Customer Reviews

Conspiracy of One

5 star:		(133)
4 star:		(60)
3 star:		(25)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Wow. That's all I can say. This album is a piece of work that REALLY deserves to be an Offspring album. There is only one departure on this album, which is the spanish-sounding "Original Prankster", which is a very fun and super catchy song. Other than that, the album is straight-forward punk rock that made the Offspring famous. If I could relate this album to any other by the Offspring, I'd say it sounds like Ixnay On The Hombre. The musical style is alot alike, and the lyrics are very strong. The best cuts on Conspiracy of One are "Come Out Swinging", "Want You Bad", "Dammit I Changed Again", "Living In Chaos", "Denial Revisited", and "Conspiracy Of One." "Want You Bad" is a more poppier song with a great sound, and "Vultures" and "Denial Revisited" are both slower songs. I don't care for "Vultures" much but "Denial" is a piece of work. Reminds me a little of "Gone Away". The secret track, called "Huck It", is a funny song filled with expletives. The lyrics are another strong point on this album. "Conspiracy Of One" is a great example of this, about a "mass bomber kind of guy." "Come Out Swinging" is also good, about racial and religious subjects. All in all, this album is EXCELLENT, one of the best albums of 2000. Go buy it. I assure you that you will not regret it.

Wow is all that needs to be said. The Offspring are back with their latest album, released yesterday November 14th, on Columbia Records. Some critics consider the Offspring as "just another punk rock band", playing fast music with no rhythm. Titled Conspiracy Of One, this album brought back many of the groups rhythms from earlier years. Listening to Conspiracy Of One brought back memories of older Offspring such as the songs "Kick Him When He's Down" from Ignition and "I Choose" from Ixnay On The Hombre. Both of these songs have a catchy rhythm weaved into the band's punk flow, which they have done once again in many songs on the new album. The first song released off the album was "Original Prankster". It is a little different from the band's punk style by forming a swing-type beat instead. The congas and cowbells give the song a southern flavor. Lead singer Dexter Holland and the rest of The Offspring had originally decided to put the new album up on their website in mp3 form so everyone could download the songs before the CD came out. This plan was changed, and the band eventually just kept "Original Prankster" on the site and encouraged everyone to download it. In showing their gratitude for their fans, The Offspring decided to give away one million dollars of their own money to one lucky fan who had downloaded the single. After picking 4 finalists last week, the band was a guest on MTV's Total Request Live yesterday to give away the money. Keep an eye out for the music video, which has already debuted on MTV. Many albums have one or two featured songs with fillers in between. Conspiracy Of One is not one of these albums. When listening to the album, it's almost surprising that each song is as good or better than the one before it, making this arguably the best Offspring album yet. There are quite a few upbeat signature Offspring songs such as "Want You Bad" and "Dammit, I Changed Again". Along with these two and "Original Prankster", the opening song, "Come Out Swinging", and "Million Miles Away" round out the first five tracks. It's one upbeat song after the other which gives a great start to the album. Hardcore Offspring fans, these are songs you have to hear. With Holland's trademark chord-changing chants to accompany the fast paced rhythms, it's hard not to get into the song. Then there are other songs such as "Living In Chaos" and "Denial Revisited" that slow it down a little, but capture you with great rhythm and lyrics, similar to "Gone Away" from Ixnay On The Hombre. If there had to be a weak song on the record, "Vultures" would be it. It doesn't grasp the listener as much as the other tracks do, although it is still a good song that can grow on you. On all albums, there is one song that seems to stand out from the rest. Sometimes it is the first single, but often it is not. With Conspiracy Of One having so many great songs, one might think it would be hard to choose the "best" song. However, the one that did emerge as arguably the best song on the album was "One Fine Day". With its fast guitar riffs, super-catchy rhythm and amazing chorus, it depicts The Offspring to a "T". In a way, it resembles "The Kids Aren't Alright" from Americana, yet is a better overall song. A key feature about this album is that it never gets boring. You'll find yourself wanting to listen to it again and again. But first, you'll have to go out and get it.

Thanks to Napster, I've had the cd for about 2 weeks now, and I can tell you, its awesome!! Hardcore Offspring fans like me will not be disappointed. There's lots of typical Offspring in-your-face punk, with some departures like on their other albums. There's real guitar riffs on this record, which is something you don't see very often today. There are also a couple of songs that I have a feeling if they released as singles, they would top the charts, like "Want You Bad" and "Denial Revisited". To name the best tracks, they would be "Come Out Swinging", "Want You Bad", "All Along" "Dammit I Changed Again", "Denial Revisited", and "Living In Chaos", just to name a few. The whole album is really really awesome!! Offspring fans, BUY THIS RECORD THE DAY IT COMES OUT!! I know I will.

