First Date (Blink-182 song)

Last updated
"First Date"
FirstDateblink182.jpg
An illustration of a condom is used for the single art.
Single by Blink-182
from the album Take Off Your Pants and Jacket
B-side "Don't Tell Me It's Over"
ReleasedOctober 8, 2001
RecordedJanuary–March 2001 [1]
Studio
Genre Pop punk
Length2:51
Label MCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Jerry Finn
Blink-182 singles chronology
"The Rock Show"
(2001)		"First Date"
(2001)		"I Won't Be Home for Christmas"
(2001)
Music video
"First Date" on YouTube

"First Date" is a song recorded by American rock band Blink-182 for their fourth studio album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001). It was released as the second single from the album on October 8, 2001. It was written primarily by guitarist Tom DeLonge, with additional songwriting credit to bassist Mark Hoppus, and drummer Travis Barker. "First Date" centers on the awkwardness and complicated emotions two individuals can experience upon initial meeting. DeLonge based the song on memories of his initial courtship with then-spouse Jennifer Jenkins.

Contents

The song's creation stems from Blink-182 manager Rick DeVoe's opinion that the album lacked a catchy, "feel-good" song. DeLonge composed "First Date" in response, while bassist Mark Hoppus composed the album's lead single "The Rock Show". The song's music video depicts the trio as hippies in the 1970s, parading around the suburbs in a Volkswagen van and visiting a water park.

The song spent nearly half a year on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart, where it peaked at number six; internationally, it was a top five hit on the UK Rock Chart, and reached the top 40 on the all-genre UK Singles Chart, as well as in Flanders and Scotland. Music critics were generally mixed in their reception, with many considering it unimaginative. In promotion of the single, Blink-182 performed the song live on late-night talk show Late Night with Conan O'Brien , and at the 2001 MTV Europe Music Awards.

Background

Prior to recording their fourth studio album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket , Blink-182 recorded demos at DML Studios, a small practice studio in Escondido, California, where the band had written Dude Ranch and Enema of the State . [1] The group had written a dozen songs after three weeks and invited their manager, Rick DeVoe, to be the first person outside Blink-182 to hear the new material, which the band found "catchy [but with] a definitive edge". [2] [1] [3] DeVoe sat in the control room and quietly listened to the recordings, and pressed the band at the end on why there was no "Blink-182 good-time summer anthem [thing]". DeLonge and Hoppus were furious, remarking, "You want a fucking single? I'll write you the cheesiest, catchiest, throwaway fucking summertime single you've ever heard!" [1] [4] Hoppus went home and wrote "The Rock Show" in ten minutes, and DeLonge similarly wrote "First Date", which became the most successful singles from the record and future live staples. [3] The song's arrangement was worked in the Famous Stars and Straps warehouse in San Diego. [5]

The song was inspired by DeLonge's then-wife, Jennifer Jenkins, who he wed in 2001. When they were first dating, their first outing was to SeaWorld San Diego. [3] DeLonge remembered how awkward it was: "We just hung out and walked around looking at fish." He pulled from these experiences to write the tune, a summary of "going on a first date with a girl and not necessarily knowing how to act, what to wear or what to say." [6]

Reception

Joshua Klein of The Washington Post found the track "immediately likable," if innocuous, [7] while Gina Vivinetto of Tampa Bay Times called the song a "tender tune." [8] Darren Ratner, reviewing for Allmusic, writes that the song serves as "therapy for post-pubescent dilemma," adding that he found it "sharp, if not entertaining." [9] Aaron Scott of Slant Magazine expressed the belief that the "biggest chunk of the record-buying public is just the right age to relate to their songs about first dates," viewing its parent album on the whole monotonous. [10] Nick Hornby, writing for The New Yorker , said the song proceeds "straightforwardly and unimaginatively." [11] Chuck Taylor at Billboard was dismissive, commenting, "Fans will dig it — otherwise it's business as usual for a band who's made the most of its 15 minutes." [12]

Commercial performance

"First Date" was serviced as a single in Europe in October 2001, and in North America in January 2002. [13] It debuted on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart in the issue dated February 2, 2002 at position 25; [14] it began collecting significant airplay two weeks later. [12] It first hit the top ten in the week ending March 16, [15] and reached its peak at number six during the week of April 6, [16] where it remained for four weeks. [17] It dropped out of the top ten in the week ending May 11, [18] and fell off the ranking after 25 weeks, on July 27, 2002. [19]

Music video

The video features the trio riding around in a red Volkswagen van. Samba(1).jpg
The video features the trio riding around in a red Volkswagen van.

