Peel Slowly And See Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 I'm going to have mine done before noon today. It's gigantic and I'll probably just link to it from a text hosting service. If anyone else has been working on something, post it here.
tapdancingowl Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 Couldn't post it here: http://www.greendaycommunity.org/Forum/ind...showtopic=68680?
Peel Slowly And See Posted May 8, 2009 Author Posted May 8, 2009 This is a topic for full reviews, not album discussion.
Peel Slowly And See Posted May 8, 2009 Author Posted May 8, 2009 I just wrote a gigantic thing, but I deleted it because I wasn't satisfied. I don't think I'll finish this until tomorrow.
Vanilla Shake Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 I'll give it a go. I've always enjoyed typing long reviews for things that I've either enjoyed or absolutely hated. What can I say, I've got some time on my hands. Be forewarned, spoilers ahead, so if ye haven't listened to anything from the album and are holding out until the 15th, turn away.I'm going to start by saying that American Idiot is my least favorite Green Day album. That's not to say I don't like it. I love each and every Green Day album in their own ways, but something about it didn't click with me, although I did relate to the 'how young Americans felt during the Bush-era' concept. The funny thing is that 21st Century Breakdown (after a full listen, over and over again and still listening as I type) is very similar in style to American Idiot, yet it's managed to become my favorite album by them. Perhaps topping The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd as my favorite album of all time. The opening of the album with Song of the Century and the reprise of it at the beginning of American Eulogy was one of the things that topped this album off for me. Little touches like that speak volumes. Even the reprise of the 3-chord guitar riff that opens 21st Century Breakdown (the song) and opens/ends See The Light (the album closer) made me feel giddy. The return of the backing vocals screaming "Gloria!" from ¡Viva La Gloria! in ¿Viva La Gloria?, stuff like that.But enough about the little touches. The main driving force that has kept me a beloved Green Day fan was not just the music, but the lyrics and what each song represents. Hell, it's what the band stands for. And with this album it comes through louder and clearer than in any of their previous albums. East Jesus Nowhere, Horseshoes and Handgrenades, and Know Your Enemy really represent the anger in Billie Joe and myself. 21 Guns and Peacemaker represent the anti-war movement that was extremely evident in American Idiot much better than that album had presented. 21st Century Breakdown and The Static Age really represent the disdain for the age and generation that we're living in/with. Last Night On Earth represents Billie Joe's much more emotional side, and it shines through greatly as it's probably the best love song that he's ever written. American Eulogy also shows the anger of the modern age yet also the disappointment with America itself, and it's really nice to hear Mike get some sick verses in there. And See The Light is the best album closer I can think of, leaving you satisfied yet wanting more. It ends on a slightly hopeful note, that there's a dim light off in the distance, and that maybe things will get better some day. And these songs are personally how I feel about the world right now. Sometimes I want to carry the torch like Gloria, and sometimes I just want to burn everything down like Christian.All in all, in my opinion this is their greatest piece of work yet. Some of the lyrics make me feel as though they're bridged to past albums, like Dookie or Warning:, and I absolutely love it when an album makes me feel that way. I'd give it a solid 10 out of 10. I don't know how they're going to top this.
Pinhead-Stew!!! Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 Here's a shortish reviewSong of the Century/21st Century Breakdown- 9/10 A strong opener with Who like guitars about working class USAKnow Your Enemy- 8/10 A call to arms in a similar vien to The Clash's Know Your Rights, except ten times better!Viva la Gloria!- 7/10 Ballad then full punk rock out. Bold step forward.Before the Lobotomy- 8/10 Another who like song with Billie trying out his falsetto and sounding awesomeChristian's Inferno- 7/10 A bit likt the Network, fierce, punky and will tear your face off!Last Night On Earth- 8/10 John Lennon-esque with that falsetto again, and beautifu!East Jesus Nowhere- 9/10 An attack on the hypocrisy of religion with led zep guitars, really vicious, amazing.Peacemaker- 7/10 Gypsie like, bit like Misery off Warning, but betterLast of th American Girls- 6/10 Good song, beach boys like.Murder City- 8/10 A fantastic punk song, a bit like manic street preachers circa holy bible?Viva la Glroia?- 8/10 Another bod step forward, a bit like mcr track mama, but again, better.Restless Heart Syndrome- 9/10 Brilliant song, with lennon piano and muse guitarsHorseshoes and Handgrenades- 8/10 Another fierce punk song with really amazing lyrics, "what to anhilate!"Static Age- 8/10 A pop song with strokes influences, about the american media21 Guns- 10/10 An amazing song that will give you sexual pleasureAmerican Eulogy- 9/10 Multi part song, mike on vocals for 2nd bit. Amazing, sublime, listin to itSee the Light- 8/10 Smashing end to an album, the who agin is an influence.Total rating? 10/10 (No bias of course)
Comrade Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 When the editor publishes it I'll put up my 'professional' review...
Frank9484 Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 Song of the century-9/10 Excellent Opening21st Century Breakdown 8.5/10Know Your Enemy 7/10 Do you know the enemy, do you know your enemy, well gotta know the enemy over again it gets a little annoying!Viva La Gloria! 8/10 Like the ballad to the punk rock.Before the Lobotomy 8.5/10 i like the lyrics and the end is perfectChristians Inferno 8/10 like the instrumentals, the angry talking is kinda coolLast Night on Earth 7.5/10 Lyrics are little odd, but its a good love song.East Jesus Nowhere 9/10 everything is almost perfectPeacemaker 4/10 WTF? Last of the American Girls 8/10Murder City 9/10 Catchy...Viva La Gloria? 7.5/10 not as good as the first but its still goodRestless Heart Syndrome 9/10 sounds like one of Elton John's better songs, & i love it.Horseshoes and Handgranades 9/10 love the anger and the distorted voiceThe Static Age 8/10 Pretty Catchy21 Guns 10/10 Sounds AmazingAmerican Eulogy 7/10 The only reason its not an 8/10 is because the intro doesn't really fit well with the rest of the songSee the Light 9/10 Excellent Ending.9/10 Album Great Album, its like a Warning/AI mix.
.Holly Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 The album will become the soundtrack to my year. I'm trying to figure out how to live in our current culture. I'm trying to sift through the people that look at you like dirt just because you're different to them. I'm trying to find my feet in the modern world. I'm trying to make sense of some people's attitudes and view to life. I want to see the light, because sometimes, I feel so lost and disillusioned I wonder what the hell I'm doing here.We live in a society where the general consensus is that the best way to have fun is to be out of your skull and uncontrollable. If you don't want to poison yourself, you're immediately an outcast and there's something wrong with you. Apparently we haven't had fun if we haven't been collapsed with our heads down the toilet for an hour or so after a night out. We live in an age where people are so vain that looks are far more important than personality. People are insecure, they form groups, and once in that group, don't let anyone else inside. We're more hung up on what we're gonna wear tomorrow night than helping the thousands of kids that are gonna be dead by then because they've died from starvation or some disease. Something we could prevent.That's what I feel like sometimes living in modern day Britain. some aspects of our culture and people's attitudes are shocking.*Gets of Soapbox*I'll write about the songs later, but a big part of this album is going to be how people relate to it.
perfectpitchrob Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 1. "Song of the Century" - 8 - good way to start the album, almost an overture2. "21st Century Breakdown" - 9 - A better starter than american idiot, with multiple parts and great melodies, this is a highlight\3. "Know Your Enemy" - 7 - Nice and powerfull, but the "know your enemy" refrain is a little repetative4. "¡Viva La Gloria!" - 9 - A great song that reminds me of the Nimrod days. 5. "Before the Lobobomy" - 10 - The first standout song on the album. Very who'ish, and the falsetto vocals are done perfectly!6. "Christain's Inferno" - 8 - A very interesting song, sort of a cross between old school punk and NIN. I like it!7. "Last Night on Earth" - 10 - A Lennon style ballad, but Billy Joe's vocals, and the instrumentation make it his own style!8. "East Jesus Nowhere" - 9 - A powerful punch to open act 2, and I love how each verse/chorus/section has different styles of rhythms/instruments.9. "Peacemaker" - 8 - A new style for Green day. It's as if Green Day are a mariachi band. Sweet Vendetta!10. "Last of the American Girls" - 7 - Green Day meets the beach boys...sort of.... I like how it sounds though!11. "Murder City" - 7 - Almost a part 2 for "LOTAG", just faster and very similar to old green day12. "¿Viva La Gloria? (little girl)" - 10 - WOW! Where did this surprise come from? This is such a step forward for green day, and although it is reminiscent of "Misery", this time it fits right in with the album rather than sticking out sharply among 11 other strictly punk songs. The opening reminds me of late 60's era Kinks music. My second favorite for sure!13. "Restless Heart Syndrome" - 9 - Another power ballad, and another surprising sound. An escalating piece of music that has an incredible ending to it!14. "Horseshoes and Handgrenades" - 8 - He's certainly not fucking around with this song, it's very nimrod-esque, and has a fun punchy punk rock feel to it!15. "Static Age" - 10 - This piece surprised me, Billie Joe's double tracked vocals and the way the piece is sung boosts it up a lot. Now if only Jason Freese was there to play a sax solo like he did in the concert...16. "21 Guns" - 10 - My favorite song on the album. It is melodic, has great vocals (and falsetto lines), and is a great anti-war statement. It'll be a single no doubt!17. "American Eulogy" - 9 - A great 2 parter. I like part 2 more, since Mike does his best vocals so far, and it is VERY catchy!18. "See the Light" - 8 - Reprises the 2 chord theme heard at the begining of 21CB, and is a good ender to the album in terms of words.Overall - 9.5
drrrnn Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 So, all of today I've been listening to the album. I downloaded the torrent this morning, that was soon removed (don't worry, I already paid for a pre-order, for anyone who's going to bite my head off for that.) And I've listened to it about 6 times all the way through, and I must say, that this has been a most interesting turn of events. I had only heard the "21st Century Breakdown" demo and the single, and was rather disappointed. I feared that the band that had been with me since I was 8 years old, and been the soundtrack to my life had finally crapped out on me. I did not listen to any of the songs until today and must say that this has become not just one of my favorite Green Day albums, but one of my favorite albums of all-time. I'm not going to try to spoil it, for those who haven't heard, but I'm just going to list some of my favorite things, and things that stood out.I'm a very old-school Green Day fan, I thought "American Idiot" was their weakest album when it came out and still do to this day; I thought every single song off that album lacked lyrical ingenuity, but I liked that they were going for something bigger. And I'm not ragging on AI... I saw them 6 times during that tour and loved every moment, I just don't feel the album as a whole is as up to par as others. "21CB" picks up the pieces of AI and runs with them. This album would make no sense without American Idiot, it was the logical jump from the simplicity of "Warning".