I've always enjoyed Green Day's music.  I've been a fan for many years and couldn't wait to get my hands on American Idiot when it finally came out — especially considering we've been waiting for an album with new music from Green Day since 2000.

When I heard "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" on the radio for the first time, I realized something had happened to Green Day, some kind of change, some kind of maturation if you will.  Their music had definitely taken a new spin, so I was a bit reluctant to buy American Idiot based on the expectation that they had somehow changed.  I like the song though, so I bought it during a shopping trip with Rick.

I wasn't disappointed.

This is good stuff.  Green Day has definitely matured.

Rest assured there's vintage Green Day here.  "St. Jimmy" and "She's a Rebel" are perfect examples.  But there's something else here.

The band seems to have expanded their horizons by including their normal punk rock music along with elaborate melodies, odd tempo changes, and a collection of songs that freely reference classic rock.  From power ballads to Indian strings to a hushed, almost pop-ish sound, Green Day has taken a step forward with this album, a step in the right direction.

From the political machinations of "American Idiot" to the "Wake Me Up When September Ends" which wouldn't sound entirely out of place on a Jessica Simpson record, this album offers everything that Green Day has to offer and a whole lot more.

Yes, this album is less punk that their previous work.  This still represents a significant step forward for the band, so keep that in mind.  If you like Dookie, listen to it instead.  If you want to hear how Green Day has matured and what new surprises this has wrought in their music, then I strongly suggest American Idiot.