GREEN DAY

"AMERICAN IDIOT"

Review Date: 09/26/04

Rating: 10/10

Rewiewed By: suj

THE REVIEW:
Green Day has long been staple in the punk rock community. On the whim to try something a little different and to reclaim their status as the supreme beings of our generations punk rockers the boys of Green Day present to the world "American Idiot".

The result is an awaking of pure brilliance in the vein of a punk rock opera. It’s hard to believe this is the same trio that exploded onto the music scene more than 10 years ago with the release of their infectious album, “Dookie.” They’ve (along with Say Anything's "...is a real boy") reincarnated the long-dormant genre of the rock opera with the politically-charged story of the fall of the American dream and the disenchantment of its citizens. The album features characters such as Jesus of Suburbia, Whatshername and St. Jimmy. Where its star the aforementioned "Jesus of Suburbia" -- finds himself at a personal and cultural crossroads as he tries to forge an identity separate from his country's "redneck agenda."

"American Idiot" is the kick of track and the first time I heard it I wasn’t fan and thought to myself that the record would fall into the mouth of Ashlee Simpson to which she would proceed to suck. But after zillions of listens later the song grew on me like Pinocchio’s nose when he lies about not having a woody.

Next we have one of two nine minute epics the first, “Jesus of Suburbia”, is Green Day’s lyrical masterpiece. Describing disillusioned youth with the character of Jesus of Suburbia, as he proclaims lines such as “I'm the son of rage and love/The Jesus of suburbia/ From the bible of none of the above /On a steady diet of soda pop and Ritalin /No one ever died for my sins in hell /As far as I can tell.”

"Holiday" features Green Day’s middle finger raised high and mighty at the presidency of George W Bush and the uncalled for war. With thoughtful lyrics and infectious gang chants here and there of the word "hey" this song is a tune that will make you both think and rock out like its last day of the rest of your life. It addresses the erosion of civil rights following the events of 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq. "There's a flag wrapped around a score of men/A gag/A plastic bag on a monument," Armstrong sings, going on to declare, "I beg to dream and differ/ From the hollow lies/ This is the dawning of the rest of our lives."

The following tracks "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" and "Are We The Waiting" slows the record down a little and demonstrates Green Day's ability stray away from the typical punk-rock anthems and displays the lighter side of things and in doing so its shows there not just a one trick pony. Next up we got the self-destructive in your face heart pumping rock em sock up nihilism of "St. Jimmy" and if your unable to move during this song you may very well be dead. "Give Me Novocaine" follows the jolt jumping Jimmy and much like "...Broken Dreams" and "...Waiting" its slow in pace yet oh so memorable.

"She's A Rebel" and "Extraordinary Girl" enhance the bands stride as an influential punk rock act. Where the former being riveting and righteously rad and drops names of cities which will surly become crowd favorites in both Chicago and Toronto, while the latter merges tribal drums and power chords, creating a sound both distinct and catchy. Next up is"Letterbomb" and it can be best described by the track titles second syllable, cause it truly is an awesome explosion of epic proportions. What is to come next is the bands most emotional track of this rock opera in "Wake Me Up When September Ends". Its about dealing with your past, walking through the flames of despair and coming to terms to the things you ultimately had no control of.

“Homecoming” the second nine minute epic showcases the eclectic influences of the album, including everything from gongs and marching drums to Beach Boys-esque harmonies and thrashing punk chords. And like "...Suburbia" it molds, blends, intertwines and assaults your ears with utter glee until you find yourself on you knees begging for more. The last track and or the finale of this punk rock opera is the tune "Whatshername" which perfectly ends the record and begs the question: What can Green Day do next to top this?

If the album had a core theme it would be that fear and apathy on personal, social and political levels are deadly. Sonic apathy is equally lethal. And to close out this torrid review is to leave you with a little play on words: don't be an "idiot" buy this record.