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Featured in SPIN, December 1998
In the midst of a pop-rock resurgence, the Offspring bring punk-rock and Mohawks back to Main Street. With the November release of their fifth album, Ameriana, the SoCal punk-pop quartet will find out if fans still want to come out and play.
Punk’s Not Dead, It’s Just Evolving
Fast-and-furious punk is no longer the coolest thing in music. However, you can’t ignore the Offspring’s progression from a punk band to a rock band. Mike Peer, music director of New York’s alt-station, K-Rock, states, "The punk fad might not be the coolest thing in music anymore, but you have to look at the Offspring as a rock band now. They’ve progressed."
The Offspring: Progressing and Experimenting
After the success of their third album, Smash, which went quintuple-platinum, the Offspring released Ixnay on the Hombre in 1997. The album sold a less-earth-shattering one million copies. Now, with Ameriana, the band explores new sounds, including traditional rock, horn-infused tracks, and tape loops. Guitarist Noodles comments, "If we do something different, it’s because it seems fun. I’ve never thought, ‘Oh, man, punk rock’s over. Shit, how are we gonna feed our kids? Let’s do a ska record next.’"
Single Release: "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)"
The album’s first single, "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)," has a familiar bratty ring, mixing Def Leppard’s "Rock of Ages" intro with a frat-friendly, hook-heavy melody. The song mercilessly mocks people who pretend to be something they’re not. Lead singer Dexter Holland says, "I wanted to write a song where people in high school would go, ‘I know exactly who this guy’s talking about: so-and-so in third period.’"
Ameriana Tracklist
- Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)
- Pay the Man
- Why Don’t You Get a Job?
- I’m Gone
- Come Out and Play
Conclusion
The Offspring’s journey from punk to rock demonstrates the band’s willingness to experiment and grow. With Ameriana, they offer a fresh take on punk-rock, incorporating traditional rock, horn-infused tracks, and tape loops. The album’s singles, particularly "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)," showcase the band’s signature style, poking fun at pretenders and endearing them to their youngest fans.
FAQs
- Q: What is the Offspring’s latest album?
A: The Offspring’s fifth album, Ameriana, was released in November. - Q: How has the Offspring’s music evolved over the years?
A: The band has transitioned from a punk band to a rock band, experimenting with new sounds, such as traditional rock, horn-infused tracks, and tape loops. - Q: What’s the meaning behind the single "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)"?
A: The song mocks people who pretend to be something they’re not, making fun of people who try to act cool but aren’t.