CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Green Day
Album: 21st Century Breakdown (2009 Reprise)
Tracks: 18
Artist website: http://www.greenday.com
OVERVIEW
Green Day are about as far from their roots as possible, but this mature version of the band is writing some very good music. To their credit, they haven’t lost any energy and their core sound is still intact. This album is broken down in to three acts. It tells a story and is a very cool concept album.
We like concept albums. This is definitely very deserving of being lumped in with concept albums like The Wall, Tommy, Operation: Mindcrime, and even their own American Idiot. I still can’t get over the fact that practically every song on this album is catchy and well penned.
HIGHLIGHTS
The whole album is absolutely stellar!
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Song Of The Century
Cool track which sets up the mood for the album.
Act I: Heroes and Cons
Track 2 – 21st Century Breakdown
Epic sounding. Totally sets up what the theme is.
Track 3 – Know Your Enemy
This is such a catchy and cool song!
Track 4 – ¡Viva La Gloria!
Ah, this sounds like old Green Day. Again, such a catchy song! Awesome!
Track 5 – Before The Lobotomy
Awesome chord choices – big and lush!
Track 6 – Christian’s Inferno
I can’t believe how catchy all the songs have been thus far. I can see this track doing very well in a live setting.
Track 7 – Last Night On Earth
What a wonderful track! Very Beatlesque but remaining original!
Act II: Charlatans and Saints
Track 8 – East Jesus Nowhere
This has some very cool Broadway-esque moments mixed in with that unmistakable Green Day sound.
Track 9 – Peacemaker
Nice! I wasn’t expecting a surf infused country track.
Track 10 – Last of the American Girls
With songs like this, it’s hard to pick a favorite on this album. Awesome melody!
Track 11 – Murder City
Punk is not dead! Yay!
Track 12 – ¿Viva la Gloria? (Little Girl)
Cool track.
Track 13 – Restless Heart Syndrome
This is such an awesome track! Wow!
Act III: Horseshoes and Handgrenades
Track 14 – Horseshoes and Handgrenades
Great energy in this track!
Track 15 – The Static Age
Cool track.
Track 16 – 21 Guns
This is just a sublime ballad!
Track 17 – American Eulogy (A. Mass Hysteria / B. Modern World)
The start reprises Song Of The Century and it’s purpose is clear.
Track 18 – See the Light
What a way to close out the album.