If you told music fans six years ago that Green Day would eventually "mature" into a very respectable band, you would probably get some very odd, f*cked up looks, for lack of a better term. Ever since the release of their Dookie CD, Green Day has been one of the few bands that has actually had any kind of longevity in the music business, and Warning, their sixth album released at the beginning of this month, is a welcome and warm departure for the band, seeing them experiment more than ever, and becoming bolder than ever.
In truth, the seeds for this disc was planted with the last record, Nimrod. On that album, the band experimented, with very mixed results. It's on this album that the experimentation turns into a full blown album of great songs, and it holds such a variety, which has been lacking in rock and roll lately.
From the opening strums of the acoustic guitars on the title track, it's clear this is going to be a different album. Now some people will write this off and say "well, they put some acoustic songs on here because Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) did so well." Bands change, some for the better, some for the worse, but for the most part, changes are welcome. Warning comes off as a song about questioning everything, no matter what, or becoming "a victim of authority."
Acoustic guitars are a large part of this album, not so much in numbers but in quality. Hold On, a song about the going getting tough, and how you got to "hold on, hold on to yourself." The harmonica on this song is perfectly placed, and the rhythm section of Mike Dirnt (bass) and Tre Cool (drums) are steady forces as usual.
The undeniable star of the album though is lead singer/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong. Perhaps no one has quite come into their own as a songwriter the way Armstrong has. He's gone from writing a song like Longview ("when masturbation's lost it's fun, you're f*cking breaking") to songs like Hold On and the first single, Minority. When I first heard Minority, I was stunned. The Irish sounding verses, followed by the more classic Green Day style on the chorus was brilliant! The lyrics were great too, with Billie Joe single handedly taking on our government ("I pledge allegiance, to the underworld, one nation under dog, there of which I stand alone") and poseurs in the same song.
For the people who want the pop/punk blasts that made Green Day famous, you won't be totally disappointed. By far the best rocker on here is Church on Sunday, a song about compromising for the greater good of a relationship ("If I go to church on Sunday, will you go with me on Friday night? If you live with me, I'll die for you and this compromise").
Other songs that should appeal to the "punks" include Jackass, which is by far the most like old school Green Day, Castaway, and Deadbeat Holiday.
And for those who have to be wise, yes, there is another ballad on here, the last track on the record, Macy's Day Parade. The song is sure to be released as a single, it's acoustic structure and catchy lyrics are sure to be a hit, which will undoubtedly catch Green Day some more "sell out" heat. Whatever.
For those who want another Dookie or Kerplunk, I suggest you look elsewhere. Green Day has evolved, and moved onto bigger and better things. As songwriters, as musicians, they are some of the best popular music has to offer. If you want immature pop/punk, buy some Blink 182. If you want a great rock and roll album, pick up Warning.
Returning to the raw power, fredom and excitement of their early days, Green Day, the band that sparked neo-punk, punk metal and the ska revival, offe...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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