The 51 Best Blink-182 Songs (and Counting) To Celebrate Their Reunion

Michael Patrick

October 20, 2023 at 9:12 PM·17 min read

Travis Barker, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge of Blink-182

The best Blink-182 songs are hard to narrow down due to the diversity and breadth of their catalog. The beloved pop-punk outfit is one of the most successful bands of all time, and their reunion with Tom DeLonge captures a lot of the magic (and, yes, toilet humor) that they had before their acrimonious 2015 divide.

The band's youthful energy eventually gave way to a more mature sound which also resonated with their growing audience, but you're never too old for d*ck jokes.

Get to know the best Blink-182 songs, as well as what led to members DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, and Travis Barker breaking up and ultimately reuniting—but don't worry, Matt Skiba gets plenty of love here, too. (Seriously, the guy is a musical genius!)

Why did Blink-182 break up?

Blink-182 first went on an "indefinite hiatus" in February 2005 largely because communication broke down between the band members. At the time, DeLonge also cited the toll touring took on his personal life for his stepping away from the band.

During the hiatus, DeLonge focused largely on Angels & Airwaves, while Hoppus and Barker each pursued their own projects, including their collaboration +44.

The band also suffered other setbacks, namely Barker's plane crash (in which he and Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein were the only survivors) and the death of their producer Jerry Finn. However, those tragedies ultimately brought them together: DeLonge reached out to Barker when he was hospitalized, and the gesture ultimately led to their 2009 reunion. That reunion sparked their album Neighborhoods, released in 2011.

In January 2015, however, there was more bad blood, with Barker and Hoppus accusing DeLonge of quitting the band and delaying work on their next album and tour, while DeLonge alleged that beef with his fellow members began during the process of recording their 2012 Dogs Eating Dogs EP. DeLonge later confirmed that he planned to focus full time on his To the Stars ... Academy of Arts and Sciences.

In March 2015, criminally underrated Alkaline Trio frontman Matt Skiba was enlisted to fill in for three shows. Eventually, he became a full-time member of Blink-182 and worked on their album California. It was their first ever to be nominated for a Best Rock Album Grammy. Skiba was also on their follow-up effort, Nine.

In July 2022, Skiba raised eyebrows when he admitted he wasn't sure if he was still a member of Blink-182 but that he was proud of and thankful for the time he had in the band.

DeLonge rejoined the band in an October 2022 announcement, but he, Barker and Hoppus all only had good words to say about Skiba—and vice versa.

Did Blink-182 get back together?

Blink is back, baby! On Oct. 11, 2022, Blink-182 announced that DeLonge was back in the band. Their first single, "Edging," from their new One More Time, album debuted on Oct. 14, 2022, and the group went on a world tour in 2023. Of course, the announcement was made with the band's typical gross-out humor.

One More Time hit shelves on Oct. 20, 2023.

How many Blink-182 members are there?

There are currently three members of Blink-182: Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker. Previous members include drummer Scott Raynor and singer-guitarist Matt Skiba.

What does "blink" in Blink-182 mean?

Literally nothing, and the "182" doesn't mean anything either.

The band was originally called Duck Tape, then Blink, then had to add a number after a band in Ireland with the same name sent them a cease and desist. Hoppus explains below.

How does Blink-182 pronounce their name?

In a Twitter exchange with James Corden in 2018, DeLonge joked that the name was pronounced "eighteen-two," adding, "People have all gotten this wrong for years. Sometimes this can happen with very complex, thoughtful and elevated art."

In the U.K., the name is often pronounced "Blink-one-eight-two," which is wrong. Guys, it's really "blink-one-eighty-two." We promise.

It’s actually— Blink eighteen-two. People have all gotten this wrong for years. Sometimes this can happen with very complex, thoughtful and elevated art. https://t.co/jmsfv401KF
— Tom DeLonge (@tomdelonge) November 19, 2018

Why does Blink-182 not play "Adam's Song?"

Though "Adam's Song" was written about a bout of depression Hoppus faced, the band retired playing the song live after the death of Barker's close friend, Adam Goldstein (DJ AM) in a plane crash in 2009.

Related: Songs About Depression

Who has the nasally voice in Blink-182?

Rude! But that would be DeLonge.

