Album: Father of All…
Artist: Green Day
Genre: Garage Rock Revival, Pop Punk, Garage Punk, and Alternative Rock
Record label(s): Reprise Records
Recommended Tracks: Track 1- Father of All… Track 3- Oh Yeah!
Green Day is an American rock band formed by lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt in 1987 in the East Bay of California. The band started off as Sweet Children and as they added more members to their band, but they typically stay with three members in the future. Soon Lookout! Records took note of them and signed them onto the label, the band then changed their name due to another band having a similar name, “Sweet Baby” and also due to their love for cannabis, leading to the name “Green Day”. The band released their first debut studio album in early 1990 and their success increased from their with them signing with Reprise records after and leading to their success of the American Idiot project. Green Day released many albums and songs throughout their years of success, including their most recent album, “Father of All…”, which was released on February 7th, 2020. This new album is different from their other albums. Unlike “American Idiot”, reflecting the Bush-era of the United States, “Father of All…” aims to be the opposite of this era in the U.S government, aiming to be more “carefree” and “not caring about anything” type of lifestyle. If I were to rate this album out of 5, I would rate it a 4 because of the way the music is different and more peppy and spirited, opposite of their usual feel, but it also doesn’t reflect what Green Day is capable of producing.
The first track on the Album is “Father of All..” and is arguably the best song on the album. This song follows the album in the sense that it is not supposed to have political commentary, but it is in an obscure way. The song feels like it can be an anthem for a riot or a revolution, it has the feeling and style to it. It also speaks to climate change and the stress of this term’s U.S president, but it keeps it discreet. Ths instrumentals are also very amazing. The bass in the song feels so awesome and goes extremely well with the feel of the song. Mike Dirnt did an amazing job the bass, they feel very peppy and fun to listen to. The drums also sound amazing and go perfectly with the bass, Tre Cool really matches the energy of the song and makes it more fun to enjoy and rock to.
“Oh Yeah!” is the third song on the album. This song discusses issues like gun violence ad the education system, but in a subtle manner. The song also mentions social media obsession and how people feel low after they got their money after being a social media star. These topics make the song feel like another anthem or revolution-type of song that people listen to when they are tired of the way things are. The bass makes the song more powerful and enjoyable. The drums seem to mimic hands clapping, making this song feel like many people are rocking to the song at the same time. This song also samples other musicians, which hasn’t been done by Green Day in a long time. Joan Jett and The Blackhearts – Do You Wanna Touch Me is samples in the parts where “oh yeah” is sung.
“Father of All…” is supposed to be the opposite of what their successful album, “American Idiot”, was. Instead of making the songs politically driven in an obvious manner, this new album focuses on a carefree perspective and lifestyle. However, some political commentary is still shown in obscure ways, but it is not the whole focus. This album is more upbeat and spirited than others but it also lacks the very powerful vibe Green Day is known for. Although this album does not follow what Green Day traditionally produces, it is still a good album, it just doesn’t show the band’s full potential. The bass and drums give the album the upbeat feeling the band is not typically known for, but that is not a bad thing. If you enjoy rock and punk music o recommend listening to Three Days Grace, Radiohead, Fall Out Boy and Sum 41. Overall, if you like a classic rock band with a new taste then I really recommend you listen to Green Day’s “Father of All…”.
