21st Century Breakdown

4/5 stars

Green Day’s brand new album, 21st Century Breakdown,  will not be disappointing any fans to say the least. It is evident that Green Day has perfected their sound and defined the punk scene. In addition to the rebellious riffs typical of Green Day’s previous albums, 21st Century Breakdown exhibits a range of anthemic masterpieces. Turn shuffle off- this is one album you will want to listen to in sequential order. Flow of the album is fantastic. Hard punk riffs cresendo to anthems and then crash away to a soothing calm in such mellow songs as “Last Night On Earth”, only to build back up and repeat.

The nature of the songs on the album is not the only reason you will want to listen to it in order, however. 21st Century Breakdown is structured in three parts following the lives of a young couple named Christian and Gloria. The album is broken up into three acts entitled Act I: Heroes and Cons, Act II: Charlatans and Saints, and Act III: Horseshoes and Handgrenades.

21st Century Breakdown is already experiencing tremendous success, reaching the number one spot on charts throughout the world, including US Billboard 200. The first single off the album, “Know Your Enemy” has also lingered near the tops of many charts, including a peak position of number one on US Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks. The album certainly does not rely on its singles, however. The entire first act could be released as singles as far as I’m concerned - it’s that good. As of right now, the next single to be released will be “21 Guns” with talk of the title song “21st Century Breakdown” to follow.