The music video for "First Date" pays homage to 1970s culture, featuring the band acting as long-haired hippie versions of themselves. Clad in long wigs, bell-bottoms and butterfly collars, the trio drive around a quiet suburb in a Volkswagen van, making stops at a diner and water park. [13] The video, directed by The Malloys, was filmed over three days in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, and performance footage was filmed in a garage decorated with 1970s paraphernalia. Although the video was actually filmed in British Columbia, the video was thematically set in El Segundo, California in 1974. [13] Singer Jordan Pundik and guitarist Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory, with whom the band were touring at the time, make cameo appearances in the clip. [13] Journalist Joe Shooman interpreted the video as a retelling of the film Dazed and Confused . [20] Elements of the clip's concept stemmed from DeLonge, who viewed a documentary on the Bee Gees and found their hair and clothing outrageous: "I called up Mark and was like, 'Dude you've got to watch this shit.' These dudes are on top of a mountain, singing face to face, with the sunset behind them," he recounted. [21] The video debuted on MTV's Total Request Live on January 18, 2002; [22] it was added to the playlists of MuchMusic in Canada during the week of February 9, 2002, [23] and the College Television Network on March 16. [15] As its radio performance peaked, it attracted airplay on MTV; it was first listed on Billboard's Video Monitor, ranking the most-played clips on television stations, in the week of April 20, 2002. [24]

A shot from the video, where DeLonge's character Boomer mouths the phrase "what the fuck", became a popular GIF online in the late 2010s. In addition, DeLonge's company, To the Stars, has produced merchandise based on the Boomer character. [21] In 2021, DeLonge would create and play a new character by the name of Disco that is said to be Boomer's older brother. Disco was featured in the music video for the song "Losing My Mind" by DeLonge's other band, Angels & Airwaves. [25]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Blink-182

First Date CD Single [26]
No.TitleLength
1."First Date"2:51
2."Don't Tell Me It's Over"2:34
3."Mother's Day"1:37
4."The Rock Show" (Video)2:55

All tracks are written by Blink-182

First Date DVD Single [27]
No.TitleLength
1."First Date" 
2."The Rock Show" (Video) 
3."4x30 Second Clips (1. The Rock Show (Live); 2. Backstage; 3. Say Hello to Travis; 4. Want a Ticket?)" 
First Date Single 7" [28]
No.TitleLength
1."First Date"2:51
2."Don't Tell Me It's Over"2:34

Charts

Chart (2001-2002)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [29] 50
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) [30] 69
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders) [31] 15
France (SNEP) [32] 81
Germany (Official German Charts) [33] 74
Ireland (IRMA) [34] 47
Scotland (OCC) [35] 25
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) [36] 48
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) [37] 92
UK Singles (OCC) [38] 31
UK Rock & Metal (OCC) [39] 2
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [40] 6
US Hot 100 Airplay ( Billboard ) [41] 84
US Alternative Airplay ( Billboard ) [42] 6
US Rock Digital Songs ( Billboard ) [43] 33

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Italy (FIMI) [44] Gold50,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [45] Gold400,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>Take Off Your Pants and Jacket</i> 2001 studio album by Blink-182

Take Off Your Pants and Jacket is the fourth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on June 12, 2001, by MCA Records. The band had spent much of the previous year traveling and supporting their previous album Enema of the State (1999), which launched their mainstream career. The album's title is a tongue-in-cheek pun on masturbation, and its cover art has icons for each member of the trio: an airplane, a pair of pants, and a jacket. It is the band's final release through MCA.

