"21st Century Breakdown" is not a bad album, not by a long shot. It is more vital and ambitious than much of what's out there. But perhaps inevitably, it does not stack up to its predecessor.

Even them.Marina Chavez With 2004’s resounding, career-reviving smash American Idiot —and now, the superior 21st Century Breakdown —Green Day have not so much evolved as been completely reborn.

Nothing’s ever built to last You’re in ruins A Rock Opera Just as Green Day’s previous album, American Idiot, had a story arc throughout, 21st Century Breakdown follows the same approach.

Green Day 's upcoming album, 21st Century Breakdown, has been given an official release date. The record is slated to hit the streets on May 15th. Curiously, May 15th is actually a Friday.