Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown

[Chris Fallon]

Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown
Record Label: Reprise
Release Date: May 15, 2009

The evolution of musical artists is an enigma in itself. While it can often polarize the fan of a beloved artist, it is absolutely fundamental for an artist to be able to grow, particularly as they become older and their longevity hinders on their next move. Surely it doesn't always work, and many times, bands fail to ignite a fire with a large audience and are forced to step back creatively in order to earn their fans' ears back. The approach is an anomaly since selfish listeners can't budge and try out a drastic (or not so drastic) change, simply based on the band members' decision to explore new depths of sound.

In 2004, Green Day did precisely what they had to do in order to maintain relevancy. There was no other choice after the mild success of 2000's Warning, arguably their most inventive and shape-shifting album left the band in a questionable state. Following the lead of The Who down to almost a 'T', the band wrote a massive punk rock opera that followed the vaguely metaphorical tale of a youth living two different lives in a troubled modern era. The success paved the way for Green Day to distance themselves from their bratty punk rock past and move towards crafting ambitious efforts that rang of fierce, unsavory lashings at politics and religion, all while weaving a yarn that while still punk rock in all its context, allowed the band to develop a gratuitous sense of self while expanding their trademarked brand of punk rock.

For their eighth studio album, 21st Century Breakdown, the band recruited Butch Vig (Garbage, Nirvana) to help them lead the way towards trumping their cornerstone record. The title alone suggests an abundantly clear expansion of where we left off on American Idiot, albeit this time around, there's less outright punk rock and a far greater lean on well-built, muscular pop rock that is split into three acts in operatic form, all interweaving a tale of two lovers caught in an apocalyptic age of chaos and beauty. This is no longer a world where Green Day can make Dookie; the band set the bar high for not only themselves, but for other rock acts to follow -- and with nowhere to go but up, the band has created a lavishly told story of Christian and Gloria, two idealistic but weary & rather naive individuals fighting for a world they believe in but have difficulty trusting. In 18 tracks, the album is nearly 70 minutes long -- normally, this would ask a great deal from the listener, as sitting through an album over one hour long can be an arduous task in itself. Yet Billie Joe Armstrong and company have provided an engrossing narrative that flows through it's three acts jubilantly, asking more from the audience rather than to simply have a good time. The band has put together 18 tracks that reference each other, the band's past albums and many of their own influences (a trait for which Billie Joe Armstrong is notorious). Reading as a nostalgic, self-reflecting story of love & war, fire & vengeance and (ultimately) submission & pride, 21st Century is hardly your average mainstream rock album. Perhaps that is the challenge for Green Day here, as they prepare to submit an album that is no longer constructed solely on power chords and sardonic hooks about masturbation, smoking pot and having some drinks.

After the introductory song plays through radio static (don't worry, it will come up later again -- it's important to the storyline), a clean piano note chimes in before Tre Cool's effortlessly-paced drum work storms the gates. The title track alone bursts forth with resilient aplomb, saluting the band's musical influences & heroes, as well as significant events that shaped the current state of mind that has been the band's focus. "Born into Nixon / And raised in hell," Armstrong cries out. "Last one born / but first one to run," a lien that alludes to Bruce Springsteen and also hints at the storyline that will be tackled in both American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown. The song swiftly changes course into a Dropkick Murphys-like jig-flavored party before ending on a "Bohemian Rhapsody" finale. The first single, "Know Your Enemy" may come off as rather generic, however in context of the album, it sounds better than just a basic radio hit. Despite the next two tracks starting out as slow and overproduced interludes (that acoustic guitar sounds like Firehouse, no?), they eventually soar into sweeping, epic choruses that discuss the rise and fall of Gloria, an angel with a devil on her shoulder (see if you can catch the "Basket Case" reference in "Before the Lobotomy"). The lovelorn ballad, "Last Night on Earth," is delicately vast and shows a gentle side to what the next act slices up. While it comes off as the kind of song John Lennon would have penned for the Beatles' Let it Be, it could potentially become this disc's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" (which means get your fill of it now before radio kills it).

The references that continue to come (which include the melodic harmonies and even some of the song structures themselves) are welcomed as they tie in with the overall theme. With that said, however, it might be the album's only stopgap. It will take more than a couple listens and will also require some lyrical studying to understand that the band is doing everything intentionally. That means every word repeated is significant to the story, and similarities to past Green Day tracks are meant to be self-referencing allusions to Christian & Gloria looking back at a world that has become nothing but a fight between all civilization. Act II is a bombastic, angry middle half, filled with lyrics that mention fire, vendettas and could be seen as an allegory for the fall of Rome ("For I am Caesar / I'm going to seize the day"). "Christian's Inferno" rings like a fuzzy-tuned industrial cut, "East Jesus Nowhere" (which takes it's name from a line in Juno) gets bigger after each verse, with it's lyrics mocking Christian extremists in a similar way Armstrong chastised politics on Idiot ("Your confession will be crucified ... Join the choir, we will be singing / In the church of wishful thinking") and "Murder City," while sounding a bit like the b-side "Too Much Too Soon," is a dark, blistering anthem that reiterates Christian's passionate rage.

By the final act, dealing with the conclusion that harks back to the two previous acts, it's obvious Green Day has created an album that while almost nearly a copy of American Idiot is more clever than it appears to be. "Horseshoes and Handgrenades" is like the Hives on overdrive and "American Eulogy" is the mini version of "Jesus of Suburbia," going back to Nimrod-era Green Day (that redundancy is pure 90's, baby). "21 Guns" is arguably the album's highlight, presenting an anti-war ballad that is both monumentally enduring and also sophisticated protest. Armstrong's vocals are less strained than they were at times on Idiot, sounding less like a vocalist and more like a performance artist; it is as if he is shouting these yarns into a crowd from a Broadway stage. Every member does their part to piece the album together, successfully proving that the band can offer up a strenuous peak to climb, yet pass it without losing a breath.

Certainly the band's most ambitious output, it is also their most polarizing for fans unwilling to give change and evolution a shot. While it may seem a tad self-indulgent, this is merely a huge rock band doing huge rock band things, refusing to become thick-minded clones of their former selves. Several listens open up a world of curiosity, in hopes you will be able to pick up each clue that lays hidden in the epic song structures, telling a complex story that plays like a spin-off. Exuberant and demanding, 21st Century Breakdown destructs the modern world in hopes of a bright future, something that is sure to be of interest in the next entry to Green Day's catalog. The smartest mainstream rock band out there, Green Day have gone the way of The Who, but it will be every other band that becomes green with envy.

Green Day's American Idiot; The Who's Quadrophenia; Queen's A Night at the Opera; My Chemical Romance's The Black Parade; The Kinks' Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)"21 Guns," "Before the Lobotomy," "21st Century Breakdown," "American Eulogy" and "Horseshoes and Handgrenades"

1. Song of the Century

Act I: Heroes and Cons
2. 21st Century Breakdown
3. Know Your Enemy
4. ¡Viva La Gloria!
5. Before the Lobotomy
6. Christian's Inferno
7. Last Night on Earth

Act II: Charlatans and Saints
8. East Jesus Nowhere
9. Peacemaker
10. Last of the American Girls
11. Murder City
12. ¿Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl)
13. Restless Heart Syndrome

Act III: Horseshoes and Handgrenades
14. Horseshoes and Handgrenades
15. The Static Age
16. 21 Guns
17. American Eulogy (I. Mass Hysteria / II. Modern World)
18. See the LightBillie Joe Armstrong: lead vocals / guitar / piano
Mike Dirnt: bass / backing vocals / co-lead vocals on "Modern World"
Tre Cool: drums / percussion / backing vocals

Official Site (http://www.greenday.com) | Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/greenday)Amazon MP3 (http://www.amazon.com/Century-Breakdown-Amazon-Exclusive-Explicit/dp/B00299EKQK/ref=dm_ap_alb17)

[Chris Fallon]

Yes, this is quite long. Yes, I gave this a score many of you will find appalling. Yes, I am a longtime fan of the band. Yes, I think this is a band still at their peak doing exactly what no other mainstream modern rock band is or is even capable of doing.

I've given this a whole lot of thought, and this has been my most challenging review to write (hence the length). But I am satisfied with the end results and I hope you all will take my words to heart and see this album as I have grown to see it.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Awesome, awesome, AWESOME (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-OGD2DgIHI) review, Chris. This album honestly had to grow on me for a while, but 21CB just might hang with GD's best over time. Riveting read.

