Editor Reviews:

Album Description:
The first original album since 2000 from modern rock superheroes Green Day, American Idiot is one of the most anticipated and controversial albums of the year. Scathing yet self-effacing as it tells the tale of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, American Idiot is the punk rock epic. "A bold, polished punk opera." (Entertainment Weekly) "They're the biggest, most successful, punk band the world has ever seen. What's more, Green Day's next album may well be their masterpiece." (Kerrang!)

Amazon.com:
For its first new set of music since 2000's Warning, Green Day tears up the blueprint and comes up with something unexpected: a punk rock concept album built around elaborate melodies, odd tempo changes, and a collection of songs that freely reference classic rock warhorses like the Beatles and Pink Floyd. "She's a Rebel" and "St. Jimmy" might sound like vintage Green Day, but the rest of the disc finds the Northern California trio trying on a variety of different guises: "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" is a cliché-strewn Foo Fighters-style power ballad; "Extraordinary Girl" floats on Indian strings; and the hushed "Wake Me Up When September Ends" wouldn't sound entirely out of place on a Jessica Simpson record. It doesn't always work. "Dearly Beloved" eerily resembles the Alarm's "68 Guns," while the title track eerily resembles something Green Day has already done far too many times. But, overall, American Idiot represents a promising step forward. --Aidin Vaziri

Rating : - 1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Back
Artistically this band takes a huge stride forward with this album, and I applaud them for that. I've been a fan of Green Day's since there were 5 members (and Billy Joe wasn't yet with them) back in their early days in the Bay Area in the mid 80's. This was before they had done much of anything in the way of original music, and a few years before 1000 Hours, 39 Smooth, and Slappy were released. I watched them break up and reform with Billy Joe as their lead singer and only Mike and Tre remaining of the original group.

I loved pretty much every song they ever released up through Warning. I didn't mind that they were a 1-trick pony, and I was glad when they said they were proud of only knowing 3 cords. They were living proof that there was more to music than simply technical talent with the instrument or a pretty voice. They knew how to write good melodies with great hooks, and make people want more, and their sales proved they could do it. They sold out, yes. They were no longer an underground favorite, they were no longer real punk. But they were great none-the-less.

With American Idiot they changed though... they became pop-culture musicians. The type that care about their appearance, and doing something new to 'satisfy their fans', if it hadn't been for their return to raging at current day politics which has always been a staple for real punk rock they'd have left it completely behind. I'd never been a fan of Green Day's political rants and I was sorely disappointed to see that facet of their music return.

It completely turned me off from them. Now I love Green Day still, they're the best mainstream punk band out there (Though Ignition and Smash by the Offspring were better than the best of Green Day) but I dread hearing anything more from them, and I can't tolerate anymore than just a song or two from this CD.

Bands that want to spout off about their political beliefs, especially those that don't try to educate themselves in the field, do nothing but shoot themselves in foot... that or endear themselves to other people that like to do the same. No, I don't like our president either, but the last thing I want to listen to in my music is someone ranting about our culture as if they know what they're talking about.

Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Give Me Novacaine, and Wake me up when September Ends are great songs, but the rest I would be happy never listening to again.