Green Day
“21st Century Breakdown”
As one of the most anticipated albums of the year, there are many expectations that Green Day must live up to. “21st Century Breakdown” adds to Green Day’s prolific legacy. The album was slightly more instrumental than their previous, “American Idiot,” and the lyrics were a little less understandable. The way they masterfully blend rock ‘n’ roll with pop seems to always create a sound that can be listened to for hours.
One standout, “Know Your Enemy,” has instant appeal. The song has a foot tapping rhythm and a “breakout the air guitar” feel. However, there are many other interesting tracks on this album such as “Before the Lobotomy,” “21st Century Breakdown” and “Horseshoes and Hand Grenades” which will have you banging your head long into the night.
In addition, there are a few pieces of soft rock that do a wonderful job of combining a steady drum beat and soothing guitar cadences. Lead singer and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong allows you to relax and sing along with the melodious tunes. “Last Night on Earth” uses the piano to soothe one’s nerves.
Also, Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt play the guitar skillfully and create many unique sounds. The guitar solos are sweet-sounding and can please just about anyone’s ears.
The drums are no exception. Tre Cool, the band’s drummer,
seems to have mastered the instument. He keeps the songs’ rythyms exquisitely, and he adds his own personal flair to each song with his distinctive style.
All in all, Green Day does a phenomenal job of maintaining uniformity throughout the album while making sure that each song has its own sound.
Warning: Not for the faint of heart. --Clint Yoos

CKY
"Carver City"
CKY, also known as Camp Kill Yourself, has done it again with the release of their fourth album, “Carver City.” This is their follow up album to the 2005 release of “An Answer Can Be Found.”
“Carver City” is based around a family summer vacation and a unique sound of darkness. CKY shows a more dramatic side then before but they also have a calm nature.
The album also includes drummer Jess Margera’s younger brother and keyboardist, Bam Margera. Also, it was produced by guitarist Chad I Ginsburg in Conshohocken, PA.
“Carver City” was meant to represent a city from a family vacation that is both eerie and fun filled. It’s said that the city is known for its misfortune. “Carver City’s” mishap is shown throughout the beauty of not only the songs but also by the artistic cover art. The band shows their unique sound through screeching guitar and hardcore drum solos.
The special edition includes four new tracks, “Fisherman’s Wharf, Pt. 1,” “Fisherman’s Wharf Pt. 2,” “Doubled Up On Trauma” and “Stripped Your Speech.”
This was an amazing album to listen to and one that defiantly changes the meaning of the phrase “family vacation.” -Paiton Swope

Eminem
"Replase"
It’s been awhile since Eminem has come out with a new album, but it’s finally out. “Relapse,” released May 19, welcomed back Slim Shady.
The pop hits “Crack a Bottle” and “We made you” are the first singles off the album. One of his more emotional songs is. “3 am.” The skits are also featured on the album which include a Steve Berman skit that is funny.
Like most rappers, Eminem incorporates drugs, sex, and violence into his lyrics.
These are included in most songs but are not overdone and doesn’t take away from the experience. Some faults on the album are that it lacks variety of artists. The only other artists, other than Eminem, are Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.
This album doesn’t quite meet the standards of his previous emotional as “Stan” and gets you pumped up more then “Till I collapse” but it is still a must have album for any rap or Eminem fan. I give this story a 3 out of 4 because he tells great stories and has a wide range of music.
You can listen to every song and the skits give a nice add to the story.
The troubles are, that there needs to be more articles, lots of talk of violence, drugs, and sex —which is explicit — and it’s just not Eminem’s best.