... Luckily most fans took on board that the band had little option, and as such Warning was, in large a rousing success - little did these same fans know what was to come in four years time, undoubtedly the bands finest work ever, American Idiot.
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There's a clenched fist grasping a heart-shaped hand grenade on the cover ofAmerican ... more
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There's a clenched fist grasping a heart-shaped hand grenade on the cover of American ... more
Idiot, a militant mural presumably designed to inform us that Californian punk-pop vets Green Day love America but hate what's becoming of it. Inferences aside, you c...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
After a four year (and rather lengthy) hiatus, news broke that the masters of modern day punk-rock were to release an as yet untitled album in the autumn of 2004, something that threatened to break the mould of all that had come before. At this point, rumours of a supposed rock opera were taken with a pinch of salt, rather seen as further unwanted exposure for the album, but what people should ... ...negative, was something that the American public could relate to and see from Billie Joe’s perspective as to what he was feeling toward the government that were (and still are) running his homeland with little regard as to the people within it. Subsequent number one’s, coupled with rave reviews, left the band with no doubts as to how well received they were to be, but little did they know as to just how well. As the release date came over the horizon, ... more
Following 2000’s release of ‘Warning’, fans were left with the distinct feeling that something was seriously wrong in the Green Day camp - the lyrics were heart-felt (almost vomit inducing in some cases), the sound was far more mellowed and the promotion for the record was virtually non existent. What these same fans hadn’t previously comprehended was that the members of the band were now in their late 20’s and couldn’t portray themselves as the same snot nosed punks that 1994 had seen them to be - they had grown up, and with that, as had their music. Billie Joe Armstrong was still the master tactician, but there was no way he could still write tracks about masturbation and save face in the process, something had to give. It was, in fairness, a process that had begun back in 1997 with the release of Nimrod, an album that showed evident wholesale changes from the bands previous work such as Dookie and Insomniac, and a change that had to be welcomed by fans if things were to work out for the bands sake. Luckily most fans took on board that the band had little option, and as such Warning was, in large a rousing success - little did these same fans know what was to come in four years time, undoubtedly the bands finest work ever, American Idiot.
After a four year (and rather lengthy) hiatus, news broke that the masters of modern day punk-rock were to release an as yet untitled album in the autumn of 2004, something that threatened to break the mould of all that had come before. At this point, rumours of a supposed rock opera were taken with a pinch of salt, rather seen as further unwanted exposure for the album, but what people should by now know, is that when a certain Mr. Armstrong sets his sights on something, he more often than not pulls it off. Forgoing the 2002 release of ‘Shenanigans’, a collection of rarities and B-sides, this would be the first ‘new’ material from the band in four years, which would lead to an awful lot of questions needing answering. What had changed lyrically, was the sound the same, were the guys the same within themselves - maybe all crucial points, but irrelevant to anyone who knows what the band are about. Obviously, once the news broke that the record were to be titled ‘American Idiot’, and considering Billie Joe’s previous vitriol’s against the US President, the thoughts that sprung to mind ranged from an anti-America record, to something of a full on scathing assault.
In truth, what we have is something of a rock opera that integrates the current issues within the US into it’s story. The lead character (St. Jimmy), could easily be your everyday American, coping with the everyday issues that Billie Joe writes of, with ‘Holiday’ being the one legit attack at Bush and his regime. ‘American Idiot’, the albums lead single, began gaining radio play toward the middle of 2004, instantly topping charts in every corner of the globe, whilst going pretty unchallenged as to it’s stance. It’s stance, although negative, was something that the American public could relate to and see from Billie Joe’s perspective as to what he was feeling toward the government that were (and still are) running his homeland with little regard as to the people within it. Subsequent number one’s, coupled with rave reviews, left the band with no doubts as to how well received they were to be, but little did they know as to just how well. As the release date came over the horizon, stores were heard to have excessive pre-orders for the album, as well raging demand on shop level itself. It was to eventually sell a mere (yeah right) 1 million in it’s first two weeks on general sale, as well as staggering online sales, making it the must have release of 2004.
