Green Day: Underrated, Overrated
Sometimes people on here give Green Day a lot of credit, but some people give them less credit than they really deserve. Now, this might sound a little choppy, but I'm sick and hella tired, so bear with me.
In no way is Green Day the most talented band out there, modern or not. I mean, Mike's a pretty good bassist, and Tre's pretty decent on the drums, not SPECTACULAR by any means, but alright, but Billie... I could easily say that, at LEAST, one-fourth of the people on here would be more talented than him on guitar. I'm not bashing them, by any means. Green Day's one of my favorite bands, but it's just the honest truth. Most people on here realize that, too, but I don't want to come across as though I hate them or something. On top of that, they don't really make complex songs. Just you're average three-chord, three minute, raging rock song. That's their music.
However, Green Day does not LACK talent. They're decent. The phrase that would sum up GD is "short, sweet, and to the point." Whether or not they "fit into the genre" or whatever, they have punk rock roots, and compose their songs based on punk rock music. I mean, you know that Billie can play other instruments than guitar. Why doesn't he play piano or the saxophone on some other songs and make that instrument the "signature" of the song, instead of the usual fast-paced, rough guitar playing? Because it's not their type of music, simply put. Green Day has more to offer, but they're simply choosing not to offer it at the moment. Green Day isn't, for instance, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who have probably explored nearly every music genre to date, and use their abilities to their fullest potential. Green Day prefers not to make versatile music like that, it's just not they're thing.
What makes Green Day so successful, then? They have the incredibly wicked ability to connect with the audience. You can have the most talented band in the UNIVERSE, but if they can't write songs that inspire, or "light that fire in people's souls," then... what are they doing still making music? I think what makes a band truly amazing is how they can reach out to people, and you can't deny that Green Day hasn't reached out to people. True, they're no Led Zeppelin, but damn it, they have passion in what they do, and they DO sound good! They just have a different sound.
In no way is Green Day the most talented band out there, modern or not. I mean, Mike's a pretty good bassist, and Tre's pretty decent on the drums, not SPECTACULAR by any means, but alright, but Billie... I could easily say that, at LEAST, one-fourth of the people on here would be more talented than him on guitar. I'm not bashing them, by any means. Green Day's one of my favorite bands, but it's just the honest truth. Most people on here realize that, too, but I don't want to come across as though I hate them or something. On top of that, they don't really make complex songs. Just you're average three-chord, three minute, raging rock song. That's their music.
However, Green Day does not LACK talent. They're decent. The phrase that would sum up GD is "short, sweet, and to the point." Whether or not they "fit into the genre" or whatever, they have punk rock roots, and compose their songs based on punk rock music. I mean, you know that Billie can play other instruments than guitar. Why doesn't he play piano or the saxophone on some other songs and make that instrument the "signature" of the song, instead of the usual fast-paced, rough guitar playing? Because it's not their type of music, simply put. Green Day has more to offer, but they're simply choosing not to offer it at the moment. Green Day isn't, for instance, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who have probably explored nearly every music genre to date, and use their abilities to their fullest potential. Green Day prefers not to make versatile music like that, it's just not they're thing.
What makes Green Day so successful, then? They have the incredibly wicked ability to connect with the audience. You can have the most talented band in the UNIVERSE, but if they can't write songs that inspire, or "light that fire in people's souls," then... what are they doing still making music? I think what makes a band truly amazing is how they can reach out to people, and you can't deny that Green Day hasn't reached out to people. True, they're no Led Zeppelin, but damn it, they have passion in what they do, and they DO sound good! They just have a different sound.
i think the new album should go back to pre a.i, most people i come accross prefer the older stuff but thats justmy opinion.
Sarah!, April 13th, 2007 at 10:33:09am
Hm yes..
But "one-fourth of the people on here would be more talented than him on guitar" ... that's pretty bullsh*t you know.
Just because Green Day songs are easy to play, doesn't mean he's an amazing guitarist. to_o
I don't think anything on GSB could beat the knowledge from almost 30 years of guitar playing?!
rollerpig, March 31st, 2007 at 11:45:54am
Jason does a majority of the difficult guitar.
He gets f*ckall credit and that sh*ts me off no end.
Magazine Sickness., February 11th, 2007 at 06:12:48am
Green Day is Green Day. I agree with the talent part especially with the guitar (xD Sorry Billie), but it's good for beginners on guitar that like Green Day. Because of them I got into so many other bands. They have talent though, no doubt about it. Their personalities can charm a crowd that makes people wanna connect with them and the beautiful music they create together. They may have simple chords and songs, but like my old gray haired teacher once told me..
"A Little Goes A Long Way."
threeam., February 9th, 2007 at 09:39:59pm
I agree completely. The guys in GD DO have talent. They're definitely not the best, but they're capable of making the kind of music they want to be making, and the kind we enjoy and the same time.
You don't need to be insanely ridicucously talented to be a good musician. You need to be able to captivate your fans. And Green Day does just that. :) Wee.
