kid. is a track that I’ve been ever so excited for, as soon as people who managed to get a hold of promo copies of RAFRAG began teasing the bbs with descriptions I knew I needed to hear this song. The band offers us their own unique take on “dance punk”, in a similar vein as Against Me!’s Stop. It was about this time, I began to get a little chocked up/tight in the chest, the song itself is not depressing, I was simply getting emotional hearing my favorite band at their finest hour.

In retrospect after hearing the rest of the album, I almost questioned issuing Hammerhead as the first single. But, I realize that the band was sending its fanbase a message with this track “We’re back”.

A Lot Like Me is probably one of the strongest tracks off the album. I love Dexter’s vocals, a really powerful song. This shows the band is fully able to experiment, and have it pay off.

Takes Me Nowhere, again, a more traditional Offspring track, hard hitting, and dark. I love it!

In several of the “new album” threads, in like 06 and 07 I frequently posted that I hoped Holland and co would make use of an acoustic guitar, and on Kristy it works fucking brilliantly. Despite its extreme subject matter, it’s defiantly going to be a single.

I love songs that have a “happy” vibe musically, while having dark lyrics, and Nothingtown is an ideal example of this. For some reason, the riots in France of the past year came to mind while listening to this song, not sure if that was its intention though. If this becomes a single, I’ll bet they can make a great video of it, one of my favorite tracks.

Stuff is Messed, like Trust in You offers the listener a glimpse into the band’s past and future. Love the lyrics, love the “la la la” part, love the song.

Fix You, is one of the most surprising songs on the album, based on some of the “early” reviews, I approached this song cautiously, but any notions of doubt vanished quickly, I love how this song builds up its energy.

Lets Hear It For Rock Bottom, I love the ska influence, love the song.

I’ve always found The Offspring choose really interesting tracks to end their albums, although I was really disappointed the way Splinter ended. With Rise and Fall, the band leaves with a fist pumping anthem, a perfect end, to an amazing album.

So thanks to those of you who took the time to read this far to long review. RAFRAG is one of their best efforts to date. In comparison to the band’s previous efforts, a lot of people seem to be comparing it to Ixnay due to its experimentation, and they are correct. However, to me, this album is most like Americana. The band was at a “low point” in their career, and decided to come out swinging, and they succeeded.

[grimbl]

Like I said in my original post the first 4-5 songs on the new album were good offspring tunes but then the rest sounds like Simple Plan to me. Why are they going for that sound again? oh ya Bob Rock produced. what other punk bands did he produce hmmmm, let me see Simple Plan maybe! and really you got to stick with what sells albums you know.

[Cock Joke]

Didn't he also produce Sum 41's Underclass Hero?

[grimbl]

Didn't he also produce Sum 41's Underclass Hero?

I don't think so

[drex878]

Like I said in my original post the first 4-5 songs on the new album were good offspring tunes but then the rest sounds like Simple Plan to me. Why are they going for that sound again? oh ya Bob Rock produced. what other punk bands did he produce hmmmm, let me see Simple Plan maybe! and really you got to stick with what sells albums you know.

Well I guess you listen to Simple Plan then. Seriously, this is a time for Offspring fans that is very exciting. If you only have negative things to say, fuck off. Go back to the Simple Plan forums.

[Jack-UK]

Great review jacknife

:cool:

[grimbl]

I'm sorry did the thread title say good reviews only. and I never said I never heard S.P. who hasn't

[Little_Miss_1565]

I'm sorry did the thread title say good reviews only. and I never said I never heard S.P. who hasn't

I haven't heard Simple Plan. And no, it doesn't say good reviews only, but you're being a jerk about your poor review, so don't act all surprised when people call you out on it.

[The Search Button]

Great review jacknife

:cool:

Indeed.

I enjoyed how your words depicted the emotion of hearing the songs.

Well done!

P.S.-LOL at parallel realities.

[Xyrin]

I haven't heard Simple Plan. And no, it doesn't say good reviews only, but you're being a jerk about your poor review, so don't act all surprised when people call you out on it.

Owned in the face.

I'll type up a review once I get the time to, though.

[grimbl]

I haven't heard Simple Plan. And no, it doesn't say good reviews only, but you're being a jerk about your poor review, so don't act all surprised when people call you out on it.

First I call lies on never hearing simple plan you probably never heard Avril Lavigne either.. lol. second I wonder why I'm the one being insulted if I'm the jerk. you people need to get over yourselves. grow up. I don't like the album. and I gave a reason. but I guess thats ground for the insults I've received, and the need to defend myself.

[Little_Miss_1565]

First I call lies on never hearing simple plan you probably never heard Avril Lavigne either.. lol. second I wonder why I'm the one being insulted if I'm the jerk. you people need to get over yourselves. grow up. I don't like the album. and I gave a reason. but I guess thats ground for the insults I've received, and the need to defend myself.

Why bother registering and posting just to post a thumbs-down review? Why expend the energy?

I have heard Avril Lavigne. Simple Plan is nowhere near as popular.

[jacknife737]

Indeed.

I enjoyed how your words depicted the emotion of hearing the songs.

Well done!

Great review jacknife

:cool:

Thanks a lot guys.

[grimbl]

Why bother registering and posting just to post a thumbs-down review? Why expend the energy?

I have heard Avril Lavigne. Simple Plan is nowhere near as popular.

because I've was a fan and need to show my disappointment in the Band and the new album, and there's no better place then the bands website.

[Xyrin]

I haven't heard Simple Plan. And no, it doesn't say good reviews only, but you're being a jerk about your poor review, so don't act all surprised when people call you out on it.

because I've was a fan and need to show my disappointment in the Band and the new album, and there's no better place then the bands website.

To be honest, you type as if you were drunk.

Your opinion is your opinion, sure. But, please, for all of our sakes, don't compare the album to other bands. At least be intelligent about your review.

[grimbl]

To be honest, you type as if you were drunk.

Your opinion is your opinion, sure. But, please, for all of our sakes, don't compare the album to other bands. At least be intelligent about your review.

:rolleyes: when all else fails attack grammar.

[Little_Miss_1565]

No more bitching. Let's get back to the reviews.

[Smashed Ixnay]

hmmmm where to start.

this album started off alright and I was hopeful. but about half way through it turned into a Simple Plan album. The problem is Simple Plan Fucking blows. I'll place some of the blame Bob Rock for the direction this album went but most of it lies on the shoulders of the Offspring themselves. This album is strike 3, at least for me. I'm done with the offspring now, and they'll go down as one of the biggest sell outs in my books.

Rating 2/10

I've been listening to The Offspring for probably 15 years now and I'm anything but a troll, but I'm let down by this album. I gotta agree with grimbl about it starting out good, but then it just went down hill. Hell, I agree with him about all the Simple Plan stuff he said too, LOL! Anyways, I should of seen this coming with many bands out there going mainstream and shit, but it's still a shocker that my favorite band for the past 15 years would produce this.

I'd give the album a 5/10 after listening to it. Call me a troll or whatever you want, but all this emo bullshit should of stayed out of the album, IMO. I felt like I wanted to kill myself.

I'm sure I'll get bashed for this, but I really don't care. That's what I think of the album.

[IamSam]

I have to say that I didn’t plan on reviewing the new album, but after jacknife (and me convincing him to listen to the album) I thought I’d review it as well

1. Half-Truism-I love the sedate music box opening into full fledged sound. I love the catchy chorus and its ability to get stuck in my head. Something else I like is the drop to half time for the chorus. The second verse is my favorite and the vocals stick out as being some of the best.

2. Trust In You-The guitar riffs in this song are powerful and meaty. There is something during the chorus that sounds slightly “Tom Morello”ish as someone else put it. I like the change of pace in the bridge with the guitar completely dropping out
leaving only the bass and drums and then slowly building everything back up into the chorus. Brilliance. Brilliance also describes Josh Freese on drums.

3. You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid-Love the ‘kick’ beat and how it moves into the raucous chorus. The guitars also stick out to me with their little diddy at the end of the chorus. Insanely catchy, this song gets stuck in my head easily, although I question its ability to be a single.

4. Hammerhead-This song reminds me of Have You Ever in structure. Hammerhead has easily climbed into my top 5 songs by the band because of its amazing lyrical qualities of dealing with a troubling issue.

5. A Lot Like Me-I laugh at the people who listened to the 30 second previews on Amazon and doubted it. This song is so powerful. Dexter’s vocal range is once again on the forefront like it was when they covered Total Immortal. I have had the soaring chorus stuck in my head since the Amazon previews. I think the piano is brilliant as well.

6. Takes Me Nowhere-The guitar part is as catchy as Jason Varitek. I like that Dexter brought back the dueling vocals from a few Conspiracy of One songs. Josh Freese displays some power on the drums. The melody line for the vocals has a flow to it that I love.

