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21st Century Breakdown

(2009, Alternative rock, by Green Day, Label: Reprise)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Pointed lyrics, gritty language infuse political rock opera.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Several religious references may be offensive to some.
  • Violence:

    Much of the theme of the album is war, its effects, and its aftermath, so there are numerous references to bombs, guns (including one song called “21 Guns”) and death as well as mentions of a Molotov cocktail, St. Valentine’s massacre, suicide, and genocide. Terms that could be construed as violent in tone, however, are actually literate, metaphorical references that work within the context of the album’s theme.
  • Sex:

    No overt content, just one reference to orgasm.
  • Language:

    This album is labeled "explicit" primarily for the language on a handful of songs. Specifically, “f--k,” “s—t,” “hell” and “goddamned.”
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Several references to substances including: “I’m not stoned/I’m just f--ked up” and “I got so high I can’t stand up.” A couple of references to cigarettes, pills, alcohol and being “wasted.”
 

What Parents Need to Know

About 21st Century Breakdown

Parents need to know that there's no shortage of four-letter words and violent imagery on this highly anticipated new album by Green Day, but in context, they are used to articulate the band's highly political views of war, the media, and revolution. Sophisticated teens will appreciate the clever metaphors and complex themes.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what real-life issues the band is railing against. Is there a specific message or theme that is the focus of the album as a whole? Can music with a message be a force for change? Does the band’s message hold up as strongly as it did before even though they’ve had a lot of critical and financial success?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about 21st Century Breakdown?
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See all 26 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Perfect 10/10

    Great album and great songs i think anyone who likes the Amarican Idiot album will like this

  2. I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Good music

    Great album. I love Green Day.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    awsome band

    this is the best band in the entire world !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    A good band to allow kids to "rebel" with

    I have "ignored" the bad language and chose to allow my boy to listen to Green Day. Their views on war are compatible with ours and I know kids must have something to "rebel" with. This band gives my son a chance to find a voice different from ours but also gives us things to talk about. We listen on the way to school and, believe me, I know every word...!

  5. I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    Love It

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