Album Review: Green Day – Saviors
2 min read
At this point in their over thirty-year career, Green Day need no introduction. The pop-punk trio already have lots to celebrate this year, it not only being the thirtieth anniversary of their breakthrough album Dookie, but also the twentieth of their landmark rock-opera American Idiot. Clearly ready to ride the high for all its worth, the band have started the year off strong with their fourteenth studio album Saviors.
Initial single The American Dream Is Killing Me kicks things off in a jovial way, guitarist and singer Billie-Joe Armstrong bringing his signature mix of bouncy guitar rhythms and political lyricism. The switch at the one minute mark is surprising in the best way, hinting at the meld of old and new that this album aims to achieve. Following track Look Ma, No Brains! is a fiery, fast-paced punk track that keeps the momentum firing on all cylinders before Bobby Sox brings the tempo down a peg. Billie-Joe’s blistering screams on the chorus make up for the lack of a compelling lyric, and overall the song is steeped in youthful energy. Singles One Eyed Bastard and Dilemma both bring back the excellent lyricism, the latter being about Billie-Joe’s relapse into alcohol. Sonically, it is undeniably Green Day, but it’s possibly one of their strongest songs in years. The former has riff and sing-along post chorus which is irresistible.
Goodbye Adeline reintroduces listeners to the 21st Century Breakdown-era power-pop, while Corvette Summer has a hint of classic rock, with its AC/DC inspired intro riff and touch of cowbell that would make Will Ferrell jump for joy. Strange Days Are Here To Stay sounds straight out of 1994, the palm muted beginning echoing hit Basket Case. The lush and anthemic Father To A Son is a late album highlight, matched only in scale by closer Fancy Sauce. Both build towards extraordinary endings, the former mixing strings and guitar passages to create a memorable melody, while the latter sticks to the hard rock influences comprising of harsh soloing and fat power chords.
It’s easy to say that Saviors is Green Day’s strongest album in the last decade. The back-to-basics approach of the instrumentation, songwriting, and production have served the band perfectly, leaving fans with an album that somehow sounds fresher and more rejuvenated than ever. With a slick run time, no nonsense tracklist, and brilliant performances throughout, its worth a listen for even those who have slipped out of Green Day’s radar.
Writer and Musician, Ryan Bulbeck has been published with a number of online publications, and has worked with a myriad of great artists, both as a performer, and as a producer. His most recent band The 295 are still active, playing shows around the UK.
