Before I get into the meat of this review, allow me to clear the air on a couple of things. First, I know that there was an album between Mondo and this one, but it was entirely made up of covers, so I don't feel like it is worth digging into and critiquing in the same manner I will be for this album. Second, I was originally going to do a 'personal ranking' post of all of the Ramones albums from least favorite to favorite, but I've decided that I will forgo this rather lame post in favor of spending time looking for another discography to review! So, lets cut the crap and send this series off right!
Adios Amigos is the technically the 14th studio album released by the Ramones, and from the outset, the band had planned on it being their last; what with the title and themes on some of the songs here, it is clear that the band wants to end their famed career being true to themselves. And in my opinion, Adios Amigos is the finest example of a Ramones album since Too Tough To Die, an album I've brought up a lot in this series because it is not only my favorite, but because it is the perfect example of a comeback album that completely reinvigorates a bands sound. And while Adios Amigos isn't quite as brilliant, it has moments that shine just as bright.
Especially on cuts like "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" with its bratty attitude and catchy as all get out guitar work; it is a quintessential Ramones tune through and through. Then the band dishes out gems like "Life's A Gas" which is pretty much the precursor to Joey's solo album and one of the band's best 'I'm okay, not really' songs.
Even Dee Dee contributes some great tunes to the album, despite not being in the band for a full 6 years at this point. However, C.J. Ramone takes the wheel on these tracks and really proves definitively that he was able to hang with the Ramones in a serious way, especially when the album gets to his personal contributions like "Scattergun" which are pop-punk ear candy. And despite him not doing much after being in the Ramones, I think he should be commended (much like Richie) for being a pivotal member of the Ramones.
Adios Amigos doesn't have many downsides if I'm being completely honest; maybe a couple of the tracks here aren't instant ear worms, or work with a familiar formula, but all in all, I can't deny that this is the most fun I've had during this series since Too Tough To Die. And I really think this should be remembered as not only a high point in the career of the Ramones, but also a fitting way to put a career to rest.
This album was released in 1995; the band disbanded shortly after its release and the original members of the group (Joey, Tommy, Dee Dee, and Johnny) all passed away within ten years of its release. So in more ways than one, the band really was saying 'Adios'.
8.8/10
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