For nearly 30 years, powerhouse band Green Day have been creating music. The Californian institution and rock and roll hall of famers, have also influenced many acts to bridge the gap, acts which have gone on to become superstars. They’ve flourished through the cycle of punk, adding their own slant to the cause. And this has stemmed from Green Day’s 3 chord structure, their bashful, concise songs. Many people have picked up guitars too, playing out Green Day’s catalogue. They’ve learned the chords, they’ve learned leading man Billie Joe Armstrong’s stance, they’ve become cultured in fast-paced, snotty nosed, mellow-drama. But, Green Day are more than a punk band, they’re truly a Goliath trio, spreading their music like wings, politically infusing the industry.
This all comes from Green Day’s magnum opus, their tour de force. 2004’s American Idiot is that album, a politically charged concept record, with a dark and arresting undercurrent. It is to this day defiant in its story driven glory, with Armstrong at the helm, with his words bellowed out and understood. Green Day did create stellar music before American Idiot. 1994 was a year where the band truly showed their punk credentials. Dookie was the album which catapulted the act into a limelight so commanding and glitzy. Songs such as Basket Case and When I Come Around, shed light on Armstrong’s monotonous times, stuck to suburbia like glue. The 3-chord structure was simple, but ever so engaging and fresh. Nowadays Green Day can stand and wave to thousands of fans in stadiums and arenas worldwide.
But, in 2017 are Green Day still relevant? Do they still rank up? Well yes, they do. They have a colossal fan base, they matter to many people. And with their recent record Revolution Radio, they stripped their sound back. Although many people seemed to think it lacked creativity and edge, but it contained some magical, punk driven scores like Bang Bang and Forever Now. These songs kept the band up top, never loosening the grip.
Revolution Radio is a political album. It drives home message after message. Armstrong sneers and shouts his mouth off, he batters the microphone, he conveys his thoughts and razor-sharp feelings, and his dismay is noted. And although it won’t rank up with what the band have released prior, it still creates impact and talking points. Many people would like to pulverize political music. They would like to see it burn. But now, it stands for something. And with the world crumbling piece by piece, we may need it more than ever. Musicians like Armstrong, Mike Dirnt (Bass), and Tre Cool (Drums), shout over the commotion, they breakout and stand above, generating trust.
Green Day’s music has altered over the years, there’s no doubt about that, but their DIY ethos is still intact. They play to the masses with punk in their veins and fire still in their bellies.
