This is how important a good live performance is: I saw Blink 182 around the time of "What's My Age Again?" at Jones Beach (Kid Rock was on the same bill) and they were so snotty and funny and fun, I've forgiven their later career and I come to their newbie Neighborhoods with an open mind.
And i kinda like it.
8 years after their last release, it is a little older, a little steadier, more pop less punk, a touch overarranged, but it is consistent and not unpleasant. If that sounds like faint praise, not everything has to be such a big deal. Most people are somewhere in the middle.
The first three songs are really, really good. "Ghost On The Dance Floor" is one of the best songs you'll hear, a meeting between pop-punk and 80s synth and "Up All Night" breaks off the track near the end for a loud jam and it is fun and a surprise.
All Music Guide call it "prog-punk" and I see what they mean even if it is a little bit overpowering "Even If She Falls" wins on points. Indeed most of these songs win on points, whatever you think of the way Mark Hoppus sings, he still seems to sneer even when its inappropriate, the songs are really strong. The drumming terrific. A good album.
Grade: B+