21st Century Breakdown cover

21st Century Breakdown

Green Day · 2009

69 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock · punk · pop-punk

A theatrical rock opera blending punk energy with pop sensibilities and socially charged narratives.

Why this album works

'21st Century Breakdown' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, showcasing Green Day's commercial power. The album received critical acclaim for its ambitious structure and songwriting, earning two Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album, further establishing the band's influence in alternative rock.
Best for
theatrical narratives with dramatic peaks wave-like pacing for emotional engagement cathartic anthems for group sing-alongs
Context
Released on May 15, 2009, '21st Century Breakdown' is Green Day's eighth studio album and a follow-up to their Grammy-winning 'American Idiot'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status as rock icons, embracing ambitious storytelling through music while continuing to evolve their sound.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Song of the Century 0:57
  • 2 21st Century Breakdown 5:09
  • 3 Know Your Enemy Standout 3:10
  • 4 ¡Viva la Gloria! Standout 3:30
  • 5 Before the Lobotomy 4:37
  • 6 Christian’s Inferno 3:07
  • 7 Last Night on Earth 3:56
  • 8 East Jesus Nowhere 4:34
  • 9 Peacemaker 3:24
  • 10 Last of the American Girls 3:51
  • 11 Murder City 2:54
  • 12 ¿Viva la Gloria? (Little Girl) 3:47
  • 13 Restless Heart Syndrome 4:21
  • 14 Horseshoes and Handgrenades 3:14
  • 15 The Static Age 4:16
  • 16 21 Guns Standout 5:21
  • 17 American Eulogy: Mass Hysteria / Modern World 4:26
  • 18 See the Light 4:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata