Impossible is simply a challenge. Just look at Blink-182, which has reunited with its classic lineup for One More Time… (via Columbia), a project millions of fans hoped and dreamed for, but, until a year ago, no-one would have bet a buck on.
In October 2022, the pop-punk legends announced a reunion with former singer/guitarist Tom DeLonge for a 2023 global tour and the single “EDGING”.
After twice leaving the band — in 2005 and then again in 2014 — DeLonge is back in the lineup alongside singer/bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker for One More Time…, which dropped at the stroke of midnight.
One More Time… is the trio’s ninth studio, and includes “Edging” and previously released title track – both of which led Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart.
Produced by Barker, it features 17 new songs that “capture the band at the top of their game, layering in themes of tragedy, triumph and most importantly, brotherhood.”
Hoppus, who received a cancer diagnosis in 2021 and, following treatment, got the all-clear in 2022, has said that the new LP is, without a doubt, “one of the best albums we’ve ever made.”
According to a release announcing the project, One More Time… was recorded during a stretch of the Live Nation-promoted 2023 reunion tour, which kicked off with a surprise last-minute addition to the lineup for April’s Coachella Festival.
One More Time… is the followup to 2019’s Nine, the group’s second and final album to feature Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba in the guitarist/vocalist spot left vacant by DeLonge.
Blink-182 has eight top 10 hits on the Billboard 200 chart, including No. 1s with Take Off Your Pants And Jacket (from 2001) and California (2016).
The band completes its U.S. round of dates this weekend at When We Were Young festival in Las Vegas, with a run of arena dates to follow in Australia and New Zealand next February and March, then shows in Peru and Mexico.
Stream One More Time… below.