7. Kristy, Are You Doing Ok?-Every time I hear ‘acoustic’ and ‘Offspring’ in the same sentence, I cringe (except for Dirty Magic). Kristy is simply great. It combines electric and acoustic, and touches on a grave subject. The mood of the song is brilliant and fits the subject and lyrics perfectly.

8. Nothingtown-From the opening guitars I knew I’d like this song. I like bouncy songs, especially those that are slightly less bouncy lyrically. The lyrics are of a ‘depressing’ nature, but the music sounds happy. That reminds me of Reel Big Fish (style only, it doesn’t sound like a RBF song). Everyone worried about this song being a Green Day ripoff, but I sincerely doubt that. The bassline/guitar solo in the bridge is epic. I love it.

9. Stuff Is Messed Up-Boomba chicka boomba chicka boomba chicka! I love the subject matter of this song. This is classic sarcastic Offspring. They def rock my casbah with this song. I have to say the quick speaking end part is amazing, and very original.

10. Fix You-I’d like to hear from Dexter what this song is about. I get a Snow Patrol feel during part of this song, but only briefly. I like this song mainly because it branches out into unfamiliar territory yet still sounds familiar. In some ways it reminds me of Dirty Magic.

11. Let’s Hear it For Rock Bottom-I love when the band does a little ska type song. And I really like the Weezer Island in the Sun feeling during parts of the song. This song is also catchy and really enjoyable, although part of me thinks it is forgettable. I can’t wait for the official lyrics.

12. Rise and Fall-I’m always a sucker for anthem type songs and this one caught me. The solo from the guitar sounds like it is fun to play. I like this song as an ending because it seems to put an exclamation point on the end of the album.

In a wrap up, this album has the makings to raise the band through the roof, that is if they market it right. Noodles wasn’t kidding when he said that the album had 12 hits. I agree with JohnnyNem about the band listening to the fans and to themselves for what they wanted to do. I also agree with Jacknife on the emotions I felt while listening to this album. I was in awe with the sounds they were putting out.
Well done, very well done!

[ppronni]

As someone said, first half of the album (6 songs) is awesome. All songs are amazing. However, second half is, excepting Stuff's Messed Up - which is awesome as well - average or weak. Catchy, poppy and not very original. It's a pity cos in the first half there're some songs which are incredible, like Trust in You, Hammerhead, YGGFK, A lot like me and, especially, HALF-TRUISM, which is my favorite song of the record and of all their discography. It must be a single.

So I'd give the first half a 9/10 and the second one a 5/10 so I guess the album's a 7/10. Not bad, congratulations to the band.

[IamSam]

I'd give the album a 5/10 after listening to it. Call me a troll or whatever you want, but all this emo bullshit should of stayed out of the album, IMO. I felt like I wanted to kill myself.

I'm sure I'll get bashed for this, but I really don't care. That's what I think of the album.

What emo bullshit? Please, tell us.

[Ristifer]

I've been listening to The Offspring for probably 15 years now and I'm anything but a troll, but I'm let down by this album. I gotta agree with grimbl about it starting out good, but then it just went down hill. Hell, I agree with him about all the Simple Plan stuff he said too, LOL! Anyways, I should of seen this coming with many bands out there going mainstream and shit, but it's still a shocker that my favorite band for the past 15 years would produce this.

I'd give the album a 5/10 after listening to it. Call me a troll or whatever you want, but all this emo bullshit should of stayed out of the album, IMO. I felt like I wanted to kill myself.

I'm sure I'll get bashed for this, but I really don't care. That's what I think of the album.
You do realize that The Offspring went mainstream over 10 years ago right?

Opinions are opinions, but I think some people just think that slow slongs = emo music in a punk band.

Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather see The Offspring write some slower songs once in a while than write more Pretty Fly's. Songs like those are what was wrong with this band. It seems like those days are over with this album, thank goodness.

[ixnition]

I don't usually take the time to post my opinion on this message board (mainly because opinions are like assholes: everybody has one) but I'm shocked at the amount of negative comments about this album. I've got no complaints about it. I'll even admit that some songs sound a little similar to other artists but that still doesn't even scratch the quality of this attempt. Honestly, what song doesn't sound like another one at one point in time or another? Hardly a reason to call them bad songs. At least the album isn't boring and stays interesting from track to track. I say...GREAT ALBUM, just what I would expect from these guys.

[grimbl]

Ok, here's a review song by song for you on my thoughts on this album, This is the 3rd time I've listened to the whole album so I did give it a fair chance.


1. Half-Truism 7/10
Good song, A little different but still has that offspring edge I love. There may be hope for them yet.

2. Trust In You 9/10
This is classic Offspring, makes me want to jump around my house. great simple base line This is why I loved them in the first place. best track on the album

3. You're Gonna Go Far, Kid 7/10
Another solid effort, "dance fucker dance" great line. this song also has a more alternative feel to it but still good.

4. Hammerhead 6/10
Good but not great. song seem to drag on near the end gets boring and I find myself wanting to skip forward.

5. A Lot Like Me 6/10
This is a total direction shift for the album. It is different from anything they have done before. Not my favorite but I still dig it.

6. Takes Me Nowhere 2/10
Meh.. dexter vocals sound off. I find that this song lacks feeling and is filler for the album. I guess every album can have a week song.

7. Kristy, Are You Doing Okay? 0/10
WTF? this is this simple plan I'm listening too. this is the opposite of where I expected this album to go. total shift in style to sappy crap.

8. Nothingtown 1/10
Wait I've heard this before. the original was way better. this is a reoccurring theme with the offspring.

9. Stuff Is Messed Up 1/10
Great lyrics :rolleyes: lame, and the concept is sooooooooooooooooooooooo worn out.

10. Fix You 0/10
OFMG we went back to Simple Plan. just more sappy crap. "I wish I could fix you" what are we Emo now.

11. Let's Hear It For Rock Bottom 0/10
Another worn out theme by the offspring looks like all still only want to play for is angsty teens. Generic Offspring stuff that I've heard before. the Chorus sounds like NOFX's - Franco Un-American

12. Rise And Fall 2/10
nice effort, but to little to late, sounds like just another pop punk song I've heard a million times.

overall rating 3/10 wow it gone up one point from my first review


Bring on the hate, I'm ready. :p

[Ristifer]

Ok, here's a review song by song for you on my thoughts on this album, This is the 3rd time I've listened to the whole album so I did give it a fair chance.


1. Half-Truism 7/10
Good song, A little different but still has that offspring edge I love. There may be hope for them yet.

2. Trust In You 9/10
This is classic Offspring, makes me want to jump around my house. great simple base line This is why I loved them in the first place. best track on the album

3. You're Gonna Go Far, Kid 7/10
Another solid effort, "dance fucker dance" great line. this song also has a more alternative feel to it but still good.

4. Hammerhead 6/10
Good but not great. song seem to drag on near the end gets boring and I find myself wanting to skip forward.

5. A Lot Like Me 6/10
This is a total direction shift for the album. It is different from anything they have done before. Not my favorite but I still dig it.

6. Takes Me Nowhere 2/10
Meh.. dexter vocals sound off. I find that this song lacks feeling and is filler for the album. I guess every album can have a week song.

7. Kristy, Are You Doing Okay? 0/10
WTF? this is this simple plan I'm listening too. this is the opposite of where I expected this album to go. total shift in style to sappy crap.

8. Nothingtown 1/10
Wait I've heard this before. the original was way better. this is a reoccurring theme with the offspring.

9. Stuff Is Messed Up 1/10
Great lyrics :rolleyes: lame, and the concept is sooooooooooooooooooooooo worn out.

10. Fix You 0/10
OFMG we went back to Simple Plan. just more sappy crap. "I wish I could fix you" what are we Emo now.

11. Let's Hear It For Rock Bottom 0/10
Another worn out theme by the offspring looks like all still only want to play for is angsty teens. Generic Offspring stuff that I've heard before. the Chores sounds like NOFX's - Franco Un-American

12. Rise And Fall 2/10
nice effort, but to little to late, sounds like just another pop punk song I've heard a million times.

overall rating 3/10 wow it gone up one point from my first review


Bring on the hate, I'm ready. :p
I'm not really gonna pick on ya or anything, but Hammerhead only a 6? I'm surprised by that more than anything.

