Five Deeps Cuts From Great Albums
Posted: by Steven Lalonde
Enema of the State – Blink-182 (1999)
11. Wendy Clear:
As the distortion fades from the final chord of “All the Small Things” into the warp speed drumming of Travis Barker in “The Party Song,” Enema of the State snags listeners into what very well may be the most underappreciated four song stretch in the entire Blink-182 discography. The penultimate song, “Wendy Clear” stands out the most with Delonge’s raw, yet perfectly toned lead riff and shimmers on in large part to Hoppus’ raucous vocal hooks. It’s a widely accepted notion, that on most other pop punk albums of that era, “Wendy Clear” would’ve been a #1 single. However, on an album as deep as Enema, “Wendy Clear” is subjected to “deep cut” status.
All Killer No Filler – Sum 41 (2001)
2. Nothing on my Back:
After what could easily be considered a rather redundant introduction, Sum 41 completely obliterates it from memory as the band kicks it into high gear with “Nothing On My Back”. The idea that the track is a “deep cut” seems implausible given it’s chaotic opening riff, rambunctious chorus and Whibleys’ grating vocals. In retrospect, the album houses hit singles “In too Deep”, “Motivation” and “Fat Lip” — arguably the greatest pop punk song of all time — lending to the plausibility that many may overlook the opening track after all.
Dookie – Green Day (1994)
6. Pulling Teeth:
Released in 1994, Dookie remains a landmark punk album. Upon its release, it forced the powers of the music industry to once again pay attention to punk rock. Armed with five hit singles “Basket Case” — arguably the most popular — “Pulling Teeth” plugs in between the former and “Welcome to Paradise” and may very well be the most skipped song on the entire album. The song demonstrates Armstrong’s songwriting ingenuity with a very Beatles-esque, sing-along type melody. Lyrically, it’s not surprising, as it chronicles the distressed state of Armstrong, as he pledges his dedication to the girl by his side. Overall, “Pulling Teeth” is worth your attention, and hopefully will get you to think twice before hitting skip.
Bleed American – Jimmy Eat World (2001)
8. Get it Faster:
While Clarity is considered to be one of the best pop punk albums of 1999, Bleed American may top many J.E.W fans lists with respect to which album is their favorite. The album provides listeners with a sharper, “blitzier” approach with regards to its predecessor. The album begins with three contentious tracks (all of which became singles) layered with hooks and melodic guitar riffs. The second half of the album really fleshes out the musical intentions of the album. Track #8, “Get it Faster” is simply a loud and boisterous track that may unsurprisingly be overlooked due to it’s slow and soft opening seconds. Although it may not hit the same melodic peaks, it certainly provides its audience with a guitar-heavy bridge and punkier edge that doesn’t seem to carry consistently through the remainder of the album.
Americana – The OffSpring (1998)
9. The End of the Line:
Americana spawned a large resistance amongst the punk community when it was released in 1998. The first two hit singles “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” and “Why Don’t you Get a Job” instigated the punk crowd to brand the group as “sell outs.” The aforementioned tracks stick out like sore thumbs and were despised by the long-time fans. Aside from the 3 bubble-gum poppy tracks, the album is outstanding. In particular, “The End of The Line” opens with a demolishing drum-guitar sequence held together by a strong walking bass line that carries you through a bitter yet beautifully written track showcasing Dexter Holland’s unique writing ability. With Holland’s distinct, engaging vocals, “The End of the Line” is arguably one of the best on the entire album that’ll have you screaming “WHOOOAAAAAAAAWWHHOOOAAAAAAOHHHHH” at the top of your lungs
