|
21st Century Breakdown | 
| Artist: Green Day
Label: Warner Bros
Category: Music
List Price: £15.99
Buy New: £4.29
as of 23/11/2009 21:51 GMT details
You Save: £11.70 (73%)
New (59) Used (12) Collectible (1) from £4.25
Seller: royston_records
Rating:  85 reviews
Sales Rank: 108
Format: Explicit Lyrics
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.5 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 517153
UPC: 093624980216
EAN: 0093624980216
ASIN: B001SAQVDQ
Release Date: May 15, 2009
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
| |
| Tracks:
| • | Song Of The Century | | • | 21st Century Breakdown | | • | Know Your Enemy | | • | Viva La Gloria | | • | Before The Lobotomy | | • | Christian's Inferno | | • | Last Night On Earth | | • | East Jesus Nowhere | | • | Peacemaker | | • | Last Of The American Girls | | • | Murder City | | • | Viva La Gloria (Little Girl) | | • | Restless Heart Syndrome | | • | Horseshoes And Handgrenades | | • | Static Age, The | | • | 21 Guns | | • | American Eulogy | | • | See The Light |
|
| Similar Items:
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
Over three years in the making, em21st Century Breakdown/em is the answer to the question Green Day are stuck with--exactly how do you follow up a twelve million selling rock opera? With more of the same, of course, just like the Who used to do. To be honest, the narrative line is largely incoherent, following the story of starstruck young lovers Christian and Gloria (as in G-L-O-R-I-A) as they confront The Man in a predictably dystopian world. But though plenty of bands have recently resuscitated this long discredited form--The Mars Volta and the excellent, not dissimilar Thermals, to name but two--none can pack in so many decent tunes as Billie Jo Armstrong, Tre Cool and Mike Dirnt. Even as they approach middle age, they still sound trapped by their youth, whether itrsquo;s Armsrong describing himself (or maybe his character) as a child of the Nixon era or simply reviving the power-pop sound of Cheap Trick. Yet if the plot is murky, songs like single "Know Your Enemy", as reductive as AC/DC and as gleefully catchy as the latest Disney teen rock sensation, the shameless and resigned power ballad "21 Guns", "Before the Lobotomy", one part punk rock, one part melodramatic ballad, and the classic rock of the title track sound like radio staples on the very first hearing. Older listeners may be reminded of Husker Dursquo;s equally impenetrable and ambitious song cycle Warehouse. But that was the work of a band actively seeking fans. em21st Century Breakdown/em is a wildly unfocussed collection seemingly set on confusing them. But it certainly features some great tunes.--emSteve Jelbert/embr /
|
| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 85
 I really like it June 3, 2009
Steve Horsfall - Author (You Are Here ; Full Story Inside) (UK)
19 out of 20 found this review helpful
21st Century Breakdown is not American Idiot and those expecting a clone album will be disappointed. At times the same raw energy does break through with a few aggressive riffs or an extra strain of the vocal chords, but on the whole this is a very good well-conceived concept album. Bill Joe's vocals can compliment any style and are perfectly pitched here and there are some great contrasting styles and tempos. Excellent timing for the long hot summer!!
Worth the wait May 14, 2009
LAWRAH SMITH (NOTTINGHAM)
26 out of 28 found this review helpful
Was really worried about this album...
br /
br /Green Day took a big risk with American Idiot and ended up pulling off something brilliant. My concern with 21st Century Breakdown was that it would just be trying to repeat the same thing, and not live up to that standard. But although it definately follows in the same vein it stands up on it's own, and if anything is one step better than it's predecessor.
br /
br /The songs range from melodic epics (Last Night On Eath) to 2 minute rage filled snarls (Christian's Inferno). There's even a bit of gypsy punk (Peacmaker) thrown in for good measure. But whats great is that all the songs are strong. This is not an album written around 3 singles...in fact, apart from "21 Guns" (which is so radio friendly they'd be mad not to release it) I would struggle to pick out the singles. And despite the difference in styles, somehow it all fits together as a piece of music.
br /
br /The concept this time round is a little looser, with less of a narrative story than American Idiot. It's more a collection of songs about different emotions the two characters, Christian and Gloria feel over the course of the century so far. Whilst the two are ever present in the 3 acts, they don't feature so heavily that they start to get on your nerves (something else I was worried might happen).
br /
br /As a last note I'd just like to say that "East Jesus Nowhere" is bloody brilliant.
br /
br /And to those people saying they've sold out...if they were still releasing Dookie/Insomniac clones 13 years after making them you'd be moaning about that instead so just shut up.
br /
br /
Brilliant July 21, 2009
Mary Blundell (Dublin, Ireland)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
It seems that for every new fan Green Day earned with American Idiot they lost an old one, which has created a situation where Green Day are never far from conversation. This is why this album was always going to be hugely defining for a band that should have been dead long ago. They simply should not be around anymore. But, they keep breaking the rules, and they have done exactly that again with '21st Century Breakdown'. A lot of Green Day fans expected the trio to release another 'Idiot' while others expected them to try to win back lost fans by returning to their roots and going for another Dookie. They have done neither. They have created an album that will go down as one of their best and perhaps later will define them as a band. They have struck a chord between the politically driven rock anthems of 'Idiot' and the quick, witty punk tunes of the 'pre-Warning' era.
br /In terms of the subject matter of the album, Green Day look at broader social problems facing us today. However, unlike 'American Idiot' their ideas come across more like they are offering solutions rather then showing problems.
