Americana by The Offspring

The Offspring were a well-registered punk/metal band in the early 90's. During the mid-90's they switched record labels and in doing so lost a lot of their respective audience. Their second release in 1998 on Columbia Records was the album that brought them back into the punk scene.

Americana instantly became a hit with the single "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)" which scored in the top 10 charts for many weeks. The album former to Ixnay on the Hombre quickly brought The Offspring back to life.

Americana starts off with a brief introductory track entitled "Welcome" that says very little and means even less. I grew fond of skipping immediately to the next track, "Have You Ever."

"Have You Ever" hits hard and fast and will instantly get the adrenaline pumping throughout your whole body. The track is fast moving with easy lyrics, although you may want to rewind and replay just to catch every word. There is deep meaning throughout the whole song and when thought of as a whole it means even more.

"Staring At The Sun" is next in the lineup. It is not quite as fast and hard-hitting as "Have You Ever" but is still full of just as much meaning. "Staring At The Sun" will have you moving and most of all have you thinking. The album takes an interesting turn in direction with "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)."

The whole song is telling a story about being a poser and not quite cool. Although it is a more comical song and not quite as deep as previous tracks it is still worth a listen. "Kids Aren't Alright" eases you back into meaning with a realistic message about growing up and what we become as we get older.

"Feelings," changes the tone of the album again but keeps the meaning. With a somewhat simple but well-defined chorus "Feelings" delivers more meaning that music but will still appeal to the musical taste most are seeking. The next few songs are rather un-unique but still admiral enough in theme and moral to listen to.

"Why Don't You Get a Job?" reopens the witty humor music that The Offspring introduced earlier with "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)." Describing the pain of a friend's relationship with his girlfriend in a somewhat offensive but interesting way.

The Offspring's 5th album entry into the musical world of punk rock is well worth picking up. Although, it lacks in a few areas and songs Americana can still hold it's own against the music world. Overall rating 4/5, quite frankly, it's great but it could have been better.