<i>Enema of the State</i> 1999 studio album by Blink-182

Enema of the State is the third studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on June 1, 1999, by MCA Records. After a long series of performances at various clubs and festivals and several indie recordings throughout the 1990s, Blink-182 first achieved popularity on the Warped Tour and in Australia following the release of their second album Dude Ranch (1997) and its rock radio hit "Dammit." To record their third album, Blink-182 turned to veteran punk rock producer Jerry Finn, who previously worked on Green Day's breakthrough album Dookie (1994). Enema was the band's first album to feature second drummer Travis Barker, who replaced original drummer Scott Raynor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam's Song</span> 2000 single by Blink-182

"Adam's Song" is a song recorded by the American rock band Blink-182 for their third studio album, Enema of the State (1999). It was released as the third and final single from Enema of the State on March 14, 2000, through MCA Records. "Adam's Song" shares writing credits between the band's guitarist Tom DeLonge and bassist Mark Hoppus, but Hoppus was the primary composer of the song. The track concerns suicide, depression and loneliness. It incorporates a piano in its bridge section and was regarded as one of the most serious songs the band had written to that point.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Rock Show</span> 2001 single by Blink-182

"The Rock Show" is a song by American rock band Blink-182 for the group's fourth studio album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001). It was released as the lead single from the album on May 7, 2001. The track was composed primarily by bassist Mark Hoppus about meeting a girl at a rock concert. It was inspired by the band's early days touring punk rock clubs, mainly Soma in their hometown of San Diego.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stay Together for the Kids</span> 2002 single by Blink-182

"Stay Together for the Kids" is a song recorded by American rock band Blink-182 for their fourth studio album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001). It was released as the third and final single from the album on February 19, 2002. The track was composed primarily by guitarist Tom DeLonge, who based its lyrics on his parents' divorce and its effect on him.

<i>The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back!)</i> 2000 live album by Blink-182

The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show is a live album by American rock band Blink-182. It was released on November 7, 2000, by MCA Records. Blink-182 had risen to fame at the turn of the millennium on the strength of its third album, Enema of the State, which went multiplatinum. Capturing the band's stage show—known for its irreverent humor—with a live release was designed to satisfy fans between new studio albums. The album was recorded over two nights at performances in their native California, on the group's inaugural arena tour.

<i>Dude Ranch</i> (album) 1997 studio album by Blink-182

Dude Ranch is the second studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on June 17, 1997, by Cargo Music and MCA Records, making it their major record label debut. MCA signed the band in 1996 following moderate sales of their 1995 debut Cheshire Cat and their growing popularity in Australia. Dude Ranch was the band's final recording released on Cargo and the last to feature their full original lineup as drummer Scott Raynor was dismissed from the band in 1998.

<i>Blink-182</i> (album) 2003 album by Blink-182

Blink-182 is the fifth studio album by American rock band Blink-182, released on November 18, 2003, by Geffen Records. Following their ascent to stardom and success of their prior two releases, the trio was compelled to take a break and participated in various side projects. When they regrouped, they felt inspired to approach song structure and arrangements differently on their next effort together.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Feeling This</span> 2003 single by Blink-182

"Feeling This" is a song by American rock band Blink-182 for their untitled fifth studio album (2003). The song is the opening track on the album and was released as its lead single on October 6, 2003, through Geffen Records. It was written by guitarist Tom DeLonge, bassist Mark Hoppus, and drummer Travis Barker, and was produced and mixed by Jerry Finn. The song originated on the first day of producing the album. Its lyrics are purely sexual in nature; the band juxtaposes lust and passion between verses and choruses, thematically connected with a wistful, regretful tone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What's My Age Again?</span> 1999 single by Blink-182

"What's My Age Again?" is a song by American rock band Blink-182. It was released in April 1999 as the lead single from the group's third studio album, Enema of the State (1999), released through MCA Records. "What's My Age Again?" shares writing credits between the band's guitarist Tom DeLonge and bassist Mark Hoppus, but Hoppus was the primary composer of the song. It was the band's first single to feature drummer Travis Barker. A mid-tempo pop punk and emo song, "What's My Age Again?" is memorable for its distinctive, arpeggiated guitar intro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Man Overboard (Blink-182 song)</span> 2000 single by Blink-182

"Man Overboard" is a song by the American rock band Blink-182. It was first released on September 2, 2000, through MCA Records as the lead single from the band's live album The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (2000). It is the sole studio recording on the release, and was recorded as a bonus track to help promote its release. The song's lyrics, credited to bassist Mark Hoppus and guitarist Tom DeLonge, are about losing their original drummer Scott Raynor to alcohol abuse. In the song, Hoppus repeats the refrain "so sorry it's over," and goes on to highlight occasions in which a friend was too intoxicated to be dependable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Miss You (Blink-182 song)</span> 2004 single by Blink-182

