Triple album release for Green Day

It’s 2012, boys. That means that Green Day has been kicking around for 15 years. Have they given up yet? Nope. Earlier this year, they announced plans for a triple album to be released in three parts throughout the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. The three albums, titled Uno!, Dos!, and Tre!, respectively, debuted their first materials in three Youtube videos on the official Green Day channel.

A bit of my history with this band: I loved Green Day when I was in 4th and 5th Grade. I owned every CD, and American Idiot was my absolute favorite album. When they released 21st Century Breakdown, I bought it the first day, no questions asked. I truly loved the attitude and the pure energy of that stuff.

Months ago, I gave American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown another go, and I was baffled. American Idiot probably has some of the most nonsensical, stupid lyrics ever, and 21st Century Breakdown is a complete cash out. The band essentially begged for radio play with every track on the album. It was shameless.

Still, there’s a strange ray of hope deep inside me. I was actually really excited for the new albums after seeing the previews. A new indie rock sound for Uno!? A surf rock taste for Tre!? Could be awesome! Maybe they’re not just trying to make money; they’re actually trying to actually broaden their sound and make a solid record!

Then I heard “Kill the DJ”.

Oh boy, another complete radio-friendly pop song. Now, it’s not the worst they could do. They could’ve collaborated with Nicki Minaj. The song is repetitive, the production is weak, and it’s just plain cheesy. When the band first spoke about this song, they said it would be a four-on-the-floor beat, which means that it’s the traditional unce-unce-unce-unce you hear in every dance song. It’s true, they did that, but they slowed it down, so it doesn’t even feel like a club track. It’s just sort of, there.

The other single is “Oh Love”. Now, this one just feels empty and under-produced. They needed something, anything to make the sound more full and sharp. The simple guitar, bass, drums combo just doesn’t seem to cut it on this one. Maybe you throw in a keyboard, or some brass, that’d be pretty cool. It’s not a terrible song, but I really, really feel like it could have some potential.

Those are the singles. Not impressive. In fact, I was pretty disappointed. However, I still have that little ray of hope, and we really won’t be able to tell if the album’s good until we hear it. So, until then, I guess we can take a trip back and listen to some International Superhits!