Hello, My Name Is Asshole, February 9th, 2007 at 03:53:27pm
*agrees with Letterbombx723*
I agree with everything except for the fact that MIKE DIRNT IS THE BEST BASSIST ON TEH PLANET!!! ^_^ (in my opinion)
But yeah, they should do something different for once. I hope their new album isn't exactly the same as they always do O_O
VivaLaVida..x, February 8th, 2007 at 08:16:52am
Whoa, that was the reason I posted the Blog! I kind of wrote it in a rush, sorry if it came across badly.
First off: I meant to use Led Zeppelin as an exaggerated example, like... they're not THAT talented, hell no, but they're still good! I know you can't compare their MUSIC, I was just talking about individual instrumental talents, not as a whole. And I've listened to Warning, and that's one of my favorite albums by them because they DO mix it up a bit. I was just talking in general, like their DISTINCTIVE sound as they are now. Maybe they'll change, but it's not their style.
I posted this as Green Day: Underrated, Overrated, because I wanted to make a point that they are STILL a talented band. Because some people on here don't give them enough credit as a band, and I've heard people say they just LACK talent, and they sure don't! I was also trying to say that they DON'T showcase their true talents, because it's just not their style, you know? Maybe I should have elaborated on that a bit more, sorry. =/
I forgot to comment about their lyrics, thanks for bringing that up lyrical_mess. They write great lyrics, and they make great points in their songs. And for having SOMEWHAT simple musical structure, they can make every song sound unique, which is why Billie's a great songwriter... I forgot a few things in that, now I feel foolish.
Thanks for you guys bringing that stufff up. =/ Oh, btw, I've never really heard Billie shred it up before. I mean, I'm not dissing the dude, I've just never heard it. I mean, I've heard a few okay solos by him, but I don't know. What are some good songs that show off his guitar talent, I'm interested =)
Funky Platypus, February 7th, 2007 at 10:05:25pm
I'ma have to agree with Nat. They're just a growing band. Even if they're instrumentals are rather simple and they're not sooper fabyoolus or whatever, their lyrics and melodies are amazing. The style itself. They don't have to hold out notes and use big words. They do so much with simple language. And it's wonderful, it really is.
lyrical_mess, February 7th, 2007 at 10:10:31am
I'm going to have to disagree with you on some parts. While I don't think Green Day or any of them individually are the "best of the best," I do believe that you're not giving them enough credit.
Billie Joe IS a very talented guitarist. If you've heard him just play, you'd see that. Yes, Green Day generally plays simple songs, but his skills are way beyond what he plays.
I don't know if you've listened to Warning or not, but pratically that entire album is different than the normal "Green Day" stuff. There are several uses of the harmonica, mandolin, etc. A few of the songs are more like folk music... (i.e. Misery).
Warning was the experimental album. Guess what happened? It flopped. Fans, for the most part, hated it. In fact, I don't think Green Day themselves really even liked it. They were on their way out, for the most part.
That's why the band had so many problems before American Idiot. That's why Billie Joe felt so alienated and Mike and Tre so frustrated.
Okay, now for the Chili Peppers. RHCP have NOT dwelved into all genres of music... They BLEND a lot of genres together, but they have never strayed away from that "RHCP" sound.
Just clearing up some things. Good points you make, though. :D
But please, NEVER compare Green Day to Led Zepplin. That's not fair. They're a punk band, not a "Old School metal" band. That's like comparing Shania Twain to Elvis Presley.
wait_what, February 7th, 2007 at 09:34:40am
I do agree with you.
They are my favourite band, but by no means are they the best, like ever. Ive noticed recently that the majority of songs start the same way and fade out at the end. The three chord thing is pretty clear on all their albums. There are other bands who can explore all aspects of their music to produce a different style/ sound. Something which GD dont do, or havent done, to an extent.
And to clear something up, the whole idea behind the look for AI was to get the political message across. No-one would have taken that album or message seriously if they had worn t-shirts and chucks. The eyeliner was to let us know theyre still punk.
And as for the 'emo' thing, that is completely lost on me- I couldnt give a rats ass.
Well written btw. XD
AndTheCowSaidMoo, February 7th, 2007 at 04:14:21am
Very well written. I just don't get it why people who don't like them refer them 2 an emo band. They're not simple plan or any of those bands. I like how they changed their look 4 american idiot
Shenanigan123, February 7th, 2007 at 02:24:42am
Yeah. A change can be good or bad. This change was for the better, I think.
Letterbombx723, February 6th, 2007 at 11:20:13pm
Well, emo has been all confused nowadays. It's supposed to be writing about your emotions, but now all emo rock has been about is complaining and wearing black and eyeliner.
People probably confused Green Day's statements in American Idiot and their new look and started calling them emo. Don't really know what inspired the new look, but they probably weren't aiming for emo. Maybe just a change...?
Funky Platypus, February 6th, 2007 at 11:16:16pm
I actually agree with you for the most part. Green Day is my favorite band. I think it's because I can really connect with their lyrics. They have a wicked ability of saying everything I want to get in front of the universe and say.
You definitely made some great points. What I don't get is why people brand GD "emo." I wouldn't consider them emo at all. That's just me, though.
Great blog!
Letterbombx723, February 6th, 2007 at 11:13:46pm