Green Day

Nimrod

Green day, you've done it again!!!!!!!

Review Score:

(10/10)
Green Day hit unexpected platinum status with 1994's "Dookie", in many way thanks to Nirvana. After their rise to fame, they came back with "Insomniac", which was more of a back-to-the-roots punk album. It didn't do nearly as well on the charts, but that was their plan; to build a true fan base. Press releases revealed that "Nimrod", their fifth studio album would bring something different. After a year break from the scene, they decided to hit the studio with more experimentation and a bit less of their trademark pop-punk. Green Day has shown the most progression on "Nimrod" up to the day of it's release. Later records, like the underrated Kinks influenced "Warning" and The Who inspired punk rock opera "American Idiot", both clearly stem from the experimentation of "Nimrod". Since they've made "Nimrod", all Green Day does is change up their formula. Looking at their past 3 records, they don't even use a standard formula. Armstrong, Cool, and Dirnt are multi-faceted musicians that refuse to be nailed down on a specific sound. The magic of Green Day's music has lived on due to their progression. They're bridging generation gaps with their music and ultimately reviving punk rock, the way it should be.

Green Day shines the most on "Nimrod" with their experimental cuts. Some standouts are the earth stomping "Hitchin' a Ride," the tongue-in-cheek humor of "The Grouch," "Worry Rock," the soothing instrumental piece "Last Ride In," "Walking Alone," the ska-punk inspired horn-heavy "King for a Day," and of course, the hit ballad "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)".

This is a turning point for Green Day, and nobody can do it perfect the first time. The album's 18 tracks (55 min.) screams by, leaving the listener a bit dazed. It's only when the trio sticks to their three chords that it sounds tired. But even when they stick to the three chords, they still belt out infectious and memorable hooks, making it enjoyable. With a bit of editing, the direction of experimentation would have been clearer and sharper to the listener. If you have heard their two latest albums, "Warning" and "American Idiot", you will find that these flaws are nonexistent. They just keep getting better at what they do with every album, changing it up and experimenting being their top priority. No Green Day collection would be complete without "Nimrod".

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