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70 of 83 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heartfelt album, these songs will grow on you . . ., May 16, 2009
I had a hard time accepting this new album, as I loved American Idiot and didn't think it could be topped . . . further, I wasn't too excited about the whole "Christian and Gloria" narrative, etc. But I've found that, with repeated listens, the songs have really grown on me. And the narrative is so loose, and Christian and Gloria are referenced so infrequently, that there were times when I forgot I was listening to a "rock opera." This album is not as fun as American Idiot, it is more contemplative and introspective. And, with a few exceptions, it doesn't have the light-heartedness of earlier Green Day material. That's why you have to give it some time. The guys wanted to do something a little different (heck, they've been at this for 20 years). I personally feel like this album came from the heart, and that's why I listened to it two to three times to let it grow on me before making up my mind about it.
The following songs are my favorites:
1) Horseshoes and Handgrenades. I think this song has the most menacing "f$#k you" energy of any Green Day song ever. East Jesus Nowhere is also quite good, for similar reasons.
2) Last Night on Earth. I'm not usually one for ballads, but this one is very beautiful. It was written by Billie Joe for his wife . . .
3) 21st Century Breakdown. This hook grows on you, it has a sunny, grooving quality to it even though the lyrics are kinda pessimistic.
4) "Before the Lobotomy" also starts out as a serious ballad . . . again, not my favorite type of music usually. The track morphs into something else and then the ballad material returns, but set to a backbeat and distorted guitars. It sounds very powerful at the end.
5) Restless Heart Syndrome . . . another haunting ballad that improves with each listen.
6) 21 Guns. This has a great "everyone put your lighter in the air" vibe. I think this will sound excellent live.
There were other good moments on the album, too. I'm just getting too tired to type more :) And, at the risk of beating you over the head with a stick . . . give this album 2-3 listens and let the material sink in. You will be glad you did.
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39 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Green Day is becoming their own genre - Arena Punk, May 20, 2009
I've read several reviews saying it takes 2-3 listens to get into this album, but I was hooked the first time. American Idiot spent about 3 months straight in my truck's CD player on repeat and I imagine this one will as well. They have grown musically at about the same pace as I have. They do a great job mixing the fast songs with the ballads (often in the same song). I was 15 when Dookie came out and am now 30. In that period, I have gotten into some great older music - The Beatles (thanks Mom), The Who, Queen, to name few. I was skeptical when I heard Good Riddance on the Nimrod album but that song has since grown into one of my favorite Green Day songs. I still like it fast and heavy but have really grown to appreciate classic rock and you can really hear the influences of these bands in Green Day's last two albums. In fact, for those of you who buy this on itunes, I recommend adding their cover of Lennon's "Working Class Hero" when you burn it onto a CD. It fits right along with the rest of 21st Century Breakdown.
In summary, if you liked American Idiot you will definitely get into this one. A couple more albums like these last two would probably seal their induction into the Rock n Roll hall of fame. Rock on...
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18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I can't NOT love Green Day, May 17, 2009
Green Day was the first band I ever saw live, so I think I'll always carry a positive bias with me for these guys because of that show. Up until American Idiot I loved every single album they put out. I didn't necessarily dislike American Idiot, it just had a totally different vibe than their previous albums. With 21st Century Breakdown, they really seemed to capture the best elements from American Idiot and go with a similar concept once again. What sets "Breakdown" apart, however, is how well they were able to make such a long, epic album again but manage to pay homage to a lot of their older sounds. Don't get me wrong, this is definitely another stadium-ready rock opera, but done so in a way that all of Green Day's classic pop-punk aggression and melodies shine through and carry you from start to finish. I really didn't expect to enjoy this album much at all, and after the first listen I was worried my suspicions might have been true, but with repeat listens this album has quickly won me over and will definitely be one of my top favorites of 2009.
Favorite Tracks:
¡Viva La Gloria!
East Jesus Nowhere
Peacemaker
Last Of The American Girls
Murder City
The Static Age
American Eulogy
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,was produced by Bill Schneider 