[Paulb-182]

Great review chris!! really good.

Im gonna go out and buy this tomorrow

I mean I have literally no problem with American Idiot.. I just grew to really dislike the band as people during that time.. hopefully they wont annoy me as much this time

[Gumbyjag]

stoked. great review.

[deanster321]

It's not my favourite album of theirs but I enjoy it a hell of a lot. Excellent review too.

Perhaps that is the challenge for Green Day here, as they prepare to submit an album that is no longer constructed solely on power chords and sardonic hooks about masturbation, smoking pot and having some drinks. I liked this part especially, haha. Their moving on from that is something I've been considering for a long time as well when it comes to Green Day.

[EchoPark]

another excellent review Chris.

This album has won me back after the disaster of American Idiot

A band I grew up with are a band I can now grow old with. Kudos to Billie Joe and Co. for making a great album

[Ryzenfall]

Great review. Hopefully this will be more appealing to me, since I honestly couldn't stand American Idiot. We'll have to see.

[deanster321]

another excellent review Chris.

This album has won me back after the disaster of American Idiot

A band I grew up with are a band I can now grow old with. Kudos to Billie Joe and Co. for making a great album
Perfectly put.

[hockeyguitar99]

I still have to listen to this. Good review Chris.

[awakeohsleeper]

Yes, this is quite long. Yes, I gave this a score many of you will find appalling. Yes, I am a longtime fan of the band. Yes, I think this is a band still at their peak doing exactly what no other mainstream modern rock band is or is even capable of doing.

I've given this a whole lot of thought, and this has been my most challenging review to write (hence the length). But I am satisfied with the end results and I hope you all will take my words to heart and see this album as I have grown to see it.

It's fascinating that you have to justify yourself. I guess that's ap.net for you - the review never does the talking. It's a solid review. Your thoughts are intriguing. I've never liked Green Day so I won't like this record, but yes... decent review.

[Slovo]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v735/slovo28/NEAT.jpg

[SanePsychotic]

This is probably one of the best reviews you've written Chris. Great job! As a passionate Green Day fan I'm really looking forward to getting the record tomorrow. From your review I gather that I'll enjoy it very much.

[rorytws]

I think this is the best review I've ever read on this site. Not a fan of the single, but this might persuade me to pick it up.

[Piss]

is it just me or is the album cover a ripoff of a MCR album?

[SanePsychotic]

is it just me or is the album cover a ripoff of a MCR album?
Just because two people are kissing on the cover? I think not. Merely a coincidence.

[ched zeppelin]

spot on Chris, this album is phenomial

[ugman_2000]

Great review Chris definitely one of the best if not the best you've written :thumbup:

This album keeps growing on me with every listen
& it sounds like you've spent a lot of time this last week listening to it with such an in depth review :-)

[Gregory Robson]

This makes my Kevin Devine review look brief! Nice work mate. Very detailed and a good overall analysis of the disc. Solid!

[Smeee]

91% eh? Should probably check this out then haha.

[deezee]

Great review. I got this yesterday and I love it.

[DI Pistola]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v735/slovo28/NEAT.jpg
:-d

[puhrnj]

Hmm...Loved warning.....but all the hype over american idiot kind of made me hate them. I'm gonna give this a shot though

[prefix-core]

Awesome review! I still haven't listened, but I look forward to digging through the lyrics for all of the references when Friday arrives. :-d

[undonesweater93]

Great review. I like this album a lot, but I didn't really like American Idiot all that much. Plus, you totally missed how awesome that they were able to integrate the punk into all that 70's influence in "Murder City" especially.

[EmotionalJack]

great review. perfect album.

[the1]

I cant wait to buy this tommorow!! I hope it doesnt sell out!!
Great review- nice to see more thana track by track interpretation!

[jbaseball44]

Like the album a lot.

[ilovesofie]

Great, great review. Actually I realise that Green Day never dissapoint, and this is a masterpiece.

[Dr. Acula]

Best review you've done yet Chris. Awesome job.

[therookielot]

Great review, great album

[Blakebear]

I loved American Idiot, but I just can't seem to get into this one yet.

I want to like it. I really, really do.

[sell the sunris]

This is probably one of the best reviews I've seen on the site and I agree with it 110%.

Amazingly well done, sir.

[handlikesecret]

There was so other choice after the mild success of 2000's Warning...
just wanted to point that out.

great review, i'll definitely have to check this album out.

[trappedintime]

Great review. I'm excited to hear this album. I'll be picking this up. But by the way you put it, it sounds so dramatic and long. Hopefully it doesn't get tiring after a couple of songs. I doubt it will.

[roisterboy]

"There was so other choice after the mild success of 2000's Warning, arguably their most inventive and shape-shifting album left the band in a questionable state."

GREAT REVIEW! I don't like to point out mistakes, but I believe you meant to say "There was no other choice..." Sorry, not trying to belittle you.

[thecobrakais]

Hands down the best review I've ever read on this site. I share your passion for Green Day and am really looking forward to picking up the record tomorrow. I've tried my best to refrain from listening to much of it online just so I can get the full effect tomorrow when it comes out.

Again, nice job on a well written, passionate, stellar review.

[XenoAbe]

I gave it a listen and I just can't get into it. I typically don't mind bands changing their sound, but I wasn't a huge fan of American idiot and to others who didn't like it 21CB will probably just be AI2. Green Day used to be one of my favorite bands and their past two albums have just been mediocre to me. It's not terrible, but it's not the Green Day I love either.

[reissgoespunk]

Wow ... amazing review, Chris.

This record has drawn me back to Green Day, which is something I thought would never happen.

[piglet]

Album is dogshit incarnate. .25's across the board.

[jings]

I've held off listening to the leak of this all week, but I cannot wait to get this tomorrow! Fantastic review.

[DejaGuy89]

i think they have nothing to be mad about anymore

[xsinkshipsx]

is it just me or is the album cover a ripoff of a MCR album?
or the inside cover of nfg's sticks and stones

[MXkillerPX]

i think they have nothing to be mad about anymore
Why?

[CellarGhosts]

Wonderful review, Chris.

[fadedmemories]

This is one lengthy review. Good job for convincing me to give this a chance.

[zubinmoosa]

Fantastic review, Chris. Spot on.

[ExplodingStereo]

Chris, this is one of the best reviews I've seen on this site. I truly did not care to listen to this album at all, but I think I'm gonna give it a listen now. Fantastic work.

[TSTLSOOM]

Yes, this is quite long. Yes, I gave this a score many of you will find appalling. Yes, I am a longtime fan of the band. Yes, I think this is a band still at their peak doing exactly what no other mainstream modern rock band is or is even capable of doing.

I've given this a whole lot of thought, and this has been my most challenging review to write (hence the length). But I am satisfied with the end results and I hope you all will take my words to heart and see this album as I have grown to see it.
well a long review from a long time fan for a long album. Alot of longness. Great Review

[geebee889]

I wasn't too sure if I wanted to check the album out after just hearing "Know Your Enemy", but your review may have just changed my mind. I've been a fan of the band for a while as well, so I think it's only fair that I give this a shot. Thanks Chris!

[Aphasia17]

You know Chris, sometimes you have a tendency to trash albums by bands I like and sometimes you praise them, as in this case. But I'll tell you, whether I agree with your ratings or not, your reviews always make great reading. Well done sir.

Can't wait to pick this up tomorrow!!

[Drew Beringer]

I wouldn't give it this high of a score, but I am enjoying this album more and more.

[brentstailing]

Chris, great review. You've inspired me to give this album more of a chance. I like the album, but I found it difficult to sit through the entire thing. I'm going to take a closer listen now and we'll see what happens!

[deebs823]

great review....at first i havent really liked the album but after reading this review i might have to go back and listen to it again...maybe my mind will change...

[mmitrick]

This album was another major disappointment from Green Day....This album, along with American Idiot can F.O.D.

[denissuxx]

Well written review, but I don't like the band

[antlerboy182]

Great review Chris! This album had to grow on me at first, but now its becoming one of my favorite green day records to date. This album reminds me of MCRs "The Black Parade"... I'm not complaining though!

[whiterussian]

I got into Green Day around the Warning area, and I wish that at least they hdan't gotten a sign that American Idiot was the way to go. As in it shouldn't have had more success than Warning, nor does it really deserve it.

I liked American Idiot, but the make up, "look at me" attitude and the God forsaken overplaying of Boulevard (I actually liked that song, before the video and its explosion) made me wonder if I'm listening to musicians or merely entertainers.

