Release of untitled album

The band regrouped in 2003 to record a fifth studio album. Inspired by lifestyle changes—all three band members became fathers before the album was released—the band infused experimental elements into its usual pop-punk sound. Its front cover emblazoned with a new ” smiley face ” logo for the band, the new untitled album—was released in November 2003 through Geffen Records , which absorbed sister label MCA earlier that year. Critics generally complimented the new, more emo direction taken for the album, and lead singles ” Feeling This ” and ” I Miss You ” were well received. The global touring schedule, which saw the band travel to Japan and Australia , also found the three performing for troops stationed in the Persian Gulf during the first year of the Iraq War . The band came to regard this period as a “huge turning point” in their career, marking a change in the way they write and record music, as well as view themselves. As the aughts wore on however, unresolved tensions within the trio—stemming from the gruelling schedule, Box Car Racer, and DeLonge’s desire to spend more time with his family—became evident.