American Idiot (the single) had laid the path for what were to follow, that being the subtle yet special, Boulevard Of Broken Dreams. Instant memories came flooding back of Time Of Your Life and as to whether this was the next big ‘it’ song for Green Day - question answered emphatically. It’s a scene that is easily pictured, your everyday teen, head down, walking alone on the ‘Boulevard Of Broken Dreams’, wondering as to how their life got in the state that they find it - as previously mentioned, it’s a concept album that caters for everyday life. The song in itself, probably contains some of the most heart-felt lyrics that Billie Joe has ever written, putting it up there with the like of Good Riddance and When I Come Around as one of the bands finest hours, with critical acclaim to follow, the world was seemingly their oyster. When it comes to speaking your mind, there is no stronger in modern day music than Billie Joe Armstrong, a man as much in love with his homeland as any other, yet a man in shame of the way it’s being run by the current US President - his statement, critical as it may seem, is the albums third (and current) single, ‘Holiday’.
It’s politically fuelled, anger induced lyrics are something that, although likely to go largely unnoticed by anyone that really matters, opens your eyes to just how bad things are for some people, and how strongly certain individuals feel about it. The music, although seemingly irrelevant in certain cases of the record, is top drawer and as good as ever - although it’s an album that urges you to focus on the lyrics just as much as anything else. ‘Holiday’ is generally the peak of the anger that fuels the album, with the remaining tracks instead telling the tale of St. Jimmy and his many adventures with his (equally) many friends. ‘Are We The Waiting’, another of the albums finer points, tells the tale of a lost soul, lost as to what they want, need and feel in regards to themselves and the people around them, whilst asking the question as to whether ‘We Are The Waiting’. On the faster side of things, ‘She’s A Rebel’ tells the tale of the character that we will eventually know as ‘Whatsername’, a lost love to St. Jimmy, and one that he struggles to ignore whilst fighting his feelings as to what she’s doing and where she‘s at (see: ‘Whatsername’).
Although merely an album at this stage, talks are supposedly underway as to whether there is a realistic chance of the record becoming an official ‘rock-opera’, much along the lines of past famous releases. It’s a direction that the band have personally stated interest in taking the album, yet with their gruelling tour schedule taking up the following two years, hopes of that are likely to be laid to rest for the foreseeable future at least. Putting aside the lyrical side of the record, rather choosing to concentrate on the music itself, American Idiot is in my opinion one of the finest albums of all time - it follows a steady path whilst being highly adventurous for a band of their nature, it’s relatable on so many levels and the music in itself is as good as anything that has been offered up since the early 90’s. The mere fact that the album contains two tracks that clear the nine minute mark (Jesus Of Suburbia, Homecoming) is an unheard of stat as far as Green Day and their music goes, showing the maturity and ambition that their music has gained in the last ten years. Those tracks, built around five centre piece stints, form the base of American Idiot, whilst taking the bands music to an entirely new level.
‘Letterbomb’, a strong personal favourite of mine, talks of the disarray within the albums main setting, mentioning destruction and unrest in it’s three and a half minutes of full on rock, a track that would have been at home on any one of the bands past releases. Anyway, to refrain from any further waffling, I shall cut to the chase. Green Day, considering the band they once were - singing songs of masturbation etc - have produced undoubtedly one of the finest albums in music history, far surpassing anything that they personally have given us before. An unheard of feat, they’ve produced a rock-opera concept record that, whilst talking from an anti-America perspective, is easily relatable to anyone that feels the need. The story (and the tracks) gel beautifully to make an all round success that fully deserves the critical acclaim for which it has received over the past 6 months, and the Grammy Award that it received last night !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Track Listing
1. American Idiot 2. Jesus Of Suburbia ~ Jesus Of Suburbia ~ City Of The Damned ~ I Don’t Care ~ Dearly Beloved ~ Tales Of Another Broken Home 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 ~The Death Of St. Jimmy ~ East 12th St. ~ Nobody Likes You ~ Rock And Roll Girlfriend ~ We’re Coming Home Again 13. Whatsername
MUFCboi 14.02.2005 (14.02.2005)
Ciao members have rated this review on average:
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Review of American Idiot (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Green Day
...off at night. American Idiot The hype around the album was eventually satisfied with the release of the first single to be taken from it ‘American Idiot’. Lyrically this is probably something that few Americans would appreciate, with the words not sounding particularly kind in parts. Musically it typical Green Day …. Hard hitting drums, typical clean bass from Mike Dirnt and Billie Joe singing his heart out with every word. As far as its placing ... ...there isn’t much better than American Idiot, but as I said for overall quality, there are better songs here. The great thing with Green Day is that their music takes you in so many different directions, from the hard hitting Basket Case to the fantastically beautiful Good Riddance, that you are always enthralled to know what’s coming next. If you have that felling at the end of this track ….. I warn you …… you ain’t heard nothing yet. “Don’t want ...
