Saviors - Saving Green Day

Green Day - Saviors

Released January 19, 2024

Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, Tre Cool

Genre: Punk. Fucking. Rock.

Intro

They did it. They managed to make me forget about Father Of All Piles Of Dogshit. To honor the occasion we are doing a double review. Both me, the new owner Jake, and Sharky will be reviewing these songs from one of our mutually favorite bands. Get ready this is gonna be a long one. Anyways here is a message from shark himself; 

"Hi, Sharky here. Thanks to Jake for doing most of the work. I just wanted to give my thoughts about this album too so I’m dogpiling onto this review to talk about my favorite band of all time and their 14th studio album. This is going to be my 5th time listening to this album for this review."

Thoughts & Feelings

Sharky didn't do this section in his review so I'll do it myself. This album makes me feel like I did when I first listened to Nimrod. This reignited my love for Green Day after such a disappointing release in 2020. They are back to their punk roots and my god is it fucking PERFECT. Anyways, lets get into this hefty review.

Smash Or Pass?

The American Dream Is Killing Me - [SHARKY] SMMAAAAAASSSSHHHHHHH. I absolutely love this song. What a banger track to start off the album. Yeah it has kind of cringe lyrics about Tik Tok but whatever. It’s an absolute catch. I’ve heard this song and the other singles about 100 times now and they’re all just so great. I’m going to spoil it now, this album is just incredible. I don’t think I like this album more than I liked Revolution Radio but that can easily change. The solo to this song is super simple but very effective. For some reason this song gives me major Warning album vibes.

[JAKE] - SMMMMMMMMAAAAAASSSSSHHHHHH. When this song came out I'm pretty sure I messaged Shark after just the first riff. I KNEW this album was gonna be good. This is a PERFECT opening track and holy fuck is it catchy. THIS IS PUNK FUCKING ROCK. None of that bullshit from FOAMF. That album never happened. THIS is the sequel REV Radio needed. Thank you Green Day, and welcome back to the Punk side of music.

Look Ma, No Brains! - [SHARKY] SMAAASSHHH. In my personal opinion, this is the weakest of all 4 singles that came out prior to this album. Still an absolutely fun punk rock song that is easy to enjoy. The chorus is easily the best part of this song, super catchy.

[JAKE] - SMASH. I agree, this is the worst of the 4 singles. Its still great but man it just doesn't compare to some of the others on this album. And this was in a fucking Taco Bell commercial and it pissed me off. The song is fine but its not the best.

Bobby Sox - [SHARKY] - SMAAASSHHH. This is one of the songs I was really hyped to hear off this album because I’ve only heard good things about it. It’s a fantastic song. Jake and I touched on this in private conversation that Billie’s vocals are getting a bit rough due to age and this song to really demonstrate that. I honestly don’t mind it though, I think it gives his vocals a bit of a cutting edge to them on this song. I think it’s a positive. This song is super simple and super fun. The bridge is incredible. The solo is once again, very simple but very catchy. I feel like that’s an ongoing theme with this entire album. Simple catchy songs. I like this song a lot.

[JAKE] - SSMMMAAASSHHHH. BISEXUAL BILLIE!!!! Took him 30 years to make another Bi anthem after Coming Clean from Dookie. Anyways this song fucking SLAPS. Billie's vocals sound like an angry angsty take on the standard pop-punk love song. This song is just so fucking fun and memorable. That being said, this is amazing and definitely playlist worthy. One of my favorite non-singles on the album. And one last time: BISEXUAL BILLIE FOR THE WIN. Bisexual Pride Medal. No it didn't exist but fuck you I make the rules here.

One Eyed Bastard - [SHARKY] - SMAAASSHHHH. Shoutout to every fucking idiot that has been saying this song is Pink!, I will not take such slander. Yes it does sound like that song but shut up. This song is SO FUCKING FUN. BADA BING BADA BING BADA BOOM. Holy SHIT that is fucking so good man. It’s tough to say if I like this one over TADIKM. Regardless, this is the 3rd best single that they released from this album imo.

[JAKE] - SSSSSSMMMMMMMAAAAAASSSSSSHHHHHHH. I disagree with Sharky here, THIS is the 2nd best single released. I think we agree on what the best one was though. This song is just so fun and I LOVE the riff. This was the first of the singles I had FULLY memorized, and it took one day of being out. The guitar work is just so fucking good.

