This may come as a bit late, considering the album came out quite some weeks back. I just got mine, courtesy of my loving wife who discovered the album came with a limited special edition T-shirt. Knowing how much I loved to wear music/band tees, she hunted for one with the right size, since the last time she saw those were at a size M, a tad too short for my height. I was buzzing with excitement when the album hit the local shores, as the wait for the succesor to American Idiot took 4 years to manifest itself!
Front cover
Touted as a 'concept' album, all the songs are interwoven together as one complete story. Divided into an epic three acts; “Heroes and Cons," "Charlatans and Saints," and "Horseshoes and Hand Grenades," Green Day take us on a journey in time, through their various musical styles, telling the tale of a young couple, Christian and Gloria, through the challenge, promise and the chaos of the century so far.
Back cover
Viva La Gloria! and Last Night On Earth are both beautifully anthemic songs that displayed Billie Joe's vocal prowess with just a piano, a microphone, and the odd background sound, in a nod to their "Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" road that they tread so well. A very ‘Warning-esque’ song comes in the form of Peacemaker. Last Of The American Girls is another track which delivers that trademark punchy sound that all Green Day fans would know only comes from Billie, Tre and Mike.
Inside layout
In my opinion, Act 2 - Charlatans And Saints - treats ‘old skool’ green day fans with the sound of those pre-American Idiot albums. Horseshoes And Hand Grenades pokes fun at the state of the military in the US. The gorgeous anthem, 21 Guns, sends a clear message to those confused over what the US military are fighting for these days with it’s simple and honest melody. Still a bit political if you ask me. Well, this time around the album does not slap the Republicans right in the face like American Idiot did. Hehehhe....
CD Design with tracklisting
I think most fans (or casual listeners) would definitely be happy with the 18 songs, coupled with the fact that it took them 4 years to continue their experimental approach of the 'Idiot album. Personally, as a fan who followed them since the days of '1039' and 'Kerplunk' (which happen to be my two most favourite 'Day albums apart from Insomniac), I am happy with the kind of evolution of sound the band has gone through. Simplicity at its best, marvellous play of melodies and poetic lyrical style, are now the hallmarks of a great Green Day album!
CD sleeve artwork sample
And here're pictures of the excellent limited edition....and did I mention FREE T-shirt? Seems like a no-brainer though, the 'CD-only' version was priced much expensive at RM47 while the one I currently have were bought at only RM40.....yet it came with the t-shirt....*confused*.......I love the bright/luminous green colour the t-shirt came in. This is a very surprising promotional item indeed for us fans! Thank you Warner Music....
I wonder if this is a Malaysian exclusive or are they available in other countries in Asia? Somebody care to shed some light to this?
Mine's a size "L"
T-shirt front design
T-shirt back design
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