Related: Happy Songs to Boost Your Mood

When did Blink-182 break up?

Blink-182 first announced an "indefinite hiatus" in 2005, then reunited in 2009, releasing Neighborhoods in 2011. The band had another falling out in 2015 after DeLonge wouldn't record or tour with Barker and Hoppus as scheduled, leading Skiba to fill in and eventually join the band fulltime for California and Nine.

In 2022, DeLonge rejoined Blink-182, freeing up Skiba to focus on Alkaline Trio—who incidentally ended up hiring Angels & Airwaves drummer Atom Willard after the exit of their own percussionist, Derek Grant. It's a small, beautiful world, and there's no beef.

Which Blink-182 member wont fly?

Barker developed a quite understandable fear of flying after surviving a plane crash that killed two of his closest friends—but his now-wife Kourtney Kardashian helped him overcome his fear of flying after they started dating.

Do Blink-182 still talk?

After Hoppus revealed his cancer diagnosis, DeLonge reconciled with him (and had never really stopped speaking with Barker). They're all also still friendly with and have high esteem for Skiba.

Barker told Apple Music's Zane Lowe of reconciling with DeLonge, “It was always heavy on my heart that our friendship wasn't mended. Heaviness weighs on you when you have something that's important to you in a relationship with somebody and you don't really fix it, it's just kind of lingering.”

He added that he, DeLonge and Hoppus all also "mended as individuals."

“I just think having that weight off my heart and feeling closer to these guys really makes me able to see what this is and value it so much more and be so honestly happy for what it does for people,” he said. “Having the ability to come together and fix the friendship and come back together as the brothers we are is so important to me because it allows me to be so insanely grateful for this and how it touches other people now. All I care about now is now I can really stand within this thing and also look outside of it, and look within, and see what it really is and what it's doing for people and what it's done for people.”

51 Best Blink-182 Songs

"One More Time"

A moving ballad and love letter to one another, "One More Time" touches on everything from Barker's plane crash to Hoppus' battle with cancer—and even has Barker singing. Try not to cry listening to this one.

"Dammit"

The second single from the band's sophomore album, "Dammit" was its first big hit. It's been over 20 years since it released and the song is still a staple of any Blink-182 setlist.

"I Miss You"

Blink-182's 2003 self-titled album featured a more mature sound for the band, and none of the songs captured that feeling better than "I Miss You." DeLonge's endearing warble and Hoppus' soft, almost murmur-like vocals (plus the "Jack and Sally" namedrop) made this an instant classic.

"What's My Age Again"

The lead single for Enema of the State, "What's My Age Again" proved that Blink-182 was more than just a one-hit-wonder. While the song is catchy, it's also remembered for its iconic video featuring the band running around town naked.

"Ghost on the Dance Floor"

After nearly a decade-long hiatus, Blink-182 returned in 2011 with the album Neighborhoods. The album's first track, "Ghost On the Dance Floor," may not have been a single, but it showed that Blink hadn't lost its touch: Poppy melodies and a great beat made this a fan-favorite.

"All the Small Things"

This is another super catchy song with an even more memorable video that featured Blink gently parodying all of the big boy bands and pop stars of the early 2000's. The visuals (especially DeLonge's teeth) turned out to be just as iconic as the ones they parodied.

"Terrified"

"Terrified" started out as a Boxcar Racer song that Barker and DeLonge shelved for over a decade, and you can hear its distinct difference from a typical Blink song—but it fits perfectly into One More Time.

"I Won't Be Home For Christmas"

Blink-182 recorded this song all the way back in 1997, although it wasn't officially released as a single until 2003. The anti-Christmas song makes fun of traditional carols and tells the story of a man snapping around the holidays.

"Anthem"

One of the band's most memorable riffs opens "Anthem," a, yes, anthem for millennial kids who are sick of their parents' and society's crap.

"Anthem Part Two"

While 2001's Take Off Your Pants and Jacket may feature some of the band's poppiest songs, it kicks off with a bit of an edge. "Anthem Part Two" picks up where "Anthem" left off, pushing back against boomers in charge.

"Anthem Part Three"

The opener to One More Time is a reprise of the band's "Anthem" ethos from Enema of the State and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, this time written from the point of view of someone older who's taken a few hits—but who isn't done fighting for their dreams yet.