[Raptor88]

Okay, here's my review:

1. Half-Truism - as told by many before me, it's a perfect album opener. I really like the tempo changes in this song. 10/10
2. Trust In You - pure energy, do i need to say more? It is similar to Smash (the song)in structure and tempo, but still different enough that you can say it's not a direct clone. 10/10
3. You're Gonna Go Far, Kid - a song, that could be a great hit. It has a really good vibe and it would be perfect to dance to at a party. In my opinion this could be a successful single (bui it may never be released as a single because of the "dance, fucker, dance" line). 10/10
4. Hammerhead - The first album's single. Even though the second half of the song is very similar to the Nirvana's Stay Away, that part fits into the whole song really well (maybe it is unintentional, or maybe it is a kind of a homage to Nirvana, since Dexter really likes that band) - 10/10
5. A Lot Like Me - The first surprise on the album. A great, slow alternative rock song with one of the most beautiful choruses done by The Offspring. It is in a different style than we were used to from this band, but the song is really good. 10/10
6. Takes Me Nowhere - Another of the faster songs on the album. It has some sort of Bad Religion-like vibe to it, but in the "offspringish way". Awesome 10/10
7. Kristy, Are You Doing Okay? - One of the slower, poppier songs on the album. A touching song with a very serious theme, and another surprise on the album. though the song itself is good, it is not one of my favourites from the album 8/10
8. Nothingtown - Great song for changing the mood right after a slower song. Compared a lot to Green Day, but Green Day didn't invent this rhytm. 9/10
9. Stuff Is Messed Up - An anthem. A great song for listening as loud as possible while driving your car. One of the more pleasant surprises from the album. 10/10
10. Fix You - a slow, pop-rock ballad, that was underrated by hearing a 30 sec. preview. Though it is a good song again it is not one of my favourites, but it is growing on me every time i listen to it. 7/10
11. Let's Hear It For Rock Bottom - The ska-ish song of the album. The best ska-vibe song by The Offspring so far, guitar work is just great. 9/10
12. Rise and Fall - A fast song with similar structure like Green Day's AI (which is a rip-off from a Dillinger Four's song). Still it difers enough from those two tracks that you can tell who is the band playing right away. 9/10

This is my first review ever, i hope you like it.

[aceizace]

Rise and Fall does remind me of American Idiot. But Rise and Fall doesn't make me want to shoot myself. (Nothing against Green Day just don't like that song)

[ilovellamas]

Oh my God. I caved hardcore. I was gonna hold out, but it wasn't possible. haha. Having the album leak one day before Alanis's album came out destroyed my plan.

So, this album is amazing. Possibly my second favorite ever (after Ixnay).

Half Truism: 9.5/10 Very successful attempt at what RAM seemed to attempt but failed in. I like every bit of this song, though the chorus is kinda average. The verses and bridge are terrific and strong. I do like the chorus in context of the song- it is powerful in its surroundings.

Trust in You: 9.5/10 The only reason this isn't 10/10 is because it definitely reminds me of Smash (the guitar parts are so similar). Over time, that association will go away, and I'll probably like it more. The chorus is awesome, and the second half of the song is AMAZING. The breakdown is so good. The bass/guitar combo is just fantastic and goosebumps-giving.

You're Gonna Go Far, Kid: 10/10 This might be my favorite song on the album. I dug the live version, and the studio version is even better. There is nothing I dislike about this song. The pre-chorus gets me every time... the guitar riff with that tone is incredible. I love love love the dropped out chorus later in the song. My god, I could go on about this song forever. I hope it's a single. Oh, and the harmonies are spiffy in this one, too.

Hammerhead: 9/10 I might just be a bit biased against this one cause I listened to it too many times before the album release. It's a great song, but I guess I'm "sick" of it, in context of the album. It probably will be a 10/10 once I get used to the whole album.

A Lot Like Me: 10/10 This is the other song that might be my favorite on the album. It's such a divergence for the band, and a huge success. Dexter's voice sounds great here, and the feel of the song is AWESOME. This is the best success on the album as far as doing something completely different, I think, which makes me too happy. :)

Takes Me Nowhere: 9/10 When this song started, I didn't like it at all. I think I just don't like it coming after A Lot Like Me... it doesn't flow right. The song grows on me as it goes along, though. It's a good fast song (though I think Trust In You is better as those go). I like the counter-melody in the chorus a lot.

Kristy, Are You Doing Okay: 6/10 This is my least favorite song at this point. It could grow on me, and I'm hoping it will... the lyrics could bring it up quite a bit... but right now, I'm finding it pretty bland and unoriginal. :-/ And this is the one song on the album that (I really, really hate to say this) sounds like it should've been a Green Day song. I don't think it was necessarily influenced by Green Day, but I think Billie Joe's voice would fit better in this song. I hope it'll grow on me... but it'll take off huge if it's the next single.

Nothingtown: 8.5/10 It's good, it's fun, and it's different... but it doesn't really stand out to me.

Stuff is Messed Up: 8/10 This could grow on me, but it seems like a very typical Offspring song they didn't put much effort into. It reminds me stuff like Walla Walla, Special Delivery, and One Fine Day. I hope it'll grow on me, but it just seems like a dumb song... still catchy/fun, though. I like the fast rappish part, too... which earns it an 8.

Fix You: 9/10 I like this song more than most people seem to. It has a very different twist to it, and is very creative for the Offspring. The only reason it doesn't get a 10 is because I don't like how Dexter's voice sounds in the atmosphere of the song. His voice sounds too whiny, though I'm not sure if that's intentional or not. But I really, really enjoy the song.

Let's Hear it for Rock Bottom: 9/10 I really really like the verses. But I don't think the chorus totally fits with them. As a whole, it's a good song, and I definitely like it. :)

Rise and Fall: 7/10 Second least favorite song... meh. Pretty bland, but still good cause it's very Offspring.


Currently, I think this is one of their best albums ever. I haven't liked an Offspring album upon first listens this much since I got Ignition. Smash, S/T, Co1, and Splinter didn't hit me so well as this one does. :)

[Cock Joke]

Awright! So, here is my take on the album song-by-song!

Half-Truism: Perfect opening! Something you just wanna pump your fist and bob your head to! (10/10)

Trust in You: Classic Offspring with more brutality in there! I love it! And Greg, if I'm not mistaken, does his 1st bass solo! The whole thing is just amazing from beginning to end! The solo on that one is the best one the whole album. (10/10)

You're Gonna Go Far, Kid: The type of song that just makes you wanna punch something and tear someone's face off! (10/10)

Hammerhead: Makes the perfect single for a comeback Offspring album! It's got that big tempo change late in the song, I know all the words already. It's got that awesome chant, "Bang bang hammers in my head!" As for the video, it'll definitely grow on me! (9/10)

A Lot Like Me: Slows down a bit. I can get into this song, that's for sure. It has potential to be a single. (8/10)

Takes Me Nowhere: Oh yea! This song is so awesome! Upbeat, Green Day meets Ramones...sort of. (9/10)

Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?: It'll grow on me. I'm not a real huge fan of most ballads, but this one is really good. It's great of Dexter to record a soft, sentimental song every so often. (7/10)

Nothingtown: I like it. We're definitely entering Sum 41 territory, here, which is kinda alright, I guess. Good song, though. (8/10)

Stuff is Messed Up: Awesome song! Best on the album! You know they're gonna do this live! It was made to be a live frikkin song! (10/10)

Fix You: A bit linkin park, I guess. It's awright, though. (7.5/10)

Let's Hear it For Rock Bottom: Cool song. Upbeat, definitely. Anyone notice that it said "From" Rock Bottom on the imeem site? (8/10)

Rise and Fall: Holy piss, this one sounds just like American Idiot! (6/10)

Overall, the album gets 8.5/10! I can't wait to buy it!

[jacknife737]

Nice review Raptor88.

There is nothing I dislike about this song. The pre-chorus gets me every time... the guitar riff with that tone is incredible.

You too ilovellamas. And I completely agree with this, the "pre chorus" gives me goosebumps every time I listen to the song.

[Mr. Orange]

Hammerhead is an amazing song. Easily my favorite first single since Come Out And Play. Though it's hard to compare it to the others since I heard it for the first time ten months ago, I'd say it's probably my favorite song on the album.

Trust In You is a great Offspring–esque song. I'm a bit disappointed that it's the only really Offspring-esque song on the album. I would've like it if they'd tacked on a few more of these just to make the record a little more Offspringy. I'm a bit worried because these type of songs seem to get fewer and fewer every album. I just hope they never completely abandon them.

A Lot Like Me is an incredible, beautiful song. I'd say it's the best slow, powerful, sad sounding-type song they've done... well, ever. I think it's better than Gone Away. When I first heard there was a piano in it I was a bit skeptical. I was afraid it might be a little cheesy, but I'm happy to say I was dead wrong. They pulled it off; the piano blends in perfectly. Dexter's vocals sound amazing. I can't stop listening to this one. My second favorite on the album.