br /Musically, this is Green Days best album, casting a shadow over 'Dookie', 'American Idiot' and others. It is their most melodic album while staying true to the unique brand of pop/punk that is Green Day. This is also their most complete record. Split up into 3 Acts, Green Day ask the listener to judge the album as a whole, rather then by individual songs. This makes for a captivating 69 minutes. They don't have a running storyline like 'Idiot', instead we have two recurring characters of Christian and Gloria who appear to represent a generation left with choices caused by a number of social and political problems.
br /Track by track:
br /1. Song Of the Century/21st Century Breakdown: These opening tracks sound great and act as a nice intro to the album. 5/5
br /2. Know Your Enemy: Although it is a bit repetitive and sounds like it was made just for the sake of having a single on the album it is an important mission statement for the record. 3/5
br /3. !Viva La Gloria!: This is a really nice, catchy tune which features the first of many piano intro's from BJ. 4/5
br /4. Before The Lobotomy: A real anthem that will have you singing out loud. By the time this song is finished you'll realise that you're listening to a great album.4/5
br /5. Christians Inferno: Has a slight feel of 'The Network' at the beginning but has a really great chorus. 4/5
br /6. Last Night On Earth: A very slow song to end Act 1 that doesnt really work for Green Day, probably one of the weaker songs on the album. 2/5
br /7. East Jesus Nowhere: The best song on the album. It has a slight feel of 'Holiday' about it but is much more satisfying. 5/5
br /8. Peacemaker: Something a bit different from Green Day that really works. A slightly Spanish sound gives this one a great rhythm. 4/5
br /9. Last Of The American Girls: Really great catchy tune that has a bit of a 'Shes a Rebel' sound. 4/5
br /10. Murder City: Probably my least favourite track on the album. It feels like a forced punk song, and sounds like a weak 'Insomniac' tune. 1/5
br /11. ?Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl): Another slightly different sound fro this track with BJ using his new piano skills to great affect. 4/5
br /12. Restless Heart Syndrome: After a few fun songs in a row, Green Day take things a little more serious with this and produce a fantastic song. 5/5
br /13. Horseshoes and Handgrenades: The first song of the final Act is probably the best 'punk' track on the album. Unlike Murder City, it doesnt sound forced, its easy flow results in a classic Green Day punk anthem. 4/5
br /14. The Static Age: Fans who dont like the direction Green Day have taken since Nimrod will not like this one, but it really is a great pop tune, with a brilliant sing-a-long chorus. 4/5
br /15. 21 Guns: The second single from the album is one of its best tracks. With patient verses building up to the great chorus, Green Day have out done themselves on his one. 5/5
br /16. American Eulogy: This one is definately a grower. It may sound like a poor pop song at first, but give it a chance and you'll see it is a fantastic pop/punk anthem. 4/5
br /17. See The Light: A decent track but slightly disappointing end to the album as you'll find yourself a little bored. 3/5
Sold Out! May 13, 2009
A Sawyer (London)
13 out of 16 found this review helpful
It's really annoying me how idiots are getting angry that Green Day aren't punk anymore and have sold out. If you didn't get the hint from Warning and then failed to release from American Idiot, Green Day are clearly evolving as a band. They've even come out and said that, so how people are still in shock that they're not punk is beyond belief. You can't expect men in their 30's to continue to playing the punk stuff they were in the early/mid 90's, it doesn't suit them. If you want to experience Dookie and Insomniac again, dont buy this album, go and listen to some underground bands.
br /
br /With the rant out the way, this is a similar style album to American Idiot, in my opinion its better. The difference is it moves on from American Idiot to a more Oasis or Beatles feel to it without losing their Green Day style. Tre Cools drumming is pushed harder, there are piano ballads and strings to add to the arrangements. There are a couple of songs like Peacemaker that should satisfy the old Green Day fans, but there are new songs such as Last Night on Earth and 21 Guns which are bound to capture more fans that thought Green Day were too 'alternative' for them.
br /
br /I think this is a great album. It starts off with a catchy 21st Century Breakdown, moving on to their in my opinion disappointing first single, Know Your Enemy before the piano led !Viva La Gloria! which for me is the best song on the album. The lyrics thorughout aren't as angry as American Idiot but are still meaningful. Green Day have evolved into a epic rock band, and with this next step in evoution they have once again delivered.
br /
Long time coming, but worth the wait May 17, 2009
Mr. D. Hayes (West Yorkshire, United Kingdom)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
4 and a half years after American Idiot first came out, Green Day have finally released a new album. Having been a big fan since American Idiot introduced me to the band, and having subsequently gone on to purchase all their past albums I was not knowing what to really expect from this latest album. American Idiot was a hard act to follow, but I can say, at least in my opinion that the band have produced a more than worthy follow up to that amazing album.
br /
br /This is another rock opera, split into 3 parts and follows the story of a young couple trying to make sense of the century so far, hence the title. The political and social commentary present on American Idiot is still here, with focus on post-Bush America, modern America and the world as a whole today. The 2 lovers represent different, personalities, ideals and viewpoints, and this comes across quite well after a few listens to the songs and a look at the lyrics.
br /
br /The songs on this album are quite varied and on first listen through you're not quite sure what to expect next. I would say that it may take a few listen throughs to fully appreciate it, but it's certainly a great album that I would recommend to any Green Day fan and anyone who fancies something a bit different. Have a listen to a few of the album's songs and I'm sure you'll want to give it a chance. Green Day have gradually matured throughout their careers and they have again taken a chance and done something different, and I think it's paid off.
br /
br /Overall this album was worth the wait for me. There has clearly been a lot of effort put into the production of it and it shows. 21st Century Breakdown is a fantastic album and more than a worthy follow up to American Idiot.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 85
|
|
|
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON EU S.à.r.l. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. | |
