Photo Credit: Alice Baxley
As one of the biggest bands in the world, Green Day need no introduction. The Grammy-winning trio are back with their political-fuelled album Saviors; how fitting for the 2024 presidential election cycle. With a wide range of influences such as The Clash, The Ramones and even The Beach Boys, Saviors is an ironic and fun album. With the line-up of Billie Joe Armstrong (vocalist and lead guitarist), Mike Dirnt (bassist) and Tre Cool (drummer), listening to this album is like greeting an old friend.
As the first track and lead single, The American Dream Is Killing Me is a strong start. With disillusionment and a pissed-off attitude, the song is familiar to American Idiot off the album of the same name. Although released 20 years ago, Armstrong explores similar themes in The American Dream Is Killing Me. The reality is that not much has changed. Armstrong’s irony is poignant when he sings “Goddamn, I am so grateful, forever faithful to the American Dream is killing me” and attempts to highlight the hypocrisy of chasing the dream, ?and attempts to highlight the hypocrisy of chasing the dream when there are so many issues, like the country being “under siege” from Donald Trump and hatred. And to top it off, the juxtaposition of the bounciness of the guitar and bass riffs adds to the vibe of watching the world burn around them, but at least they can make fun of the absurdity of the American Dream.
A track that stands out is Bobby Sox, because it is slightly jarring. Starting stripped-back, Dirnt and Cool come in strong, fast and loud. With the overt bisexual message, this song is one to celebrate the B in LGBTQ+. Although there is not much to the lyrics, it is easy to remember and scream along to. Likewise, it has a nostalgic feel and celebrates what it is like to be young and explore sexuality. The band sounds like they had a lot of fun creating this track, and although not the most ambitious, it does have some heavy basslines and an overall uplifting tone.
Around mid-way, Green Day take a detour with Corvette Summer. Although it does not fit the anti-establishment vibe of their album, it’s a great track for the warmer months. With Cool getting out a cowbell, Armstrong with guitar riffs to rival The Who and Dirnt’s riffs to rival Thin Lizzy, the band throws back to 70s rock with a dash of The Beach Boys. They are having fun, and this track is their admission to escape reality. As Armstrong sings “Maybe I’ve had enough of the shit brigade,” there is a sense of tiredness and urgency to run away. With power chords, this track is nostalgic for a time before the world got complicated.
Overall, Saviors is solid. The album is a mixture of Dookie and American Idiot – there is grit, hope and a ‘you’ll never take me alive’ attitude. Their 2024 album deserves the hype. As it is an election year, Green Day knew what they were doing by releasing Saviors against the political backdrop, and refusing to be complicit in the Make America Great Again ideology. However while they are still beautifully written, a few songs don’t quite fit the mood of the album.
7/10
Standout Tracks: Dilemma, Strange Days Are Here To Stay, Saviors
For Fans Of: The Offspring, Foxboro Hot Tubs, Blink-182
Written by: Jo Lisney