Stuff Is Messed Up is a catchy, kick ass song. I love the swing feel. I can't help but wonder how many takes Dexter had to do to get the bridge right. It'll be funny to hear him attempt that live. (Third favorite)

Half-Truism, You're Gonna Go Far Kid, and Takes Me Nowhere are all good songs but none of them really jump out at me. I'd say Takes Me Nowhere is the best of the three.

The other 5 songs, I hate to say, all really just bored me.

I'm hoping that Stuff Is Messed Up will be the 2nd single, and A Lot Like Me will be the 3rd. I think A Lot Like Me is the better song, but Stuff Is Messed up is more of an attention grabber.

Overall it's a good album. Some amazing songs. Some not-so-amazing songs. A bit better than splinter, but not as good as the Ignition through Americana albums. My main problem is the lack of those fast classic Offspring style songs. A few more Trust In You's would have been nice. I certainly wouldn't say it's even close to being a return to their roots, as a lot of people were predicting. It's definitely worth buying though. I'll probably pre-order it on amazon in the next few days.

[Ninty Man]

Half- TRuism: Great, GREAT FUCKING song, I must admit is radio friendly, but... is pretty good 10/10

Trust in you: Oh my god... I think is better that The noose 10/10

You're gonna go far kid-, this most be the second single... PERIOD. 10/10

Hammerhead-. awesome 10/10

A lot like me-. Is pretty much like once from Van Halen III... but this is well done 9/10

takes me nowhere-. Catchy,m powerful... 9.5/10

Kristy , are you doing OK? What I dislike is the chorus... but is a good ballad 8/10

Nothingtown: Fun song-... not a classic, but good 8.5/10

Stuff is messed up: WOW... FUCKING GOOD, 10/10

Fix you: Is a I would play without shame..., and the girls will love it XD. 9/10

Let's hear it from the rock bottom: I love the kinda reggae bridge, and is a pretty fun song... Is a typical 90's californian punk rock song, and It could be great with me playing it XD 9/10

Rise and fall: I remember that every album has a FUCKING AWESOME TO CLOSE IT... except Splinter... and I think that is a good song, but it could be better 8/10

[wrc307]

i like the whole album but the best are:
trust in you: i really love this song, its a true love, its a beautiful song, its the clasic offspring with a nice bridge and a really nice solo. but i think that the corus is the best part. 11/10
youre gonna go far kid: its a great song but i keep my opinion, i prefer the live version, it have more power than the studio version 9/10
half truism: im agree with the rest of the opinions about this song, its a perfect opening 9/10
hammerhead: it dont need a review, its a power song 10/10


the songs are poorly distributed, i mean the best part of the album are the first 4 in row i think that youre gonna go far kid would be perfectly the song number 7 and trust in you the number 10

the album 9.3/10 its better than splinter (i like splinter) , ixnay, conspiracy. but its not like smash :)

[.:SMASH:.]

1. Half Truism - Brilliant start to the album. To me it's perfect, no boring bits extremely fun to sing along to. 10/10

2. Trust In You - This song has somehow gotten better with every listen. The breakdown stands out to me the most. I used to think that it sounded very Smash, but with every listen I feel less that way. But in a good way. Very Good way. 10/10

3. You're Gonna Go Far Kid - At first I liked the live version better. It's a good to the point Offspring song that I'm familiar with. But however, it's confusing me at the moment with whether the live or studio version is better. And I bet I'm confusing you too. I don't make sense, never mind me. 8/10

4. Hammerhead - Getting pretty sick of it. 7/10

5. A Lot Like Me - Absolutely terrific. Mind blowing. Sensational. All < A Lot Like Me. 10/10

6. Takes Me Nowhere - Didn't stand out to me at first. After a few listens, I got to like it a bit more. Definitely not the best but not bad. 8/10

7. Kristy, Are You Doing Ok? - I love it. To me, it's a stand out and probably in my top 5 for the album. I really enjoy this one, and I would love to see it get big here in Australia. I don't mind the mainstream label. I'm loving it. 10/10

8. Nothingtown - I saw a song like this coming. It's fun, not a masterpiece, but still enjoyable. 8/10.

9. Stuff is Messed Up - I lol'd. Then rocked. Then gave 8/10

10. Fix You - Why is no one into this! I like cried every time I listened to it!!!! It's so powerful and emotional to me! Urgh. I guess you love it or you hate it... 10/fucking10.

11. Let's Hear it for Rock Bottom - ...Average after Fix You. 7/10

12. Rise and Fall - Great outro track. Good to sing along to in the chorus and all around fun. 8/10

Nothing below a 7. I'd say best album yet. But maybe I'm just caught up in the moment....

*Reflects*

[IamSam]

I have to say that in order of albums I would place it like this:

1. Ixnay on the Hombre
2. Americana
3. Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace
4. Smash
5. Conspiracy of One
6. Ignition
7. Splinter

S/T is just...well...S/T.

[hshduppsnt]

3. You're Gonna Go Far Kid - At first I liked the live version better. It's a good to the point Offspring song that I'm familiar with. But however, it's confusing me at the moment with whether the live or studio version is better. And I bet I'm confusing you too. I don't make sense, never mind me. 8/10

4. Hammerhead - Getting pretty sick of it. 7/10


Yeah I can't figure that out about You're Gonna Go Far, Kid? But I love em both. I gotta say its probably my favorite song hahaha.

As for your hammerhead comment, while I can see it, I have yet to get sick of this song, which tells me that I probably will eventually list this as the best on the album (though there are so many freakin good ones)... but I haven't come even CLOSE to getting sick of it.

As for the other comments, seems like the latter half of the album is hit or miss with people, but since the'yre different it makes sense I guess... I'm gonna give it a bit more time before I rank things (maybe even after I get the actual cd and have the lyrics in front of me)


I have to say that in order of albums I would place it like this:

1. Ixnay on the Hombre
2. Americana
3. Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace
4. Smash
5. Conspiracy of One
6. Ignition
7. Splinter

S/T is just...well...S/T.

Right now I might even put this above American but otherwise I basically agree with what you've got there.

Funny thing is... I love splinter... just like this band too much I guess :)

[Moose]

A Look at Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace:

the reason some of the more poppier songs are digestable on this album, rise and fall, rage and grace, is because they arent totally pop like shes got issues, walla walla, etc...

infact, like most of the album, these poppier songs, have interesting structures. If you look at this album, youll notice a lot of the songs have several melodies, even as many as 5 melodies in a song...it just isnt a simple ABA pop song structure...that is why this album is pretty strong overall and that is why the pop songs are still pretty interesting to listen to...they arent bad songs where they drag the album down into oblivian such as americana.

i think if the album's track listing was ordered a little bit differently, it would have worked better, but after at least 5 listens or so, you really start to appreciate the entire album and get over that nitpick...

im going to assume because of the order of the track listing, and because of weaker songs such as nothingtown and fix you, this album is most likely going to get ripped to shreds by the media and such. not to mention how yes, it is true, some of the songs clearly have influences or sounds of other certain bands...i even hear the influences of the police on rockbottom (influences are fine, ripping off isnt, and i think people reviewing this cd will basically claim that is what the offspring is doing, ripping off...i dont really think this is the case)

...it will probably fail commercially, and fail in the reviews (ixnay failed in rolling stone, and even smash got a weak review,) but the fact is, this is the most consistant, strongest, and different offspring album since ixnay on the hombre.

i dont mind the closer, rise and fall...i always like the more serious closers better, but the song musically ends on a note that tells you this album is complete.

id say out of 5 stars, this album deserves 3 and a half stars. but dont expect that from any reviewers, i personally think, as usual, the offspring will get ripped to shreds by these types of people.

So Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace gets 3 1/2 stars from this reviewer.

3 and a half means very good by the way...i can review it in real deal detail, but i wont, at least not now.



album rankings (off the top of my head - just my personal favorites):

ignition (best album)
smash (classic album)
ixnay (most creative album)
rise & fall, rage & grace (rivals ixnay in creativity, however, not as strong overall. still the strongest/most consistant album since ixnay)
self-titled (raw, but good)
co1 (consistantly solid, but nothing stands out in greatness...as far as rankings go, might as well tied with americana)
americana (unlike co1, has like 4 or 5 just great songs, but a run of terrible songs, such as walla walla, shes got issues, etc.)
splinter (not nearly as consitant as any of the other cds, still has great songs such as the noose and cant get my head around you, but has too many weak links like americana, just with the lesser end of great songs)


P.S. I wouldn't give any offspring album less than 2 1/2 stars...2 and a half is at least a solid effort, but pretty average i guess.

