Smash is a generous helping of guitar power-pop. The delightful Middle-Eastern surf guitar on "Come Out And Play" hides harsh sentiments in poppy guitar riffs. Singer Dexter Holland mocks the school systems that think the solution to school violence is to "keep them separated," to segregate rather than educate the kids about the dangers of carrying guns. As Holland advises his fans, "Hey pay no mind/If you're under eighteen you won't be doing any time." Offspring's power is in writing anthemic guitar rock that effortlessly slips from genre to genre. From the humorous ska-flavored "What Happened To You?" to the sing-along guitar riff in "No Self Esteem,".
If you know anything about sound and like good sound... avoid the 2008 remaster of this classic album at all costs and buy the 1994 issue instead. Especially if you're new to the Offspring, before the 2008 remaster ends up superseding the original 1994 master and this new master is all you are able to purchase. Why you ask? Because the 2008 remaster is a casualty of the loudness war... and if those words ring a bell to you it's because 2008 is the year the loudness war finally..
