American Idiot, A Review...

When I first think of Green Day, the first thought that comes to mind is they were supposed to be a one album band. This band was supposed to have fizzled out after "Dookie". This is a band that should now be struggling to fill First Avenue, not playing Target Center. How are they still around? Well, for one thing, whatever you think of them, you have to admit that they have a great sense of that pop "hook" that draws listeners in. With American Idiot, they have created their "London Calling". This is easily and by far the best album of their career and if it's not nominated for a Grammy (and I'm talking Best Album Grammy, not Best Performance by a Hard Rock Band while standing on one leg and eating a donut), it will be a huge injustice. I'll admit that because of my musical snobbishness, that I had a hard time going to the store and buying a Green Day record. I've heard some people call this "Dookie with a conscience" and I would have to agree to a point. The music is just as fun as "Dookie" but it is more mature and you can tell these guys are a lot more serious now than they used to be. Many people have called the album a "Punk Rock Opera", whatever that is. It does have a consistent narrative with characters that rear their head throughout the album. It's a politically charged record (much more so than U2's newest, which is shocking. If you would have asked me five years ago which band would be making the most political record of 2004, I highly doubt anyone would've said Green Day. That would be like the Beastie Boys picking up instruments! Are you nuts?!!!). The standout tracks are, of course, "American Idiot", and "Jesus of Suburbia". "Jesus of Suburbia" is the most excellent track, and comprised of different "movements" if you will. The album artwork is the best I've seen in a long while with an arm holding what appears to be a grenade that's morphing into a bleeding heart. I love everything about this album, as much as I initially hated to admit it. It's also great to see a band that once named their albums things like "Kerplunk", "Dookie" and "Nimrod", grow into a political conscience. Would I have even listened to this album if it wasn't politically charged? Absolutely. On first listen, it's the quality of the music that grabs you. Upon further listening is when you realize the band has something to say. This will most likely be my top album of 2004.