ManUtdBoi 29.09.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of American Idiot (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Green Day
Advantages: Great band, lyrics, tunes..... Disadvantages: None at all
...done so….. At least until American Idiot.
AMERICAN IDIOT
--------------------------------------------
American Idiot was released in September 2004 and is the bands most ambitious album to date. Described as a 'Rock Opera' album, it is confrontational, angry and most of all controversial. A comment on American politics, society and very, very Anti-Dubya, the album is a rock rollercoaster of emotion. I personally think it is their best album to ... ...BY TRACK
--------------------------------------------
1. American Idiot (2.54)
The title track from the album, and the bands first release, this is probably best defined as a great stadium rock song. With its thumping drum beat, explosive lyrics and amazing vocals it is an instant classic. I loved this song from the moment I heard it - it is still my ring tone to this day!
'Can you hear the sound of hysteria?
The subliminal mind, f**k America'
...
jovichick123 25.05.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of American Idiot (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Green Day
Advantages: Excellent vocals, guitar work and overall quality. Disadvantages: Some of the softer songs arent quite as good
...more operatic rock styles and American idiot, the latest offering from them leans so far into it, I would say it is no longer pop punk.
Greenday have already produced a good number of albums, all of which have given us 'classic' songs.
Dookie the bands breakthrough 1994 album gave us 'Longview' and 'Basketcase'
Insomniac Gave us 'Brainstew' and Nimrod gave us 'Time of your life'
It was 2000 when the band hit the mainstream though with their album ... ...We shall see.
AMERICAN IDIOT:-(2:53)
As soon as the opening track starts, youlld be forgiven for believing this was pretty much the same as Greendays older stuff, it has the catchy riff, the fast drum beat and the clear cut vocals that cominated Warning and to some extent Dookie.
It's clear from the start this is going to be the first single, and the one that will be played on Top of the Pops and the radio everywhere, a pop punky chorus breaks ...
Soadfan1 28.09.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of American Idiot (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Green Day
Advantages: best album of the year Disadvantages: some people don't own it
...can never get enough of): American Idiot, Jesus Of Suburbia, Holiday... oh, wait, the whole damn thing Skip (songs I have trouble listening to even once): not on this CD
Check out greenday.co.ukI Repeat (songs I can never get enough of): American Idiot, Jesus Of Suburbia, Holiday... oh, wait, the whole damn thing Skip (songs I have trouble listening to even once): not on this CD
Check out greenday.co.ukI Repeat (songs I can never get enough of): ... ...can never get enough of): American Idiot, Jesus Of Suburbia, Holiday... oh, wait, the whole damn thing Skip (songs I have trouble listening to even once): not on this CD
Check out greenday.co.ukI Repeat (songs I can never get enough of): American Idiot, Jesus Of Suburbia, Holiday... oh, wait, the whole damn thing Skip (songs I have trouble listening to even once): not on this CD
Check out greenday.co.ukI Repeat (songs I can never get enough of): ...
Dizzy_Lizzy 30.09.2004 (13.10.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of American Idiot (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Green Day
Advantages: One of the finest albums you'll find this decade Disadvantages: None whatsoever
...powerful, serene-yet-shatterproof experience that is American Idiot was born.
Contrary to popular misconception, this isn’t a record aimed straight at George Bush’s jugular. Rather, it’s the story of a character, Jimmy, who is content living in his own bubble, away from the real world suppression of Dubya’s regime. On the album opener and title track – a three minute thrashathon ripped straight from the Green-Day-by-numbers Annual – Jimmy expresses ... ...later, he’s fallen for everything he stood against, himself becoming a false idol. It’s a role that drives him to take his own life during Homecoming, the album’s penultimate track.
But beneath the simmering storyline, Green Day’s heart remains more Redundant than Dookie. Sure, there are nods to the full on rawk that started it all – the foot-stomping strains of Letterbomb, or Holiday’s almost rap-like middle eight. But it’s when Armstrong gets ...
BennyRialto 24.03.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of American Idiot (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Green Day
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
How does it compare to ...
Value for Money
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Reviews which might be of interest for "American Idiot (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Green Day"
Advantages: catchy tunes Disadvantages: a bit full on for some
In the last ten years or so, I have been a great lover of alternative rock. If I was pushed to reveal my two favourite bands, I would have to say , the foo fighters, and the red hot chili's. Greenday, would probably weigh in at a close third.
The first of their albums that I heard was dookie, way back more years ago than I care to remember. From then, I Knew that they were destined for big things. They had a raw, punky sound, that was very different to anything that I had heard before. Vocally, iIwould have to say that they are somewhat limited. It is fine for what they do, but it cannot compete with the likes of Grohl, or Keidis.