"I Miss You" is a song by American rock band Blink-182, released on February 2, 2004, as the second single from the group's untitled fifth studio album (2003). Co-written by guitarist Tom DeLonge and bassist Mark Hoppus, they employed a method of writing separately and bringing their two verses together later. The song features an acoustic electric bass, a cello, and a brushstroked drum loop. The song was inspired by the Cure song "The Love Cats" and contains references to The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All the Small Things</span> 1999 single by Blink-182

"All the Small Things" is a song by American rock band Blink-182. It was the second single and eighth track released from the band's third album, Enema of the State (1999). The track was composed primarily by guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge as an ode to his then girlfriend. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Jerry Finn, the song was created with the intention of shipping it to radio, as the trio felt they needed a single "really catchy and basic."

<i>Greatest Hits</i> (Blink-182 album) 2005 compilation album by Blink-182

Greatest Hits is the first greatest hits album of American rock band Blink-182. It was released on October 31, 2005, by Geffen Records. Greatest Hits was created by Geffen shortly after the band's February 2005 breakup, termed an "indefinite hiatus" by the label. Tensions had risen in the group and guitarist Tom DeLonge desired to take time off. Bassist Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker argued with DeLonge regarding the band's future and their possible next album, and heated exchanges led to DeLonge's exit. In the interim, Hoppus and Barker continued playing together in +44, and DeLonge formed his new outfit Angels & Airwaves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dammit</span> 1997 single by Blink-182

"Dammit" is a song by American rock band Blink-182, released on September 23, 1997, as the second single from the group's second studio album, Dude Ranch (1997). Written by bassist Mark Hoppus, the song concerns maturity and growing older. It was written about a fictional breakup and the difficulty of seeing a former partner with another.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blink-182 discography</span>

This is a discography of the American pop punk and rock band Blink-182. They have released nine studio albums, one live album, two compilation albums, three video albums, two extended plays (EPs), twenty-four singles, six promotional singles, and thirty-two music videos. Their recording material was distributed mainly by subdivisions of Universal Music Group, including Geffen Records, Interscope Records, and DGC Records. They have also released material under MCA Records, Cargo Music and its subdivision Grilled Cheese, Kung Fu Records, and BMG. The band currently consists of bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus, drummer Travis Barker, and guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge. Founded by Hoppus, guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Scott Raynor, the band emerged from the Southern California punk scene of the early 1990s and first gained notoriety for high-energy live shows and irreverent lyrical toilet humor. Blink-182 has sold 15.3 million albums in the United States, and over 50 million albums worldwide. The band is known for bringing the genre of pop punk into the mainstream.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blink-182</span> American punk rock band

Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in Poway, California, in 1992. Their current and best-known lineup consists of bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus, guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blink-182 in Concert</span> 2009–10 concert tour

Blink-182 in Concert was the tenth concert tour by American rock band Blink-182 and was the band's first tour since 2004. Bassist/singer Mark Hoppus jokingly referred to the tour as One Way Ticket to Boneville, a name they got from a fan on a KROQ interview. In 2009, it ranked 32nd on Pollstar's "Top 50 Tours in North America", earning over $25 million.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Box Car Racer</span> American punk band

Box Car Racer was an American punk band formed in San Diego, California, in 2001. The group consisted of guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge and drummer Travis Barker, both of Blink-182 alongside guitarist David Kennedy of Hazen Street. Anthony Celestino later joined the band as a bassist. DeLonge created the project to pursue darker ideas he felt unsuited to his work with Blink-182.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Not Another Christmas Song</span> 2019 single by Blink-182

