CD Review: “Days Go By” by The Offspring

This is the ninth album for this Southern California punk rock band. Orange County High School friends, Dexter Holland and Greg Kriesel, formed the band back in 1984. It’s current lineup is: lead vocalist, Dexter Holland, guitarist Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman, bassist Greg “Greg K” Kriesel and, the band’s newest addition, drummer Pete Parada. Days Go By is produced by mega-famed music producer, Bob Rock, and is a sure hit for fans old and new of The Offspring.

The first single off the album, “The Future Is Now,” takes off with an epic sounding guitar intro, combined with a fast paced, power driven chorus that is faithful to their punk rock sound.

“Secrets From The Underground” is the second song off the album and has strong lyrics such as:  “This is not an anthem/or a threat at someone’s name/But a promise that tomorrow/Will rock and burn, and things won’t change!/There’s something in the air/There’s something rising up/Not one for a million that I had enough!” The song is an in-your-face warning that people are getting tired of the same things happening in the world and demanding a change. The lyrics are as powerful as Dexter’s vocals.

“Days Go By” is the title track song and has that classic sounding guitar that longtime fans will remember on such classic songs like “Gone Away” from their 1997 album, Ixnay on the Hombre. It’s one of those feel good songs that is already paving its way to be a radio hit.

“Turning Into You” starts off with a unique funk guitar sound complimented with a fast drumbeat, mid-tempo and a strong, heavy chorus. “Hurting As One” goes back to that old school punk-rock sound that the Offspring are known for.

“Cruising California (Bumpin’ In My Trunk)” starts with a flute sound then goes into this hilarious, upbeat, silly, rap song with a fun chorus as “bumpin in my trunk” is about shaking your butt and having a good time.

“All I Have Left Is You” is a sad song about a romance that has ended and the pain that’s left with someone. The song is emotional with lyrics like, “And we’re holding on/ when there’s nothing left to hold on to/ So don’t tell me when it’s gone/ Cause’ all I have left is you.” The band uses a little more keyboards than normally and the guitar song is melodic, which adds a more uplifting feel to the song and gives it balance.

“OC Guns” is an original sound, only something that this band could create. It’s a variety of Mexican lyrics, reggae, trumpets and ultra-groovy hip Latin rhythms. “Dirty Magic” goes right back into that classic sound with a sultry bass and catchy vocals. “I Wanna Secret Family (With You)” is a comical punk-California style surf rock song that could also be called a new style punk-doo-wop sound. “Dividing By Zero” is fast, heavy and has heavy drumming with smooth vocals that makes this a must-play live song for their concerts. “Slim Pickens Does The Right Thing And Rides The Bomb To Hell” is a cowboy satire with a Dr. Strangelove twist that makes it just a cool song.

Days Go By, is just brilliant. It has a combination of many different music genres with something for everyone. Faithful fans of this band will be pleased as they bring in the new without tossing out the old. They remain true to their style and polish the music off with a touch of new. The band is a breath of fresh punk air to have a talented group of musicians stay traditional to not only the music that inspired them but to their sound, which is admirable in the music business today. Be sure to check out the band live on their current world tour.

- Cathleen Rockwell