Post Your Own Full Reviews Of 21st Century Breakdown

[Jack96]

21st Century Breakdown Review

21st Century Breakdown Green Days 8th studio album is the most Epic thing Green Day have ever done. The title track just blows you away and then you are taken into Know Your Enemy which is an energetic fast song about rebellion and really digs into Green Days roots and sounds quite alike to some of the material off Dookie ( except the inclusion of a guitar solo). The next two songs !Viva La Gloria! and before The Lobotomy are slower ballady songs but also include fast paced choruses and Bridges. The song Christians Inferno is a loud bashful song with a heavy bass line and drum beat and sounds more like a hate song than anything else. The next song Last Night On Earth is a slow love song from Christian to Gloria and is the most melodic slow song on the album. The next act entitled 'Charlatans and Saints" contains more religious songs ( Peacemaker, East Jesus Nowhere) with powerful riffs ( east Jesus Nowhere, Murder City) heavy Basslines ( Last Of The American Girls) and songs that start slow but end up keeping along with the albums loud quick sound ( Little Girl, Restless Heart Syndrome) and is the more mixed act of the album. The third and Final act ( my personal favourite) Horseshoes and Handgrenades contains fast paced political songs with a mixture of American Idiot ( 21 Guns, Static Age, American Eulogy) and Foxboro Hottubs ( Horseshoes and Handgrenades) the song named after the act Horseshoes and Handgrenades is more angry than any other song on the album starting with Billie singing " Im not fucking around" . American Eulogy is an anti politics song which includes Dirnt singing for the most part of the last 1:30 and See The Light in my interpretation is about Seeing The Light in the situation that America is in.

Thats my review not to professional but i hope if you read it you understood it!

[novacaine_kid]

"Sing us the song of the century" croons Billie Joe, and after listening to the latest effort by the california punk rockers come stadium rock heroes, they may well have done just that.

The first thing that strikes you about 21st Century Breakdown, is just how huge the whole thing sounds. From the opening intro right the way through to the anthemic closer See The Light, this album hits you like a stadium rock sized brick to the face. Coming of the back of an album such as American Idiot, this was never going to be an easy task. The band set the bar so high, many wondered if we had seen Green Day's best days, was this going to be the start of a gradual decline? Not if Billie Joe and his army had anything to do with it.

The gap between American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown was just short of 5 years, and upon listening to this CD you can start to understand why they chose to take their time. Each song has had blood, sweat and tears pumped into them to bring them to life. You can really feel the hard work they have put into this album. The album is divided into 3 acts to help make it more digestable. Heroes and Cons, Charlatans and Saints and Horshoes and Handgrenades. The first act sets the tone with epics like the title track for the album, 21st Century Breakdown. "Born into nixon I was raised in hell" proclaims the enigmatic frontman, the track, an insight into the faliures of modern society really does start this mammoth album off perfectly. Know Your Enemy with its pounding, foot tapping drum beat and a guitar section that you will struggle to get out of your head, continues the momentum set by the opener. In my opinion, Know Your Enemy is the weakest song on the album by quite a long way, but yet it could still be a credible song for any other album Green Day have produced. iViva la Gloria! is a real Green Day gem, starting with beautiful piano, and racing through with a catchy pop punk laced hook.

As with American Idiot, the band has no shortage of statements and opinions on the current state of the world, but manage to pull it off without being preachy or overbearing. Another testement to Billie's writing ability. East Jesus Nowhere is an example of the band voicing their innermost thoughts and grievances with organised religion and the hypocricy that comes with it, but keeping tongue firmly in cheek whilst doing so. The album slows down a little with Before The Lobotomy and Restless Heart Syndrome, both tracks really demonstrate how far this band has come. The same can be said of Last Night On Earth, a trippy, beatles-esque love ballad that shows of Billie's vocal range superbly. By this point, the journey is only half complete. Peacemaker and ?Viva la Gloria?, brushed with the Warning era Green Day sound bring a fresh wave of influence into the album and Last of the American Girls paints a picture of a girl, struggling to power through her activist lifestyle in modern day America.