-The title track makes a vast improvement from the demo, especially noted that they nixed the line "From Mexico To the Berlin Wall"... which stood out to me as cheesy, and too reminiscent of AI.-KYE, is in my opinion, Green Day's weakest single other than "Waiting", which I don't listen to anymore, at all. But I have nothing bad to say about it, I also feel it is by far the weakest track on this album.-Viva La Gloria, once it kicks in it's very much like "Letterbomb", but as with most of the album, the added piano tracks give it such a feel of depth, that I just can't get over.-Christian's Inferno, not the best but it's so great to hear them give a nod to The Network, just listen to the verse... that's a freakin' Network song.-Peacemaker and Little Girl are my two personal favorites, which makes sense as "Misery" is easily my favorite song of theirs ever. Billie Joe's lyrical depth really comes through on these tracks in particular.-Horseshoes and Handgrenades is basically a Foxboro Hot Tubs-esque song, and it's so fun to listen to, and it should be one of those songs where Billie is running all over the stage ala "Platypus" and "St. Jimmy".-21 Guns, will be one of Green Day's biggest hits ever...'nuff said.-My other two favorites are Murder City and American Eulogy... Part I does sound ridiculously similar to "Deadbeat Holiday", but I'm not complaining.-----Those are just a few initial notes I have on the album, I'm refraining from saying too much, but I hope to spark some discussion. At first I couldn't decide which tracks were going to be singles, but have decided that "Before The Lobotomy", "21 Guns" and "East Jesus Nowhere" will be the remaining singles. Three very different songs, but three of Green Day's strongest ever. This is an album you will never forget your first listen, I promise that.
drrrnn Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 I'll make an addendum my post, with just a number of how I rate each song.1. Song of the Century- N/A2. 21st Century Breakdown- 73. Know Your Enemy- 74. Viva La Gloria - 95. Before The Lobotomy- 106. Christian's Inferno- 77. Last Night On Earth- 88. East Jesus Nowhere- 109. Peacemaker (If I could give this 50 I would)10.Last of The American Girls - 811. Murder City - 1012. Little Girl- (If I could give this 1,000 I would)13. Restless Heart Syndrome- 1014. Horsehoes and Handgrenades- 815. The Static Age- 816. 21 Guns- 1017.American Eulogy- 1018. See The Light - 8
Muttweed182 Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 I posted this a while ago but here ya go.I'm tremendously pleased with this album. I came into with American Idiot was my favorite album. I didn't want anything to ever touch it even Green Day. They did it though.1. Song Of the Century - What a interesting way to start a album. It's really nice and kinda eases the tension for the journey about to start. Sounds like a lullaby 2. 21st Century Breakdown - One my favorite songs on the album. Starts off quiet and builds. It excites you. Then bam a nice grooving verse and chorus. Then the fast pumping bridge just gets you going. Then with a nice hand waving outro. Excellent song. It doesn't sound like Queen but it sounds like something Queen might write with the Dropkick Murphy's. 3. Know Your Enemy - Not a bad song it's catchy but it gets overshadowed by the greatness of the other songs. It kind of leaves you hanging but it stills gets you rocking. Not bad but my least favorite. Sounds like Clash meets AC/DC4. !Viva La Gloria! - Now this defiantly starts off interesting. A nice sweet tasty piano and melody backed with a soothing strings section. Then bam fast energetic awesome Green Day come in and make it instantly a classic. The drum roll outro thing at the end was the best. I love this song. Sounds like Coldplay meets....... Green Day lol 5.Before The Lobotomy - Now this one has a fucking sick arrangement. It could be Green Day's most epic song yet. This song is kinda weird but after two listens I understood it more and loved it. I don't know how to describe this song it's unreal.6.Christan's Inferno - Weird but that's what makes this song memorable. It's like a really pissed off Network meets Kerplunk Green Day. The chorus is defiantly something that gets stuck in my head.7.Last Night On Earth - This is my favorite Green Day song for a while. It's something I would never expect from them. It's lush gentle beautiful but it's stings...... It's gives me the coldest chills but a nice warmth as well. EXCELLENT work. Sounds like a nice Elton John song. East Jesus Nowhere - This song deserves to be a single. It's a total anthem. The guitar is memorable. It's a grooving hard rock song that really hits you in your gut hard. Sounds like something Marilyn Manson would write. Peacemaker - Did I mention I love Green Day experimenting? I LOVE THIS SONG. I love that fact that it's easily memorable but something I would not expect to come from Green Day. I love the drum beat in the chorus especially. I love the Mexican feelLast Of the American Girls - This song is might be filler but it's good for what it is. It's a nice steady pop rock song. It's something should go over with old fans well. It's got a nice melody too so it's not too forgettable. Sounds like She's a Rebel mixed with Warning (song)Murder City - This will easily become a fan favorite. It sounds like American Idiot Green Day mixed with Nimrod Green Day. It's easily memorable and will have ya jumping. Nice thing for both groups of fans. ?Viva La Gloria? - This song is fucking epic. It sounds like a Mafia Misery. It's crazy that's the best way I can describe it defiantly another one of my favorites.Restless Heart Syndrome - Beautiful but sad. It sounds like Beatles meet Queen. Gives me chills. Horseshoes & Handgrenades - Now this sounds like THE FUCKING WHO! Some nice Foxboro influence in there as well but still sounds like a Green Day song. Defiantly a fist pumping song for concerts I hope.The Static Age - This song will please old GD fans. It sounds like a David Bowie kind of song. Might be filler but good filler21 Guns - Defiantly sounds like the next BOBD. The acoustic in the verse is chilling and the melody grabs your attention really well. The chorus is fist raising. It really makes for a nice single that radio will eat up.American Eulogy - This song starts off kinda weird. But it makes up for that with energy. The "I don't wanna live in the modern world" part really sticks. Mike's singing is a nice touch. He should do Clash covers lol. The song sounds like The Clash meet The Ramones.See The Light - Could of picked a better closing but this one gets the job done. Sounds like AC/DC meets U2. Actually if you really think about it it's defiantly a nice closer. Leaves a nice hopeful mark I love it.
