By Graham Armknecht ’18
THE ROUNDUP
Green Day and Rick Astley came out with their new albums on Oct. 7, “Revolution Radio” and “50” respectively.
These albums seemingly have nothing in common; both are from completely different bands, genres and eras.
However, both of these bands resurfaced on the same date and both of them have some deep lyrics.
Let’s start with Green Day. They released, “Revolution Radio” for the public and it’s a glorious return to the days of “American Idiot.”
While the album isn’t as hard as it was advertised in publications like Rolling Stone, it’s an amazing return to the sound.
The lyrics are even more thought-provoking and creative than albums in the past.
In the song “Youngbloods” frontman, Billie Joe Armstrong rhymes supernova and cherry cola back to back. This, personally, blew my mind and only made me love this album even more.
The beat is consistent with what everyone has come to expect from Green Day. Songs like “Say Goodbye” and “Revolution Radio” have head-banging anthems that anyone will get into.
“Say Goodbye” is also the best example of the deeper lyrics on the album, focusing on the theme of police brutality.
It’s a harkening back to the pure genius that is “American Idiot,” and furthermore proof that age hasn’t affected these punk rockers from coming back from the collection of “Uno, Dos, Tres.”
Overall, “Revolution Radio” is an amazing album, one that will repeat in my playlist, and one that will blast out the windows of my car for the time being.
Now let’s get to Rick Astley.
No, he’s not dead. No, this isn’t a “Rick Roll” click-bait article that will lead to his most famous song, “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
I’ll be honest: I wanted this new album to be good. After hearing the first single released, “Keep Singing,” I wanted this to be the best album I’ve ever heard.
I was not disappointed.
The album is really soulful, reminding me of Adele and in some ways of Muse. It’s personal, revealing and it succeeds in what it was meant to do: bring Rick Astley back from the musical dead.
From the first note that Astley sings in “Keep Singing,” it’s an amazing feeling. Goosebumps rose from my skin and I got that tingly feeling when one listens to a great song.
The song itself is composed much like many slow songs now. It’s also amazing considering Astley played every instrument on this album. But the aforementioned song touches on the concept of growing up, and to keep singing and pursue one’s passion. It’s amazing.
Other songs on the album include “Angels on My Side,” “I Like the Sun” and “Dance.”
All of them have an amazing and unique beat. Some make you want to get up and dance, and some make you want to contemplate your life.
However, the reason that this isn’t a 10 out of 10 is because of some of the lyrics of these songs.
Unlike Green Day, they aren’t quite as inventive. They are too straightforward and don’t quite commentate on things like Green Day did.
Collectively, I’d give the two albums a 9 out of 10. While both of these albums have nothing in common in sound or genre, they are both reminders of the past sound that might have left our ears but has come roaring back to remind us of their times.