Dilemma - [SHARKY] - SMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHH. Call me a sap, but this is the 2nd best song on the album. Holy FUCK AN INSTANT CLASSIC. Ever since this song released as a single I have been obsessed with it. As Billie Joe put it on the Howard Stern show a few days ago, it’s the most honest song Billie has ever sung. So many good lines in this song, so many catchy Drop D riffs, everything works in this song. This one is an instant classic for me and will go down as one of the best songs on this album. Once again, a very simple solo that uses the vocal line but is very effective. Easily an S tier song for me.

[JAKE] -SSSSSSSSSMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. GOLD. FUCKING. MEDAL. THIS IS NOT JUST THE BEST SINGLE, THIS IS THE BEST SONG. I don't have much to say just fucking listen to it.

1981 - [SHARKY] - SMAAAAASSSSHHHHH. This is such a classic stupid simple song. This is the other song I’ve been very excited for because we’ve been hearing teasers for this song for years. This song is fucking FANTASTIC. I love this song so much. You could lie to me and say this is a B-side from American Idiot and I’d totally believe it. Shoutout to Rob Cavallo, this has his style written all over it. Glad he’s back working with the boys. The “so long farewell”s in the background are SO pleasant. Love to hear it, this is a great fucking song.

[JAKE] - SSSMMMMMAAAAAAASSSHHHHHHHH. PUNK ROCKKKKKK. I remember when it was revealed that Green Day was making an album, this was the song that they hinted at for YEARS. 10/10 punk song and my personal bronze.

Goodnight Adeline - [SHARKY] - SMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. In my fucking opinion this is the best song on the album. Call me a fucking sucker but as soon as I heard Billie start singing on this song for the first time, I started fucking crying. This song is absolutely beautiful and so fucking catchy. This song gets absolutely stuck in my head. I know this one isn’t going to be very popular among the masses but this one is my honest favorite on the album. I could listen to this song on repeat for hours. It’s so fucking pleasant and catchy. I also ADORE the solo on this song. It doesn’t follow the vocal line for once and it’s just perfect. The one thing I would change is the key change nearing the end, but that’s a classic rock’n’roll move, so it’s not surprising to me.

[JAKE] - SMASH. I did not like this one as much as Sharky did. However. This is an INCREDIBLE punk ballad. I really like how emotional Billie sounds here and the vocal effects aren't overwhelming like on traditional ballads. This song sounds like a cross between Nimrod Green Day and Black Parade MCR (songs like Disenchanted and I Don't Love You specifically). MAN THAT KEY CHANGE HITS, also cool to see Billie can still hit those high notes.

Coma City - [SHARKY] - SMAAASSHHH. Once again, a very simple stupid song. Works great. It’s super catchy, it has so many good elements. Once again, serious shoutout to Rob Cavallo, this production quality is really fantastic. The only complaint I have about this song is that it goes on a little longer than I want it to. It gets a little repetitive near the end and I need it to be broken up a little bit, but that’s completely fine. 

[JAKE] - Smash. My least favorite. This song drags on for a minute too long and I got bored. Not bad but not as good as the last few.

Corvette Summer - [SHARKY] - SMASH. This is my least favorite song on the album I think. There’s nothing wrong with it at all, it’s just got kind of a vibe to it that I’m just rolling my eyes at. It’s a little corny. It’s fine though, I can easily listen and sing along to this song. I just think this song wouldn’t belong in my playlist, that’s all.

[JAKE] - Smash. Another weak one. Its not bad and the guitar is definitely the saving grace but god is this formula Pop Punk. PLEASE do not be a downward spiral. If this album pulls a Young and Hopeless and becomes a shit show after the halfway point I'll be pissed.

Suzie Chapstick - [SHARKY] - SMAAAASSSSHHHHH. House of the rising sun, anyone? Just joking. This song is FANFUCKINGTASTISC. This is a great song. This song is really just easy and sweet, like a warm glass of milk. Sure it’s not super punk rock but I don’t mind. It’s quite enjoyable and easy to listen to. Pretty catchy as well. I did get a little bored near the end of this one though.

[JAKE] - SSSSMMMMMMAAAAASSSSHHHHH. NEVERMIND WE ARE BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED GREATNESS. Its a slow rock balled with very little punk aspects, feels almost Warning like with the guitars and vocal style. This song was needed to break up the pacing and help give this B side some much needed emotion. This what id imagine Green Day would sound like if they were formed in the 70s.

Strange Days Are Here to Stay - [SHARKY] - SMAAAAAAASSSSHHHH. This one was SUPER unexpected to me how much I love it. I’m beating a dead horse here. It’s simple stupid catchy songs, and I can’t help but enjoy myself listening. Nothing else to say. This is a fun song.

