Review:

on 2011-10-11 CharlesMartel Said:

Although Green Day continue to be labelled as punks, that is a term which, when applied to music, had its heyday about 25 years before "American Idiot" was released, and arguably died shortly thereafter. In truth, whatever punk was about, Green Day were not it. "American Idiot" is probably, in terms of its conception, about as far away as you can get from punk for "American Idiot" is pretty much a (punk)-rock opera.

Much has been made of the political message contained in the album, but in reality, that message at times borders on the puerile and never really has much to say other than an underlying theme of George W. Bush is an arse. Frankly, on this side of the Atlantic, we knew that anyway, and didn't need Green Day to tell us. What the album does is take three characters - the somewhat unsavoury Jesus of Suburbia, the lost and confused St Jimmy and the vulnerable Whatshername. The stories of these three intertwine and unfold as they live their lives against a backdrop of the worst aspects of the United States - hypocritical politicians; homophobic bigots who call themselves Christians and want to shove their religion down everyone's throat; ultra-right wing psycopaths; and so on. All of these unpleasant aspects of America are seen to coalesce around the Bush era Republican presidency. The album unfolds the effect that has on the participants.

If that were the beginning and the end of it, this might just pass. But the problem is, punk rock is not a medium which lends itself easily to a meaningful expression of these themes without resorting to juvenile ranting. The hit "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" is easily the most successful song in this regard as it conveys the right amount of negative feeling without being stupid. But gradually, the contradictions in the album pull it apart. By the time of the last track, the supposed apotheosis of the album, the insanity of the protagonist, the Jesus of Suburbia, has manifested itself in an almost entirely in reminiscing for what might have been staring against the futility of what is.

Whatever Green Day's grand idea for this album what, it never comes off. To someone from the UK, where George W. Bush and the Talibaptists who have got his party by the balls have always seemed almost like unreal pantomime villains, the album lacks realism. Maybe an American will have a different take on it, better able to relate to the themes it contains. But to someone like me, for whom the Bush era was always one of pandering to corporate greed, wilful ignorance, Bible-thumping hypocrisy and outright warmongering, "American Idiot" just seems a bit obvious.
Rating: 5/10

on 2010-08-01 insanedrumz Said:

This is not TRUE punk- it is shit. Clearly aimed at making the grand old $$$$$
Not Rated

Review:

on 2010-07-31 george3724 Said:

Green Day has long lived in constant controversy over their lyrics and song messages. American Idiot was no exception with tales of drugs, sex, and rebellion. With some epic songs and some of the catchiest guitar riffs, this launched Green Day back into popularity in the 21st century.

What separates this album from others is it's controversy and it's story. While most albums are simply a compilation of songs, American Idiot is a tale. A tale of a boy going into the city to find what's there for him. We explore the human experiences of euphoria, rebellion, loss, and homecoming.

The first track is American Idiot, the title track of the album. This track doesn't really fit in with the story and acts as more of an introduction. Billy Joe sings about Americans and his belief about their "stupidity". He also creates a signature, heart throbbing riff to be remembered well by fans.

For the beginning of the story, Armstrong introduces the main character of the album, the Jesus of Suburbia (also the American Idiot). The young man is portrayed as an antihero. A powerless teenager hooked on Ritalin mixed with soda pop. He hates his mother and the father he does not know and everyone close to him. Therefore, he leaves the town to pursue his dreams. There are also two more characters introduced: Whatshername and St. Jimmy. They are both like the Jesus of Suburbia.

The story continues but really is up to the listener to interpret the meaning and resolution to the tale. Billy Joel has not revealed much of what he actually meant the album to be. However, interpretation has taken it far and American Idiot even hit Broadway, as a musical.

The album's success goes farther. American Idiot (track) became a hit single. Jesus of Suburbia became known as an epic, for it's length and 4 parts. Holiday became one of the most successful tracks on the album for it's catch riff and topped the charts. Boulevard of Broken Dreams went as far to earn Green Day their first ever Grammy Award, letting them reach a new status. Wake Me Up When September Ends became widely popular, touching the hearts of the people who felt 9/11 and Hurricane Katriana (Armstrong actually wrote the song about his father, who died when he was a little boy).

American Idiot is an incredible album and a must have. And I mean the entire album and the entire story.

Track listing:

1. American Idiot
2. Jesus of Suburbia
3. Holiday
4. Boulevard of Broken Dreams
5. Are We the Waiting
6. St. Jimmy
7. Give Me Novacaine
8. She's A Rebel
9. Extraordinary Girl
10. Letterbomb
11. Wake Me Up When September Ends
12. Homecoming
13. Whatshername

(Homecoming and Jesus of Suburbia are separated into five parts)
Rating: 10/10

Review:

on 2007-07-28 blackxdan Said:

I'm probably going to get beaten up for saying this, but I don't think this album release by Green Day isnt so spectacular. I have a theory about Green Day and this release, feel free to disagree if you want. I think that there was such a long break between the release of this album and their last one, that fans didn't allow themselves to be let down. Sure, songs on this album are catchy, but they arent that great. Once this album came out, Green Day became very overplayed and really tired after the second month. I can't stand any of the songs on this album, mostly because i think they are annoying to listen to again and again. Sure, the first time through is greeat, but nothing much after that. This isnt an album i can listen to repeatedly time and time again.
Rating: 5/10

Review:

on 2007-07-02 Bastard Said:

this is a fantastic cd. even my kids love it.
Rating: 10/10