Box Car Racer (album)

Box Car Racer is the self-titled and only studio album by the American rock band Box Car Racer, a side project of Blink-182 members Travis Barker and Tom DeLonge. It was released on May 21, 2002, by MCA Records.

The album is considered a departure from Blink-182's signature pop-punk sound, leaning more towards post-hardcore and alternative rock, influenced by bands like Fugazi and Refused. DeLonge cited a desire to experiment with darker themes and heavier instrumentation, which he felt was not suitable for Blink-182's overall aesthetic.

Box Car Racer features 12 tracks exploring themes of angst, disillusionment, and war. Musically, the album is characterized by distorted guitars, complex drum patterns, and a blend of melodic vocals and aggressive screams. In addition to DeLonge and Barker, the album features guest appearances from Mark Hoppus (Blink-182) and Tim Armstrong (Rancid).

The album spawned two singles: "I Feel So" and "There Is". Box Car Racer was a commercial success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart. Despite its success, the project was short-lived, with DeLonge and Barker returning to Blink-182 following the album's release and subsequent tour. The album remains a cult favorite among fans of both Blink-182 and the post-hardcore genre.