1) Burnout 2) Having A Blast 3) Chump 4) Longview 5) Welcome To Paradise 6) Pulling Teeth 7) Basket Case 8) She 9) Sassafras Roots 10) When I Come Around 11) Coming Clean 12) Emenius Sleepus 13) In The End 14) F.O.D.
There was a time in my life where Greenday were the musical force I lived to, and I have revisited it recently finding that similar passion that was so powerful several years ago. Six studio efforts into their career, Greenday are still flying high with an evolved style and picking up millions of fans along the way. "Dookie" is renowned as Greenday's best effort and perhaps rightly so, although I personally find their earlier material such as 'Kerplunk!' just as entertaining. A great live band, and as this disc will prove, a great studio band. 'Burnout' is the tone setter, the typical Greenday three chord punk sound is ever-present as Billie Joe Armstrong sings that he is "Not growing up, just burning out, and I stepped in line to walk amongst the dead". Choosing this track as the opener was perfect to give an insight into what was in store for the following work to be shown.
After the pulsating introduction track 'Having A Blast' kicks in with a similar style. A catchy chorus mixed with just as catchy verses make another choice cut from the acclaimed album.
The riff build up approaching the two minute mark is the most memorable section of this track and the drumming that follows is flawless.
In similar vein again, 'Chump' impresses with the first listen. The first three tracks perhaps follow too close a formula but it's a welcome occurrence as they blend well together and set an all round high tempo and upbeat feel to the record which is, again, typical of Greenday.
As 'Chump' draws to a gradual close, 'Longview' sets in at a somewhat slower pace to that of the earlier offerings. This track was one which rocketed Greenday to stardom along with other classics, many of which also appear on this disc. The changeable pace is excellent, the drumming by Tres Cool gives the track the support it needs while Armstrong sings this time about the stereotypical teenage pastime of sitting around doing nothing!
The unforgettable start to 'Welcome To Paradise' picks up very nicely from where the previous track had ended, more prize drumming and catchy bass lines from Mike Dirnt. This track first appeared on Greenday's second studio album 'Kerplunk' and this version is clearly more polished after their switch from Lookout Records to Reprise.
One piece from the album that didn't instantly make much of an impression on my ears was 'Pulling Teeth', but it is without doubt a grower. "Is she ultra-violet? Is she disturbed? I better tell her that I love her" is just one example of the fine lyrics that appear on some of the bands more serious efforts.
If you've ever wondered why Greenday are so popular, here is one of the reasons why. 'Basket Case' is the band's most well known effort and one which will bring back memories for those who have been a long term fan of their music. Strange lyrics may be at the forefront of this anthem but it doesn't make any difference, this is happy punk in it's true colours.
To keep the already impressive album on a high, 'She' makes a fantastic impact. Another rare serious moment for the lyrics which are very contagious. The music just makes it all that bit better, this is one of the calmer pieces on the album but with a steady and impressive sound, a brilliant effort to follow the previous memorable effort.
'Sassafras Roots' is catchy, which is hardly a surprise, but tends to get a little repetitive. Unfortunately this track could well fit into the filler category, I like it, but it could have been better.
Joined with 'Basket Case', the next offering was another popular track to be taken from the album, and yet again, all the praise was fully deserved. With 'When I Come Around' Greenday proved that they can write mature lyrics and combine them with impressive musical work. Like many of the tracks, this lasts under three minutes but the messages are well and truly put across in this time, in short; this is a brilliant track without any shadow of a doubt.
'Coming Clean' returns to the earlier formula which the album uses, starting promisingly with all areas of music covered well and thoughtful lyrics once again, this track has a fair bit to offer. The one drawback being that there is nothing really new here and the tempo may have been spread out over the album to better effect to fit this number in elsewhere. That aside, still a good cut.
Track twelve 'Emenius Sleepus' begins with a dramatic drum kick and carries on in a similar pace to which it started. Armstrong seems to be singing about regrets of a past friendship that ended, without knowing the reason why, an experience many of us can relate to. Slightly repetitive again, but a good track without doubt.
'In The End', with a title like that would possibly be better place as the final track on the album, but this is Greenday, nonsense prevails. Lasting under two minutes, this track is fast paced. I can't help but feel this track could have been left out as it seems out of position and I doubt any position would truly justify it, but it's there, and it's not a bad track, so I won't complain.
The final track, entitled 'F.O.D', which stands for the subtle 'F**k Off And Die' is one which starts off at an equally subtle pace, softly sung vocals, but then explodes into a heavier composition. One of the most catchy riffs on the disc by all means and finishes an epic album in epic style.
Perhaps a band which appeal more for the younger generation, Greenday certainly did not disappoint with this effort. Almost consistently brilliant from start to finish this album is a must have for any punk fan, and fan of most other genres for that matter. Added to this ground-breaking musical achievement is an amusing piece of cover art which just makes it that little bit more worth while!
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Punk had flirted with mainstream attention before--the Clash and Sex Pistols had hits--but ... more
didn't fully advance from the underground until this pure-punk 1994 album. In singing catchy, tight rock & roll tunes--including "Longview", "Welcome to Paradise...
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Advantages: This CD reminds me that even *I* can write better songs. Disadvantages: I would rather open up a CD case to find fecal excrement inside than listen to this one.
Sarah_B 01.05.2002 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
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