Green Day has remained absent for almost four years now, but now that they have returned, they have only become more angry. They released their new album called “Revolution Radio” released on Oct. 7 and set the tone with outrageously loud guitar and hard-hitting drums. The introduction begins with “Somewhere Now,” but this does not get fans hyped for the album. “Bang Bang,” the second track of the album, addresses gun control as Billie Joe Armstrong sings, “I want to start a rager.”

Lyrical Genius

This album could not have come at a better time. Alongside with many other musicians like YG and Prophets of Rage sharing their hate for what will happen to America if Donald Trump wins, some songs sport lyrical genius on Armstrong’s part. Tracks such as “Outlaws” and “Somewhere Now” make fans more politically aware. It almost seems Green Day’s mainstream break, “American Idiot,” would complete the project, considering our country may end up run by one.

Released in 2004, “American Idiot” speaks about how Armstrong refused to be another fool, singing out, “Don’t want a nation with mania.” This made the rebellious teenagers go insane. However, Green Day has now changed the tone and rather than taking a rebellious path, they have taken the path to be more politically aware of America’s current situation with the election creeping up.

A Reflection of Modern America

Gun control has been an ongoing issue for some time now, which is why “Bang Bang” was released in August, providing a taste of what the album had yet to come.  Donald Trump’s political outbursts set the cherry on top for this album getting the attention it deserves. This conflicting issue splitting the nation in half gave them something to write about. Green Day’s comeback catches the eye of music listeners because it exudes outrage, reflecting the tone of modern America. Though Green Day was out of the loop for awhile, the way and time they chose to come back was not only perfect, but genius.

Green Day continues to stay loyal to punk rock with guitar solos and amazing drumming. However, punk rock only represents one element of “Revolution Radio.” Green Day has never been known for keeping a persistent melody, but in this album they changed that. Green Day stayed true to two and three note melodies, which for some Green Day fans did not accommodate their liking.

Another change for the band was track seven, “Still Breathing,” one of the rawest tracks Armstrong has ever written. This track exudes truth and power. Green Day settles the album with “Ordinary People,” with an acoustic guitar finishing off the album strong. Green Day made all the right moves when it came to “Revolution Radio.”