Album Review

Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown

• 21st May 2009

“21st Century Breakdown” at first you’d think was a trip back to the well, but it rapidly becomes something altogether bigger. This is perhaps Green Day trying to be some larger than life anthem-esque band. And whilst the talent is there, it isn’t the Green Day who stand aside of life and reflect in on it that perhaps we are used to. The song even goes off on a folk tangent at the mid point (if you ever wondered what the Riverdance might sound like if green Day played it, here is your chance).

It all quickly comes back to earth though with the excellent “know Your Enemy.” From here on in it doesn’t let up. The group toy around with a few different sound styles, but ultimately remain the in your face rock band they are best known for being.

“Last Night Here” perfectly displays Armstrong’s ability to compose a pure work of beauty that is an equally successor to American Idiot’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and would make the George Harrisons of the world very happy.

And all this has come and the album isn’t even a third of the way over yet! The album is essentially been divided up into three acts. The themes may be present in each, but the sound does jump around between heavy and softer material.
“Restless Heart Syndrome” closes the second act, and is just as beautiful as “Last Night Here.” With this penchant for showing off their softer side from time to time, Green Day might want to think about releasing a full album of the stuff as every one seems to be a winner.

The third act powers through to a rousing finish and we are left with a tale told through 18 (count them!) tracks of Green Day heaven. Fans are going to be overjoyed with this release and it should open some new ears in the process too!
When American idiot came out 5 years ago, it astounded fans and newcomers alike. Green Day had been around for a while and had released some top albums that housed many of their signature tunes. American Idiot had a lot to live up to, but then blew audiences away with some of the bands strongest and more mature music to date. Here in “21st Century Breakdown” they show no signs of stopping and have produced a remarkably apt and proficient album that is always intriguing, and highly enjoyable.