Let's not kid ourselves. Green Day have never been about originality. But they've consistently come up trumps with catchy tunes and kick-arse riffs. Over the years they've given the globe's youth plenty to prance around to but groundbreaking compositions have, it seems, never been a priority.
With this in mind it comes as no surprise that 'Warning' won't win any prizes for imagination. Having said that it could turn out to be arguably Green Day's finest hour. Unlike 'Nimrod' and 'Insomniac' it's an album stacked with accessible, irresistibly whistleable, songs.
Yes indeed, those two years away have been well spent recharging their clearly flagging batteries, perfecting melodies and (dare I say it) experimenting with acoustic guitars. And by jingo it works!
The harsh (but fair) Levellers comparisons are unavoidable but not unexpected, especially considering the success of 1998's 'Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)'. The once young-and-dyed brash power-punk threesome of Billie Joe, Tre and Mike have certainly mellowed. 'Warning' is more concerned with domesticity than punk uprisings. The few subversive messages here are subtler, embedded deep in the title track and the likeable strum-along of 'Macy's Day Parade'. Their trademark sound is there yet it feels refreshingly clean and crisp.
There's plenty to look forward to on 'Warning'. Singalong choruses are the order of the day and they come thick and fast. The dominatrix belter 'Blood Sex and Booze', the utterly contagious 'Castaway', and the punchy 'Jackass'.
The only concerning thing about 'Warning' is that it's hard to tell if the trio's tongue's are firmly in cheek or if they've simply misplaced their sense of humour. Look no further than 'Hold On', with its harmonica intro, hand clapping, and tambourine bashing. Or the Hammer-horror synth and accordion of 'Misery'. Can recent Top 20 single 'Minority' be a serious stab at dealing with individuality? It's debateable. It's not until the title track that it all becomes clear.
Then just as you're contemplating whether a Green Day comeback is necessary 'Waiting' pops up to remind us why they're still essential. Already described by the band as one of their favourite tracks, 'Waiting' makes 'Warning' well worth the erm wait. A sure-fire hit record and absolute gem.
But is this what we want from Green Day? I think it is.