Now I'm sad that they seem to be stuck in this "we're so epic" phase, and Billie Joe should stop the soft singing, it's almost painful.
EDIT: what about all that reverb everywhere? They are reverbaholics.

I hope it's only a phase. Especially the make up, it pisses me off.

[Max_123]

damn high score
i guess i'll check it out now :-)

[Kill_the_radio]

Yes! Great review, I feel the same about this album and the band.

[combatchuckaa]

I like your review. It was well-written and touched on a lot of great points about the evolution of Green Day. I haven't heard the album yet but I have high hopes for it.

[Mens]

false

[radxbandit]

Great review, I'm glad this website still receives love from its staff.

[Indoor Living]

Album is dogshit incarnate. .25's across the board.

Your opinions are so intuitive.

Great review, Chris. I'll be sure to check this out.

[Nourez]

Great review Chris, I love this album. Dunno where to rank it overall out of the 8 GD albums, but so far, it's one of the better ones for me. I'm listening to American Idiot again after a weekend of 21CBD, and 21CBD honestly blows that album out of the water.

[Nick Le]

Long review, haha but it's really great. I liked the single, and I've gone through the album once, and it was alright. I'm going to have to give it some more listens.

[Alex Djaferis]

reviews should not be written by huge fans of the band.

[jetsetvenom]

I gave it a listen and I just can't get into it. I typically don't mind bands changing their sound, but I wasn't a huge fan of American idiot and to others who didn't like it 21CB will probably just be AI2. Green Day used to be one of my favorite bands and their past two albums have just been mediocre to me. It's not terrible, but it's not the Green Day I love either.
See, I really disliked American Idiot. But I'm listening to the new record, and so far, I think it's really good. I've never been a huge Green Day fan, even back in their early days I kind of just dismissed them as a stupid pop punk band. But I'm really digging this so far.

[Gaugzilla]

Great review.

My main problem with the album is the flow of tracks, particularly in the first half. I have a theory that bands shouldn't put slow songs before track 6 or 7 as it usually disrupts the flow of the album and crushes any momentum that it has built up.

GD does this twice with !Viva La Gloria! and Before the Lobotomy, back-to-back. And it's not like either are heinous songs, it's just that they spend 3 tracks building a dynamic only to come to a screeching hault.

And to whoever said they aren't the band that plays power chords, wrong. The album is mostly power chords unless it's some piano or a short acoustic riff.

[heyzombiehitler]

Very good review.

[joeygiraldo]

This isn't my favorite GD album. But it's still really good.

One thing I want to share is that this def. seems like Green Day's most AMBITIOUS effort. It bleeds through the entire album... American Idiot had those long-ass songs but this one (like Chris' solid review states) references EVERY OTHER SONG dozens of times. It really must have taken quite a bit to compose everything and make everything make sense.

In that regard, yes, this is a great, not good, album. I give them huge props for that, but the actual music itself is also important. This is what ultimately doesn't make the album "great" as a final verdict. I think a lot of the music in this album is pretty boring and uncreative, despite the whole concept and story of Gloria and Christian being excellently laid out. "Horseshoes..." for example, isn't "The Hives on overdrive," it is exactly The Hives. I hear "Tick Tick Boom," it's completely nicked. Tre's drumming doesn't seem as impressive here, and Mike Dirnt's "comeback bass showcase" in "East Jesus Nowhere" isn't enough considering their entire last album failed to bring his amazing bass skills to light (every other GD album pre-AI did so).

But back to the positive, I do enjoy listening to the album. Considering all the crap that's coming out nowadays, def. a good effort, just not their best. And it's cool to hear Billie Joe attempt new vocal stylings and ranges.

Not that anyone cares what I think, but to give you some numerical context of what I said above, I probably would have given this album a low 80s percentage.

[friskycurtain]

reviews should not be written by huge fans of the band.
Exactly. You cannot seriously give this album a 9 for creativity. Nearly every song sounds like a recycled version of songs off American Idiot and Warning

[ZeoVGM]

This is an amazing album. Anyone who doubted this band, even after the brilliance that was American Idiot, was insane.

[narca9]

I completely agree with the review.

I'm glad a band that gets so much hate for who they are can at least get recognized for the qualtity of their music. Especially on a site like this.

[yoyostring]

sweet, excited to pick this up tomorrow

[ZeoVGM]

Exactly. You cannot seriously give this album a 9 for creativity. Nearly every song sounds like a recycled version of songs off American Idiot and Warning
It sounds like an evolution of American Idiot and nothing like Warning. So yes, he can "seriously" give it a 9. Because it is a very creative album.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Although I don't completely agree, that was one excellent review. Well done, Chris.

[joeygiraldo]

I think the only creative one is getting to be Billie Joe and whatever goes on in his head. Mike and Tre seem to be stuck in earlier albums, and he seems to be dragging them along for his "headtrip" ideas about revolution and fire and creating Who rock operas.

[Hagysaurus Rex]

Fantastic review. I'm not even a fan of GD but this makes me want to go buy the album ASAP.

Certainly the band's most ambitious output, it is also their most polarizing for fans unwilling to give change and evolution a shot.

I hate those types of "fans." These are the types of assclowns that wish Green Day would do albums like Dookie over and over again, and wish that Brand New would just do different versions of YFW. The fact that Green Day is writing these thematic, complicated, ambitious, and story-fueled albums is amazingly impressive. The fact that they're writing progressive albums that sell huge to the mainstream is even more stunning, because let's face it, the average radio listener wants to hear simple verse/chorus/verse/chorus/chorus music, not eight minute songs with different acts. GD is one of the few ambitious bands that actually get mainstream love.

I was leery of what direction they were going to go after the brilliance of AI, and after that review, my hope in this album is restored (even if the lead single sounds a little generic.)

[xNyssa]

is it just me or is the album cover a ripoff of a MCR album?

Because MCR is the only band to ever put a kissing couple on the cover?

Awesome review. I really like their new CD, it gets better every time I listen to it. But I have to admit that I liked AI better. And to me, the old and new Green Day are two completely different bands. Their sound is so different (although BJs voice is quite recognizable).

I can't wait to see them again in October ^^

[jimboj917]

this album is actually very, very good. 'dookie' came out when i was 8 and is still my all time favorite, but this band, despite everyone's moaning, is still relevant and still writing terrific music. this album, to me, far surpasses 'american idiot,' and proves that album was just another stepping stone. this album is very diverse, reminds me a lot of warning, and introduces a few new things...like guitar pedals, that are used more frequently. the production is a bit more raw, yet a bit more pre-planned, narrative-wise. awesome review, awesome record.

[jaryd]

fuck. i'm convinced to listen to it now.

[jawstheme]

You gave lyrics a 9? Really? I just can't take that seriously.

[AlkalineAshes]

Green day deserves respect no matter what.. Theve never put out a bad album.

[ZeoVGM]

You gave lyrics a 9? Really? I just can't take that seriously.
Why? The lyrics were very good.

[Jake Denning]

I HATED American Idiot, I dont think i'll like this one either, unless someone can convince me otherwise. Dookie.

[jimboj917]

is it just me or is the album cover a ripoff of a MCR album?
it's just you.

[map8705]

Great review I would say 91% is about right for this album

...oh and what a suprise the member rating is in the 60's because it's so uncool to like popular bands unless they're named blink-182.

[Basketcase]

great review

i've only heard 6 tracks plus 3 b-sides and i have liked what i heard. midnite tonite, i'll have the full album from itunes :)

there's definately a mix of Warning, American Idiot, and even Nimrod in a couple of songs

for the most part, i liked American Idiot but what killed it was all the comercialization and overplay of the songs. i hope there's no repeat w/ 21st Century

and i agree with the review, bands have the right to grow and experiment. it's a huge risk, but if done right they can be a success at it. and Green Day have done that

and someone else has posted "i grew up with Green Day, now i can grow old with them" -> i completely agree

kudos to Billie, Tre and Mike

looking forward seeing them on tour

[map8705]

i think they have nothing to be mad about anymore
Except that the country is pretty messed up now. Just because Bush is gone doesn't mean everything is fixed. The problems in this country ran a lot deeper than his administration. I'm glad that Green Day isn't acting like everything is fine since Obama is president, because it's not.

[sheisarebel]

Fantastic review! I cannot wait to pick this album up tomorrow and finally get to hear what I've been waiting almost 5 years for.