"Darkside"

For the record, my wife will happily go to the dark side (or anywhere) with Skiba, who's her hall pass. You can't blame her when you hear this.

"Adam's Song"

In the late '90s and early 2000's, Blink-182 was mainly known for being a silly band that ran around naked and made d--k jokes. They showed that they had more to say, however, with the release of this dark single from Enema of the State that combined heartbreaking lyrics with soaring melodies.

"M+Ms"

The band's very first single featured all of the hallmarks that would make Blink-182 massively successful. It has catchy hooks, energetic guitar riffs and even some potty humor.

"Josie"

While "Dammit" is considered to be the breakthrough hit from 1997's Dude Ranch, many fans prefer "Josie," a song about how awesome Hoppus' then-girlfriend was for bringing him Mexican food. Relatable! Also be on the lookout for Alyssa Milano in the music video.

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"Go"

Hoppus described "Go" as a straightforward song about domestic violence. The song conveys the anger, anxiety and lingering pain from that experience, and the instrumentation and vocals convey a true sense of urgency.

"Snake Charmer"

Another song from Neighborhoods that wasn't released as a single, DeLonge uses Biblical imagery to chilling and stunning effect on "Snake Charmer"—but to be clear, let's not blame all Adam's problems on Eve. The man had free will and a mind of his own!

"Edging"

In their first comeback single since DeLonge's return, DeLonge and Hoppus take turns with verses and share double-duty on the hook and harmonize on the bridge. The title is, naturally, of their humorous oeuvre, and the lyrics are classic Blink as well, especially when DeLonge sings "I’m a punk rock kid / I came from hell with a curse / She tried to pray it away / So I f**ked her in church."

"Man Overboard"

Released as a promotional single for the band's live album, "Man Overboard" showed off Blink's more mature side. The song is rumored to be about the band's ex-drummer and features some dark lyrics sung over some poppy rhythms.

"Going Away to College"

Blink-182 was often criticized for trying too hard to appeal to younger listeners in the late '90s, but this track from Enema of the State perfectly captures the anxiety young people feel when they leave home for the first time.

"Always"

This catchy song from the 2003 self-titled album featured another memorable video for the band. It utilized a split screen technique that told the same story multiple times with different members of the band filling in for the main part.

"Home Is Such a Lonely Place"

By 2016, Blink-182 had fully embraced growing up. Hoppus wrote "Home Is Such a Lonely Place" about what it might feel like when his son grows up and leaves home.

"Feeling This"

Blink-182's self-titled album kicked off a new era for the band, featuring a more mature sound. "Feeling This," the album's first single, perfectly represented the band's more mature, yet still fun, sound.

"The Rock Show"

After the massive success of Enema of the State, Blink-182 had to follow that up with something just as good. Fortunately, "The Rock Show" is catchy, fun and the perfect lead single for Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, and it's a great song to hype yourself up before a concert.

"Romeo & Rebecca"

You can hear their youth in this lovelorn early track from Buddha.

"I'm Lost Without You"

"I'm Lost Without You" features haunting vocals from DeLonge with lyrics conveying real longing. The extended outro also showcases Barker's drum skills with an incredibly long solo. The final track on the band's self-titled album—the last released before their first hiatus in 2005—almost reads as a farewell from DeLonge to Hoppus and Barker.

"After Midnight"

One of Blink-182's strengths has always been Barker's amazing drum skills, and "After Midnight" is the perfect song to show off his musical chops—as well as lyrics that perfectly encompass the end of long nights out.

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"Down"

After the success of "I Miss You," Blink-182 released "Down" as a single. By this point, the band had proven that its new mature sound was a hit with fans.

"Carousel"

Blink-182's first album, Cheshire Cat, opens with "Carousel," which perfectly shows off the band's not-quite-punk/not-quite-pop sound.

"Bored to Death"

Fans weren't sure if Blink-182 could work without Delonge, but the band's first single without him, "Bored to Death," proved that new singer Matt Skiba's style fit right in with the band—and his crystal clear vocals provided some seriously catchy "whoa-ohs."

"Stay Together for the Kids"

After testing the waters with "Adam's Song," Blink-182 once again showed off a more mature side with this 2002 single from the album Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. As the title suggests, it tells the story of a family rocked by divorce—or a lack thereof.

