Maria kicks things off nicely as a generic pop-punk opener. As required by Green Day's quite strict yet highly successful formula, the chorus is of course the highlight.
The addition of folk influences in Poprocks & Coke works well, although it does verge on being a ditty. I was actually surprised to read that this song was written in 2001 for the compilation, because it sounds like an early song before the band had matured in their songwriting. However, I do really enjoy the progression through the song.
Personally, I (generally) like my Green Day big and energetic, so the "cruisy" nature of Longview doesn't really work for me.
Energetic, you say? Welcome to Paradise has it in spades! The lyrics have a good message to them, however even these are overshadowed by the fun catchiness of the song. I think what makes it so special is the "sharpness" in all the instruments and all the nice subtle flourishes in in the background, while the catchy foreground hooks have you bouncing around like a madman. This makes it one of my all-time favourite Green Day songs.
Basket Case is in a similar league. This time, the hooks are more in the lyrics than the music. The twisted outlook is brilliantly conveyed, with great irony and humour. My favourite lyrics are:
I went to shrink to animate my dreams
She said it's lack of sex that's bringing me down
I went to a whore, he said my life's a bore
So quit my whining because it's bringing him down
Unfortunately, Basket Case feels like it's running out of steam after 2 minutes, but nonetheless it is a fantastic song.
Lyrics also are most of the appeal for When I Come Around. Which is much needed to distract from the drums' sound. They sounds woeful, sounding more like a toddler's plastic toy than a rock band. While I'm whingeing, somehow J.A.R. has all the right ingredients of a Green Day classic, yet fails to appeal at all. This is a cop-out excuse... but the only way I can explain it is that it somehow feels uninspired and cliched.
Most of the lyrics of She are unintelligible to me. But this is no hinderance, I still get the mood of the song and it probably adds an air of mystique! They seem to be about love or some such emotional bollocks, therefore the energetic music (similar to Welcome to Paradise) contrasts nicely.
The dorky nerd in me really likes Geek Stink Breath. I realise its not an inspired song, but somehow they managed to hit a nerve for teenagers (and wannabe teenagers...) with this song.
Brain Stew isn't my cup of tea, simply because I prefer my Green Day to be high energy, not this type of punk-grunge. Luckily, Jaded follows up as the perfect antidote. Just simple, thrashy, pop-punk. It works a treat.
Stuck With Me is quite similar to Welcome to Paradise. Therefore it is also a fantastic song, of course. Similarly, Nice Guys Finish Last has me bouncing off the walls with its great pulse and sharp breaks. The highlight of the song for me is the pre-chorus.
Like Basket Case, the lyrics of Hitchin' a Ride are brilliantly obtuse. It's backed up solidly with the music, in particular the lead-up and chorus work perfectly. Also, kudos for the huge ending.
Despite having heard Good Riddance countless times, it remains a very evocative song for me. The only downside is the cheesy violin, but otherwise I find it similar to looking through a treasured photo album.
Redundant is a fantastic pop-punk song about becoming an old fart. Also, the addition of a 4th chord is a nice bonus! I really dig it because it manages to be both catchy and thought provoking.
Minority, Warning and Waiting all have their moments, but overall they don't appeal to me. This is due to various reasons (and this post is already quite TLDR!)
The finale is Macy's Day Parade, which is the perfect way to end this jouney. The lyrics don't really have an arc tying them together, however they form a wonderful tapestry of very powerful images and establish a spine-tingling mood. Musically, it reminds me of Every Breath You Take with its beautiful simplicity. As the song gently drifts in a timeless fashion, I always feel I could listen to it forever. And every time it draws to a close, I find myself emerging refreshed and inspired. Incredible.
Favourite songs
Poprocks and Coke, Welcome to Paradise, Basket Case, She, Geek Stink Breath, Stuck With Me, Hitchin' a Ride, Good Riddance, Redundant, Nice Guys Finish Last, Macy's Day ParadeWorthwhile?
Absolutely... check out how long that list is! It is actually a bit surprising for me; I've never considered myself much of a Green Day fan, but looking at this long and diverse list of superb songs makes me realise how great a band they are.
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