Grade: B | Genre: Alternative Rock Summary: Green Day traded its full throttle minimalism in for radio friendly songs long ago. However, the anger that help to spark a generation of slam dancing is still in evidence. Green Day, who emerged from the East Bay's punk club 924 Gilman Street and exploded on the scene during the late 1980s, has released their latest album "21st Century Breakdown." Back in the 80s, 924 Gilman was a sweaty, edgy and at times unpredictable establishment, full of angry and youthful energy and a mosh pit that was extreme and hardcore, pushing the most timid to the back. The place was hard edged. Jello Biafra, lead singer for the Dead Kennedys, was stomped on by punks outside the 924 Gilman.

Coming from its punk roots, Green Day has certainly come a very long way, with millions in record sales, by combining pop with punk. "American Idiot," the rock opera, and hit singles like "Wake Me Up When September Ends" have made the band into rock royalty, along with U2 and Coldplay.

The group's eighth studio record, "21st Century Breakdown," will undoubtedly sell a couple million copies after its 18 song "American Idiot" that took the bashing of George W. Bush to new heights. Green Day doesn't see the end of Bush's administration as necessarily a new dawn.

Inspired by artists like Bruce Springsteen and Queen, the trio delivers swelling harmonies and flourishes, huge riffs and anthemic choruses.

Butch Vig, the producer who has worked with Garbage and Nirvana, produced a very clean mix that is ready to explode from your speakers.

The opening sound from the album, is the sound of the dial on a radio being twisted. You hear Billie Joe Armstrong singing: "sing us a song of the century."

The title track of the album alternates between choppy beats and crashing pop cords, recalling the Pogues, with Anderson singing, "my generation is zero."

"Know Your Enemy," the album's first single, is driven by Tre Cool's drumming, Armstrong's guitar and the steady bass lines of Mike Dirnt.

Green Day traded its full throttle minimalism in for radio friendly songs long ago. However, the anger that help to spark a generation of slam dancing is still in evidence. The rage does sometimes overwhelm their message, leaving the album unfocused. However, this adventurous and ambitious album is definitely worth repeated listens.

The Green Day Tour is heading straight for you this summer. Find out when they will be in your town.