|
The Offspring
By: Andy Cothern, Senior at Godwin High School - Richmond Times-Dispatch
December 11th 2000
Critic: Andy Cothern, senior at Godwin High School
Critic's rating: * * *
Album: "Conspiracy of One"
Label: Columbia Records
Type of music: Punk rock
Web site: www.offspring.com
First listen: From the moment the CD starts, the excitement kicks
into high gear and does not slow. Whether it is the non-stop guitar
riffs or the screaming vocals, this album fills the listener's head
with undeniably great and catchy songs.
For the MTV crowd: "Original Prankster," the first single off the
album, is reminiscent of "Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)," the single
that sent 1998's "Americana" up the charts. Complete with grinding
guitars, a repeating sound bite of comedian Rob Schneider and guest
star Redman shouting "Original Prankster!" this song will be on the
MTV Top 20 next to Limp Bizkit and Britney Spears.
Tracks to download from Napster: This album clearly showcases the
Offspring's ability to deliver fast-paced punk rock songs. Such songs
include "Come Out Swinging," "Want You Bad," "Million Miles Away" and
"One Fine Day," which are only a few of the outstanding songs
occupying the album.
Unexpected turns: Known for pushing the boundaries of punk rock,
the Offspring test their limits once again with this album. Songs
turning away from the traditional path include the previously
mentioned "Original Prankster," the Red Hot Chili Peppers sounding
"Living in Chaos" and "Denial, Revisited," which is by far the
slowest song the Offspring have ever played.
Fear not, Offspring fans: For those who feel that the Offspring
have crossed over into pop rock, do not worry. "Conspiracy of One" is
full of hard-edge, explosive rock tracks. Longtime Offspring fans, as
well as newcomers to the punk rock scene, will love this album.
(C) 2000 Richmond Times-Dispatch. via Bell&Howell Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved
| 
