After releasing their multi-platinum album American Idiot in 2004, Green Day seemed to be on a hiatus from recording. But they are back with their eighth studio album entitled 21st Century Breakdown. Within three days of release, the album became the number one bestseller on the Billboard Top 200.

Right off the bat, the album follows the rock opera style that made American Idiot the winner of the Grammy award for best rock album. Green Day offers three main acts spread out on a comprehensive 18-song track. The songs follow the characters Christian and Gloria through their lives, with the three main acts entitled “Heroes and Cons,” “Charlatans and Saints” and “Horseshoes and Handgrenades”.

21st Century Breakdown offers both familiarity and a twist to the Green Day we all know and love. This album is a bold attempt at something more than just a couple of pop-rock songs. The band stated that this album is more religious than American Idiot and draws influence from the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and The Beatles, among others.

Instantly, I was immersed in catchy pop chorus lines that got stuck in my head the whole day and the choppy and harmonious style that defines Green Day. The amazing riffs, signature voice and restless style make this album a treat to any Green Day fan. The album backs up the band’s sound with politically charged messages that are mixed with a constantly evolving genre to give listeners an enlightening breath of fresh air.

The album is sure to offer tunes to sing along to. The first single off the album “Know Your Enemy,” is an anthem of nonconformists. “Viva la Gloria!” touches on new grounds for the band, but quickly falls back into a classic radio-friendly song, and “21 Guns” offers a soft, heartfelt change from the rest of the album.

21st Century Breakdown delivers catchy and edgy songs that put Green Day back into the spotlight. The album is passionate and best listened to as a whole, while individual songs will still leave an impression. The band has come back after five years with a step forward in the right direction.

The album is sure to be a bestseller of the year with awards and recognition on the way once again. If you’re into Green Day, looking for the rock opera experience or just looking for some songs to head bop too, then check it out.