Back for their 14th album, the trio prove they still have a lot to sing about on this energetic and enjoyable album.
Green Day have never been a band to mince their words or to share their thoughts on the world around them and this is something that certainly hasn’t changed on this latest album.
Showcasing the wide breadth of rock influences, this is an album that is filled with plenty of surprises from start to finish. Whether it is the uptempo sound of ‘The American Dream is Killing Me’ (which the lyrics sits at odds with the music in a pleasing way) or even a softer and more reflective approach as heard on ‘Father to A Son’ which is a surprisingly poignant song to include on an album that pulsates with energy throughout – but it works.
Perhaps as the album goes on the relentless pace of the album can be slightly wearying and you may find yourself having to take a brief break, but there is still plenty to be enjoyed. ‘Dilemma’ is a real highlight, with its undertones of 1950’s style of rock n’ roll that makes it a really catchy listen, as is ‘1981’ which showcases Green Day’s ability to provide plenty of passion and quality in terms of the music that they are making.
But of course along the way, the band show that they don’t always take themselves seriously, just listen to ‘One Eyed Bastard’ which is one of the more playful tracks on the album, showing that while they have grown up in many ways they are still staying true to what made them one of the leading punk-rock groups in the first place.
In many ways it is an album that is very reflective of the last few years as heard on ‘Strange Days are Here to Stay’ is a strong comment on how the world has changed particularly ‘since Bowie died’ (2016) – there is a sense of despair and uncertainty to it that makes you really sit up and pay attention to Billie Joe Armstrong’s lyrics and how Green Day effortlessly use their music to make powerful points.
Elsewhere on the album, there is a real vibrancy to songs such as ‘Corvette Summer’ and ‘Saviors’ that makes them real standout tracks to listen to, proving that this is a band that still has plenty to sing and make music about.
Overall, this is certainly an album that will please the fans and might even help Green Day find a new audience. An entertaining and vibrant listen.
By Emma Clarendon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