Some might question the bands decision to once again use characters in an album. Christian and Gloria however come across as more subtle than their predecessors St. jimmy/Jesus of Suburbia and Whatsername. The story is less linear and allows the listener to fill in the gaps, creating their own version of the 21st Century Breakdown saga. The final act starts with the rager that is Horshoes and Handgrenades, yes it sounds like the hives, but this is a heck of a tune in its own right. "I'm not fucking around" yells Billie Joe. Who can argue with that? The Static Age is another one of those catchy Green Day classics reminicent of Church On Sunday from Warning. 21 Guns has the potential to be their biggest hit this side of Boulevard of Broken Dreams. The lyrics invoke strong feelings, and are wonderfully crafted. American Eulogy see's Mike Dirnt get his own vocal time, something that brings some more freshness to the CD. The closer, See the Light is an anthemic, hope fuelled ender to this rollercoaster of an album and a fitting way to wrap things up.

All in all, this album is nothing short of incredible. The ambition shines through this album like it has never shined through before. They have really stepped up to the plate here and delivered a knockout blow to the world of rock music. The only thing left to be asked of Green Day now is.... how do you follow this? After hearing this effort, Green Day, in my mind, should never be written off again.

I give 21st Century Breakdown 9/10

[Foxboron]

after listening to the intro... just the first scrath.. i ahd no option then give it 10 og 10!

[TaylorKlinke]

As many of you know, I've been obsessed with Green Day since I was in like eighth or ninth grade. Truthfully, I can't even remember what got me listening to them in the first place. But regardless of the reason, I got hooked on them at first listen and haven't been able to stop listening to them since. There's just something about them and their music that I like. And really, I can't believe it's almost been five years since AI was released -- and now they just released the follow up album, 21st Century Breakdown.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

American Idiot was definitely something big for Green Day. I know they lost a lot of fans because of the political side of this album and also because of a different sound, but I also know they gained a lot of fans because of this album. Originally the album was suppose to be called "Cigarettes and Valentines", but the master tracks were stolen from the studio...so instead of re-recording the songs -- Green Day decided to write all new songs and BAM...American Idiot was born. The first Green Day rock opera -- and since its release, American Idiot has sold over fourteen million copies worldwide.

• There are a lot of different ways to perceive this album. There's the political side of it, and then sort of tied in with that is the storyline of the rock opera, with Jesus of Suburbia/St. Jimmy. But then the songs are also written from some of the personal experiences of the band members. (I.e. Wake Me Up When September Ends is a sort of 'memorial anthem' Billie Joe Armstrong wrote about his father. Billie Joe associates pain with the month of September because his father died of cancer during that month -- When Billie was only ten years old. Because of this, Billie would rather not deal with anything related to the month of September, prompting him to sing...As my memory rests/but never forgets what I lost/Wake me up when September ends.

21st Century Breakdown is an album that Green Day started making in January 2006; however, there were no signs of a new album until October 2008 – when Green Day posted up a small clip of them working in a studio. Not much was heard after that, until finally, news started pouring out around February – March 2009. This album is another rock opera – containing eighteen songs in three different acts. (I. Heroes and Cons, II. Charlatans and Saints, III. Horseshoes and Handgrenades)

• 21st Century Breakdown tells the story of two young punk lovers on the run in the wreckage of post-Bush America. The heroes are Christian and Gloria, two kids sold out by the church ("East Jesus Nowhere"), the state ("21 Guns") and every adult they've ever believed in ("We are the desperate in the decline/Raised by the bastards of 1969"). Christian's the impulsive, self-destructive one ("Christian's Inferno"), while Gloria's more idealistic and political ("Last of the American Girls"), but they're forced to take care of each other — because nobody else will.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've been thinking a lot lately -- and trying to decide if I like American Idiot or 21st Century Breakdown better.

• I really enjoy American Idiot, but I've came to the conclusion that it might just be because of the epic nine minute songs, Jesus of Suburbia and Homecoming. I mean, don't get me wrong, I also really enjoy the songs: American Idiot, Holiday, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Are We The Waiting, St. Jimmy, Letterbomb, and Wake Me Up When September Ends,...but truthfully, I never really got into...She's a Rebel, Extraordinary Girl, or Whatsername...that much. I'll listen to them, they're just not my favorite songs.
• After listening to 21st Century Breakdown for almost two weeks straight now -- I'd have to say that I pretty much enjoy every single song. I won't lie, when I first listened to the album I wasn't so sure...but trust me -- if you just listen to each song a couple/few times -- it really starts to grow on you. (Side note: If I had to pick a favorite(s)...it would be iViva La Gloria! and The Static Age) She smashed her knuckles into winter/As autumns wind fades into black/She is the saint on all the sinners/The one thats fallen through the cracks...the lyrics are just amazing. Another definite highlight on this album is Mike's singing in American Eulogy -- it's my favorite part of that song.