[J.Dick]

OK...this is in regard to everyone saying that this is just American Idiot 2.

Most great bands have a "sound". This is basically the voice, playing style, ect. Any real fan of a band would not want them to rewrite the same record over and over again. This album is not a recycle of American Idiot. The "sound" I talked about earlier is the basics that make people love them but a band that has been playing together as long as Green Day takes their sound and makes tweaks to it and does some experimentation but the basic sound of the band is still intact. This keeps things interesting for the band and for fans. I have seen Green Day live several times and the old songs fit in with the new songs almost perfectly.

There are bands who take their sound and move into a total different direction...see U2. They made a record called Pop. It was a complete departure. While this might have been interesting for the band it was a failure as far as fans were concerned. U2 went back to the drawing board and got their sound back. They don't make the Joshua Tree over and over but retain their sound.

I applaud Green Day for making great music and making great albums time and time again.

[NickMartin]

great review. '21 Guns' is definitely my favorite stand out track on the record - which i also hear is going to be their 2nd single.

[PopPunkKid]

I really haven't been able to get into this album... I mean, I don't feel like there are any BAD songs on this album, but I don't hear any GREAT songs, either. Just nothing stands out to me yet.

[246toothpicks]

I gave it a listen and I just can't get into it. I typically don't mind bands changing their sound, but I wasn't a huge fan of American idiot and to others who didn't like it 21CB will probably just be AI2. Green Day used to be one of my favorite bands and their past two albums have just been mediocre to me. It's not terrible, but it's not the Green Day I love either.
I agree, I actually found myself skipping through the slow intros to where it 'kicks in' because I miss the energy of older albums. I like the more punk rock songs on this, but there's only a few. I guess they're just not my thing anymore.

[Phil507]

Yes, this is quite long. Yes, I gave this a score many of you will find appalling. Yes, I am a longtime fan of the band. Yes, I think this is a band still at their peak doing exactly what no other mainstream modern rock band is or is even capable of doing.

I've given this a whole lot of thought, and this has been my most challenging review to write (hence the length). But I am satisfied with the end results and I hope you all will take my words to heart and see this album as I have grown to see it.
EDIT: Sorry, I am a fool. You gave it a 91%, the moronic readers gave it a 63%

I absolutely have been loving this album. Of course, I'm all for bands expanding. I really hate it when bands become parodies of themselves (SEE: New Found Glory, NOFX)

[Phil507]

OK...this is in regard to everyone saying that this is just American Idiot 2.

Most great bands have a "sound". This is basically the voice, playing style, ect. Any real fan of a band would not want them to rewrite the same record over and over again. This album is not a recycle of American Idiot. The "sound" I talked about earlier is the basics that make people love them but a band that has been playing together as long as Green Day takes their sound and makes tweaks to it and does some experimentation but the basic sound of the band is still intact. This keeps things interesting for the band and for fans. I have seen Green Day live several times and the old songs fit in with the new songs almost perfectly.

There are bands who take their sound and move into a total different direction...see U2. They made a record called Pop. It was a complete departure. While this might have been interesting for the band it was a failure as far as fans were concerned. U2 went back to the drawing board and got their sound back. They don't make the Joshua Tree over and over but retain their sound.

I applaud Green Day for making great music and making great albums time and time again.
Dude, I LOVED Pop. All That You Can't Leave Behind was fine but it just felt like safe Lite-FM Mom-approved rock.

[mushroom]

This is a very solid/good record, not good enough to warrent a 91% score though.

[HometownHero]

Very well written review. I do not however agree at all. This album was not good at all imo. Nothing stood out and it was just very upsetting for me since I've loved almost all previous work.

[TSLROCKS]

Great fucking review. I really like this album. East Jesus Nowhere is my favorite track

[meroki22]

East Jesus Nowhere and Viva la Gloria are my favorite tracks. Great album.

[CarouselBoy]

I don't get alll these people saying they were weary of getting the album after hearing the single. Deciding to get or not to get an album off of hearing one song is a terrible reason either way.

Anyway this was a great review and I liked the length. Will be getting this tomorrow.

[Chris Fallon]

Thank you to everyone for the nice words. I hope you can all read it and take something away when you're taking a good hard listen. Give me feedback. (Oh, and thank you to those who noticed my very minor spelling error -- I fixed it!)

reviews should not be written by huge fans of the band.
While I understand you're insinuating bias, this is something we have all gone over hundreds of times. A fan of the band is able to provide an insight to the album a casual or first time fan cannot serve up (particularly true when it concerns a band who has been releasing albums for a few years). The same logic can be applied to someone who doesn't like a band. In essence, that's simply not fair to those who enjoy the band since my view on them is already tainted.

You gave lyrics a 9? Really? I just can't take that seriously.
I explained in my review they are pretty varied in their theme, story and construction. I thought I made it pretty clear why I felt they were an accomplishment.

[new_arbiter]

A great review. I have not listened to the album(aside from the single), but I'll get around to it soon. I've heard alot of comparisons to Warning, which I really like.

[kolby182]

A band I grew up with are a band I can now grow old with.


Well put. That's exactly how i feel about Green Day. I bought "Dookie" when i was 12 and it's still ,to this day, my favorite album of all time (due to the fact it got me into music). Now I'm almost 27 ( i know, ill tell you about the dinosaurs later) and I can honeslty still say i fucking love Green Day. This was a spot on review and I am glad to see not EVERYONE on this site is bashing the shit out of it.

[Alex Djaferis]

Thank you to everyone for the nice words. I hope you can all read it and take something away when you're taking a good hard listen. Give me feedback. (Oh, and thank you to those who noticed my very minor spelling error -- I fixed it!)


While I understand you're insinuating bias, this is something we have all gone over hundreds of times. A fan of the band is able to provide an insight to the album a casual or first time fan cannot serve up (particularly true when it concerns a band who has been releasing albums for a few years). The same logic can be applied to someone who doesn't like a band. In essence, that's simply not fair to those who enjoy the band since my view on them is already tainted.


I explained in my review they are pretty varied in their theme, story and construction. I thought I made it pretty clear why I felt they were an accomplishment.
Yeah I know its something we've gone over. And I do understand that a fan can offer insight on a band that a casual listener cannot - but personally, I cannot deal with reviews like this, /shrug. It's very well written, but it is ultimatily skewered through your homerist views.

I do envy you though, I wish I could like this album. I was a huge Green Day fan, they got me into music back in 95 with dookie and insomniac, so I owe them my musical foundation. I wish them all the success in the world (which they are already receiving), but this is a side of Green Day that I cannot deal with, it's just not me, y'know? I am admittingly bitter about the evolution of this band, to me, they just come off as extremely pretentious and saturated now.

[UnderMyDreams]

I've been waiting for this one. Can't wait to get the CD tomorrow! Awesome awesome review!

[westendriot]

Great review. I can't wait to hear this tomorrow.

[dani1292]

Very good review. I think you covered everything in a great manner, despite the length.
As for the album, I like it even though I was not expecting to.

[darkmartheight]

The single is ok, but this review actually makes me want to hear the album. I'm actually excited.

[Cheshire_Buddha]

Fantastic review Chris, even if I think the album is subpar.

[fowruok]

After a few listens:

1.) 21st Century Breakdown
2.) Warning
3.) American Idiot

And I pretty much have loved everything back to, and including, 1039.

Also, great review.

[Cheesus]

score= wow.

I guess I have to check it out now

[xtheaudition]

want.

[Outtathaway!]

The only band that matters.

[DCFCutie]

AMAZING review.

[TheClockSounds]

Such a good review, it sounds like what I've hoped for

[kolby182]

saturday night live this week.
host: will ferrell
music: green day

i wonder what other song they will play?

[RetardedInLove]

Great review, Chris. I knew you would do this album justice. I am glad this band didn't decide to rest on their laurels. They could have very easily phoned this album in but instead they cranked up the ambition and came out with one hell of an album. Can't wait till Friday.

[Kid B]

This entire thread is one big lol.

[Memphis]

this is one of the best reviews i've read...

[Punkascanadia]

Didn't this CD come out 5 years ago?

[doppelganger]

i might give this a second listen because of this review.

[Chris Fallon]

Yeah I know its something we've gone over. And I do understand that a fan can offer insight on a band that a casual listener cannot - but personally, I cannot deal with reviews like this, /shrug. It's very well written, but it is ultimatily skewered through your homerist views.