"Not Now"

Originally recorded as part of the self-titled sessions, "Not Now" was left off that album but was released as a single for the band's Greatest Hits album.

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"Blink Wave"

As soon as you hear "Blink Wave," you just get it: The synths combine seamlessly with the signature Blink sound.

"Wasting Time"

While the song wasn't officially released as a single until 1996 as part of Cheshire Cat's promotion, it was actually part of a split EP the band recorded back in 1994.

"Pathetic"

The lead track to Dude Ranch, "Pathetic" features dueling vocals from DeLonge and Hoppus that eventually would become their signature.

"Hey I'm Sorry"

When Blink-182 recorded California, they ended up with almost enough material for two full albums. While it didn't make the cut for the initial release, "Hey I'm Sorry" was one of the best tracks from the expanded version of the album.

"Dumpweed"

Blink-182 knows how to kick off an album, and Enema of the State's "Dumpweed" is another example of the band launching with one of the best tracks.

"Blame It On My Youth"

Blink-182 kicked off the promotion for it's 2019 album Nine with the release of its lead single, "Blame It On My Youth." Produced and co-written by former Sugarcult frontman Tim Pagnotta, "Blame It On My Youth" stemmed from a drum pattern Barker developed, and you can hear it in the beat.

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"All Of This"

"All of This" is basically what melancholia sounds like, but in the best way. Fans of Blink-182 are likely also fans of The Cure, so this track from the self-titled album featuring Robert Smith is definitely a crowd-pleaser.

"Fell In Love"

On One More Time, DeLonge sings the lead over an interpolation of The Cure's "Close to Me." We think Robert Smith would be proud.

"Aliens Exist"

"Aliens Exist" was basically a precursor to everything Delonge would focus on for the rest of his life outside of music. If his emails with John Podesta are any indication, the guy might have been right this whole time ... Maybe.

"First Date"

"First Date" features everything that made Blink-182 big in the late '90s and early 2000s: youthful (and relatable!) lyrics, big guitars and a silly, silly video. (Seriously, DeLonge's "WTF" face makes for a great GIF.)

"Pin the Grenade"

"Pin the Grenade" is one of Blink-182's tracks with Skiba that evoke their classic essence the most. The uptempo track is an instant pop-punk classic.

"Asthenia"

Delonge captures the exhaustion that comes with a chaotic relationship and breakup in "Asthenia," wailing, "Should I go back / Should I go back / Should I? / I feel alone and tired." When it culminates with the answer "This time I don't want to," you can feel it.

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"She's Out of Her Mind"

Skiba and Hoppus team up on this ode to a woman who loves Bauhaus. We commend their (and her) fine taste. The video also pays homage to "What's My Age Again" with a twist.

"Dance With Me"

Another track led by DeLonge, "Dance With Me" has an irresistible "ole ole ole ole" hook ... and a video where the band cosplays as The Ramones. It's perfect.

"What Went Wrong"

Delonge is every heartbroken teenager in "What Went Wrong," right down to the lack of accountability for whatever it is that did go wrong. We've all been there, right? … Right?

"Dysentery Gary"

"Dysentery Gary" is a perfect combination of angst and frustration over a breakup, plus a little toilet humor and absurdity thrown in.

"Boxing Day"

One of the band's rare acoustic songs, "Boxing Day," featured on the EP Dogs Eating Dogs. If you've ever been dumped (or just melancholy) near Christmas, this is for you.

"Bad News"

The band went from teen romance to adult contemplations on divorce with "Bad News." It's heartbreaking, relatable and catchy as all Hell.

"Not Another Christmas Song"

Jingle bells and Skiba's "fa la la la" hook and "let it snow" refrain in the bridge make this song indeed not another Christmas song—because it's far better, catchier, and more creative than most Christmas songs. As a bonus, it even has a claymation video.

Honorable Mention: "Why Are We So Broken"

The only reason this didn't make the cut is that it's technically a Steve Aoki track featuring Blink-182. It's obviously a huge departure from their typical sound, but the vocals and beat pair beautifully with Aoki's production. While it was somewhat polarizing among Blink-182 fans, it was awesome to see them expand their horizons.

Next, check out 450 playlist name ideas.

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