Music fans didn’t expect a band that created songs describing boredom and sexual frustration to design a track that was deeply layered and composed with such care and process. This band lit up the 90s punk scene, and even catapulted punk into the mainstream by developing 3 chord wonders, which offered many castaways an outlet to indulge in.
When Green Day released their seminal record American Idiot, some would push the band aside and totally wipe their hands of them, which, in truth, was shameful. Green Day didn’t just revitalise their careers with American Idiot, they started a revolution, and sparked conversations, while impacting many lives.
One song that really upped the ante was a 9-minute smash hit Jesus Of Suburbia, which in truth should be hailed for its ingenuity and structure. To create something so colossal takes bravery, guts, and talent, and Green Day did just that with a track formed from a mind unhinged.
Lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong wrote these lyrics that were poetic, sincere, and rebel-like. He drafted in words of reason and intent, proving he was an able songwriter with adept skills. Not only did he write lyrics that resonated on such a mammoth level, but his technique on his beloved guitar had also become more refined.
Jesus Of Suburbia was broken into parts, and the story it conveys is dazzling, though it hits hard, as the Jesus Of Suburbia is flesh and bone in the mind of Armstrong. The boy who is broken-hearted walks through the decay to try to find solace and a reason to live. He takes drugs; he triggers disagreements, and he cuts himself to see the shine of his own blood.
Musically, Green Day upped their game. Jesus Of Suburbia didn’t just creep in as a song of modern-day angst, it restored faith in people’s reactions to the band. The song showed that Green Day was a talented, forward-thinking act that could mix it with the elite.
For being 9 minutes long, Jesus Of Suburbia was a creative song, worthy of being played far and wide, across radio stations and beyond. It was structured too, as it was seamless, boasting choruses and sharp sonic values.
People will argue, but Jesus Of Suburbia is Green Day’s most audacious track and their most revealing. Armstrong was in a league of his own when writing it, and the band should be commended for the brilliance they created.