After four years of hardships and adjustments, American punk rock band Green Day released their twelfth studio album, Revolution Radio, on October 7. Between frontman and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong’s rehab experience for drug and alcohol abuse and bassist Mike Dirnt’s wife’s fight with breast cancer, the group took a much needed break from music to focus on themselves and family.

Revolution Radio’s release, however, sparked the punk rock vibe fans know and love about Green Day. All songs inspire head banging and strive for political change. Similar to Green Day’s 2004 hit album, American Idiot, the lyrics and fast-paced instrumentals speak for nostalgia for old and new listeners alike. Revolution Radio brings back the angsty and fired up attitude from the band’s 1990s albums such as Dookie and Nimrod and encourages change throughout America with angry and almost desperate lyrics.  

The hit singles “Bang Bang” and “Revolution Radio” raise awareness on America’s gun violence and school shootings as well as the media’s biased presentation of the news. Throughout “Revolution Radio,” Armstrong shouts compelling lyrics such as “legalize the truth” and “the dawn of the new airwaves for the anti-social media,” illustrating his frustration at America’s media. Fans alike relate to Armstrong’s  powerful political message and reflect his fears regarding America’s current political state with presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Armstrong’s rough vocals and electric chords combined with Dirnt’s and Tré Cool’s fast and energizing bass and drums reflect America’s state and promotes their liberal message. The message illustrates Green Day’s cry for change and revolution throughout America.

Revolution Radio’s artfully crafted lyrics and irritated instrumentals revive Green Day’s punk rock persona and communicates their political message to their fans. The songs represent an anthem-like feel and rivals the political energy of American Idiot. The album incorporates a sense of nostalgia for fans as the band combines their nineties music scene with their previous punk influence such as The Clash.

Unlike other bands with punk rock and punk pop influences, Green Day never sold themselves and always stuck to their political and punk roots.  Armstrong’s lyrics always illustrate a message and promote social change throughout America since their breakthrough album Dookie. Revolution Radio reflects their roots and embodies the band’s awareness on current issues.

The Chant’s rating: A