Starbug Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 I wanted my first experience listening to this entire album to be an 'experience' and I fully intended on waiting until it was released next Friday. But I am weak, and couldn't. So I'm sitting here listening to it now, and I'm on 21 Guns. Here's what I think. Keep in mind, though, that my opinion very well may change. I didn't like Warning at first, but now I love it. But so far, I haven't gotten that punch in the gut feeling that I got when I first heard American Idiot, which disappoints me. But I have felt that familiar 'fan tingle' at several points during this album, so here goes....1-Song of the Century-6-I know this is opening it up, but it's kinda 'meh' to me lol2-21st Century Breakdown-10-This is where my fan tingle came back into play. I had this (and all the tracks until I got home lol) really, really loud, and when it started in, the "Hooooooo" bit at the beginning, I got chills up and down both arms. I have been convinced that I preferred the demo over this one, but I think I'm changing my mind about that. I like the guitar in this one, I like the vocals. I think I'm just familiar with the demo, and that's why. I wish they'd left the lyrics as they were in the demo, but honestly, it's fine either way. This one is a great one.3-Know Your Enemy-7-This was not a favorite, but it has grown on me since its release. it's catchy and fun to sing along with in the car lol4-!Viva La Gloria-9 1/2-This one also gave me chills. The strings, the vocals, and also how it kicks into high gear after the slow, beautiful, delicate beginning. It's like it lulls you into something soft, then BOOOOOOM, they're gonna try and rock your fucking face off. And they do 5-Before the Lobotomy-10-I really, really, really like this one. Have done since the day after I heard it. Didn't like it the first time I heard it lol Again, it's been an acquired taste. Some of the lines in it I can definitely relate to. 6-Christian's Inferno-eeehmmm...right now, it's a 9-Okay, this one... lol This one is... I don't know I just can't make up my mind whether I love it or borderline hate it haha It's very, very Network-ish to me. I love the laughing, he sounds like a lunatic. Which I'm pretty sure is the point I like the sounds in the background.7-Last Night On Earth-9-This was a surprise. I've heard the bootleg, but it still surprised me. It's so melodic and pretty. Simple "You are the moonlight of my life, every night," wow. What female won't respond to that? lol It's beautiful. It makes the girl in me want to squuueee. It's with this song that I could see the 'love' arc to this album, starting with !Viva!, and ending with this one.8-East Jesus Nowhere-9 1/2-I didn't want to like this song. I really didn't. but the more I hear it, the more I understand what he's saying. Especially that first line. I didn't get the point, i thought it was simply put in to shock "You're a sacrificial suicide/like a dog that's been sodomized" I just didn't get it. I had an epiphany while listening to it. I'm not going to go into song meanings, that's too complex. But irregardless, I'm getting it. I'm feeling it. And the music of this song is brilliant. If they don't make this a single, I'll eat my hat.9-Peacemaker-10-This one surprised me yet again. The energy in it is infectious, a big grin spread across my face as soon as the music started. Yeeeees. Eargasm indeed.10-Last of the American Girls-7-I think this one will definitely grow on me. I like elements of it, and other elements I don't like. We'll see.11-Murder City-9-I actually prefer the bootleg lol Something about the energy of hearing them do it live is fun. Very energetic. But I do like the song. A lot.12-?Viva La Gloria-10-Another surprise. Even though it reminds me A LOT of 'Mama' by mcr (don't throw anything at me lol) I still absolutely love this song. 13-Restless Heart Syndrome-7-Sometimes i really, really love this song. Sometimes I get bored and want to skip the track. It depends on the mood I'm in. I definitely identify with a lot of the words, being mental and all 14-Horseshoes & Hand Grenades-8-Hmm... This one reminds me of another GD song, but I can't place it at the moment. I do like it. I wish his vocals weren't so doctored, but I wish that about a lot of these tracks.15-The Static Age-6-Not feeling this one too much. I think it may sneak up and grow on me, though. I hear elements that make me tap my foot.16-21 Guns-10-Beautiful. Another sure fire single, this is another one of their songs that sometimes I can't listen to. The combination of the lyrics and his voice is just more than I can handle lol His voice has never sounded sweeter. 17-American Eulogy-Part one-9 Part two-10-Mike owns this song. Absolutely owns it.18-See the Light-8-Not what I expected. Again, maybe it'll grow on meOverall, this album has been full of surprises for me. I'm torn between and overwhelming sense of pride in my boys for pushing themselves to make such an ambitious record, and disappointment that I'm not feeling it like I want to. I don't dislike it, it just hasn't hit me yet. It probably will. They always do. I'll keep you posted