[effreyj]

Half-Truism 10/10: Best song on the album
Trust in You 8/10: Pretty energetic song that kind of reminds me of Smash
You're Gonna go Far Kid 10/10: Very catchy and fun to listen to
Hammerhead 9/10: Best single since TKAA
A Lot Like Me 10/10: Best rock ballad since Gone Away
Takes Me Nowhere 7/10: Not bad but not special in any way
Kristy, are you Doin Ok? 7/10: I think this would make a good single
Nothingtown 6/10: Decent song but not that catchy or energetic
Stuff is Messed Up 10/10: This song is so much fun to listen to
Fix You 9/10: I kinda like these Offspring ballads
Let's Hear it for Rock Bottom 6/10: Pretty good but not the best chorus
Rise and Fall 5/10: Worst song...I really think it sounds like a crappy American Idiot

Overall 8/10: Really good album with diverse tracks. Way better than CO1 and Splinter

Overall I'd rank the albums:
1 - Smash
2 - Ixnay
3 - RAFRAG
4 - Americana
5 - Ignition
6 - S/T
7 - Splinter
8 - CO1

[Autonomist]

I still haven't heard the complete album but I am SOOOOOO close to caving in. On top of Hammerhead I downloaded the three songs I'd already heard (Half-Truism, You're Gonna Go Far, Kid and Trust in You) plus another one to tide me over til it's release on Saturday (Stuff is Messed Up, a good call because that song reeks of fucking awesome). Partial review for now with a full one to come on the weekend.

Half-Truism;
Having been part of the Sydney Soundwave Festival crowd back in February I was one of the first ever people to hear this song, and because of that I did sincerely want to like it. I thought the live bootlegged version was bland, but the 30 second preview gave me a bit of hope. I'm still not entirely decided on it - as has previously been mentioned it does seem like an incredible throwback to popular 2005 emo bands like My Chemical Romance (a.k.a. shit I can't stand) and the first ten seconds is a horrible red herring. What I do like about the song is that it is undeniably catchy, particularly the bit that rings out the first part of verse 1, right after the "slings and arrows" lyric. Dexter's voice is as strong as it's ever been and the backing vocals do the song justice. For now I'm giving it 6/10, though that'll probably have changed by Saturday.

Trust in You;
Happy to say I can barely fault this at all. From what I can make out of the lyrics I'm not all sold on them but everything else is so rockin' I couldn't care less. An excellent throwback to Smash with great vocals, great guitar (a great fucking breakdown included), great hooks and great harmonies. Possibly my favourite track so far, only time will tell. 9/10.

You're Gonna Go Far, Kid;
Initially this one reminded me of that horrible Good Charlotte song that was really popular about this time last year. I've passed that now though and am really enjoying this as well. Probably among some of the catchiest stuff they've ever done. The chorus works really well (Dance fucker dance / man I never had a chance). Once again, great vocals from Dexter. I'm noticing a pattern here. 8/10.

Hammerhead;
I loved this sooooooooooo much when it came out last month, then I got a bit sick of it from overplay. After getting drunk on the weekend and putting it on repeat while playing Counter-Strike I love it again. This one I can't fault at all, it really seems like they've accomplished everything they set out to do here. Awesome everything, backing vocals and breakdown in particular. Untouchable and as close to perfect as it gets. 10/10.

Stuff is Messed Up;
From what I've gathered this is the only light-hearted, Pretty Fly-esque song on the whole album, which is a shame because though sometimes those turn out horrible (Original Prankster, Hit That, The Worst Hangover Ever) they can also be really good when the band does it right (Why Don't You Get a Job?, Spare Me the Details). Initially I thought I'd hate this from the title alone and the 30 second preview did little to soothe my worries. So it was an incrediblely welcome surprise when I realised that this song is nothing short of killer. It's not perfect, the chorus gets pretty annoying/repetitive, but the bits that work work so well. 7/10.

To be honest I'm a bit worried about what I'll think of the rest of the album. I'm really not sold on the idea of The Offspring doing acoustic/piano ballads, and I'm wondering whether or not I should give Kristy a listen now so that I've got some idea what to expect when I pick it up. I think the first review in the official reviews thread really hit the nail on the head as far as what I'm expecting. What happens next we'll see.

[Little_Miss_1565]

Half-Truism;
Having been part of the Sydney Soundwave Festival crowd back in February I was one of the first ever people to hear this song, and because of that I did sincerely want to like it. I thought the live bootlegged version was bland, but the 30 second preview gave me a bit of hope. I'm still not entirely decided on it - as has previously been mentioned it does seem like an incredible throwback to popular 2005 emo bands like My Chemical Romance (a.k.a. shit I can't stand) and the first ten seconds is a horrible red herring. What I do like about the song is that it is undeniably catchy, particularly the bit that rings out the first part of verse 1, right after the "slings and arrows" lyric. Dexter's voice is as strong as it's ever been and the backing vocals do the song justice. For now I'm giving it 6/10, though that'll probably have changed by Saturday.

Not to make the wait harder for you or anything, but the studio version of "Half Truism" fucking annihilates the live one.

[Autonomist]

Yeah I know, I was actually basing my opinion off of it.

[Moose]

Not to make the wait harder for you or anything, but the studio version of "Half Truism" fucking annihilates the live one.

Is it the heat wave talking or does "Takes Me Nowhere" sound kinda Bad Religiony? Maybe it's just the typeface in the logo talking to me. ;) The harmonies are fucking sweet as hell all over the place. I don't want to write a whole review just yet because I'm still processing but I might sometime soon.

I first thought of pennywise when I heard the preview of Take Me Nowhere, and I'd say it kind of feels that way still...And I agree, about Half-Truism, the studio version is much better than the live version.

However, I feel like the live version is better in You're Gonna Go Far Kid, than the studio version, but it's still a very good song.

[Gaberelli]

Some people seemed to be scared that the offspring like to express their feelings with slow songs. Not all of life is full of Rage, there is also a lot of grace. Hence the title of the album. It is great to see the offspring growing as a band. They are not going to make another ignition or smash, they have outgrown their old music and they would not ever make the same sound in 2 albums. I for one am glad that they have such variety, it makes them so much more interesting to listin to.

[Budzy]

HOLY SHIT NIGGERS
IM AM A FUCKHEAD- I SHOULD NEVER HAVE DOUBTED THE OFFSPRING!
the songs are amazing. i love them all.
half truism almost made me cry. (not rly) but it is a work of art
takes me nowhere took my by surspise
stuffis messed up is amzing.
but
trust in you takes the cake.
im more into fast heavy songs.
nothintown is nice aswlel.
alot like me is a song u sorta feel. dunno how u describe.

GJ NOODLES ON THE SOLO IN NOTHINGTOWN!
dexters vocals are better than ever. (it that can be topped)


Too bad the hammerhead vid sux. hahahaha

[ilovellamas]

Some people seemed to be scared that the offspring like to express their feelings with slow songs. Not all of life is full of Rage, there is also a lot of grace. Hence the title of the album. It is great to see the offspring growing as a band. They are not going to make another ignition or smash, they have outgrown their old music and they would not ever make the same sound in 2 albums. I for one am glad that they have such variety, it makes them so much more interesting to listin to.

I agree so much. I may not like every song on this album immediately, but when I first listened to Ixnay, I didn't like "Me and My Old Lady", "Way Down the Line", or "Leave it Behind". These songs grew on me, and Ixnay is my favorite album. Hell, the only album the band has where I don't strongly dislike a single song is Ignition, and I still am not huge on We are One or Hypodermic. So I was expecting to dislike a few songs. That doesn't stop me from being so fucking proud of this band for this album. It's incredible. It kicks the snot out of the last two albums, and right now, I wanna rate it the 2nd best Offspring album.

If they made another Ignition or Smash, I probably wouldn't be a fan anymore... I'm very glad they've matured.

[Irhia]

Nobody who is more than 20 years old and which has a minimum of musical knowledge, can't like this album. The most part of this board have to be 15 years old and have discovered offspring with pretty fly.
Apart 3 song, this album has nothing in the trousers.

It's just my opinion. (Sorry if my english is bad)

[Raptor88]

Nice review Raptor88.


Glad you like it :D

[Cejus]

I'll write my review later today. Just wanted to point out that:


I almost cried today listening to "Kristy are you doing okay". Is it normal? Am I becoming gay?
I guess I'm an exception to what Irhia said. I'm 23 and I love this album. And I love it because I'm 23, and I see how they've experimented with new sounds, and have made songs that are anything but simple. Each song has a complex structure, with changes of rythm and different melodies. In that sense, I think it's more mature than Smash, for instance.

[Drums beating in my Heart]

I'll write maybe write a review later(after my exams)

I like this album, yes it has slower songs but, what's wrong with that? And if you really don't like it, DO NOT LISTEN AND STOP COMPLAINING, no one says you have to listen, just keep listening to their previous albums.
My favourite song on this album is You're Gonna Go Far, Kid
(and I like splinter :confused: It seems that the most of you don't like that album...)