I do envy you though, I wish I could like this album. I was a huge Green Day fan, they got me into music back in 95 with dookie and insomniac, so I owe them my musical foundation. I wish them all the success in the world (which they are already receiving), but this is a side of Green Day that I cannot deal with, it's just not me, y'know? I am admittingly bitter about the evolution of this band, to me, they just come off as extremely pretentious and saturated now.
Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, but I respect your views man. A lot of us on staff are guilty of this, but in our eyes, we feel it's best to find someone familiar enough to adamantly study a band's album (and their past work) to be able to compare their recent release with their body of work. I understand what you mean, but I really did look as this album with an open mind. It took about four or five listens to really sink in, and the more I read the lyrics and listened, it became clear there was more happening. But all is fair, eh. At least you gave it a shot.

[shhxjustwhisper]

this is a GREAT review. i'm not sure if anyone could have written it any better. from what i've heard so far, this album is amazng, as are all of their old ones. green day is going to continue writing great music!

[brenByah]

If I didn't dig American Idiot should I even try this record?

[Brandon Allin]

Well-written review, but I disagree completely. This record is as dull as they come.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

Pretty sure this is the best review I've ever read. Extremely well done, Chris.
With both of my favorite bands releasing albums this year [NFG and Green Day], this will be the deciding factor in which tops the other..and after reading this, I'm thinking it's going to be these guys :D
Beyone stoked to buy this tomorrow.

[ericsounds41]

I'm thinking I'll enjoy most of it.

[FaceLixeMurder]

ugh....green day....

[muttley]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v735/slovo28/NEAT.jpg
hahahaha.

[pretty.odd]

good review! but chris why dont we stop applying and labeling numbers to reviews, and have a strictly word based review?

[birtcho]

wow am kind of looking forward to this now

[Robb]

I liked it, which is much more than I thought I would after being ambivalent towards Know Your Enemy. I can't see it rising above its current rank of least favorite Green Day release, however.

I honestly thought the album was just too long. I'm all for giving a fan as much music as possible on an album, and for having an album be cohesive and tell a story if desired, but at a certain point it gets to be a bit of trudge to get through it. I haven't heard it enough to know which songs I would have gotten rid of to trim the fat a bit.

[jtrocka182]

another excellent review Chris.

This album has won me back after the disaster of American Idiot

A band I grew up with are a band I can now grow old with. Kudos to Billie Joe and Co. for making a great album
I wouldn't say disaster. There are plenty that can agree with me on this one.

[SeanEBoy2686]

For some reason I feel I'm going to love this album or hate this album... not somewhere in between. I'm hoping it's the former. I've been a fan of all their albums, but a couple songs I've heard off this one didn't strike a chord with me. We will see.

Regardless, well written review. I'm now looking forward to buying it even more.

[flks511]

Definately did not capture the magic of American Idiot.

[pickemgenius]

This album is fucking terrible.

Really.

Really


Bad.......

[Drew Beringer]

Warning and Insomniac are tied for my personal favorite Green Day albums. I think American Idiot is their overall best album, and I think 21st Century Breakdown is right up there with all their albums.

All and all, Green Day has never released a bad album.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Warning and Insomniac are tied for my personal favorite Green Day albums. I think American Idiot is their overall best album, and I think 21st Century Breakdown is right up there with all their albums.

All and all, Green Day has never released a bad album.
QFT

[automatic-stop]

the review itself was well written which I've got to commend, but seriously? this album is American Idiot b-sides, stripped of relevance and stretched out to ridiculous lengths. who in their right mind wants more 9-minute GD songs?

[echo.park]

Good album.

[RonStoppable]

Love the review, love the album, hate the album cover.

[derawk]

Really great review. This album sounds like it is a change for the better. I cant wait to go listen to it

[stereokiller]

All and all, Green Day has never released a bad album.

aw. haha. aw. one of the best things i've heard today. i agree 200%. Green Day, for me at least, is the greatest thing that ever happened to mainstream music.

21st century is amazing. in my top 5 of 2009 i'm pretty sure.

dammit dammit. i ripped off the album, and i hope it gets released soon here.

NOTE to green day: sorry for the rip. i promise to buy your album as soon as it hits the stores. T_T

And Mr. Fallon, applause for a really accurate review. Amazing review, amazing band, amazing album.

EDITED: sorry, mr fallon. ^_^

[piglet]

Your opinions are so intuitive.

Great review, Chris. I'll be sure to check this out.

Because i can't express myself through blunt and concise methods?

Album is now ratshit incarnate thanks to you mate.

[lesto17]

"Know Your Enemy" is absolutely terrible, but I will definitely give this album a shot. I am actually a pretty big fan of "American Idiot" outside of a couple tracks. I do have to say that "Warning" is probably my favorite Green Day album though.

[tonighttonight0]

Much better than I expected it to be. Glad I gave this album a chance and bought it.

[SockMonkeyRiot]

the review itself was well written which I've got to commend, but seriously? this album is American Idiot b-sides, stripped of relevance and stretched out to ridiculous lengths. who in their right mind wants more 9-minute GD songs?

the longest song is 5:21

[Indoor Living]

Because i can't express myself through blunt and concise methods?

Album is now ratshit incarnate thanks to you mate.
I'm pretty sure you misunderstood the meaning of either "blunt" or "concise."

[yoyostring]

almost done with it, and i'm enjoying it a lot.

[RuckerPark]

American Idiot = Epic

21st Century Breakdown = Epic Fail

[MyNameIsRoss]

I honestly have never liked anything this band has ever done.

[tpen892004]

Very well written review. Nice job

[flks511]

American Idiot = Epic

21st Century Breakdown = Epic Fail
Exactly.

[ygoslo]

Cannot understand the hate about American Idiot. I guess because it isn't "punk rock" to be successful... It was one of the best records of the last 10 years, and hugely influential both musically and socially. It is the exact reason why I'm going to struggle to get into the new record (which I picked up yesterday). AI was so important to me, and has become such a ubiquitous part of that point in time, that I'm going to struggle to stop myself from comparing 21st Cenury Breakdown to it without giving it time to grow.

Great review, BTW.

[Drew Beringer]

After driving 9 hours today and listening to this album 3 times, I must say I really like it. Really love the second half as well.

[starkandarcadia]

I've been reading through the comments, and people are saying that this album is just a recycled version of American Idiot, and I agree.

This is the album American Idiot SHOULD'VE been.

And I actually really liked American Idiot.

[njdevils327]

Let me just start off by saying that Green day has crafted a beautiful album here. One of my favorites in many years. But let me move on to the real reason i wrote this post.

All you guys saying that Green Day is selling out by crafting 2 albums that are more arena rock/concept album types are retarted. You are also probably the same people b****ing when a band doesnt revolutionize their sound and just continues to put out the same albums over and over again with slightly different songs. Yes, Green day used to have airy pop punk records, but bands revolutionize, thats part of the fun of growing up with a band; seeing them evolve. So they're getting older and decide they want to put out arena rock albums. is there any problem with this? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Is it a bad thing that this band is getting to superstar status because of said albums? ABSOLUTELY NOT! I dont understand why you so called "fans" get angry because they are evolving their sound. If Blink 82 we're to put out a more serious or ambitious record later on this year when their album releases would you buy it? yes, or course because theyre still Blink, even if they're music sounds different. What im trying to say is that theae guys are still making great music even if you guys dont want to see it because its not Dookie-era Green Day.

All you haters, open your freaking ears and actually listen to the music instead of just saying, "this isnt the Green Day of old, I dont like it"

/end rant

On a side note, the title track, Peacemaker, and American Eulogy are some of the best songs ive heard this week.

[Broden Terry]

I definitely need to give this a record a listen. :nod:

[againtocarthage]

Piss poor pop album.

I knew it was bad news, from their single. Lol, its almost as bad as Britney Spears repeating "Gimme MOAR!"

"DO YOU KNOW YOUR ENEMY X10000000 RANDOM VERSE RANDOM VERSE, OH EH OH EH! DO YOU KNOW THE ENEMY X 10000000000."

Repeat.

Garbage.

[tonighttonight0]

Didn't this CD come out 5 years ago?
Really? That's the best insult you could come up with? Good luck surviving on here kid.

[reissgoespunk]

the review itself was well written which I've got to commend, but seriously? this album is American Idiot b-sides, stripped of relevance and stretched out to ridiculous lengths. who in their right mind wants more 9-minute GD songs?
There isn't a single song that goes on for more than five & a half minutes.