Princess Consuela Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 ^I agree with you about Murder City. It's one of my favourites, but the bootleg version is more energetic. And Billie's 'soooo paaaaathetic' sounds much better live
DistilledxSpirits Posted May 10, 2009 Posted May 10, 2009 1. Song of the Century- 6 - Not much to say about this one... it's just an intro really. I really love Billie's voice in it though.2. 21st Century Breakdown- 7 - I have no idea why, but I just HATE the last part of this song.... and I liked the lyrics better on the demo version3. Know Your Enemy- 6 - I LOVE the solo. But it's too repetitive and you get bored of it really quickly. 4. Viva La Gloria - 10 - The beginning is just... too beautiful for words. I just listen to it over and over. And then it just EXPLODES and get's even better!5. Before The Lobotomy- 8 - Again the beginning is really beautiful. I love it when Billie sings high notes. And teh way he sings the line "Christian sang the eulogy" gives me the chills.6. Christian's Inferno- 5 - As everyone says, very Network-y-. I just don't like it much at all.7. Last Night On Earth- 8 - I always love when Billie writes songs about Adrienne.... that's all I need to say. 8. East Jesus Nowhere- 10 - My fav off the album by far. The guitar, the bass, the drums... I love all of it! And the fact that it's pretty muc a big "fuck you" to the church makes it even more likable.9. Peacemaker - 7 - Weird, but kinda fun. Billie saying he is "the orgasm" makes me laugh for some reason.10.Last of The American Girls - 7 - The first time I heard this, I thought of Whatsername straight away. It's one of those songs that makes you feel kinda crabby, but not ACTUALLY cry, if that makes sense.11. Murder City - 6 - I think I'm the only person who isn't overly keen on this song... I just don't like it.12. Little Girl- 10 - The solo is so fucking amazing... I listen to it over and over. It has a strange, sinister feel to it.13. Restless Heart Syndrome- 9 - This song is really eerie too; but in a cool way. Again, I love the high notes.14. Horsehoes and Handgrenades- 7 - For some reason, when Billie sings "I'm gonna drink, fight and fuck" I crack a smile. God I'm weird...15. The Static Age- 9 - Most people don't seem to like this one, but IDK... it just makes me want to jump around sing along! 16. 21 Guns- 10 - I think this could potentially be one of their most successful singles ever. The lyrics are pure perfection.17.American Eulogy- 7 - Another song that's fun to sing along to. I love that Mike gets a chance to sing in it too.18. See The Light - 7 - I haven't really listened to this one much. I'm not that fussed with it TBH.
cNjTheNewAuthority Posted May 10, 2009 Posted May 10, 2009 I'll post according to what I remember from the streaming of the whole album before the official release.First off,the most noticable thing one would find on 21st Century Breakdown in comparison to American Idiot and albums before it would be Billie Joe's use of falsetto(eg. 21 Guns,Last Night on Earth).Also,we will find a few tracks that start off as ballads and then turn into high-energy,rallying songs(eg. Before the Lobotomy,See the Light,!Viva La Gloria!).Green Day expands its musical talent in this new album,diversifying from it's punk rock roots.Here're reviews of various songs that really got to me in particular:Murder City - Easily the most obvious choice for a single after Know Your Enemy.Catchy,well-organised verse-chorus-verse-chorus format.21 Guns - 21st CB's Boulevard of Broken Dreams.Slow,steady and VERY capable of reaching out to listeners.Good choice for a single as well.East Jesus Nowhere - Another Holiday remade,perhaps?A punk rock anthem reminding me of Billie Joe saying "This next song's a big fuck you to all the politicians."Viva La Gloria - Ballad turned power pop.21st Century Breakdown - The title track that details life in the 21st Century.Know Your Enemy - Catchy single AKA Green Day's rallying song against apathyHorseshoes and Handgrenades - Very all-out Green Day,it's lyrics totally blew me offThat's pretty much all I can remember...I might edit this once I get to listen to the album again on the 15th.
