With integrity intact and a hearty combination of poppy punk and wit throughout, the Offspring's fifth album is a raucous ride through America as seen through the eyes of a weary, but still optimistic, young kid. Riffs on political correctness, '70s radio fodder, and suburban disquiet are spread thick on Americana. If the band's targets seem a bit simple and predictable, its music rarely is. The SoCal roots aren't played to a fault, the blend of salsa and alterna-rock sounds natural, and the Offspring pretty much laugh at their culture, as well as themselves, the entire time. Best track is "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)," which manages to bridge Def Leppard and Latin hip-hop (and the musical timeline they represent) and, in the process, disrobes Middle America's average white teen's quick fascination with and instant disposability of a once-regional heritage. With Americana, the Offspring are merely contributing their part.

Track Listing:
A1 Welcome
A2 Have You Ever
A3 Staring At The Sun
A4 Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)
A5 The Kids Aren't Alright
A6 Feelings
A7 She's Got Issues
A8 Walla Walla
B1 The End Of The Line
B2 No Brakes
B3 Why Don't You Get A Job
B4 Americana
B5 Pay The Man

Year of Production: 1998