We Break Down, 21st Century Breakdown.

Billie Joe and the boys are back with their latest album titled '21st Century Breakdown'. Green Day's last record, the two time Grammy winning 'American Idiot' sold over 12 million copies worldwide.

21st Century Breakdown has taken front man Billie Joe three years to write and yes, it has been worth the wait. But for older fans it's another affirmation that Green Day are all a bit too U2 these days.

‘21st Century Breakdown’ comprises of 17 tracks, so you definitely are getting your money’s worth out of this self professed rock opera. In true theatrical fashion, the album is split up into three acts: "Heroes and Cons," "Charlatans and Saints," and "Horseshoes and Hand grenades."

Unlike ‘American Idiot’ most songs don’t make it past the five minute mark, a stark contrast to the 9 minute long tracks of their last record. It allows ‘breakdown to become more energetic quickly churning out songs such as "East Jesus Nowhere," "Before the Lobotomy," and "Restless Heart Syndrome."

Similar to that witnessed on American idiot, Green Day are still hell bent on confronting and addressing social and political issues. The trio expresses these tales through marginal characters who’ve found themselves vagrants, betrayed by church and state in modern America.

Still staying true to their punk rock roots, their lyrical angst and social urgency remain very much intact. Billie Joe snarls out lines such as "My generation is zero/I never made it a working-class hero."

However, a new sound for the band emerges on this album with a big focus on even bigger harmonies, twinkling pianos and sing-along choruses. 21st Century Breakdown is reminiscent of that found on a Queen record, quite a change from a trio that cite The Ramones, Husker Du and the Clash among their major influences. Green Day have embraced their newfound love of 70’s classic rock and are more than happy to pay homage to in their latest record.

The snot nosed punk rock brats form Oakland, who used to sing songs about getting wasted and drinking the day away, have morphed into a politically aware, socially driven stadium rock band that demands attention. With sing a long lyrics and hand claps a plenty, it’s a roaring, rock pop panto.