I know a lot of (some former) Green Day fans argue that American Idiot is/was pretty much nonsense and that Green Day should just go back to what they were when Dookie came out. But seriously, Dookie was released in 1994. Billie Joe, Mike Dirnt, and Tre' Cool were 21-22 years old -- Now they're 36-37. They grew up, got married, had kids...and just matured as song writers. I'm also not an ignorant Green Day fan -- I may have first started listening to them about the time American Idiot came out -- but since then I've became an avid listener of all their music. (2000 Light Years Away, Basketcase, Longview, Chump, Ha Ha You're Dead, F.O.D, Who Wrote Holden Caulfield, I Want To Be On Tv, Poprocks and Coke, Minority...yeah, I have over a hundred Green Day songs on my Itunes...I'm not going to name them all. Haha) No matter what Green Day decides to do -- I'm always going to support them.

I admire Green Day for the fact they never gave up. After Warning was released -- it didn't sell anywhere near what Dookie, Kerplunk, or even Nimrod sold. Billie, Mike, and Tre' didn't know what they were doing wrong and Bille even ended up calling Mike and said, "Do you even want to do this anymore?" But they kept going -- which I'm sure is a decision they're glad about today. (And I'm glad about their decision too.)

I admire Green Day for the fact they took some time off after American Idiot to spend time with their kids and family (and took extra time to write and produce 21 CB until they were satisfied with it) -- even though it was a very excruciating wait for us fans.

I admire Green Day for the fact that they don't care what other people think about them.

And finally, I admire Green Day for taking time to truely thank their fans. They're known for pulling fans up on stage during their concerts to play drums, bass, guitar...and even sing with them. (Then B.J. sends them back into the crowd by stage diving) I've watched old interviews on youtube of Green Day's supporting acts -- and they were asked what they thought of GD -- and I've read fans storie's of meeting Green Day -- and everyone says, "They're the nicest guys I've ever met."

• On the date of Green Day's cd release (last Friday)...they had a cd signing at a Best Buy in New York City. Only the first 500 fans there got a wristband which pretty much guaranteed them a chance to meet Green Day later on in the day. Best Buy's "Rules of Engagement" pretty much included stuff like: Green Day will only autograph the 21st Century Breakdown CD...and nothing else. And that no autographs can be personalized-- But I guess Green Day was pretty cool about everything and autographed whatever their fans asked them to autograph. (I.e. shoes, drumsticks, etc.) If a fan asked for a hug, they would just say, "Of course." And then, of course Tre' Cool was throwing candy at people. Green Day just tried to make it a special thing for each fan and didn't rush anyone through. -- I admire this in a band because you don't always get this when going through an autograph line. (Yeah, I had the experience of this at a christian rock bands concert I went to. The lead singer totally blew me off when I got to him in the autograph line...)

Green Day has sort of became my medicine to life. If I'm ever having a shitty day, I just turn on some Green Day music -- and then I feel a little better. Listening to their music just makes me happy. And it makes me more happy to see Green Day headlines plastered all over websites, newspapers, magazines, and television. (After not hearing about them since they disappeared after the American Idiot tour)

I am proud to be (and always will be) a loyal Green Day fan.

[Dai.]

I'm going to merge this with the Reviews thread

[spark in the night]

Last Night On Earth: I want to make love to that song. it's seriously about to make me cry. it's BEAUTIFUL

[Sharmellow]

1- Song of the Century = 8.5/10: Good introduction for the album. I like Billie's voice in this song.

2- 21st Century Breakdown = 7/10: It's a catchy song, it goes through different melodies throughout the song. Sort of reminds me of Jesus of Suburbia in a way. But there's something missing in this song, something to make it even better than it is right now.

3- Know Your Enemy = 6.8/10: Lyrical wise and musical wise, very repetitive. However, it has a clear message being sent out.

4- ¡Viva la Gloria! = 9/10: One of my favorite songs from the entire album. Great song to introduce Gloria. I love the tempo of the song and I love how it starts out a bit slow in the beginning then picks up the speed half way through.

