The Ramones had become a significant source of income for all its members, which is why, despite having a strained relationship, the band continued for years, even without speaking to each other, as was the case with Joey (Vocalist) and Johnny Ramone (Guitarist). The problem arose when the guitarist practically got involved with Joey Ramone’s girlfriend, and they ended up getting married. This situation was something the vocalist could never overcome, as he was a romantic who never found another partner like her.
The end of the band was approaching with an impeccable musical work in 1995, ‘Adios Amigos,’ the last album by the Ramones. It would serve as an influence for the generation of subsequent bands, primarily known as ‘Happy Punk.’
What can we listen to?
A rich variety of Punk Rock where we can hear songs as happy and melodic as ‘Life’s a Gas’ or as heavy as ‘Cretin Family.’ The band maintained the minimalism that had characterized them over 20 years, relying on a foundation of power chords and Joey Ramone’s vocal line to create an authentic piece of The Ramones.
In this work, we hear guitars that go beyond power chords, maintaining the musical simplicity that was already a tradition in the group but introducing more elaborate figures and riffs. This is where the richness of the band lies, as they never needed complexities to create great albums like this, turning their musical style into a philosophy that everyone should apply in life: It’s not necessary to do difficult things for them to be good, another clear example of this would be the Sex Pistols.
The musical production fits this work perfectly, as by the 1990s, technology allowed for higher-level productions. ‘Adios Amigos’ sounds perfect; each instrument is perfectly distinguishable, creating a powerful wall of sound.
The key participation of CJ Ramone
C.J. Ramone (Bass) joined the band in 1989 to replace Dee Dee Ramone, and it’s in ‘Adios Amigos’ that he takes on a leading role, serving as the lead vocalist on four songs of the album. His voice reminds us of both Jonny Rotten and some of the more commercial punk bands, such as Green Day, The Offspring or Blink 182.
CJ complements the album well, as by 1995, Joey Ramone’s voice had become worn after 20 years of living the punk life intensely. Additionally, the bass adds a certain vitality to all the songs.
Marky Ramone’s drumming was one of the most benefited parts of the album’s production, handled by Daniel Rey, a close friend of the band with whom they had worked before. We hear this instrument always present, thanks to the magnificent mixing work, where we experience compression very suitable for the genre, maintaining a constant fast attack.
If we could define this work with one word, it would be energy, as it’s inevitable to feel your heart beating rapidly with each of the songs. Its variety keeps the listener eager for what comes next, prompting the desire that it never ends. The album is truly fast, with a duration of 33 minutes and 59 seconds.
The Ramones bid farewell to all their fans
The most important Punk Rock band bid a dignified farewell with this wonderful album, where we also hear Dee Dee Ramone (former bassist) singing a part in German in the last song, ‘Born to Die in Berlin.’
‘Adios Amigos’ has a very pleasant balance to listen to: it’s emotional, fast, heavy, and cheerful. It has songs to sing along like ‘I Don’t Wanna Grow Up,’ and rebellious songs like ‘Got a Lot to Say,’ making it very easy to listen to even 27 years later although people has polarized opinions on it as we can read on rateyourmusic.com
Although the Ramones were never fully recognized in the mainstream scene, at least not until later and with some reservations, their legacy is undeniable. ‘Adios Amigos’ conveys the band members’ loyalty to their style and life ideology, framing one of the most important albums in the history of rock.
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