'I'm the son of rage and love…'

And so begins the 9 minute punk rock epic (I kid you not!) Jesus of Suburbia, track 2 on this wonderful, wonderful record. 'A punk rock opera' is how diminutive frontman Billie Joe Armstrong describes it and it works a treat.

"A punk concept album!?" I hear you cry. Not only that, one that works a treat and one that has been critically acclaimed the world over.

Telling a fictional story against the factual backdrop of the political realities of life on Corporate Planet Earth, and particular under the rule that, corporate puppet George Dubya, this album gives a voice to the previously disenfranchised, and the growing 'We've had enough of this fucking bollocks' movement which is beginning to find its feet - being propelled along by the pop culture success of Michael Moore and his counterparts. American idiot is not only a direct reference to the Chief of Staff but to all those Americans (and Europeans) who sit blithely by while their planet gets royally fucked by the powers that be.

This is a story of someone who didn't want that. Jesus of Suburbia is the highlight of the album for me but there are so many other good moments. JOS is split into 5 mini songs which tag along together. This really rocks and the production, musicianship along with the fury and angst bellowing from Billie Joe are simply mind blowing. Next up, 'Holiday' is sooo catchy it grabs you by the goolies and swings you round and around so all you want to do is play it over again. Phenomenal.

The mood switches down a notch to the melancholy 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' where we find our hero realising that the American Dream is all just a crock of shit and begins sliding into despair. This will be hated by the likes of Kellz because it's clearly radio fodder BUT it's good radio fodder (next single due on Nov 22nd) and it fits well with the sombre aspect of the tale, as does 'Are We the Waiting?' which brings the tone down a little more. Beautiful song.

Next up we are bludgeoned half to death by the old school punk style thrash of 'St Jimmy' this song makes me want to FUCKING BATTER SOMEONE!! YEAH COME ON YOU BASTARDS I'LL TAKE YOU ALL ON!! Aaaaaaaaaaarggghh!!
It's fast its punk, it's aggressive. It fucking kills. Superb. And just hot on the heels of two ballads it's a nice contrast.

The songs come thick and fast - 'She's a Rebel' punk rock 'n' roll at its most sublime, 'When September Comes', another ballad but still rock, still heavy, but very moving. Then the next nine minute epic 'Homecoming' which draws the record to near conclusion admirably and the finale 'Whatsername' a cool sing along.

I cannot find enough superlatives for this album. I love it but then I've always loved Green Day. Not everyone's cup of tea here I'll confess but I hope at least one or two of you give it a chance.

The record of the year? - Without question. Album of the decade? - Quite possibly.

10/10