American Idiot

Here I am. Contrary to popular belief, I did not overdose on heroin or die because of food poisoning at Sweet Tomatoes (great restaurant, you should have been there Amanda). I just got a fever in the morning. That's why I was missing from school. And now I feel kind of like crap again. Oh well. I was going to review Tim, by the Replacements, but I changed my mind. You have to be in the mood to do that sort of thing right. So I decided to do this instead.

American Idiot was released in 2004, and instantly made a splash with it's radio friendly singles and great promotion. American Idiot starts out with 2 of Green Day's greatest songs: the punchy title track and the 9 minute mini-opera "Jesus of Suburbia" (which is way better than the self-indulgent second one, "Homecoming"). Next is the much overrated, overplayed "Holiday" (no, not the Weezer one) that is saved by the guitar riff before the bass bridge. Then the overrated, overplayed "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," with the anchoring synthesizer and acoustic guitar during the verse. It's sort of an anthem for "people who walk alone," which is ironic, since everybody always sings along with it at parties (like in The Office). "Are We The Waiting" is the worst filler on the whole album. It drags on and on, but it does set you up nicely for the very fast "St, Jimmy." But AWTW is not even worth the (almost) 3 minutes it gets. "Novacaine" is actually a nice ballad, and again, sets you up to be blindsided by the catchy "She's A Rebel" (pity that "Rebel" wasn't a single). "Extraordinary Girl" has this weird Egyptian like vibe during the verses, but has my favorite chorus on the album. Although it doesn't jump right into the next track, it doesn't have to, since "Letterbomb" already has the perfect opening: a girl reading hate poetryish things, then a guitar strumming the note E furiously. It is also arguably has the best lyrics Billie Joe has ever written, and one of the coolest melodies. It seems like a really great closing track, but AI continues with "Wake Me Up When September Ends," an acoustic/electric ballad that is very beautiful. What? At least it's better than "Good Riddance." "Homecoming" is 9 minutes long. And almost half as good as "JOS." Filler alert. "Whatsername" is the hidden gem on the album. It has a different feeling than any other ballad I have heard. It's kind of resigned and slightly happy at the same time. I forget which part of the grieving process that is. "Hope" maybe. That is the word that describes the song.

American Idiot's production fits it's radio made songs, but it also takes away some of the rawness that made stuff like Dookie and Insomniac great. BIllie Joe's voice sounds like there are effects splashed all over during parts of the album. The title track sounds like Billie's voice has been compressed 10 times. It's not bad by any means, and it fits most of the songs, it just seems a little.... mainstream. Don't get me wrong, this is a great album. Just pick up Dookie first (or steal it). And listen to tracks 1,2,7,8,9,10, and 13. Thank you and good night. Drive home safely!