jimmyarts Posted May 10, 2009 Posted May 10, 2009 01. Song of the Century - 902. 21st Century Breakdown - 1003. Know Your Enemy - 8.504. ¡Viva La Gloria! - 950. Before The Lobotomy - 8.506. Christian's Inferno - 807. Last Night On Earth - 1008. East Jesus Nowhere - 9.509. Peacemaker - 7.510. Last of The American Girls - 7.511. Murder City - 7.512. ¿Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl) - 7.513. Restless Heart Syndrome - 8.514. Horsehoes and Handgrenades - 9.515. The Static Age - 916. 21 Guns - 1017.American Eulogy - 918. See The Light - 9
Elis_x Posted May 10, 2009 Posted May 10, 2009 mine's pretty simple:01 - Song of the Century - 802 - 21st Century Breakdown - 903 - Know Your Enemy - 604 - ¡Viva La Gloria! - 905 - Before The Lobotomy - 806 - Christian's Inferno - 707 - Last Night On Earth - 9.508 - East Jesus Nowhere - 1009 - Peacemaker - 8.510 - Last of The American Girls - 911 - Murder City - 9.512 - ¿Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl) - 1013 - Restless Heart Syndrome - 1014 - Horsehoes and Handgrenades - 9.515 - The Static Age - 8.516 - 21 Guns - 1017 - American Eulogy - 9.518 - See The Light - 9
vival@gloria Posted May 10, 2009 Posted May 10, 2009 01. Song of the Century - 702. 21st Century Breakdown - 1003. Know Your Enemy - 504. ¡Viva La Gloria! - 1050. Before The Lobotomy - 806. Christian's Inferno - 307. Last Night On Earth - 808. East Jesus Nowhere - 1009. Peacemaker - 910. Last of The American Girls - 811. Murder City - 912. ¿Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl) - 913. Restless Heart Syndrome - 9.514. Horsehoes and Handgrenades - 715. The Static Age - 9.516. 21 Guns - 1017.American Eulogy - 618. See The Light - 8
Bastard of 1967 Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 We live in a society where the general consensus is that the best way to have fun is to be out of your skull and uncontrollable. If you don't want to poison yourself, you're immediately an outcast and there's something wrong with you. Apparently we haven't had fun if we haven't been collapsed with our heads down the toilet for an hour or so after a night out.Great post...thank you for laying that point out so clearly. I've been having trouble feeling Restless Heart Syndrome -- digging for the meaning in the lyrics and its place in the album -- and I think you just might have nailed it there. I'm going to give it another listen in a minute.
b u r n o u t Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 I posted this a while ago but here ya go.I'm tremendously pleased with this album. I came into with American Idiot was my favorite album. I didn't want anything to ever touch it even Green Day. They did it though.1. Song Of the Century - What a interesting way to start a album. It's really nice and kinda eases the tension for the journey about to start. Sounds like a lullaby 2. 21st Century Breakdown - One my favorite songs on the album. Starts off quiet and builds. It excites you. Then bam a nice grooving verse and chorus. Then the fast pumping bridge just gets you going. Then with a nice hand waving outro. Excellent song. It doesn't sound like Queen but it sounds like something Queen might write with the Dropkick Murphy's. 3. Know Your Enemy - Not a bad song it's catchy but it gets overshadowed by the greatness of the other songs. It kind of leaves you hanging but it stills gets you rocking. Not bad but my least favorite. Sounds like Clash meets AC/DC4. !Viva La Gloria! - Now this defiantly starts off interesting. A nice sweet tasty piano and melody backed with a soothing strings section. Then bam fast energetic awesome Green Day come in and make it instantly a classic. The drum roll outro thing at the end was the best. I love this song. Sounds like Coldplay meets....... Green Day lol 5.Before The Lobotomy - Now this one has a fucking sick arrangement. It could be Green Day's most epic song yet. This song is kinda weird but after two listens I understood it more and loved it. I don't know how to describe this song it's unreal.6.Christan's Inferno - Weird but that's what makes this song memorable. It's like a really pissed off Network meets Kerplunk Green Day. The chorus is defiantly something that gets stuck in my head.7.Last Night On Earth - This is my favorite Green Day song for a while. It's something I would never expect from them. It's lush gentle beautiful but it's stings...... It's gives me the coldest chills but a nice warmth as well. EXCELLENT work. Sounds like a nice Elton John song. East Jesus Nowhere - This song deserves to be a single. It's a total anthem. The guitar is memorable. It's a grooving hard rock song that really hits you in your gut hard. Sounds like something Marilyn Manson would write. Peacemaker - Did I mention I love Green Day experimenting? I LOVE THIS SONG. I love that fact that it's easily memorable but something I would not expect to come from Green Day. I love the drum beat in the chorus especially. I love the Mexican feelLast Of the American Girls - This song is might be filler but it's good for what it is. It's a nice steady pop rock song. It's something should go over with old fans well. It's got a nice melody too so it's not too forgettable. Sounds like She's a Rebel mixed with Warning (song)Murder City - This will easily become a fan favorite. It sounds like American Idiot Green Day mixed with Nimrod Green Day. It's easily memorable and will have ya jumping. Nice thing for both groups of fans. ?Viva La Gloria? - This song is fucking epic. It sounds like a Mafia Misery. It's crazy that's the best way I can describe it defiantly another one of my favorites.Restless Heart Syndrome - Beautiful but sad. It sounds like Beatles meet Queen. Gives me chills. Horseshoes & Handgrenades - Now this sounds like THE FUCKING WHO! Some nice Foxboro influence in there as well but still sounds like a Green Day song. Defiantly a fist pumping song for concerts I hope.The Static Age - This song will please old GD fans. It sounds like a David Bowie kind of song. Might be filler but good filler21 Guns - Defiantly sounds like the next BOBD. The acoustic in the verse is chilling and the melody grabs your attention really well. The chorus is fist raising. It really makes for a nice single that radio will eat up.American Eulogy - This song starts off kinda weird. But it makes up for that with energy. The "I don't wanna live in the modern world" part really sticks. Mike's singing is a nice touch. He should do Clash covers lol. The song sounds like The Clash meet The Ramones.See The Light - Could of picked a better closing but this one gets the job done. Sounds like AC/DC meets U2. Actually if you really think about it it's defiantly a nice closer. Leaves a nice hopeful mark I love it.Great post and review. You pretty much nailed how I feel about the album. I'm surprised how quick this album has grown on me. Much better than American Idiot.
