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.

It seems that, more than ever, it's fashionable to hate bands that become successful, begin to explore other sounds and expand their themes; they're labeled as hacks and sellouts. From their hard-punk freshman work on "1,039 Smoothed Out Slappy Hours", Green Day, in my opinion, graduated with their rock-opera "American Idiot" and I wondered how they would top it. They did just that with this epic CD - incredible variety, depth and passion; "21st Century Breakdown" is their doctoral thesis.

Granted, I like everything they've done - from the early EP's to "Kerplunk" to "Warning"; I'm a fan. I think they're the best rockers working today or as Letterman once said when they appeared on 'Late Night', "The band that's single-handedly saving rock and roll." I thought "American Idiot" was the one of the best rock albums released in years but "21st Century..." comes in as far more sophisticated with an impressive array of music and a very clear vision of character and story.

Almost everyone is familiar with the thrust of this album; rock opera story of Christian and Gloria in 3 Acts (Heroes & Cons, Charlatans & Saints, Horseshoes & Handgrenades) so let's talk music.

The sheer range of different sounds on this CD was the first thing that struck me. "21st Century Breakdown" has everything; the hard-rocking "Know Your Enemy" and "Murder City", classic rock echos of "The Who" in the title track as well as "Before the Lobotomy" and "See the Light". Then there's an Ozzy feel to "Christian's Inferno" and the truly edgy "East Jesus Nowhere" (originally called "March of the Dogs"). Surprisingly, there's a beautiful John Lennon-esque ballad style in "Last Night on Earth", "Restless Heart Syndrome" and "21 Guns". Throw in the tre' cool (pardon the pun) Spanish guitar-influenced "Peacemaker" and radio-ready pop tunes like "Last of the American Girls" and "The Static Age", then follow each tune as it tells the story with the occasional flourish worthy of Queen and it's a very imposing work.

The lyrics are intricate and finely constructed, playful and clever, wry and revealing. The "Last of the American Girls" paints a picture of America itself, from it's naive hopefulness to it's self-absorbed isolation to it's self-perceived superiority - `She wears her overcoat for the coming of the nuclear winter / She is riding a bike like a fugitive of critical mass / She's on a hunger strike for the ones who won't make it for dinner / She makes enough to survive for the Holiday working-class...'

"East Jesus Nowhere" is a stinging indictment of religious fanatics; `Say a prayer for the family / Drop a coin for humanity / Ain't this uniform so flattering / I never asked you a God dammed thing'. Then there are songs that effortlessly shift gears musically while elucidating story and character, like "¿Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl)".

And as far as selling out; when I was first hit by "Horseshoes and Handgrenades" (`I'm not f-ing around / I think I'm coming out / All the deceivers and cheaters / I think we've got a bleeder right now...') I heard all the intensity, passion and punk sensibility of anything in their early days. And almost every song on this CD has an eloquent, craftsman-like attention to detail.

Contrary to the crap some of blogs have been spewing, Green Day does not hate America any more than John Lennon thought he was Jesus. But artists who explore deeply and kick over the rocks to examine the underbelly will always be derided for exposing what people don't want to face. It's right there at the end of "Restless Heart Syndrome" - `You're a victim of your symptom / You are your own worst enemy / Know your enemy'. It's ironic that people say Green Day has sold out and then despise them for attacking the American establishment... isn't that what punks do?

But if "21st Century Breakdown" is selling out, Green Day will continue to expand their market because there are lots of us out here who are buying. Then again, I'm an old guy; I grew up with rock and roll from the 60's and 70's, so perhaps I have perspective... or maybe its dementia.

Either way, let the haters prattle on - Green Day rules.

I personally love this new album, and it's been a long time coming! After one listen, it certainly has a different feel to it than American Idiot had. The album is certainly different,and in a way I don't like it, but after a few listens to the album, the songs really do grow on you. I think this album was written from their hearts, and I applaud them for their tremendous effort. Now if only they would come to Klamath Falls and sing for us!

Also, the lyrics and the artwork in the book are nice, weird at some times, but they create a certain atmosphere about the album while you're listening to it. Keep it up Green Day, you guys rock!

As a long-time Green Day fan, I cannot help but be ecstatic about their latest album. Though a big fan, I will still try to be neutral.

This album, among all the Green Day albums, is definitely the one that can be enjoyed by the widest range of people, in my opinion. I think old fans as well as new fans will find many things to appreciate throughout the 18 tracks.

Though not as punchy as Insomniac, interesting as Nimrod, flowing as American Idiot, familiar as Warning, or instantly classic as Dookie... 21st Century Breakdown finds a balance within all the qualities of Green Day's music and provides a fresh and satisfyingly catchy musical experience.

If you like music, buy this CD.

Recommended tracks: 21 Guns, Before the Lobotomy,¡Viva la Gloria!, East Jesus Nowhere, Murder City

I personally love this new album, and it's been a long time coming! After one listen, it certainly has a different feel to it than American Idiot had. The album is certainly different,and in a way I don't like it, but after a few listens to the album, the songs really do grow on you. I think this album was written from their hearts, and I applaud them for their tremendous effort. Now if only they would come to Klamath Falls and sing for us!

I especially like these songs:

1)Know your enemy

2)Viva la Gloria!

3)21 guns

4)Horseshoes and Handgrenades

5)Last night on Earth

Keep up the good work Green Day, you rock!