Warning: - I'm very honest. (Warning - Green Day)

Member Name: Skrolk

Product:	Warning - Green Day
Date:	06/04/01 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Upbeat, unchallenging, addictive

Disadvantages: Nothing groundbreaking here

Green Day are a smashing three-piece, and I have always held them in good stead. I currently own the vast majority of their albums, including the more obscure ones like 1039/Smoothed Out Slappy hours so I usually know what to expect from them. This album, however, caught me completely off guard.

With elements that fans will instantly recognise, it does sound however, as though the band are taking a different direction - there is a lot of experimentation in the different tracks on offer here.

Not an instantly recognisable hit as say, the sublime 'Dookie', this isn't a bad effort at all, by any means. Opening well with the oft-airplayed 'Warning', this album is completely inoffensive in its content, and the tracks on offer here are often far too catchy for their own good :)

Warning is a upbeat, repetitive and likeable little number. Far from stretching the band to their limit, this is a typical, endearing, and bouncy Green Day track, in the old style. Not a particularly demanding track, but nice and easy on the ear. Not bad at all.

The track following, "Blood, Sex and Booze" starts very well. The lyrics to this one are particularly amusing and altogether its a very together, catchy tune. There isn't anything negative to say about this one. You'll probably find yourself whistling along. Jangly, bouncy and upbeat. The typical Green Day sound, consistent and a lot of fun.

The initial riff on "Church on Sunday" sounds so much like one of their tunes on a previous album, but I can't quite put my finger on it. This is a sombre, soft and upbeat tune. Again, I get the impression the band aren't really stretching themselves with this one. Another throwaway track - perfectly respectable, and unlikely to make them any enemies, but with an all too familiar stereotypical Green Day riff. You won't dislike this one, but it won't stay in your head for long either.

Fas
hion Victim, on the other hand, is a much more upbeat, punky, loud and jumpy affair. This is the Green Day we all know and love. Unlike some of the other tracks on this album, it sounds as though they're having a lot of fun on this one, and that riff is just plain addictive :) Not a bad tune by any means.

"Castaway" is even better. I find it impossible to keep my head still to this one. It's happy, it's silly and incredibly easy to find yourself singing along to. A bit limited on the chord front, but this isn't meant to be a taxing album at all.

"Misery" on the other hand, is fascinating. It sounds like nothing the band have ever done before, on any album. Bizarre use of differing instruments, this is the sort of thing you'll hear in the French Riviera. Plenty of harmonicas and violins, and hardly a guitar in sight. True insanity, and very welcome. This sort of siliness always puts a smile on my face :) Definitely a stand out number.

On the other hand, "Deadbeat Holiday" is so much in the old style Green Day vein, there's little to distinguish it from the content of any of their older albums. It has a particularly catchy chorus which will probably steathily hook you and reel you in. Yes, those vocals are addictive, and you will find yourself humming along. Not bad at all.

"Hold On" is a very good track. Addictive, full of bounce and with a great hook, I have this one on repeat quite a lot. With addictive vocals, this is a irresistible, inspired guitar track, guaranteed to make your head bob.

"Jackass" has a similar appeal, most of the song on this album have the same feel, the style being the same almost throughout - upbeat and bouncy, with no demand on the listener. This album is not aurally challenging, it's just a whole lot of fun. Almost a throwaway track for Green Day, in the fact that it's almost indistinguishable from the rest of the
tracks.

"Waiting", on the other hand, is sweet. Pretty lyrics, this is somewhat of a standout. A quite familiar sound, but it's all so nicely done. Short and catchy, with one of the best riffs on the entire CD.

"Minority" is the track that everyone either completely loves, or hates. Personally speaking, I think it's really rather good :) This is a very bouncy and silly number, with a unfeasibly addictive vocal. How can you not like this one? It gets an awful lot of airplay, but personally speaking, for myself at least, has always kept its silly appeal.

"Macy's Day Parade", the last song on the album, is by far the best. It's sombre, downbeat and introspective. What it's doing on this album is anyones guess, but its a gorgeous little tune, and heartfelt too. As proof that Green Day 'can' do the serious, emotional side of music too, as if any proof were needed. This really is very nice, and the lyrics are nothing short of adorable.

All said, Warning is a very upbeat, likeable and silly album. It won't lose Green Day any fans, and may even grab a few new ones. I don't think they're breaking new ground with this one, but this is a very good effort all around.

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