Bastard of 1967 Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 I finally had a chance to give my webrips of last week's leak a good listen (before y'all rip my throat out, yes I have the album's deluxe edition pre-ordered through iTunes, and for Father's Day my lovely wife is going to buy me the Best Buy limited edition of the CD with the expanded artwork!).Song of the Century -- Great "executive summary" of the album. I love BJA's vocals and the "lullabye" quality to it. The second-to-last line of the lyrics, "tell me a story into that goodnight", gives the track a dream-like quality, and leaves open the possibility that the dream (the American Dream?) has become a nightmare. Hard to nail down a 1-to-10 scale rating because it's so short, with nothing but the radio static to back up Billie Joe's vocals, but if I have to peg it anyplace I'll give it a 9/10.21st Century Breakdown -- I LOVE this song. Great intro, big sound, fantastic transitions between the song's three distinct parts, great harmonies, Queen-like sound in the third part, and pure, raw Green Day in the middle. The lyrics are complex, compelling, and deep. When I first heard it, I thought this would be the best song on the album, but read on below -- it's not. 9.5/10.Know Your Enemy -- Great, powerful rhythm, guitars, and a kick-ass bridge that I could listen to a hundred times in a row and love hearing over and over again. Billie Joe's scream of "gimme, gimme REV-O-LU-TION!!!!" is something we've never heard from him before...really potent and builds another level onto an already good song. Lyrically, it has two high moments that usually send chills up my spine when I hear them: First, "bringing on the fury/the choir infantry/revolts against the honor to obey" -- I love the imagery this conjures up of Green Day leading an army of protesters -- the "choir infantry" -- who just aren't going to sit quiet and take whatever the powers that be want to dish out. "So rally up the demons of your soul" caps off the strong verse. Thematically, the reference to revolting against "the honor to obey" provides a good tie-in for the end of 21st Century Breakdown which precedes it, and to a closing verse of Restless Heart Syndrome which refers back to it. Negatives: repetitive, repetitive, repetitive. One verse, and generally simplistic lyrics. Overall, a good song. Not a great song, but a good song. 7.5/10.!Viva La Gloria! -- Love this one too. Don't let the quiet piano solo that opens the song fool you -- the more traditional kick-ass Green Day punk sound will follow close behind it. The lyrics present a picture of Gloria not so much for who she actually is, but as what she represents to Christian...this makes me think of "Extraordinary Girl" from AI as its parallel on that album. 10/10.Before the Lobotomy -- Epic. This one opens with gentle acoustic guitars, beautiful lyrics and mournful vocals from Billie Joe, and then kicks into something that's reminiscent of '70s-era Rush and The Who. A short bridge presents Generation Zero as being "lost like refugees" and then transitions the tempo back to a repetition of the intro -- but now, instead of acoustic guitars backing up BJA, we instead have the percussion, major-key guitars, and emphasized bass that backed up the song's midsection verses. This hit me with the same impact as "Wake Me Up When September Ends" did at the point where the band transitions from the single acoustic guitar into the full percussion and electric guitar ensemble. Really, really well-arranged. 9.5/10.Christian's Inferno -- Probably the most bizarre, hard-to-pin-down song on the album. The demonic, spoken-not-sung lyrics of the two verses strike me as a what would happen if you mixed the B-52's with Ozzy Osbourne. Then, in the next breath, the band kicks into an up-tempo, 60's/70's-era, Beatles-like chorus. I guess this one's here to highlight what kind of fucked-up character Christian really is? 8/10, subject to change as I listen to it a few more times.Last Night On Earth -- This is the "I Can't Believe This Is Green Day" song on the album. It's as radical a departure from their typical style as "Good Riddance" was on Nimrod, but they pull off this beautiful record really, really well. Even though the tempo plods a little, it is musically, vocally, and lyrically a great song. "If I lose everything in the fire/I'm sending all my love to you" hits me hard -- here, on the eve of taking his riot to the streets, Christian recognizes exactly what he's risking. The closest I can find to from past musical eras that describes what it sounds like might be "And I Love Her" or "In My Life" from the Beatles. 9/10East Jesus Nowhere -- Kick-ass rip that lays into the followers of fanatical organized religion as "dogs" that have "been sodomized." Drives as much power as "Holiday"; love the lyrics. The melody feels a little raw and I don't find it to be quite as "listenable" as other tracks on the album. 8/10.Peacemaker -- This track builds on "East Jesus Nowhere" and seems to describe what happens when the fanatics from that song use their religious fervor to justify a war. The Latin rhythm is another unique style for Green Day, and it fits them well here. 9/10.Last of the American Girls -- This seems to be another, later glimpse at Gloria from Christian's perspective. The lyrics have a disturbing quality to them, and seem to suggest that Gloria's most beautiful and powerful qualities (see !Viva La Gloria!) cannot possibly weather the storm of the times or the coming revolution. The music, though, presents a more upbeat, sweet, 70's-era pop arrangement. Very listenable with a great melody and (no surprise) excellent vocals. Might make a good single. 