[JAKE] - SSSSSSSSMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSHHHHHHHH. THIS SONG IS SO FUCKING GOOD. This is perfect for after the last one. The structure of this song sounds super familiar and I don't know why. NEVERMIND. THIS IS THE SAME PROGRESSION AS LETTERBOMB. THATS WHY. "Everyone is Racist" Fuck yeah Billie preach you 51 year old punk legend. This song is so fucking good I cant get over it.

Living in the ‘20s - [SHARKY] - SMMMAAAASSSSHHHHH. Another super unexpected song to me. Horseshoes and Hand Grenades vibe right here. This song is fucking badass man. Easily the heaviest song on this album, and what do you expect? It’s a kickass punk rock song and I’m so fucking down for it.

[JAKE] - SSSMMMAAAASSSHHH. ANOTHER BOP. PUNK ROCKCKKKKKKKK. I don't have much to say again just listen to this song 10/10. MAN BILLIE'S ABILITY TO SCREAM IS SHOT.

Father to a Son - [SHARKY] - SMMMMAAAAASSSSHHHHH. I am an absolute fucking sucker for these slow ballad songs. They are just done SO well on this album. This album has so much heart, and when Billie is singing slow it’s fucking wild how good he sounds at 51. I hear some people hearing about how this song is a let down but I completely disagree. This song is fantastic and has once again, so much going into it. Reminds me of my relationship with my dad. I love him very much, and this song makes me feel very happy that I have a good relationship with him. Yeah this is a great fucking song on this album though. Chills, bro.

[JAKE] - SSSMMAAASSSHHHH. Best ballad on the album. Billie Joe is a 51 year old man singing about his kids. Its not meant to be a loud punk anthem. This is a song he wrote from the bottom of his heart. Reminds me alot of War by Sum 41 off 13 Voices. Just like this song, Deryck wrote that song from the bottom of his heart after overcoming the most challenging points in his life. Perfect Ballad.

Saviors - [SHARKY] - SMAAASSSHHH. A VERY rare instance of the title track being weak from Green Day. Don’t think I’ve seen that happen since Warning. This song is FINE but it’s not amazing. Probably my 2nd or 3rd least favorite off the album. It’s very catchy and all. I don’t know, not a lot to say about this one. It’s very good, it's just not my favorite. I do like that they hang on the “us” at the end. That’s peak song writing.

[JAKE] - SSMMAASSHH. This song is the 2nd worst title track Green Day as ever made. Father of All is worse. This is a VERY rare occurrence like Sharky said and it took me off guard on my first listen as I expected this to be at LEAST the bronze metal. Disappointing yes, bad fuck no.

Fancy Sauce - [SHARKY] - SMMMAAASSHHH. The last song on the album and once again, VERY unexpected. For some reason, this album gives me Ritchie Valens vibes? This song is pretty enjoyable and is a good send off for the last song on the album. Yeah, good. I am satisfied.

[JAKE] - SMASH. Perfect closing track. Slow loud song that just lets the boys show off their talents. The way they are doing the tour for this album was giving me farewell tour vibes and I REALLY hope that isn't the case, but these guys are old. However. If this was the last song they release, I'm ok with it. This song is a closer no doubt, whether that's for this album or for this band as a whole? I don't know. This album was perfect for what it needed to do. Green Day is back releasing bangers.

Conclusion

[SHARKY] - Everyone is comparing this album to other albums, I hear this SO often “Best since American Idiot. Best since 21st Century Breakdown. Best since Dookie”. Like… STOP. FUCK OFF. Yeah it’s a great album but we’re really gonna skip on Revolution Radio? That was a fantastic album. This album is also fantastic but is it better than Dookie, American Idiot, 21st Century Breakdown, Nimrod, Insomniac, even Warning? No. It’s a great album but I’m being realistic. It won’t have as much of an impact on my life as something like Nimrod or Warning has. You never know though, my opinion could easily change.

[JAKE] - This album did what it needed to do. I waited YEARS for this record and was not disappointed. I'm going against something Sharky said here, but this IS the best Green Day album since 21st Century Breakdown. And that's from someone who LOVES Revolution Radio. BUT here is my reason. This album felt Green Day, Rev Rad felt like a generic 2010s pop punk album. This had that Green Day Charm I love as a fan.

RANK: A- , B+

That's it. Nothing much else to say. I'll be back soon to finish the Panic albums and maybe do something new after that, I don't know for sure what's gonna happen. Reviews will be posted still occasionally but its not gonna be daily or even weekly. I'll try to do biweekly or monthly but no promises. Thanks for reading, all feedback is appreciated.

-Jake(JunosBestFriend) and Sharky

Fuck You Brendon Urie.