[Alleviate]

I'm gonna just get it out of the way and say this album has gotten me back into The Offspring. I hated splinter from the first time I heard it so I know it's got nothing to do with me loving it just cos it's new, but this album really is that good. I love all the stuff they've tried although I have to admit I was a bit worried after hearing Hammerhead cos I didn't think much of it, but some of the album tracks on here like "Kristy are you doing Ok", "Nothingtown" and even songs which will be released as singles like "Half Truism" are better than anything they've done since Americana.

In short I love it and they completely blew away my expectations.

[Raptor88]

And if you really don't like it, DO NOT LISTEN AND STOP COMPLAINING, no one says you have to listen, just keep listening to their previous albums.



The words of wisdom :)

[SiLeNtWaLkEr]

I love the album, and most i love to see that my(our) band is back rocking!!! :)

[cooldevi]

this is a big letdown... they've put out hammerhead as a great single, the best first single ever from an offspring album, and then the rest of the album disappoints. i'd prefer the usual, bad single good album. this is the worst offspring album ever.

[offspringer24]

Nobody who is more than 20 years old and which has a minimum of musical knowledge, can't like this album. The most part of this board have to be 15 years old and have discovered offspring with pretty fly.
Apart 3 song, this album has nothing in the trousers.

It's just my opinion. (Sorry if my english is bad)

HAHAHAHAHA...... TWAT, im 27 and this album is very mature for the offspring! infact ive kinda grown up with them and apart from the odd 'first single' they have matured with every album!

half-truism is classic offspring with a new edge
trust in you is simply classic offspring
you're gonna go far kid is just awesome and im sure will be abig hit
hammerhead - i like this song but i think maybe a little too political and overated for me (not a song i would have picked for first single)
a lot like me is simply fucking grad A genius and they should receive every songwriters award under the sun for it.

can't be bothered to review all but it is a very very good album

WORLD CLASS infact

album of the year 2008! :)

[Lupin]

Well it seems as this album has got some folk all heated!!

Being a band that dominated my early 'alternative' musical taste for the best part of 10 years, it's safe to say i was kinda looking forward to this album. Especially after hearing the previews clips etc etc, listening to it for the first ten or so times was pretty sweet.
From Hammerhead to Takes Me Nowhere is probabily the strongest first 20 minutes to an album i've heard in years. But aside from Stuffs Messed Up i'm not a fan of the second six. Its like they made 6 Offspring songs, a few slow songs and then did some experimentation. Which is always a good thing for a band to do, and they will probabily aquire stacks of new fans from the likes of "Kristy.." & "Fix You".
I on the otherhand, will sit back in the sun with a nice cold beer in one hand, spliff in the other and hum along to You're Gonna Go Far Kid.

[offspringer24]

Well it seems as this album has got some folk all heated!!


I on the otherhand, will sit back in the sun with a nice cold beer in one hand, spliff in the other and hum along to You're Gonna Go Far Kid.

lmao, thats the right thing to do.... good man! :)

[Drums beating in my Heart]

Nobody who is more than 20 years old and which has a minimum of musical knowledge, can't like this album. The most part of this board have to be 15 years old and have discovered offspring with pretty fly.


Who sais that you have more knowledge of music than people who are 15 years old? Yes I am 15 and... No I didn't discover the offspring with pretty fly!!!

And why are they people registring to the forum, just to say that they don't like the album??? Go to your mammy and lissen to Tokio Hotel on your fake I-pod!!!

The words of wisdom
thnx man, that for a 15 years old who doesn't know anything of music...:p;)

[eskova]

Album without INTRO !!:eek::D

[indy900]

[QUOTEI on the otherhand, will sit back in the sun with a nice cold beer in one hand, spliff in the other and hum along to You're Gonna Go Far Kid.[/QUOTE]

A MEN to that.

[IamSam]

1. Trust In You (10)
2. Half-Truism (10)
3. You're Gonna Go Far Kid (10)
4. Stuff Is Messed Up (10)
5. A Lot Like Me (9)
6. Hammerhead (9)
7. Takes Me Nowhere (9)
8. Kristy Are You Doing Ok? (8)
9. Let's Hear it For Rock Bottom (8)
10. Nothingtown (7.5)
11. Fix You (7)
12. Rise and Fall (6.5)


104/120 B+

To me this album shows great evolution to their musical style. It also seems, as pointed out by JohnnyNem, that the band spent the time to find out what people didn't like about Splinter (shortness and lack of cohesion) and fixed it. Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace is just that: A cohesive rock album that shows the bands ability to try different things with great results. The album is not IgnitionII, nor is it SmashII. However, this album reminds me most of Ixnay: An underrated entry to the discography fold that expresses the bands want to do more than the norm. Fans get the same sardonic/sarcastic lyrics and commentary on society that they have been getting for the past dozen plus years. They also get a couple songs that show the emotion behind the band, be it through reliving past experiences (Kristy) or by verbalizing songs that harken back to other albums (Fix You). The album also shows a huge vocal range by Dexter (A Lot Like Me, Hammerhead) and emphasizes the fact that his voice is back to 100% during the first track (Half-Truism).

While it isn't quite underground, nor is it complete tru punx, the album is a master work 4-5 years in the making, and it shows.

[DavidHolland]

I don't even know where to start, because most of this album isn't really Offspring.

Great job, Bob Rock. You know, when you hire the guy that turned Metallica from thrash metal to grunge and then to nü metal (because those were the popular styles at the time), you want something. Of course, he did a great job. Now Offspring sound like the power-pop boy bands of these days. They'll get more popular than ever. They'll obviously finally leave their roots and their old fans, but they'll get an amazing number of new fans for the cause.

"Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace" is mainly influenced by bands like My Chemical Romance, on the road started by Green Day some years ago. It's Offspring's attempt at releasing their "American Idiot". However, while Green Day compensated the commercial turn with better song writing skills, Offspring keep on the 3-4 minutes typical song formula.

While their last 2 records kept part of the rock feeling in some of the songs, outside of Hammerhead and some small fragments from the rest of the album, this new record represents the final step further on the way. No more doubts: power-pop and "independent"-pop material is what you'll find if you buy this record.

Most songs are unnoticeable, but 2 of them are the best examples of the new direction.

"Kirsty, Are You Doing Ok?" sounds like a song Hanson wrote when they were 8 or something. I don't care if it's about a girl with issues or whatever it is about. The song is still terrible.

"Fix You" has parts that sound similar to "Wake Me Up When September Ends", but it's even more pop. And yeah, they wish it was half as good as that song.

Rating: 7/10 in today's music business' perspective
2.5/10 in punk's perspective

P.S. For those who don't have it, don't waste your money with this and go buy last year's Bad Religion record "New Maps of Hell" if you want a punk record. If you want an Offspring record, no matter if it's punk, pop, dance or whatever, then stick to "Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace".

Congrats, Offspring has now officially surpassed Green Day's sellout level by far. I remember a lot of people complaining about Splinter. Can't wait to hear what they think about this now :D

[DavidHolland]

Nobody who is more than 20 years old and which has a minimum of musical knowledge, can't like this album. The most part of this board have to be 15 years old and have discovered offspring with pretty fly.
Apart 3 song, this album has nothing in the trousers.

It's just my opinion. (Sorry if my english is bad)

Exactly my feelings.

[F@ BANKZ]

I discovered The Offspring from Pretty Fly:(

But it's ok because I'm supreme 16

[Drums beating in my Heart]

I want the band to speek about this album...

[IamSam]

Whine, whine, complain, and whine.



The Offspring haven't been punk since Ignition. Smash was popular (which HINT means it was pop), Ixnay was still popular with many, Americana was even more popular, CO1 continued down the Alternative pathway, and Splinter showed the bands willingness to experiment and branch out, all though somewhat poorly in instances. Your argument for the band 'selling out' is flawed because the band hasn't been a 'punk rawk band' for the better part of a decade.

This album shows the bands ability to 'grow up' past power chords and standardized punk beats. It shows that the band wants to move on and try out new things, and has done a pretty fine job. Nowhere is there whining and crying in the songs on this album. The songs have deep meaning and some songs have more than one meaning. They have not gone 'emo.' Hell, you'd probably have said at the release of Gone Away that the band had gotten soft. Dirty Magic is also a great song that you'd probably say is emo.

What is more punk than breaking through the status quo and not conforming to the guidelines laid out for punk music?

[Ristifer]

I don't even know where to start, because most of this album isn't really Offspring.

Great job, Bob Rock. You know, when you hire the guy that turned Metallica from thrash metal to grunge and then to nü metal (because those were the popular styles at the time), you want something. Of course, he did a great job. Now Offspring sound like the power-pop boy bands of these days. They'll get more popular than ever. They'll obviously finally leave their roots and their old fans, but they'll get an amazing number of new fans for the cause.

"Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace" is mainly influenced by bands like My Chemical Romance, on the road started by Green Day some years ago. It's Offspring's attempt at releasing their "American Idiot". However, while Green Day compensated the commercial turn with better song writing skills, Offspring keep on the 3-4 minutes typical song formula.

While their last 2 records kept part of the rock feeling in some of the songs, outside of Hammerhead and some small fragments from the rest of the album, this new record represents the final step further on the way. No more doubts: power-pop and "independent"-pop material is what you'll find if you buy this record.

Most songs are unnoticeable, but 2 of them are the best examples of the new direction.

"Kirsty, Are You Doing Ok?" sounds like a song Hanson wrote when they were 8 or something. I don't care if it's about a girl with issues or whatever it is about. The song is still terrible.

"Fix You" has parts that sound similar to "Wake Me Up When September Ends", but it's even more pop. And yeah, they wish it was half as good as that song.

Rating: 7/10 in today's music business' perspective
2.5/10 in punk's perspective

P.S. For those who don't have it, don't waste your money with this and go buy last year's Bad Religion record "New Maps of Hell" if you want a punk record. If you want an Offspring record, no matter if it's punk, pop, dance or whatever, then stick to "Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace".

Congrats, Offspring has now officially surpassed Green Day's sellout level by far. I remember a lot of people complaining about Splinter. Can't wait to hear what they think about this now :D
Again, opinions are opinions, but this post just plain stinks.

Firstly, Bob Rock didn't turn Metallica into anything. Why can't people understand that Metallica went the way they did, and they paid for this later on because of the friction within the band that came head-on?

I don't care if you think most of the songs are unnoticeable, that's fine. However, if you have 2 songs that show a different direction, and you call that selling out, then that's unacceptable.

I don't even understand this whole "Green Day sold out first" attitude either. American Idiot is a fantastic album (minus Wake Me Up When September Ends). Some of you are just brainwashed by what is in the mainstream, and if something sounds similar, then it must be a sellout. God forbid someone may write something that they want to write.

Anyways, I've heard Bad Religion's new album is passable, and from the majority of people I've talked to about it, they've claimed that it all just sounded the same. I, for one, am glad that The Offspring can reach in and pull something different out without sounding like retards. To me, CO1 was when they truly sounded too poppy, and they retreated from that sound pretty fast.

[Drums beating in my Heart]

What is more punk than breaking through the status quo and not conforming to the guidelines laid out for punk music?

I like that view...

[RonWelty]

News maps from hell is a great record, but they sound all like one... RAFRAG has a mix of styles, themes and moods.

[DavidHolland]

What is more punk than breaking through the status quo and not conforming to the guidelines laid out for punk music?

RLMFAO

You cannot be serious. Breaking the punk guidelines to enter power pop guidelines isn't exactly punk either.

There isn't that much of a wide musical range on this record, you're all overrating that. Just because they change from the distortion to the clean channel on some tunes, it doesn't mean it's a different music. It's all almost the same really, they really need to grow as songwriters. They seem to only know how to write short punk /short pop typical songs.

About New Maps of Hell, it surely has a wider musical range than this record. I'm not going to explain it in detail unless necessary, but including pop, classic punk, melodic hardcore, modern punk, some rock and roll and some metal influences sounds quite wide for me. Of course you need to know what is all that about, but after using this

What is more punk than breaking through the status quo and not conforming to the guidelines laid out for punk music?

to try to justify Offspring I doubt most of you are really fond of them.

[IamSam]

RLMFAO

You cannot be serious. Breaking the punk guidelines to enter power pop guidelines isn't exactly punk either.

There isn't that much of a wide musical range on this record, you're all overrating that. Just because they change from the distortion to the clean channel on some tunes, it doesn't mean it's a different music. It's all almost the same really, they really need to grow as songwriters. They seem to only know how to write short punk /short pop typical songs.

About New Maps of Hell, it surely has a wider musical range than this record. I'm not going to explain it in detail unless necessary, but including pop, classic punk, melodic hardcore, modern punk, some rock and roll and some metal influences sounds quite wide for me. Of course you need to know what is all that about, but after using this



to try to justify Offspring I doubt most of you are really fond of them.

So you take that and ignore the rest of my argument? Nice way to ignore everything that demolished your argument.

Simply this: You can't call The Offspring plain "punk," nor can you say they "sold out." They've been slowly tweaking and changing their style for ten years now. They've listened to the majority of fans suggestions and tweaked things to what the fans suggested and what the band wanted to try. Dexter once said that the band will do what they feel like doing and not what people push onto them. Staying inside the strict guidlelines of punk is a weight that brings down their creativity. So what if they do an acousitic song? Do you even know what Kristy is about or the feelings surrounding it? It isn't a crying/sobbing song about some lover. It's a song about remembering a horrible deed that happened in the past and reminding Kristy not to let it consume her, that she should move on.

I find it sad that so many people cannot accept that people change, bands are influenced by more than power chords, and that bands (the good ones) evolve and take suggestions from their fans.

[Indii]

About New Maps of Hell, it surely has a wider musical range than this record. I'm not going to explain it in detail unless necessary, but including pop, classic punk, melodic hardcore, modern punk, some rock and roll and some metal influences sounds quite wide for me.


If you find that many styles / genres on the last Bad Religion (which I really like), you can find just as many on RAFRAG, including pop, acoustic, rock and roll, alternative rock, pop punk, and some electronica influences. Hell, I don't even know where the difference between most of those genres is. There is no absolute definition for music genres. And what does a genre say about the quality of the music? Is Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side Of The Moon" bad because it is not fast enough and doesn't have enough guitars to be a punk rock album? :confused:

[cool_dexter]

This is top of the punk ( album including in it every substyle , magic album)

[SaiKYoU]

i made a review for RAFRAG in spanish, so i'll translate...

...

#1 - HALF-TRUISM (4 **** stars)

mora than expected after live version... sounds better after a couple of listenings...

#2 - TRUST IN YOU (5 ***** stars)

FUCK! world needed a song like this!!

#3 - YOU'RE GONNA GO FAR, KID (5 ***** stars)

it's some kind of raw offspring sound... band neededa song like this...

#4 - HAMMERHEAD (5 ***** stars)

holy FUCK! i was touching myself when listening...

#5 - A LOT LIKE ME (3 *** stars)

after the strong beggining of the album this is a goin-down on the intensity... slow track but not a Gone Away by far...

#6 - TAKES ME NOWHERE (4 **** stars)

i like Greg K in this song... could be a superhit if treated properly... i mean, single...

#7 - KRISTY, ARE YOU OKAY? (2 ** stars)

too soft for this album... no intensity, and seriously, for Mike Ness'
sake, NO SINGLE PLEASE!!

#8 - NOTHINGTOWN (2 ** stars)

sound like mid 1990s, but ain't Offspring sound... sub-par...

#9 - STUFF IS MESSED UP (4 **** stars)

potential bomb for live shows... mayority, fan-base and not fan-base would enjoy this song...

#10 - FIX YOU (3 *** stars)

like remaking "Denial Revisted" into a bettr song... the kind of ballad that says "Dexter is over 40 year old"...

#11 - LET'S HEAR IT FOR ROCK BOTTOM (3 *** stars)

nothing special... sound like "The Police"...

#12 - RISE AND FALL (4 *** stars)

not bad, sound like late 1990s, and thats OK for me...

#BONUS - O.C. LIFE (5 *** stars)

why i always like Bonus Tracks?? it happened the same with last Pennywise album...

...

so after 5 years, it has enough intensity, and enough good songs to be considrered a succesful album...

it also has some melodic songs, maybe midcarders, but ina Bad Religion way, so it's okay for me...

i'm giving 4 **** starts to the album!!

[Zebulon]

IAMSam, Pop does NOT mean "popular". Pop is a style of music. It just so happens that pop is on the radio most often. If Hammerhead went huge it would NOT be pop.

[HeadAroundU]

DavidHolland, lol, Bad religion has a wider musical range!? HAHAHAHAHA!

Stop it, it's embarrasing.

[Xyrin]

1. Half-Truism - 10/10 - The best starting song I've ever heard before... It's so catchy and... Hmm, only word I can really think of is "Epic". It's definitely a song they should start off with at a concert.

2. Trust In You - 10/10 - Amazing guitar. Seems they wanted to hold at least a part of their old albums into this one. Bass and Guitar Solos = Excellent.

3. You're Gonna Go Far, Kid - 10/10 - Mosh Pit, anyone? This is going to be one of those crazy hits where everyone knows it, and everyone just wants to, well, Dance fucker, dance.

