Green Day's much-anticipated new album is just about a week away, and our first taste has been the (surprise!) first single "Know Your Enemy." As a fan of American Idiot and as someone who likes to give bands the benefit of the doubt, I've been cautiously optimistic about the new record. Is it going to be the critical and commercial success of the last record? Well, no. Those are some giant shoes to fill, what with all the hype, the Grammy and about a gazillion copies sold. There is the very good chance that the band will overthink things and buckle under the pressure of having to follow up the album that thrust them into arenas around the world and made them relevant again. (Though if that happens, chances are good the next album will kick ass.)
But even if it's not American Idiot, Part Deux, it can still be a damn good album. Green Day is a great band, despite what some people might say, and they definitely have it in them to bring it again. And 21st Century Breakdown will indeed be great -- as long as "Know Your Enemy" is the worst song on the ambitious, story-based, three-act album. I've listened to it a few times, and well... I can't listen to it anymore. Sorry guys. Talk about a grating track. It's in the realm of a standard Green Day radio "anthem," but there's no bite or real urgency like songs before it. Just kinda feels empty amid the generic sneering and pyrotechnics. Straightforward rock, but without an especially memorable melody (see also: annoying) or catchy lyrics, urging a rebellion... I think? Rebellion for the sake of rebellion? Fists in the air for...? Wait, what are we rallying against this time? C'mon Green Day, don't tell me there's no genuine anger left in you...
Check it out for yourself: "Know Your Enemy"
Photo: Kim Kulish
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