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So, guys, how do I start this music review? To begin with, let's start with some historical context. While Green Day is a mythical band, famous and with millions of fans around the world, it is no less true that we live in an era where rock and roll, let alone the punk rock that the guys from California are trying to make, is fashionable on the radio or in the world's playlists. On the contrary, this is the era of electronic music, rap, and pop. So, I'm excited that the musical analysis of 2024 is from a band from a genre that is not mainstream....
Now, "Saviors" is the most recent album from Billy Joel Armstrong and company.... Although, in November last year they released a promotional video on YouTube, called "The American Dream is Killing Me"; it is not less relevant that it has not enjoyed the repercussion that in the past times would have had an outstanding hit like this one. Nevertheless, it is not surprising to anyone. As I mentioned before, the music, tastes and market shares that we are currently living and that also characterizes our historical moment is different (by far) from how it was in the late 90's or even in the first decades of this new century.
Last year (2023) we already saw the resurgence of groups that were a rage for millions not so long ago... Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park, Korn, Metallica, etc; are some of the representatives of the genre that released albums relatively recently... But either they didn't have too much of a hook with the masses, or they were only consumed by their unconditional listeners and fans. Which gives a lot to think about... Has rock and roll returned to being a musical genre for rebellion, and if so, is rock music a niche music for a few? Think about it and let me know...
However, there is a question that I wish to address today with some seriousness and attention. And yes, I am referring to the album, recently released (Yes, literally today, Friday, January 19, 2024) and what it is about. What we can find when listening to it. How much fidelity and quality, in terms of music; genre and strength it has. Everything I think and what I consider, I will put below in the following lines you are about to read. If you are a fan of punk rock, Green Day or music in general; I just hope you will like and be entertained by what you will read. Just remember, this is my point of view; and when it comes to tastes and colors there is nothing written. There are no absolute truths.
Starting with the positive things I have found in this album (And yes, I have listened to it more than once to be able to formulate an opinion and my own criteria, since it is available on Streaming, for free on all platforms). First of all, I'm a die-hard fan of mixtapes. I love punk rock, but not even on Dookie, Green Day could have been considered 100 percent punk rock. On the contrary, they always imbued the music they made with that touch of sensibility, pop and melody typical of another genre. And not to lose the habit, "Saviors", their new album, maintains that traditional mix within the criticism and viscerality of California punk rock.
In this sense, we have the singles that have been released to the market and to the general public, where up to the time of publication of this post, I'll stick with "Bobby Sox". A song that, although it is a pop-rock ballad, keeps similarities with the band's past achievements. Besides, it has that energy that only Armstrong can transmit. Excellent riffs a strummed guitar but with just the right amount of palm muted to make it pleasing to the ear. In addition, there are other things that I also notice in the times that I have listened to this new album; and that is that it keeps many similarities with the distribution of the themes within the album.
Let's see, the way the band has placed each song. It is very similar to Dookie in that specific sense. You see, there are songs that are meant to be singles; hits, played on the radio and played like a virus on the music or posting platforms. And then there are the 2 or 3 minute songs, typical of the sweetened punk rock of the guys from Green Day. However, this album also maintains the vibe of sarcasm, criticism and rebellious description in the face of the events that have marked American and world politics in recent years.
Many years have passed since Green Day played at that unforgettable Woodstock in 1994 and where they became known to the whole world. Now, with more than 50 years each of its members, it maintains the freshness that rock was missing. I won't say it's their best album, but I don't consider it a fiasco either. As I have already said several times, it is full of influences. In fact, I'm currently listening to a song as I write, that if we remove the vocal track, would be a Hole (Courtney Love's band in the 90's) hit called "Livin' in the 20's". I find it very interesting and with that strength that I love deeply of this genre. Listen to it.
However, not everything is rosy. I will now leave my negative criticisms in this section. I think that this new release, "Saviors" could have been thought to be a kind of "American Idiot" Vol. II. Maybe with less emo melodrama, which were very typical of the early 2000's; and yes with a touch of nostalgia. This new Green Day album feels very personal. That is to say, the youth and the "live and let die" imprint of American punk rock, gives way to deep reflection and introspection. It's more like an auteur album, rather than a punk rock classic.
Now that I think about it, I don't know if it's entirely negative what I'm saying. Because let's be honest, right? They're not kids riding skateboards and eating frozen pizza while drinking beers at all hours anymore. They're adults, husbands, fathers, and the years take their toll on all of us. One thing you will notice is that aura of pop and extra production that the songs on the album have. You can tell it was meant to please everyone. That is to say, to the faithful who have been with the band since day 1, and to the new generations. Even, the inclusion of sexual orientations can also be appreciated in the video of "Bobby Sox". Which, is excellent, I might add.
I should also add, that "Saviors" is not only the name of this new Green Day album, but it is an eponymous song that we can find within the track listing. It is a song, which I have listened to several times but honestly I don't highlight it too much. That is to say, it is neither "excellent" nor "terrifying"; with calling it as "accomplished", I consider that it is fair. Also, the second half of the album is full of Green Day-like ballads. It's Day, with that melodramatic vision and with those riffs that aim at the emotionality of the listeners. Billy Joel Armstrong's voice does not change its register and remains undeniably elegant, sensual and accurate.
Finally, this album has some really interesting songs. More from the band's 21st century era, like "Corvette Summer", "Look Ma, No Brains!", and especially "Dilemma"; the latter I might add, if it had been written by Arctic Monkeys, it would be totally indistinguishable. It does have that very distinct indie aura to it, and in my perspective reflects the spirit of this cynical, analytical age, abundant in positive nostalgia. It's a pretty decent album with a balance between what should be commercial and auteur. Green Day is a talented band, and no matter what low hours rock is going through, they will always find a way to stand out in a positive way.
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Long live to punk rock and to Green Day as well!
