The fifth release off Greenday’s current album ‘American Idiot’, ‘Jesus of Suburbia’ is a nine-minute long epic trawl through several themes and different sounds. It certainly sounds impressive, a band used to writing 3-minute wonders with as few chord changes as possible taking up the mammoth task of keeping their sound interesting in a veritable behemoth of a tune.
Can they do it? I’m not too sure, essentially the main problem with this
song is that it drags on; the different sections could have had more impact as tracks in their own right, why did Greenday decide to fit them somewhat sloppily together? Kudos for the band for trying and there are some sections which are a real return to form for the band with strong pop punk motifs which are a real joy to hear against the bland dreariness of some of the other sections. The thing is Greenday sound best when they are trying to be themselves and such a long song as ‘Jesus of Suburbia’ maybe a bit beyond their abilities in captivating the listener.
An odd Choice for a single, ‘Jesus of Suburbia’ is a bold step for the band and at many points is exciting, enjoyable and fun. In my opinion however it does not warrant being turned into a nine-minute monster, although as my 11-year-old cousin who knows all the words will tell you, it certainly does.