8.5/10.Murder City -- Classic Green Day rhythm that feels like it's been overlaid on classic David Bowie (imagine, if you will, Suffragette City played about 1.5x faster, with Mike Dirnt on bass), with disturbing, poetic lyrics that describe the couple's crash after a failed(?) riot. 10/10.?Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl) -- This still-later glimpse at Gloria from a third-person perspective captures the Latin rhythm we first heard in "Peacemaker". It turns Christian's "elevated on a pedestal" vision of her (from !Viva La Gloria!) on its head. Well done. 9/10.Restless Heart Syndrome -- This has been the hardest song on the album for me to get my head around. The best interpretation I have found about it so far comes from an earlier post in this thread:We live in a society where the general consensus is that the best way to have fun is to be out of your skull and uncontrollable. If you don't want to poison yourself, you're immediately an outcast and there's something wrong with you. Apparently we haven't had fun if we haven't been collapsed with our heads down the toilet for an hour or so after a night out.The song has a lyrical quality that resembles "Give Me Novacaine" from AI; yet it is superimposed on plodding, even-tempo'ed, and just plain melancholy music that is much more like 70's-era Bread than modern Green Day. Only in the final repetition of the chorus do we hear the powerful guitars, major chords, and heavy percussion that we have become accustomed to hearing from Green Day. I feel that I have a better understanding of the song's meaning and why it belongs in the album now, but it is still my least-favorite on the album. 6/10.Horseshoes and Handgrenades -- This song is *the* shit. WOW. SO powerful.... The Clash meets R.E.M. meets The Who meets Green Day, with super-potent vocals from Billie Joe and fabulous lyrics. 10/10.The Static Age -- 70's era dance-pop, let me introduce you to Green Day! Great, catchy vocals and melody, good harmonies from the rest of the band band, and, lyrically, a magnificent description of all the noise and chaos of current times. My one criticism: the song seems ripe for a powerful, deep, "Church on Sunday" like bass undertone from Mike, yet Butch toned it down -- it's in there, but you have to listen hard to find it. Overall: Great song, this one oughta be a single. 9.5/10.21 Guns -- Another "WOW" moment. It has a "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" feel to it, but with far more potent lyrics with multiple meanings depending on what perspective you look at them from. In asking whether the battles we've fought are worth fighting, we have to ask ourselves "what battles, specifically, are Billie Joe alluding to"? Is it the wars in Iraq and the Middle East? Is it battles with ourselves, within our society? Regardless, the only guaranteed outcome is one by one, the soldiers in that battle come home in boxes, we give them a 21-gun sendoff, we bury them, and we lather, rinse, and repeat...and this ritual has become the meaning of our lives. The bridge is so powerful and gives me deep chills when I hear it. Definite single material and a great piece of work. 10/10.American Eulogy -- The intro is a reprise of "Song of the Century" and neatly ties the opening into the album's concluding tracks. The "Mass Hysteria" chorus channels the same sound we first heard in the up-tempo, 70's pop-style chorus of "Christian's Inferno", and the verses are kick-ass, punk-core Green Day all the way. The lyrics are eloquent, replete with mixed-meaning political commentary, and in the end characterize Christian and Gloria as vigilantes in a failing society. The "Modern World" chorus again channels the same 70's pop sound, but then surprises us by handing the microphone off to the incomparable Mike Dirnt. The sick thing is, he actually sounds good here! The catchy chorus then alternates between repetitions of "I don't want to live in the modern world" and "Mass hysteria" as it fades into noise. Overall: Great, big sound; very well-arranged; couples hard-core Green Day punk rhythms with 70's era synth-pop; and Mike sings! 10/10.See The Light -- the two-chord intro and guitars of the title track is reprised here to open See The Light, linking the beginning and ending of the album in the final track. The song has a Dylan-like quality overlaid with typical Green Day punk rhythm, and a melody that honestly sounds a little like Elton John's "Philadelphia Freedom." Here, Christian, in an optimistic tone that up until now we had heard only in Gloria, acknowledges where he's been, what he's done, and asks for a clearer future where he understands what's worth fighting for. In the end, he recognizes that his future, his "ever after/is in the hands of fate." Great closer that could also make a great single. 9/10.Overall: 9/10. The album, though a concept album like AI, doesn't take the same plot-oriented approach that AI did. There is very little linear plot here; instead, it is more like snapshots of particular issues and character personas that crystallize more fully only after you've heard the entire album from start to finish. The lyrics are the most mature that Billie Joe has ever written, and as such are also the most complex and difficult to interpret that I've seen from him. The band attempts lots of new musical styles on 21CB -- particularly, classic rock and 70's era dance-pop, and pulls almost all of it off very well, with very little that I can characterize as "overproduced." Nice job Green Day, and nice job Buch Vig.
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