EastScene

If Green Day’s last album was considered ambitious, then I don’t know what to think about the band’s new album, 21st Century Breakdown.

For those who aren’t too familiar with the concept of 21st Century Breakdown its about a couple named Christian and Gloria and it follows them through the mess and promises of the century thus far.

The album is broken down into 3 chapters: Act I: Heroes And Cons, Act II: Charlatans And Saints and the final section, Act III: Horseshoes And Handgrenades. Each act is 6 songs in length. the 1st song acts as somewhat of a prelude to the album with front man Billie Joe Armstrong crying out “The era of static and contraband that’s leading us to the promised land, Tell us a story that’s by candlelight, waging a war and losing the fight”.

The first act kicks off with the song 21st Century Breakdown kicks the wonderfully crafted album into gear. The next song and first single “Know Your Enemy” is very Ramone-esque, with a simple structure. Another standout track during the first act is “Christian’s Inferno”, which is seemingly the most angry song Green Day has ever written.

The second act opens up with “East Jesus Nowhere” which is a track about organized religion and goes back to the newer sound Green Day have created for themselves on this album and also on American Idiot.

The third and final act opens with “Horseshoes And Handgrenades”, another politically-charged song which brings out a more raw side of Billie’s vocals. The best song on this album happens to fall during the third act and is titled “21 Guns”. This song is essentially the “Wake Me Up When September” ends of this album. Really makes you appreciate those who have given up their life fighting to protect this country.

Make no mistake about it, this album is huge, beautiful, ambitious, and is probably one of the better “concept” albums up there with American Idiot, The Who’s Tommy, Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon and so many more. There are no filler tracks here or anything of that nature.

The album does not slow down once and keeps a consistent pace throughout. The lyrics on the album are without a doubt controversial and will draw some ire from the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Religious Activist (East Jesus Nowhere), and supporters of the war (21 Gun). This is also the best Green Day album written to date and their formula to success is simple on this album: Great lyrics, simple structure.

The production on this album is top notch as the band worked with super producer Butch Vig, who’s responsible for Nirvana’s Nevermind and The Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dreams.

This is without a doubt Green Day’s best album to date, as they upped the ante big time.

Green Day Is:

Billie Joe Armstrong-Guitar/Vocals
Mike Dirnt-Bass/Background Vocals
Tre Cool-Drums

Produced By:
Butch Vig
Green Day

Release Date – 5/15/09

Final Score
10/10