“Do You Have the Time to Listen to Me Whine?” Everyone is familiar with these well-known lyrics. Green Day’s 2024 album has been viewed as an overall success and for good reasons. Green Day is famous for their 90s and 2000s punk music, and is a blast from the past in 2024. Their album came out in January with songs like “One-Eyed B*stard” playing on repeat on punk radio stations. So which of these new songs is worth listening to and what meaning is behind each one? Here’s a review of Saviors and five must-listens for the album:
- “The American Dream is Killing Me”
As the first release of the album and the most listened to song, “The American Dream is Killing Me” is definitely a must listen. The album’s first song captures the conspiracy culture of the U.S. and gives a similar message to Green Day’s classic song “American Idiot.” The song sheds light on the contrast between the idealistic America and the one many Americans live in. It includes subtle lines from “America the Beautiful” and turns them into verses more accurate to the state of most American lives today, with lines like “From sea to shining sea / whitewashed upon the beach” and “My country under siege.”
- “Bobby Sox”
“Bobby Sox” beautifully captures the old school style of Green Day. The title itself represents youthful rebellion and provides a new spin on a classic. The song starts as a typical love song commonly heard in the genre, but midway through the lyrics shift. The lyrics change from “Do you wanna be my girlfriend” to “Do you wanna be my boyfriend.” By the end, the lyrics alternate between the two. It even consists of just loving those you care about, with verses like “Do you wanna be my best friend?” The song is meant to be a bisexual anthem of sorts, which is nothing unexpected coming from the king of unconformity, Billie Joe.
- “One Eyed B*stard”
This song starts with an astounding riff that sticks true to Green Day’s punk rock persona. The vibrant and vengeful lyrics make it something you can’t help but turn up the second you hear the opening riff. The song is about revenge and a not-so idealistic time in life. Billie Joe sings about being out of a bad relationship and wanting revenge or justice for how he was treated. The song simultaneously talks about not wanting to hear from the person again while also being hung up on revenge. The lyrics go “Vendetta is a friend of mine / revenge is sweeter than wine,” which is definitely something most people can relate to at one time or another. Aside from the lyrics and vocals, fellow bandmates Dirnt and Cool provide some serious instrumentals to rock out to.
- “Look Ma, No Brains!”
The song’s fast tempo and lyrics almost take away from its deeper meaning. “Look Ma, No Brains!” is about living a wild and almost carefree life, and living to regret some decisions. The entire song emphasizes how dumb Billie Joe is, and how he has never learned much and is constantly confused. This song is an especially insightful listen because of the hidden lyrics and messages. Some lyrics can barely be heard, and they certainly push the meaning of the story being told. Lyrics like “Well, I lost my head, and I’m here to say” are very quietly followed by “Don’t go, Don’t go” showing the fear of being left alone when calling out for help. This song ties into the fourth of the album, Dilemma, which is also one of the most popular songs since the album’s release. “Look Ma, No Brains!” can’t be summarized in a few short sentences, and can only be done justice by giving it a listen yourself.
- “Saviors”
Of course, you can’t have a Green Day album without calling out the government. The album’s namesake really gives you a taste of old Green Day, rebelling against the government with some powerful lyrics. The song talks about waiting for “sunlight” or a “savior” to save everyone. All of this is a metaphor for the United States and the world’s current political state. The song repeats its theme of waiting for someone to come and save everyone from the questionable times mentioned throughout the entire album. Some lyrics even say “We need a signal that’s more heat than light” referring to the countless leaders claiming to solve everyone’s problems with no solutions in sight. The entire song calls out the government, but no verse resonates quite as much as “We got all the fiction that’s worth believing.” The single verse emphasizes the scheming and secrecy of the government that was already broadcasted in the album’s opening song.
So, if you don’t want to be an “American Idiot,” Then listen to Green Day’s new album “Saviors” and hear the edgy lyrics and guitar riffs for yourself. From beginning to end, Green Day produces a sound true to themselves and who they’ve always been. From government wake up calls to progressive punk jams, the new album certainly doesn’t disappoint. Not to mention the Saviors tour is selling out left and right. Some even argue it’s right up there with “American Idiot” and “Dookie,” but why not hear for yourself? As Billie Joe sings in “Good Riddance,” I “hope you have the time of your life” listening to Green Day’s new Saviors album.