Has it really been five whole years since Green Day released American Idiot? It has, and this May — with sold-out tours, a bunch of platinum plaques, and a pseudonymous side project behind them — the elder statesmen of pop-punk are returning with 21st Century Breakdown. Some coworkers and I just got back from hearing a few unmastered, in-progress selections from the new album at Green Day’s label. Short version: If you loved American Idiot, you will probably like this one, too. It’s another ambitious rock opera about America, love, and faith. Long version: Read on for the goods on the six songs we heard.
* "21st Century Breakdown": The title track unfolded like a Who-style mini-suite, cycling through chords and moods behind Billie Joe Armstrong’s angsty lyrics: "My generation is zero/I never made it as a working-class hero." (Interesting choice of words there.)
* "Know Your Enemy": A more straight-forward, guitar-charging anthem.
* "Before the Lobotomy": Armstrong opens this emotional number in a tender near-falsetto before some powerful riffage kicks in.
* "March of the Dogs": My favorite of the songs we heard, this one pairs pull-no-punches lyrics about organized religion with a propulsive backbeat. The hook reminded me of American Idiot‘s "Holiday," always a good thing.
* "Restless Heart Syndrome": We only heard the second half of this song, which built from crystalline pianos to squalling guitars. The lyrics ("I’m elated/Medicated/I am my own worst enemy") could be about addiction, or something else entirely.
* "21 Guns": A sensitive arena-rock cut that made some of my colleagues think of Toto’s "Africa." I thought the chorus sounded more like ELO’s "Telephone Line." Neither of those comparisons should necessarily be taken as a criticism.
So? Does all that make you more or less excited to hear the new Green Day album? Only a few months to go…
We are patientally waiting for more info on KELLYS NEW CD!! “ALL I EVER WANTED”
PLEASE A REVIEW A TASTE…ANYTHING!
Unfortunately this makes me less excited for their new album. I thought American Idiot was their worst album to date, and this sounds like more of the same. It had a few good songs, but it was very disappointing. How anyone can say AI is better than Dookie, Nimrod, or even Insomniac is beyond me. Sure, it made somewhat of a statement, but the music was cookie cutter and bland.
american idiot is one of my favorite cd’s when we are in the car it is always in the rotation. i am so excited to hear that a follow up is in the works!
I am very excited about this one and knowing it’s like American Idiot just makes me even happier. Thanks for the update!
Being compared to Toto is ALWAYS a bad thing.
This is really good to hear. I personally loved AI. Knowing that their new album will be similar makes the wait extremely frustrating.
ahhhhh!!!! i cant wait!
i knew they would have another album. all my friends had given up.
This is going to be great. Despite what other fans feel, I believe that Green Day has gotten progressively better every album. Their at the height of their careers and I know that they won’t disappoint.
I”M S”O EXCITED! AND I AGREE WITH THE guY.girl BEFORE Me!!!@ YEAAAAAHHHH
I LOVE GREEN DAY!!!!!!! I am so Excited!!!! If it is like AI that is fine because that’s my favorite album of theirs. I do hope that they have some Insomniac and Dookie sounding tracks though.
Omg! I can’t wait! Green Day’s music changed me so much. They got me into punk when I was 13
They’re awesome live too!
STOP teasing us and let us listen! I ordered the album already. Geezzzzzz!
Can’t say that I’m waiting with baited breath to hear thet new Green Day album, but I’m sure I’ll listen to it eventually!
Been a fan for 15 years. Green Day can do no wrong.
omg ive been waiting for this album for the longest time greenday is my favorite band in the world