After the Blink-182 hiatus, +44 was formed by Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker, with Shane Gallagher and Craig Fairbaugh, but to be honest, people mostly ignore the fact of their existence when listening to +44 because there's no speculated sexual tension between them and anyone else in the band. Don't know what I mean? Look up Blink-182's fandom and hate me later.
This isn't directly like Blink-182's sound, because it leans more towards alternative rock with electronic influences, so I can see where a lot of Blink-182 fans would be indifferent to this or even dislike it, but at the same time, I can't see anyone who isn't a Blink-182 fan embracing this album, and it's not even like it's bad or anything.Mark is the only person singing on this album except a lovely appearance by Carol Heller on 'Make You Smile' and on back-up vocals on one or two songs, and apparently Craig Fairbaugh does some vocals, but honestly I wouldn't even be able to tell you where he comes in.
I feel like this review has almost a negative tone to it already, but come on, let's put on our happy faces and jump into it!
I feel like Mark is at his absolute best with his lyrics here. In Blink-182 he was a good song writer and all, but here it's like he's taking parts of himself and applying it to songs, reaching deep within, while making some catchy alternative rock/electronic melodies. I honestly think it's great that he got into the idea of adding electronics to his music, because they really seem to fit well with the music. Makes me almost wish that Blink-182 would get a touring keyboard member, that is, if they don't already.
I think my main problem with this album is that while I like Mark's voice better than Tom's, I somehow just get bored of it before the album's over, and I don't know why. It's like he can't handle a whole album to himself, and I feel like I'd still think this even if I had never heard him and Tom sing together.Overall, I want to give this a 6/10. It probably won't win you over if you're not a fan of Blink-182, and maybe it still won't even if you are, but if you liked Mark's contributions to the band, then what have you got to lose by checking this out?
Recommended tracks: Baby Come On, When Your Heart Stops Beating