First of all I want to say that I bought this CD less than a week ago and I've listend to it every day since at least twice a day - and still I haven't had enough. When you compare this CD to Americana I'm pretty sure that Conspiracy Of One is better although I was expecting another track like Pay The Man (which is my favourite song from Americana). Conspiracy Of One is much more serious and sufisticated. the songs (1-10):

Intro - not a song

Come Out Swinging - 10 (great lyrics and music)

Original Prankster - 7 (not enough diversity with the music)

Want You Bad - 7.5 (qute)

Million Miles Away - 9 (Good song)

Dammit, I Changed Again - 9.5 (A good offspring-style song)

Living In Chaos - 10 (Great music)

Special Delivery - 9 (takes time to understand)

One Fine Day - 7 (I especially like the part before the last chorus)

All Along - (not sure yet but it's pretty good)

Daniel, Revisited - 9.5 (takes time to understand)

Vultures - 9 (sounds like Nirvana only better)

Conspiracy Of One - 10 (I was a little disappointed at first but it's a great song with deep meanings which I haven't fully understood yet)

Huck It(Bonus Track) - 9

Concpiracy Of One brings offspring back on track after Americana. I don't know if it's the best Offspring album but it's good and different and that's what important. Most of the lyrics r as usual great and meaningful.

As the owner of every single offspring album that the band have produced, i can easily say that this is the best. This album contrasts hugely with another gigantic punk bands (Green Day's) recent, rather tepid effort 'warning'. From start to finish, this is a guitar driven effort, the instrument of Noodles being complimented by Dexter's effective lead playing and downright brilliant lyrics. The sound is a thicker, beefier sound, but stillessentially three chord punk rock. The weaker song on this record (though others may disagree) is denial revisited. The rest of the tracks, without exception, are stunning. Any offspring fan, new or old should buy this record. Anyone who likes punk should by this reocrd. To be honest, anyone with even a mild interest in alternative music should buy this record. So get off the internet you geek, and get on with it!!!

The Offspring are well known for putting out quality records, so naturally, this one Rocks. Americana was a change for the band from their usual type of punk rock, I enjoyed the CD a lot, but missed the old Offspring. Right when you pop the CD in you can tell its going to be great. The Cd starts off with the upbeat "Come out Swinging", following the first single, "Original Prankster". Both are excellent songs. The Offspring seem to go all punk when "want you bad" kicks in. "Million Miles away follows, another great track. "Dammit, I changed again", the next song, is possibly one of the best of The Offsprings songs ever. "Living in choas" and "special delivery" follow, they are good songs too, but shadowed by the excellence of "Dammit, I changed again", and the following "one fine day". "All along" is an allright, but short song. I found "Denial, Revisited" a great song as well. "Vultures" is obviously the album's weak point, I often skip it to go straight to "Conspiracy of One", the title track. The album starts and ends great, with support in the middle, a great value. Though it is only 37 minutes long, the album makes for excellent value, with the largest CD-EXTRA to date to my knowledge. Excellent punk, a ton of fun, the Offspring are back.

When i heard the first single release from this album (Original prankster), i thought that it would be more of the same as it sounded like Pretty Fly For A White Guy. Upon listening to the album when it was released i couldnt have been more wrong. The Offspring havent gone for radio-friendly tracks they have gone back to their roots and produced an album of bangin tracks that any Offspring fan would be proud of. Lets hope they get more credibility this time around.

Finally, the evil americana days are over. Upon going to offspring.com at 8:50 am to download the version of original prankster the day they released, I got scared as this was just another pretty fly for a white guy. I was so thankful when I heard the album and listened to the good old alterna punk rock that made Ixnay On The Hombre such a great album. Even some elements from Ignition are present here as Vultures resembles great similarities with Dirty Magic making Vultures the best song in this album. This is followed by instant catchy favorites such as Dammit I changed Again, One Fine Day (amazing song in the don't pick it up style), and Come out and Swing it.

Eventually, songs like Living In Chaos, and even Special Delivery were embraced in this album as the offspring's new 'experimentations' aren't as horrifics as those they did in Americana. While I expected some ignition/self titled action in this album, I'd have to say I'm quite happy with what they've done and I can't really comprehend on to why release original prankster at all or even include it in this album, is going on permanent skip, but ok!

While The Offspring are now an alterna-punk band, they keep it more punk rock than many other punk rock bands by being themselves, doing what they want, loving the music, and being good to their fans no matter how big they get. Definitely buy this album if you are into some good punk rock, it is truly worth it (even for you smash/ixnay fans)

GOOD BYE AMERICANA, i hope they stop playing wdygaj, and pretty fly and she's got issues and have you ever on their concert too (those got annoying!)

ok im done talking... --one of the offspring's biggest fans

I am one of those that believes Americana was a tragic turn towards the pop side of music. Conspiracy of One (Co1) manages to dig themselves out of their recently dug hole only in part. It has a number of songs that are remeniscant of the older albums and a few newer sounding songs. It still has its share of pop-like tracks which i generally consider to be sub-par. Here is my breakdown of the songs.