4. Hammerhead - 10/10 - Doesn't need an introduction. :P

5. A Lot Like Me - 10/10 - From a mellow song into a semi-heavy song, I love the transition. I love the lyrics, and I love the style of the song.

6. Takes Me Nowhere - 8/10 - Good song, just not one of those "hits". One of songs where I won't skip the song, trying to find a better.

7. Kristy, Are You Doing Okay? - 9/10 - I love this song, just not as much as the others. I love Offspring's soft songs.

8. Nothingtown - 7/10 - I'd like it if someone could tell me the exact meaning behind this song. It's still catchy and I can bounce to it and such, just that there are much better bouncy songs on the CD.

9. Stuff Is Messed Up - 12/10 - It's just that good. "La la la la la!"

10. Fix You - 9/10 - Great song, if you actually put it on repeat and stop listening to it right after Stuff Is Messed Up.

11. Let's Hear It For Rock Bottom - 8/10 - A lot better than what I thought it was going to be, from the previews. I'm glad, it's actually quite a good song.

12. Rise and Fall - -1/10!! - THIS IZ GRN DAY!! FAIL!


No, that's stupid as shit, people need to learn to write a review.

12. Rise and Fall - 8/10 - Getting passed the beginning that has a RESEMBLANCE of American Idiot, this is a good song overall.

This Album gets a 9.25/10 from me.


EVERY CD that has came from the Offspring has always sounded unique from the previous CD, and this one holds the same respect. That's why I love this Band, originality and being unique with their music.

Take out Dexters voice and you wouldn't even know it was The Offspring, eh?

[TeddyBear_Army]

DavidHolland, lol, Bad religion has a wider musical range!? HAHAHAHAHA!

Stop it, it's embarrasing.

Exactly. This bitch is acting like he is tru punx, but he´s only embarassing himself. People who aren´t open to other music styles make me sick as fuck. It´s like...if I love the offspring I ain´t allowed to love queen too, just cause they have very different styles. Bunch of narrowminded fucktards.

[jacknife737]

Not everyone has to like the album, but stop acting like the Offspring suddenly gained a "pop" influence on this record. This is a band that has released such "hardcore-street-punk" anthems as Pretty Fly, WDYGAJ, Original Prankster, and Hit That as lead singles. The Offspring, ever since Ignition have a huge pop influence on their music. A lot of these complaints about commercialization, ect sound awfully like the slurs being thrown against the band when they released Ixnay after Smash.

P.S. Oh, and Green Day didn't invent pop-punk.

DavidHolland, lol, Bad religion has a wider musical range!? HAHAHAHAHA!

Yeah, I love Bad Religion, but I was laughing at that for a good five minutes or so.

[IamSam]

IAMSam, Pop does NOT mean "popular". Pop is a style of music. It just so happens that pop is on the radio most often. If Hammerhead went huge it would NOT be pop.

Yes. Yes it does. "Pop" is short for "popular."

[grimbl]

O.C. life - 5/10
It's okay, Its a better end then rise and fall was.

[TeddyBear_Army]

Alright, I´ll write a review too, why not.

1. Half-Truism - 9.5/10 - I love the intro, it´s kinda poetic. I also love the verses and I can definetly see the chorus sung anthem-like live. Very powerful song.

2. Trust In You - 9/10 - Very "Smash"-like. Gotta love its energy! And the solo is fucking great!

3. You're Gonna Go Far, Kid - 10/10 - Holy shit, this one is near perfect! Everything from the drum beats, the solo and our new meme, Dance Fucker Dance, reeks of greatness!!!

4. Hammerhead - 10/10 - "Friggin´ freight train" indeed!

5. A Lot Like Me - 10/10 - Fuck, this is the pinnacle of awesomeness! This one reminds me Amazed, and that´s beautiful! I actually think this one´s BETTER than Amazed. Love the lyrics, love the piano, love the vocals. This has got to be a single!

6. Takes Me Nowhere - 9.5/10 - Damn...everytime I hear this song I remember Crazy Taxi... I mean, this song would be perfect for it! It´s fast paced, has lots of energy and a catchy as hell chorus! Not to mention its solo, it makes me want to mosh against the wall! Oh yeah...what are you waiting for Sega? I DEMAND a new Crazy Taxi with Wi-Fi Leaderboards and Wii -Wheel enabled!

7. Kristy, Are You Doing Okay? - 9.5/10 - I love soft songs, so yeah, this one has won me over. Its lyrics are excellent, one of the best Dex has ever wrote. Its solo may be a bit cheesy, but fuck I love that.

8. Nothingtown - 9/10 - Mix Want You Bad with The Clash and you get this song. I love the lyrics and the solos are badass! FINALLY a great bass solo!

9. Stuff Is Messed Up - 10/10 - Bad Habit + Americana + a pinch of AC/DC equals this awesome song. I love when Dexter turns into a machine gun and spits two thousand words in 10 seconds! You gotta love the way the lyrics deal with the media and its complications.

10. Fix You - 10/10 - This one makes me feel butterflies in my stomach! It´s so beautiful... whenever Dexter sings it´s like a storm of emotions pouring in! This was my most anticipated song since I heard the previews and it actually turned out better than I thought. One of the best songs EVER in my humble opinion!

11. Let's Hear It For Rock Bottom - 9/10 - I can definetly hear The Police´s influence here. Very nice ska-like verses and really catchy chorus! I also love its breakdown.

12. Rise and Fall - 9.5/10 - It´s intro kinda sounds like American Idiot, yeah, but it has a lot of energy, and it does not suck like that shitty song. I´m in love with the chorus and the solo! I keep singing "And I don´t wanna say "I told you so", but I told you so, and now you´ve lost control!" non-stop since I first heard it! Nice way to finish the album.

Overall - 10/10 - Best Offspring album since Ixnay, and it actually ties with it in my opinion. It´s a comeback album for sure, and I hope it becomes really huge... cause it already is huge with me!

[Little_Miss_1565]

Yes. Yes it does. "Pop" is short for "popular."

I'm sorry, you're wrong. Pop is a style, derived from popular sure, but it does not *mean* popular.

[grimbl]

Okay I have ask this

Do you people seriously have your heads up your asses?

I mean come on. The majority of you giving this album a perfect or near perfect rating. There are only a handful of albums ever released that are a 10/10, and the Offspring haven't released any of them. They've released some good albums, none of them a 10/10 though. This is in no way their best work, and is far from 10/10.

[Little_Miss_1565]

They're excited, leave it alone. I definitely give the first half of the album a 10/10. I have to wonder though if you have your head up yours for insisting on shitting on everyone's parade.

[jacknife737]

Okay I have ask this

Do you people seriously have your heads up your asses?

I mean come on. The majority of you giving this album a perfect or near perfect rating. There are only a handful of albums ever released that are a 10/10, and the Offspring haven't released any of them. They've released some good albums, none of them a 10/10 though. This is in no way their best work, and is far from 10/10.

Musical opinion is subjective, one person's notion of a perfect song/album will be different from another’s. Stop being a douche.

[The Search Button]

Okay I have ask this

Do you people seriously have your heads up your asses?

I mean come on. The majority of you giving this album a perfect or near perfect rating. There are only a handful of albums ever released that are a 10/10, and the Offspring haven't released any of them. They've released some good albums, none of them a 10/10 though. This is in no way their best work, and is far from 10/10.

In addiction to what Little Miss said I must add that this is not a neutral forum so don't expect unbiased opinions in here.

This is an official fan forum, so yes we will appreciate pretty much everything this band does.

[TeddyBear_Army]

Okay I have ask this

Do you people seriously have your heads up your asses?

I mean come on. The majority of you giving this album a perfect or near perfect rating. There are only a handful of albums ever released that are a 10/10, and the Offspring haven't released any of them. They've released some good albums, none of them a 10/10 though. This is in no way their best work, and is far from 10/10.

You sir are an asshole!

[ilovellamas]

Nobody who is more than 20 years old and which has a minimum of musical knowledge, can't like this album. The most part of this board have to be 15 years old and have discovered offspring with pretty fly.
Apart 3 song, this album has nothing in the trousers.

It's just my opinion. (Sorry if my english is bad)

I'm 24, and I think this is one of their best albums ever. Also, if someone's 15, that means they were 5 when Pretty Fly came out. I doubt there are a lot of 15 year olds who heard of them from that song.

I wish people would stop bitching. :(

[grimbl]

You sir are an asshole!

no, I'm just calling it the way I see it. Further more the fact that the majority of you are such huge "fans" blinds you from giving a truly unbiased review.

[mrXniick]

no, I'm just calling it the way I see it. Further more the fact that the majority of you are such huge "fans" blinds you from giving a truly unbiased review.

Fans of the Offspring meeting on the OFFICIAL fan forum of the band. What a fucking crime.

Go jump off a bridge.