[echo.park]

I like it, no matter what. Quality music.

[preelx3]

Yeah I know its something we've gone over. And I do understand that a fan can offer insight on a band that a casual listener cannot - but personally, I cannot deal with reviews like this, /shrug. It's very well written, but it is ultimatily skewered through your homerist views.

I do envy you though, I wish I could like this album. I was a huge Green Day fan, they got me into music back in 95 with dookie and insomniac, so I owe them my musical foundation. I wish them all the success in the world (which they are already receiving), but this is a side of Green Day that I cannot deal with, it's just not me, y'know? I am admittingly bitter about the evolution of this band, to me, they just come off as extremely pretentious and saturated now.
"homerist" isn't a word, and this band has an album named after poop.

[Amy Haze]

To people who are still not getting this album after a couple of listens, I suggest not giving up. It's my opinion that this album is a textbook definition of a grower.

In fact, I think I like it more than AI.

Piss poor pop album.

I knew it was bad news, from their single. Lol, its almost as bad as Britney Spears repeating "Gimme MOAR!"

"DO YOU KNOW YOUR ENEMY X10000000 RANDOM VERSE RANDOM VERSE, OH EH OH EH! DO YOU KNOW THE ENEMY X 10000000000."

Repeat.

Garbage.

Because repetition is not a staple of any classic rock songs? Oh, and I forgot that the single represents the entire album.

And it's not really my cup of tea, but most Britney fans consider Blackout to be her best record.

[Alex Djaferis]

"homerist" isn't a word, and this band has an album named after poop.
i am fully aware of that. so?

[jwicklun]

I have yet to hear one reason why people think this band is terrible aside from saying "THEY SOUND LIKE SHIT." Suddenly it's cool new trend to bash on green day without taking a single listen. and chances are the majority of the people talking shit have not even gave the album a single listen.

Aside from that, very solid album. The album is much more complex than American Idiot and much more inspired. Lyrically this is the most mature I've seen Green Day write, and I enjoyed the homages to the Who, the Clash, and Bruce Springsteen. This album is less radio friendly, which I think made me enjoy the album a bit more. My only gripe is that some of the songs may sound a bit similar, and one song on the album sounds like something that came out of warning. People may think the new rock opera Green Day is a step backward, but to me its a huge leap forward. Very good review, and hopefully we don't have to wait another 5 years for a new Green Day album.

[supersonic182]

Good review. Loved the album.
It's better to listen to all the way through.
When it comes to singles, personally, I think
American Idiot had better single material.
But I like this album in its entirety almost better.

[bobafe6604]

Sorry bud. You're wrong. Green Day is an abomination

[TheSkyline]

Awesome review, this album is really really good, probably Green Day's best.

[MaizenBlueBP]

Everyone has opinions and mine is that this album sucks. Simply put if ur a fan of the old school GD then you will throw up at this new shit.

[Fycus]

The review reeks of fanboyism, but at least most of Chris's points are valid and he backs up all of his statements. That said, I don't like the album at all.

[JimmyIymmiJ]

Good review, good album. I don't get all the hate on it. I wasn't big on "Know Your Enemy" which had me very skeptical, but after listening to the album a couple times I really like it. Even that song is okay in the context of the album, I just find it annoying and repetitive.

[kesto4]

is it just me or is the album cover a ripoff of a MCR album?
It is in no way, shape or form an attempted rip-off of an MCR album. One day, they just saw two lovers showing their emotions that they thought was amazing and snapped a shot of it and gave it to an artist.

[pickemgenius]

To people who are still not getting this album after a couple of listens, I suggest not giving up. It's my opinion that this album is a textbook definition of a grower.

In fact, I think I like it more than AI.



Listened to it once: sucked
Tried again with open mind: sucked even worse
Not wasting more of my life on this shit.


I have yet to hear one reason why people think this band is terrible aside from saying "THEY SOUND LIKE SHIT." Suddenly it's cool new trend to bash on green day without taking a single listen. and chances are the majority of the people talking shit have not even gave the album a single listen.

No. People are hating on this because musically it sucks. Lyrically it sucks. It's boring as hell. And it plain sounds lazy.

Aside from that, very solid album. The album is much more complex than American Idiot and much more inspired. Lyrically this is the most mature I've seen Green Day write, and I enjoyed the homages to the Who, the Clash, and Bruce Springsteen.

How is it more complex?
Lyrically this is absolutely atrocious. You can't possibly argue this.

[prefix-core]

How is it more complex?
Lyrically this is absolutely atrocious. You can't possibly argue this.

To be honest, the lyrics don't quite make sense to me either. But to call them "atrocious?" I can think of a dozen plus bands with worse lyrics/words off the top of my head than this record. Just saying...

I think it might just need to sink in a bit. As for the music? Again, it's not technically superior or complex to quite a few bands. But I don't think that's the intent. If you want complexity, go listen to Dream Theater...

[echo.park]

Awesome album. Awesome review. Hands down.

[Insignias]

Greaaat review. Good/Great album.

The lyrics aren't that bad... How can you go so far to call them atrocious? I'd need proof on why people say this is bad rather than "This is terrible" or "I don't get it..."

[DudeMan1891]

This album is kinda bleh. I do not by any means despise it... but I cannot think of more than a couple memorable moments from the album. i've listened to it three times now and I don't dislike ANY song on it. (something that I cannot say on any other Green Day album) But I cannot say I have a favorite either. For some reason this album makes me love American Idiot. I't was never really my favorite before this but I would say it now ranks at the top of my list for favorite Green Day Albums.

Great Review BTW.

[jster2000]

Excellent Review

[slimfenix182]

Thank you to everyone for the nice words. I hope you can all read it and take something away when you're taking a good hard listen. Give me feedback. (Oh, and thank you to those who noticed my very minor spelling error -- I fixed it!)


While I understand you're insinuating bias, this is something we have all gone over hundreds of times. A fan of the band is able to provide an insight to the album a casual or first time fan cannot serve up (particularly true when it concerns a band who has been releasing albums for a few years). The same logic can be applied to someone who doesn't like a band. In essence, that's simply not fair to those who enjoy the band since my view on them is already tainted.


I explained in my review they are pretty varied in their theme, story and construction. I thought I made it pretty clear why I felt they were an accomplishment.
anybody who would complain about Billie Joe's lyrics is a retard....the guy is pretty genius. it's somewhat easy to write about everyday experiences (which he did brilliantly with their earlier stuff) but he's just practically writing fiction at this point haha....and very cohesive fiction at that.

as for the album, as much as I love Green Day, I usually get tired of their records after prolonged listening....but this one, I just feel like I'll never get sick of it. it just feels epic to me. people need to just throw out their bullshit opinions about selling out and whatever they might bitch about, and realize Green Day has made a truly great album. this band really deserves to be as big as they are...and I don't hold it against them one bit.

[jwicklun]

Listened to it once: sucked
Tried again with open mind: sucked even worse
Not wasting more of my life on this shit.




No. People are hating on this because musically it sucks. Lyrically it sucks. It's boring as hell. And it plain sounds lazy.



How is it more complex?
Lyrically this is absolutely atrocious. You can't possibly argue this.
saying its lyrically atrocious is saying a lot. thats like calling the lyrics to this album the equivalent to brokenCYDE's lyrics. And your not really improving your case that Green Day is bad musically if your only defense is "THEY SUCK." And if you hate this band so much, why do you even bother even commenting on the review or even receive news from this band?

[Chris Fallon]

aw. haha. aw. one of the best things i've heard today. i agree 200%. Green Day, for me at least, is the greatest thing that ever happened to mainstream music.

21st century is amazing. in my top 5 of 2009 i'm pretty sure.

dammit dammit. i ripped off the album, and i hope it gets released soon here.

NOTE to green day: sorry for the rip. i promise to buy your album as soon as it hits the stores. T_T

And Mr. Beringer, applause for a really accurate review. Amazing review, amazing band, amazing album.
Ahem. I wrote the review, thank you very much.

[Chris Fallon]

Sorry bud. You're wrong. Green Day is an abomination
Oh, okay. I'll go back and change it then since you say I'm wrong. Thanks man.