Intro 1/10. Short. Only serves to start the CD. It isnt interesting like the intros on Smash and Ixnay.

Come out Swinging 10/10. I really like this song. It is fast paced and energetic which goes with the slightly combative lyrics quite well.

Original Prankster 2/10. Ugh. This has "Im a wannabe rapper" written all over it. Some may like it but I would rather listen to vanilla ice.

Want you Bad 8/10. A fairly funny song, at least for the first few times its heard. Its novelty has worn off for me but the music of it is good enough to earn the song an 8.

Million Miles Away 9/10. Good song with a moderately fast beat/melody.

Damnit I changed Again 8/10. Even after reading the lyrics, I havnt a clue what this song is about. Im sure its about changing but whether that means clothes, personalities or what, i dont know. Lyrics aside, the music is a well constructed and fairly fast song.

Living in Chaos 8/10. Atypical in terms of the melody. It is definitely a radical change from the usual fast paced tracks but it is not really directed at a pop audience. The music is quite nice to listen to with some nifty bass and guitar lines.

Special Delivery 5/10. I dont care for this one that much. The music and lyrics paint a picture of an eerie scene but i find it rather uninteresting after hearing it a few times.

One Fine Day 6/10. A song about drinking, watching sports, and rioting. Ok song but far from being a classic.

All Along 7/10. Fast paced song. Lyrics are a bit interesting but the melodies are quite repetative. Fortunately, its only 1:38 long so the repatitions arent to much.

Denial Revisited 8/10. Slow song aparrently about a guy who doesnt want to admit that its over between him and his significant other. Its a nice break from the faster songs but it doesnt match up with older slow songs such as "Gotta Get Away".

Vultures 7/10. Another slow one. Im not sure what the words of this song mean. The style of this song is nice with a build up to the chorus and then a drop off back to the original mellow.

Conspiracy of One 8/10. A nice fast song with apocalyptic drawings featured in the cd case insert. I like the song but the words of the song need to be expanded on instead of repeated as they are.

Huck it 8/10. I dont know if i got some special CD since i bought Co1 in Germany but I have an extra track "Huck It". Its a good fast paced song, but it certainly isnt in my top 10 list of all time songs.

Overal, the CD is a step up from Americana. It has more good songs and less cheesy disposable songs. Could be better but i think it was worth the money i spent on it.

This was the third Offspring CD I got, and was used to the more Americana sounding way than the Ixnay/Smash sound. But, either way, this CD is still a great buy. From the Mike Love intro to the hidden track(s), it's an awesome CD. Here's the ratings for each track:

Intro- 6/10 Pretty bad, but it only lasts five seconds, from a 1960's Beach Boys concert.

Come Out Swinging- 9.25/10 The title suits where it's located on the CD. The first song comes out swinging with a great guitar riff in double time.

Original Prankster- 8.75/10 Yes, we all have heard this song, with a somewhat Spanish sounding beat and the famous line, "You can do it." Still a good song anyway.

Want You Bad- 9.75/10 One of the best songs on the track. A good guitar riff at the beginning coupled with lyrics about a guy who wants a nice girl to go aggressive and tattooed=success.

Million Miles Away- 9.75/10 Another great song, this one about a person who's far away from someone they care about and their struggles to get on their way home. Cool intro.

Dammit, I Changed Again- 9.5/10 Shows the aggression we've all heard from the Offspring before in a fast-paced, in your face track which ends up as a great piece of work.

Living In Chaos- 8.75/10 This song is somewhat chaotic, what with the odd guitar licks and the interesting sound, plus the crazy lyrics equal one messed up song.

Special Delivery- 8.5/10 This song with some weird voices and strange sounds perfectly depicts the life of a stalker.

One Fine Day- 9/10 Coming straight from an 1977 pub, this song is all about going to the game and hanging with the bros.

All Along- 9.5/10 A very fast, very short song that might've had a chance if it was a little longer. It's basically about someone who's been abandoned by a friend and how they belived in them the whole time.

Denial, Revisited- 9.75/10 The slowest song the Offspring have ever recorded, but still one of the best. It's about the stage of denial after a breakup. I believe this is the equivalent of Gone Away on Ixnay but it lacks the pure emotion.

Vultures- 8/10 A decent song about how things can fall on you in an instant and to always be prepared or else the vultures will get you.

Conspiracy of One- 9/10 A short little ending with the lyrics being about a bomber kind of guy trying to demolish a bunch of people.

On the CD I got, there was no Huck It, but instead a live version of All I Want and Staring at the Sun. I actually think this was better because I don't really care for Huck It, and the live versions are slightly different than the originals.

So, if you like the Offspring, you need this CD. If you don't, still give it a spin, you may like what you hear- I know I did.