5- Before the Lobotomy = 7.3/10: Love the middle part of the song, has a great beat. The beginning was slow and didn't really do it for me.

6- Christian's Inferno = 7.5/10: I actually enjoy this song. I agree with some that the tempo is very weird, but it's unique. Almost sounds like the Network in a way. I love the chorus. This song is underrated.

7- Last Night on Earth = 6.5/10: No offense to anyone, but I found this song quite boring halfway through. His voice is lovely, but the lyrics are again, very repetitive.

8- East Jesus Nowhere = 9.5/10: Fab song, from beginning to end. No further comments on this one.

9- Peacemaker = 8/10: I love the acoustic guitar in this song and I love the lyrics.

10- Last of the American Girls = 9/10: Again, this is also on of my favorite songs in the whole album.

11- Murder City = 8.8/10: I enjoy listening to this song. This is what some would call "sounds like the old Green Day" type of song.

12- ¿Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl) = 8/10: At first, I was unsure of this song. After a while, I start to like it. Sounds like a combination of a couple of my favorite songs, Misery and Blood, Sex, and Booze.

13- Restless Heart Syndrome = 7.5/10: At first, I absolutely adored this song. After listening to it closely, it started to run away from me. Billie's voice sounds beautiful along with the piano, however, this song sounds very...Coldplayish and a bit whiny. That's my opinion though.

14- Horseshoes and Handgrenades = 10/10: This is my favorite song in the entire album. I relate to the lyrics and the song is fantastic. I love it, 'nuff said.

15- The Static Age = 8/10: At first, I wasn't sure about this song. After I gave it a few more listens, I love it. The music sounds like the "old Green Day", in my opinion.

16- 21 Guns = 6.7/10: I think this song is overrated, personally. Halfway through the song, I keep thinking, when does it end? It's repetitive. On a brighter note, it has a lovely tempo and his voice is just ravishing.

17- American Eulogy = 9.5/10: This is a fantastic song! Mike sounds fucking great. He should sing more often. 'Cause I don't give a shit, about the modern age.

18- See the Light = 7.5/10: I think this song is okay. The music itself is just alright. The lyrics however, is beautiful, for me.

Album overall:

21st Century Breakdown = 8/10

It's not my most favorite album by Green Day, but it has a lot of meaningful songs. This album showed how much they've grown up.

If you read this, thanks.

[Robin105]

Song Of The Century: 7/10 A good opener. Like how it starts out like a radio trying to find a station

21st Century Breakdown 10/10 One of my favorite songs on this album. MUCH better then the demo we heard a few months back. Love the middle of this song

Know Your Enemy 10/10: Another favorite off this album. Don't really know much to say about it. Not really surprised it was the first single though

Viva La Gloria! 7/10: This songs ok. Like the beginning part the most. Still a good song though

Before The Lobotomy 10/10 Probably my 5th favorite song on this album

Christians Inferno 9/10: I like this song a lot. I like how it sounds like the Network a little bit

Last Night on Earth 9/10: Beautiful song. I think about my boyfriend when I listen to this song

East Jesus Nowhere: 10/10 My 3rd favorite off this album. Love the lyrics and the beat. Very catchy. It's one of those songs you want to scream the lyrics to.

Peacemaker: 10/10 probably my 6th favorite song. I love the beat in this song

Last Of The American Girls: 10/10 I love this song. Kind of reminds me of She's a Rebel and She

Murder City 5/10 Sorry Billie but I think you should've made this song a B-side and put Hearts Collide on the album instead.

Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl) 10/10 I love this song. Very catchy

Restless Heart Syndrome 10/10 My 2nd Favorite song from this album.

Horseshoes and Handgrenades 6/10 This a good song but this is another one that I don't like as much.

Static Age 10/10: Tied at number 1 with another song off this album (See below)

21 Guns 100000000000000000000000/10: The best song Green Day has ever made (nuff said)

American Eulogy (Mass Hysteria) 9/10 I like this song a lot. Very catchy

American Eulogy (Modern World) 10/10 I love this part of the song

See The Light 10/10 The only thing I don't like about this song is the beginning and the long pause at the end. I keep thinking it's 21st Century Breakdown when this song comes on because of how it starts out. Great song though

Overall I give this album a 10/10 Every song on it is great. There are some I like more then others but every album is like that. Very good album