I've listened to the Album a few times now, and I think its rather eclectic, and rather good. I have an 11 year old son, who thinks its brilliant ( much like the writer of this piece was when he fell in love with Green day). The songs are not massive social comments for a generation, nor are they beliving their own hype, They have written a very grown up detailed album, that does pull in influences such as Bowie, Beatles and The Kinks.... I think this was the best way for the band to go, make a grand album, rather than a straight ahead punk album, afterall they did that with Dookie, and bands need to grow up with their growing songwriting abilities. At times this album is just stunning... Go re-listen to it again, when you've removed your Punk head, and put on your Listening to music head..
Jim [Visitor] //May 12 2009 at 15:01