[WhoSaidThat?]

anybody who would complain about Billie Joe's lyrics is a retard....the guy is pretty genius. it's somewhat easy to write about everyday experiences (which he did brilliantly with their earlier stuff) but he's just practically writing fiction at this point haha....and very cohesive fiction at that.

as for the album, as much as I love Green Day, I usually get tired of their records after prolonged listening....but this one, I just feel like I'll never get sick of it. it just feels epic to me. people need to just throw out their bullshit opinions about selling out and whatever they might bitch about, and realize Green Day has made a truly great album. this band really deserves to be as big as they are...and I don't hold it against them one bit.
Agree. I need whatever drugs BJ, M, and T were on when recording/writing this.

[stereokiller]

Ahem. I wrote the review, thank you very much.

oh shi-

SORRY. T____T

really sorry. T___T

that time, i was reading two reviews and i lost myself. haha. sorry Mr. Fallon, ehem, sir. amazing review(x100)

and i also liked your review for the 59 sound, i remembered pretty much the proud to be a fallon line. lol.

and for the record, i'm absatively(just something i got from Anansi Boys) sorry.

just checked the store: still no 21st century on sale. =|

[stereokiller]

anybody who would complain about Billie Joe's lyrics is a retard....the guy is pretty genius. it's somewhat easy to write about everyday experiences (which he did brilliantly with their earlier stuff) but he's just practically writing fiction at this point haha....and very cohesive fiction at that.

as for the album, as much as I love Green Day, I usually get tired of their records after prolonged listening....but this one, I just feel like I'll never get sick of it. it just feels epic to me. people need to just throw out their bullshit opinions about selling out and whatever they might bitch about, and realize Green Day has made a truly great album. this band really deserves to be as big as they are...and I don't hold it against them one bit.

EXACTLY! ^_^ the album IS epic.

[vincent182]

All GD songs sound alike. Listening to The Static Age right now, sounds like Church On Sunday 2.0!

[hemorrhaged]

American Idiot = Epic

21st Century Breakdown = Epic Fail
XD agreed. im not impressed at all. although i feel like it was a well-written review : )

[dancelukedance]

The review is longer than the album

[RiCCioLi]

all the songs sound the same.
i cant stand this musical direction/story line of the last 2 albums.

[tommy's ghost]

I love this album. It exceeded my expectations in every conceivable way.

[Greg]

Spot on review Chris! On my initial listening I wasn't sure how I felt about it. But after giving it about a week with multiple listens and playing along on guitar, I gotta say I love it. I love all the lyrical call backs and such that you brought up in the review. I think I agree with every single thing you said. Well done!

[batmannj]

Yes, this is quite long. Yes, I gave this a score many of you will find appalling. Yes, I am a longtime fan of the band. Yes, I think this is a band still at their peak doing exactly what no other mainstream modern rock band is or is even capable of doing.

I've given this a whole lot of thought, and this has been my most challenging review to write (hence the length). But I am satisfied with the end results and I hope you all will take my words to heart and see this album as I have grown to see it.
Your lengthy review is going to be the reason why I am going to listen to this record. I was not a big fan of American Idiot, but I will check this out.

[maker_break]

Once people get over the fact Green Day isn't the same band they were 15 years ago when they released Dookie, they will finally notice and appreciate the brilliant music they've been making. So you saw the video for American Idiot and Billie was wearing eyeliner. Oh shit, he's a corporate sellout, right? I guess you little "punk rawkers" would appreciate the band more if they were sporting mohawks and spiked jackets? Give me a break. 21st Century Breakdown is more straightforward rock music and not your typical pop punk. The band has progressed. That's not a bad thing.

[overdrive91]

Think this is way to overrated. was quite dissapointed to be honest but my opinion.

[hockeyguitar99]

Pitchfork reviewed the album and gave it a 4.8 (http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13045-21st-century-breakdown/). They are much closer than Chris is. Boring, overall bad album.

[WhoSaidThat?]

Oh, that Pitchfork! What'll they come up with next?

[Nourez]

I've honestly never seen a Pitchfork review that I've agreed with.

[maker_break]

I've honestly never seen a Pitchfork review that I've agreed with.
Same here.

[jbaseball44]

Leave it to pitchfork to completely miss the point.

[CellarGhosts]

Pitchfork is a joke most of the time.

[maker_break]

Tell me about it. They spent more than half the review talking about how they thought American Idiot was shit. I mean, if you're reviewing 21st Century Breakdown, you shouldn't be talking about the previous album for half the article.

[HelpMeSleep]

really great review, Chris. I wanna check this album out now.

[DollyDagger.]

Props for trying something different, but this album just bores me to death.
The single is bland, predictable, and a complete stereotype of what they've done a million times.

[DollyDagger.]

I've honestly never seen a Pitchfork review that I've agreed with.
Fo' sho'.

[pickemgenius]

saying its lyrically atrocious is saying a lot. thats like calling the lyrics to this album the equivalent to brokenCYDE's lyrics. And your not really improving your case that Green Day is bad musically if your only defense is "THEY SUCK." And if you hate this band so much, why do you even bother even commenting on the review or even receive news from this band?
I want to know why people like this so much. Serious question.
Instrumentally average+Lyrically atrocious=Great success?

And yes I enjoyed AI alot more than I should have.


And I do think it's incredibly sad you have to compare Brokencyde's lyrics (THE worst lyrics ever) with this. You can compare Any lyrics to Brokencyde's and make them look like Shakespeare wrote them.

Cheers.

Also to answer your question: I read reviews on multiple sites, and this is by far the highest rating i've seen, and the highest amount of fanboy/fangirl to post ratio, all of them clamoring of the genius of the lyrics. Anyone who really thinks these lyrics are great well... that's their opinion I guess. I just let them know mine.

[RonStoppable]

Pitchfork reviewed the album and gave it a 4.8 (http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13045-21st-century-breakdown/). They are much closer than Chris is. Boring, overall bad album.
I don't care!

[jbaseball44]

I want to know why people like this so much. Serious question.
Instrumentally average+Lyrically atrocious=Great success?

And yes I enjoyed AI alot more than I should have.


And I do think it's incredibly sad you have to compare Brokencyde's lyrics (THE worst lyrics ever) with this. You can compare Any lyrics to Brokencyde's and make them look like Shakespeare wrote them.

Cheers.

Also to answer your question: I read reviews on multiple sites, and this is by far the highest rating i've seen, and the highest amount of fanboy/fangirl to post ratio, all of them clamoring of the genius of the lyrics. Anyone who really thinks these lyrics are great well... that's their opinion I guess. I just let them know mine.
Ya, AP is a real breeding ground for Green Day fanboys.

[hockeyguitar99]

I don't care!
Wow. Thank you for your input. I'm so glad you made that post.

[RonStoppable]

Just saying, I like the album. I don't care that you or Pitchfork didn't.

[DudeMan1891]

Wow. Thank you for your input. I'm so glad you made that post.
I don't understand how you can oppose conversation on a forum... You know a forum? Something you virtually converse on?

[jwicklun]

I want to know why people like this so much. Serious question.
Instrumentally average+Lyrically atrocious=Great success?

And yes I enjoyed AI alot more than I should have.


And I do think it's incredibly sad you have to compare Brokencyde's lyrics (THE worst lyrics ever) with this. You can compare Any lyrics to Brokencyde's and make them look like Shakespeare wrote them.

Cheers.

Also to answer your question: I read reviews on multiple sites, and this is by far the highest rating i've seen, and the highest amount of fanboy/fangirl to post ratio, all of them clamoring of the genius of the lyrics. Anyone who really thinks these lyrics are great well... that's their opinion I guess. I just let them know mine.
I'm not comparing Green Day's lyrics to brokencyde, I'm just saying calling their lyrics atrocious would be saying that their lyrics sink into that level. I've seen terrible lyrics, and this album does not fall in that category of shitty lyrics. And you think this is the highest rating? Just read the Rolling Stone review.

[hockeyguitar99]

I don't understand how you can oppose conversation on a forum... You know a forum? Something you virtually converse on?
His post was just as useless as mine was. He was a dick, so was I. Get over it.

[hockeyguitar99]

Just saying, I like the album. I don't care that you or Pitchfork didn't.
Are you fucking kidding me? I don't give a shit about half of these peoples opinions, but I don't go around quoting all of them telling them that.

[RonStoppable]

Are you fucking kidding me? I don't give a shit about half of these peoples opinions, but I don't go around quoting all of them telling them that.
Yeah, but I particularly don't care about Pitchforks. That's why it was quoted.

[ZeoVGM]

I want to know why people like this so much. Serious question.
Instrumentally average+Lyrically atrocious=Great success?

The lyrics are good for the most part.

And instrumentally average? Instrumentally, it's a step up from AI. This is factual.

