Graduating high school was a banner event for me, and that May before I was officially done, the band Goldfinger put out “Open Your Eyes”. This time around, the band would start the record with a fast paced and energetic performance, and ditched the horns altogether. The band stuck with the melody, but went hard into the skate punk type of sound. This is evidenced out the gate with “Going Home”, and carries through with “Spokesman”, “Open Your Eyes”, and others on the record.
For me, 2002 was a year where I traveled, I went to music festivals, I slept under the stars, I found myself lost in life’s next push, and the soundtrack really propelled me forward. “Spokesman” for instance really spoke to me, and it threw down a great anthem for all of us pseudo punk rock kids in the suburbs.
“Open Your Eyes” spins through 38 minutes of pop punk glory, and doesn’t let up, even when you think they are going to slow down. No, they aren’t speeding through the record, they just have a sensibility that makes this record one that you’ll no doubt want to revisit from time to time. While the band’s first half of the record is grand, it does start to diminish with joke tracks, and hidden tracks that just push you away from the upper half of the recording. That’s not to say that the record isn’t worth listening to, but rather it’s something that you’re going to probably dismiss. “Open Your Eyes” is a solid outing, and one of the better releases from Goldfinger’s catalog.
As someone who’s lived through the vibrant echoes of 2002, I can’t help but share a gem that’s been a cornerstone of my journey. Picture this: the thrill of graduation, the adventure of travel, music festivals under open skies, and the raw, unfiltered quest of finding oneself. Amidst all this was a soundtrack that didn’t just play in the background but fueled every moment with relentless energy and unapologetic spirit. That soundtrack was Goldfinger’s “Open Your Eyes.”
This album isn’t just a collection of tracks; it’s a rush of adrenaline, a burst of raw energy, and a true companion through the rollercoaster of life. From the get-go with “Going Home,” through the anthemic pulse of “Spokesman,” to every single track that makes this record a pop punk masterpiece, “Open Your Eyes” embodies the spirit of an era.
Don’t just listen—engage, reminisce, and let the world know how “Open Your Eyes” opened your eyes to the unforgettable journey of life.