Kate reviews “¡Uno!” by Green Day

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The rock group Green Day arrives at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on February 13, 2005.

After hearing Green Day released a new record, something running through many a mind was, “They still make music?”

 

After a quiet three years since their last record, Green Day makes up for lost time by announcing a whopping three records to be released within five months of each other, titled “¡Uno!,” “¡Dos!” and “¡Tré!”

 

The first release, “¡Uno!,” is a throwback to Green Day’s old days in the early 2000s power-pop movement among groups like Weezer and Jimmy Eat World.

 

To fans’ delight, the new album grasps the straight-up punk pizzazz that put the band on the map, with get-out-of-my-way lyrics, loud and catchy guitar riffs and mosh pit-inducing energy.

Stepping away from the deeper concept album “American Idiot” and the war themes of “21st Century Breakdown,” this album is a full-out punk celebration of rebellion and enjoying life, strongly driven by Billie Joel Armstrong’s powerful vocals.

 

The single “Let Yourself Go” is a punk anthem that is most likely to be the lasting hit of the record.

 

The closing track and first single released, “Oh Love,” is a more simple song that would have totally blown over if not for Armstrong’s iconic and enduring vocals.

“¡Uno!” may not be Green Day’s most profound record, but with its slamming power-pop influences, it is sure to get listeners pumped for the next release.

 

With the riff-happy, rebel cries that made fans fall in love, Green Day proves again that the madness of punk rock is still kicking.