Americanidiot, is the seventh album from greenday, and their punk rock style has not changed. I suppose its a case of, if its not broken, then dont fix it. The Album itself is a harshly political ...
Advantages: Emotional, thought provoking, no weak songs Disadvantages: few, some swearing (kids), some lyrical references may cause offence
. I once read somewhere that the youth of today were crying out for a new band to appear that will speak out for thier views and express how they feel about the world in its current climate. I, like that particular music mag, was suprised to hear GreenDay as this new political voice: but I think it explains just why this album has become so popular.
Although I think every song on here is of the highest quality i just want to review a few of the songs in greater detail because I think the best summerise just what this album symbolises.
Track listing
AmericanIdiot
The title track to the album opens just as you would expect a Punk classic to: with a fast pace heavy guitar rift that is highly infectious. Not suprisingly this song is an indication of Billy Joe distancing himself from the views of G W Bush. I never fail to get ...
Advantages: Jam packed and well worth the money Disadvantages: Zero
GreenDay came back, with a vengence in 2004 with AmericanIdiot. Although this album is not my personal favorite, it is 110% top notch. Old GreenDay were more underground back in the day but the release of AmericanIdiot aka "new" GreenDay blasted them into the mainstream.
Not a lot of people know that this album is actually A STORY about a guy who calls himself The Jesus of Suburbia. Although a fictional story, there are a couple of true meanings to some of the tracks, for example "Wake Me Up When September Ends" - this is part of the story where the lead role is fed up, etc, but it is in fact Billie Joe singing about the death of his father.
This is a very clever album and has a deep meaning which people don't realise on the face of it.
This isnt an album where you get ur bog standard "10 tracks", it is jam packed, lengthy ...
Product Information for "American Idiot (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Green Day" »
Product details
Title
American Idiot (Parental Advisory) [PA]
Performer
Green Day
Genre
Rock & Pop
Sub Genre
Punk Rock
Release Date
20/09/2004
Recomended Retail Price
16.99 GBP
Original Release Year
2004
Label / Distributor
Reprise / Cinram Logistics
Engineer
Doug McKean; Brian Vibberts; Greg B
Producer
Rob Cavallo; Green Day
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
93624877721
Catalogue Number
9362487772
Additional notes
Album Notes
This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Green Day: Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals, guitar); Mike Dirnt (vocals, bass instrument); Tre Cool (drums). Recording information: Ocean Way Recording, Hollywood, California. Rock opera and punk are usually two mutually exclusive musical styles. Then again, Green Day has never followed any rock rulebook, so it's not entirely surprising that the trio crafted a punk-rock opera that takes the Bush administration and its policies to task. It doesn't get any more pointed than a couplet from the frenetic title cut that states, "I'm not a part of a redneck agenda/Now everybody do the propaganda" Under the guidance of any other group of agitated punks, the results of such an undertaking could easily become didactic. But with creative spearhead Billie Joe Armstrong at the helm, AMERICAN IDIOT is melodically driven, with the kind of intellectual bent that allows for a pair of mini-operas, "Jesus of Suburbia" and "Homecoming." Trimmed with a light sprinkling of piano and a big guitar sound occasionally reminiscent of Mott the Hoople, the former skewers the hypocrisy that can pervade small-town life. The latter is equally effective, as clever time changes and sonic flourishes (glockenspiel, doo-wop harmonies, honking saxophone) serve as an intriguing counterpoint to the band's hook-laced riffs.
Album Reviews
Rolling Stone (p.186) - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 - "On AMERICAN IDIOT, the thirteen tracks segue together, expanding into piano balladry and acoustic country shuffle....Green Day have found a way to hit their thirties without either betraying their original spirit or falling on their faces."
Mojo (p.106) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[I]n AMERICAN IDIOT, they've recorded what could be their masterpiece, a 13-song, hour-long set that's both ambitious and expertly original."
Uncut (p.119) - 3 stars out of 5 - "The Berkeley trio's upbeat poppy punk - equally indebted to The Kinks as The Ramones - shows no signs of fatigue, but has now been put to blatantly political use."
Titles on disc 1
1.
American Idiot
2.
Jesus Of Surburbia (Jesus of suburbia/City of the damned/I don't care/Dearly beloved/Tales of another broken home)
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 (The death of St. Jimmy/East 12th St./Nobody likes you/Rock 'n' roll girlfriend/We're coming home again)
13.
Whatsername
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