"Not Another Christmas Song" is a song recorded by American rock band Blink-182. The song was released on December 6, 2019 through Columbia Records. The song is a downbeat objection to the Christmas and holiday season, lyrically examining the passage of time and a disintegrating relationship. It was written by bassist Mark Hoppus, guitarist Matt Skiba, drummer Travis Barker, who also produced the song. Additional songwriting was handled by Matt Malpass, Aaron Puckett, JP Clark, and Mike Skwark. The song was the final release by the band to feature Skiba, who was unable to perform on the following single "Quarantine" and later departed from the band following the return of founding guitarist Tom DeLonge in 2022.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2013 Vinyl Reissue) (liner notes). Blink-182. US: Geffen / Universal Music Special Markets. 2013. SRC025/SRC026/SRC027/SRC028. This reference primarily cites the Mark Hoppus foreword.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ↑ Roger Coletti (2001). "Blink-182: No Jacket Required". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved June 22, 2010.
  3. 1 2 3 Nichola Browne (November 20, 2005). "Punk Rock! Nudity! Filthy Sex! Tom DeLonge Looks Back On Blink-182's Greatest Moments". Kerrang! . London: Bauer Media Group (1083). ISSN   0262-6624.
  4. ↑ Kyle Ryan (October 8, 2013). "Blink-182 took punk to No. 1 for the first time with a masturbation pun". The A.V. Club . Retrieved October 8, 2013.
  5. ↑ Barker, Travis; Edwards, Gavin (2015). Can I Say: Living Large, Cheating Death, and Drums, Drums, Drums. William Morrow. p. 158. ISBN   978-0-062-31942-5.
  6. ↑ Mehle, Michael (August 16, 2001). "Blink 182 is older but still mining teen issues". Seattle Post-Intelligencer . Scripps Howard News Service . Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  7. ↑ Klein, Joshua (June 20, 2001). "Lite Salad Days With Blink-182". The Washington Post . Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  8. ↑ Vivinetto, Gina (August 4, 2001). "A rock show rebellion". Tampa Bay Times . Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  9. ↑ Darren Ratner. "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket: Review". All Music Guide. AllMusic . Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  10. ↑ Aaron Scott (June 29, 2001). "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket: Review". Slant Magazine . Archived from the original on October 22, 2010. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  11. ↑ Hornby, Nick (August 20, 2001). "Pop Quiz". The New Yorker . Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  12. 1 2 References for the February 16, 2002 issue of Billboard:
    • Taylor, Chuck (February 16, 2002). "Reviews & Previews". Billboard . Vol. 114, no. 7. p. 21. ISSN   0006-2510.
    • Taylor, Chuck (February 16, 2002). "Modern Rock Tracks". Billboard . Vol. 114, no. 7. p. 73. ISSN   0006-2510.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Corey Moss (August 22, 2001). "Blink-182 Return To '70s In 'First Date' Video". MTV News. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  14. ↑ "Modern Rock Tracks". Billboard . Vol. 114, no. 5. February 2, 2002. p. 87. ISSN   0006-2510.
  15. 1 2 References for the March 16, 2002 issue of Billboard:
  16. ↑ "Modern Rock Tracks". Billboard . Vol. 114, no. 14. April 6, 2002. p. 79. ISSN   0006-2510.
  17. ↑ "Modern Rock Tracks". Billboard . Vol. 114, no. 17. April 27, 2002. p. 73. ISSN   0006-2510.
  18. ↑ "Modern Rock Tracks". Billboard . Vol. 114, no. 19. May 11, 2002. p. 65. ISSN   0006-2510.
  19. ↑ "Modern Rock Tracks". Billboard . Vol. 114, no. 30. July 27, 2002. p. 61. ISSN   0006-2510.
  20. ↑ Shooman, 2010. p. 87
  21. 1 2 Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine : Whitney, Marty (interviewer); Stuht, Danielle (interviewer); DeLonge, Tom (interviewee) (April 16, 2020). Marty & Danielle with Tom Delonge!. 91X San Diego, via YouTube . Retrieved April 17, 2020.{{cite AV media}}: |first1= has generic name (help)
  22. ↑ "Episode 827". Total Request Live. January 18, 2002. MTV.
  23. ↑ "The Clip List". Billboard . Vol. 114, no. 6. February 9, 2002. p. 56. ISSN   0006-2510.
  24. ↑ "Billboard Video Monitor". Billboard . Vol. 114, no. 16. April 20, 2002. p. 110. ISSN   0006-2510.
  25. ↑ Childers, Chad (July 29, 2021). "Angels & Airwaves' 'Losing My Mind' Video Introduces Boomer's Brother on Vegas TikTok Quest". Loudwire. Retrieved 2021-08-15.
  26. ↑ Blink-182 - First Date (CD) in Discogs
  27. ↑ First Date (DVD AUDIO) at Amazon.com
  28. ↑ - First Date (Vinyl) en Discogs
  29. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 27, 2015.
  31. ↑ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
  32. ↑ "blink-182 – Chart History". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
  33. ↑ [ dead link ]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.