From the snarky satire reminiscent of “American Idiot” to the swingy drum patterns and power chords of “Dookie,” “Saviors” is undisputedly Green Day. 14 studio albums in, 51-year-olds Billie Joe Armstrong, Tré Cool and Mike Dirnt are still their angsty teen selves, and in their latest record, they showed us the world hasn’t changed much at all since the 90’s.
Released on the 19th of this month, “Saviors” expresses the legendary punk trio’s ever-growing disgust with the state of the world, from “TikTok and taxes” and growing urban development, to, more concerningly, the increase in mass shootings. Green Day has never shied away from voicing their grievances towards the social and political problems of the day, and “Saviors” reminds us that those themes are still as relevant as ever.
However, the new album also offers some other familiar Green Day messages, those of inner struggles, sexuality, and plenty more. Aside from commentary on the “strange days” this nation may be experiencing, “Saviors” features tracks from a touching ballad about fatherhood to possibly my favorite on the record, a catchy tune about good ol’ rock n’ roll (“F*ck it up on my rock n’ roll” – what does that even mean BJA?).
Not all followers of the band, however, may share the same enthusiasm about their new release. In a CBS news interview with Anthony Mason, many thought Green Day were “past their prime” when “American Idiot” was produced in 2004. A decade prior, “Dookie” would come out, and sell over 10 million albums in the U.S. alone. Armstrong’s reply to Mason’s comment: “They were wrong.” Fast forward another 20 years, and “Saviors” still proves that fact.
Green Day will begin their 2024 tour in late July in good company, alongside openers such as The Smashing Pumpkins and Rancid. As the band told Howard Stern in a recent interview, to celebrate the 30th and 20th anniversary of “Dookie” and “American Idiot” respectively, they’ll be playing both albums in their entirety throughout the “Saviors” tour. Unfortunately, they won’t be making a stop in Florida this summer, however.
Nevertheless, the pop punk group hasn’t slowed down, and their nostalgic “Saviors” showcases Green Day at their best. If you want pop, you have “1981.” If you want love, you have “Bobby Sox.” And for utter tomfoolery, look no further then “Look Ma, No Brains!” If you hold the belief that Green Day are “past their prime,” go give “Saviors” a listen, and I’ll be sure to say I told you so.
Awesome article.