The songs are more varied and this album has more tempo changes than any other album the band has ever put out. This is also factual. That's part of the reason it's so damn good and being crticially acclaimed.

And yes I enjoyed AI alot more than I should have.

This doesn't make sense. How "should" you have enjoyed it? It's one of the most popular AND critically acclaimed rock albums of the decade.

Anyway, this really is a fantastic album, top to bottom. The melodies, the tempo changes, the story, everything. Just amazing. I feel sorry for the scene kids who feel they need to hate on albums like this while listening to screamo.

[hockeyguitar99]

Yeah, but I particularly don't care about Pitchforks. That's why it was quoted.
You obviously cared enough about Pitchfork to quote me. That's still terrible logical. If you don't care, most people would just leave it alone, not be an idiot.

[adamiskew]

I love listening to the same band create the same record over...and over...and overr...and overr..and overr.... 20 years of over and over

[adamiskew]

Plus this guys got dooh ...Fix your fucking teeth you hill billy and tell your drummer to stop wearing make up its scary and go to the gym. its your job to be appealing

[ZeoVGM]

I love listening to the same band create the same record over...and over...and overr...and overr..and overr.... 20 years of over and over

So uh, it's a good thing this band doesn't do that. As there are noticable differences between this and the last one.

You would have to be a complete deaf fool to say Dookie sounds like 21st Century Breakdown.

How different do you want them to sound? All bands have a specific sound. Don't be stupid.

Plus this guys got dooh ...Fix your fucking teeth you hill billy and tell your drummer to stop wearing make up its scary and go to the gym. its your job to be appealing

Actually, I take that back. You are a dumb fuck. This is a fact, not an opinion. You are stupid.

First of all, it's "dough". Second of all, "hillbilly" is one word. Not two.

Third of all, you're fucking stupid.

[tanyanafosho]

This is an awesome review and I agree with it 110%

[echo.park]

I love that record.

[Rhen]

gag me..

[FunkRock]

greenday is dead to me... am i the only one that feels this way? american idiot was awful and i hope this puts things straight.

[zacharydudeman]

Green Day really has one-upped themselves to the point where new fans and old school fans will appreciate them as well. Their setlists recently has consisted of very old school material, like pre-Dookie stuff. I saw them two weeks ago and it was incredible! This band is a force to be reckoned with! :)

[Sloth7]

Almost 2 and a half months later, and this still remains my most-listened to record of the summer. Some people aren't going to like change, and some will embrace it. I grew up, like a lot of people on here, listening to all the old Green Day albums, I even had Dookie on cassette tape when it first was released before I bought the cd, and I loved it and still do. Their follow-ups are also some of my all-time favorites, but if you can't adapt and evolve with a band, you're in for a world of disappointment when it comes to music, cause all of the best bands learn how to mature and release fantastic material years-on in their life, and Green Day's certainly done that. Liking an artist's new music doesn't mean you enjoy their early work any less. If a band is truly talented, then their maturation should yield some of their best work (Deftones, Brand New, Thrice, Radiohead, and certainly Green Day).

21st Century Breakdown is an amazing piece of music, All you people wanting them to make Dookie V. 2.0, you'd be bashing them for never trying anything new. Better to be adventerous than stale.

[chainsaw99]

Great review especially the part about 21 Guns. Green Day's history with slow songs is pretty messy, since they made Good Riddance, which was good and simple but probably an accident, and then on American Idiot, they thought they had it but didn't (Wake Me Up When September Ends, Boulevard Of Broken Dreams). But, 21 Guns shows that they've figured it out by now. I think it's a pretty good song and I'm glad they'e progressed as a band while still staying true to most of their fans.

[chainsaw99]

is it just me or is the album cover a ripoff of a MCR album?
I didn't notice before, but the cover DOES look like Three Cheers by MCR. But I guess it's kind of the same concept when you think about it.

[chainsaw99]

Piss poor pop album.

I knew it was bad news, from their single. Lol, its almost as bad as Britney Spears repeating "Gimme MOAR!"

"DO YOU KNOW YOUR ENEMY X10000000 RANDOM VERSE RANDOM VERSE, OH EH OH EH! DO YOU KNOW THE ENEMY X 10000000000."

Repeat.

Garbage.
Just because a single sucks doesn't mean the album will. Most singles are way more repetitive and radio-friendly than the album tracks. It has to be that way, otherwise nobody will hear it.

[Thomas Nassiff]

this album is phenomenal. end of discussion. cant wait till august 4 to see them live

[romantic rights]

What the fuck album did you really listen to.

[ZeoVGM]

What the fuck album did you really listen to.
You didn't quote anyone. Who are you talking to?

[romantic rights]

You didn't quote anyone. Who are you talking to?
Everyone who gave this album more than a 20%

[ZeoVGM]

Everyone who gave this album more than a 20%
Oh, well that's a problem then. Because this album is exactly what the person above said: phenomenal. You pretending that it deserves a 20% is insane hyperbole. This album is fantastic.

[YourNewestSam]

I haven't listened to it fully, because GD bore me. But after hearing the 2nd single did they wait 5 years between albums so people had forgotten what they released?

I'll just avoid them from now on, sorry for giving my opinion, please hate on me.

[xdaaaina]

i miss old green day but i will always love everything they do <3

[Tdelonge88]

And don't get me wrong, not suprised with the review because it's a very good review... I'm suprised this is the only Green Day album reviewed on a punk site... I'm only new to this site and aren't totally sure if what i said is true but i looked for reviews on Green Day and only found this... Anyways, i like this album and don't think it should be getting the criticism it's been getting, not so much on this site but other places i've been reading it... Mind you i don't think it has anything on Dookie, Warning, Nimrod or American Idiot but is a solid release anyway...

[Steeeve Perry]

The best album of 2009. Hands down. Followed by ManchOrch, XX, Lucero, Girls, Daisy and MPP. In that order? Yes.

[DeviateRogue]

Great review, but I'm gonna have to disagree with you. I personally cannot bring myself to like this album. I thought it was a let down from American Idiot. I probably put 4-5 listens on the whole thing and just couldn't like it.

Some songs are catchy, but I found them to get stale after a couple of listens.

[StayBrutal19]

I feel like this band used to be decent, but this genre is going downhill fast, old punk is much better than its becoming now days

[tbagurdrumset94]

An all time classic

[hokusman]

Maybe I'm crazy but this album sounds like all the songs that got rejected from American Idiot. I bought this album when it came out, but after one listen (in which I fast forwarded through several songs -- and I never do that) I sold it to the local used CD store.

[ZeoVGM]

Maybe I'm crazy but this album sounds like all the songs that got rejected from American Idiot. I bought this album when it came out, but after one listen (in which I fast forwarded through several songs -- and I never do that) I sold it to the local used CD store.
I don't understand this at all. It has a distinctly different sound than American Idiot, a lot more use of piano and it's easily the band's most eclectic album to date.

Love this damn album.

[alexibilly94]

a truly legendary album

[LGFUAD21]

Yes, this is quite long. Yes, I gave this a score many of you will find appalling. Yes, I am a longtime fan of the band. Yes, I think this is a band still at their peak doing exactly what no other mainstream modern rock band is or is even capable of doing.

I've given this a whole lot of thought, and this has been my most challenging review to write (hence the length). But I am satisfied with the end results and I hope you all will take my words to heart and see this album as I have grown to see it.
I know this post is old now but i've recently been going through a Green Day revival and i'm remembering why I would say Green Day is the best band of my lifetime.

I really don't understand the amount of criticism a number of people have bombarded this album and American idiot with. I personally believe the album does have a few lulls to it and i think that it doesnt flow greatly but the highlight such as East Jesus Nowhere are just fantastic. This is what pure rock should be in the modern age. I think alot of people dislike their latter work purely because its popular. But GD of late are a rarity in that they have produced popular albums for the right reasons. I would much rather have a band like this pack out huge stadiums and dominate the radio without the use of clever marketing, external songwriters or auto-tune.

The Who were immensely popular back in their day and nobody gives them stick for it. So why does Green Day when in reality they are playing a very similar style of music. I think too many people have lost touched with what music is

[basher5time]

At first, I was unsure with this album, because I wanted something different from American Idiot, which this album is structured like.
But this album, along with the American Idiot musical and Green Day: Rock Band, has shown that they want to be a rock band and not
a bunch of stoner punks anymore. It grew on me.
Great Album, Great Review

[jacknile]

Ugh worse with each album.