Jobie Reviews Music 15: American Idiot (album) by Green Day

American Idiot is a 2004 concept album by Green Day. The album contains various themes, ranging from the current climate of America (in 2004), dealing with post 9/11 America, tragedy, and many more themes. Among the albums 9 tracks, “Jesus of Suburbia” is a 9 minute track talking about an American youth who deals with post 9/11 by using drugs and denial. The song is in 5 parts, being one of the longer songs on the album. I greatly applaud Green Day’s composition here, as the lyrics never feel lackluster through its runtime. The album follows the character of Jesus of Suburbia, highlighting his thoughts and feelings. Overall, it’s an awesome track.

“Holiday / Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is a track (actually 2 tracks, but on the digital release I have they’re combined, probably for clarity and to avoid any ads ruining the transition into BoBD) that again follows the main character, exploring themes of war and the main character, Jesus of Suburbia, wandering through a city surrounded by strangers. Like “Jesus of Suburbia”, the track is composed masterfully.

“Are We Waiting / St. Jimmy” follows the character as he tries to meditate during this time. This fails, with him even creating a new identity for himself (St. Jimmy) that goes along with his Jesus identity. The track illustrates how he has gone off the deep end, dramatically shifting tone when “St. Jimmy” starts. Another good track.

“Give Me Novacaine / She’s A Rebel” follows this character as he falls deeper into despair, craving the drug Novocaine and convincing himself that it’s preferable to his current situation. The second part of the song follows JoS as he falls in love with someone similar to him, Whatshername. Good track.

“Extraordinary / Letterbomb” follows JoS and Whatshername, comparing the two throughout the track. “Letterbomb” is presented from Whatshername’s point of view, criticizing JoS. Good track.

“Wake Me Up When September Ends” has nothing to do with the narrative. Instead it’s about the singer, Billy Joel Armstrong, and how his father died in 1982. A very melancholic track, when you look at the lyrics and the backstory. Another good track.

“Homecoming” is the climax of the story. The personality of St. Jimmy dies, Jesus returns home, and JoS becomes who he once was again.

“Whatsherface” is the character reflecting on Whatsherface. Good track.

Overall rating:

9.3/10

Link to album: https://open.spotify.com/album/5dN7F9DV0Qg1XRdIgW8rke?si=G3rTY8C5R7CW9b3WqFiLWA