An album that revolutionised the face of punk-rock, Green Day released American Idiot in the September of 2004.

Post-modern reference draws from the implementation of personal reference shaping journey through the album, forming a relatable story, as opposed to an idyllic sense of a (false) reality, more conventionally. Subject of the album relates directly with Green Day’s experience growing up in a socially corrupt, restrictive American society. Lyrical content references expectations impossible to meet, and the effect this had on citizens. Bringing light to such controversial issues, Green Day were afterwards recognised to be a band of truth. Communities liked this, being able to relate so directly.

The symbolism featured within their album cover conveyed distortion, presenting themes of rage and love; the themes of which fuelled American society. A heart-shaped grenade with a fist around it – this alone was an unconventional approach, diminishing the otherwise perfect reputation America had constructed through the media.

As the album progresses, Green Day provide the audience with sufficient insight into their thoughts, feelings, emotions and frustrations reflecting upon experience. Extremely personal and expressive, American Idiot draws upon themes concealed by conventional media, diminishing the boundary between high and low culture.

The idea that media entails for the construction, or reconstruction, of ones identity highness the impact of Green Days motives. Portrayed to have experienced the same level of struggle as other contemporary American citizens, the band design their image to relate to that of traditional ‘social outcasts’, suggesting that it is okay to be a victim of societies high expectations. Green Day then question these standards and values, investigating what exactly it means to be an American citizen growing up in the 90s/ 21st century, and how this contemporary, tailored society can implement values upon the general nature and mentality of a new generation.

The above artworks were created by graphic designer, Kevin Lau with direct reference to specific songs on Green Day’s album, featuring imagery associated with particular themes discussed throughout American Idiot. These include- apathy, determination, anger, lust, love and conflict, which are then deconstructed by Lau to export and embed their symbolic qualities within his work. This highness effect and draws a direct link between image and message.

The general sense recognised from review of the album documents straying away from your expected path, and having to make your own way to where you’re meant to be. This is then followed up with the question of whether it’s a necessity to reach this destination, or whether its simply just a socially constructed, desirable concept. The frustration rooted from their determination which later led to rage, presented to be taken out upon the world.

A desperate mission to seek meaning and purpose led Green Day to drastically alter their image and nature, tracing their iconic transition from rock to punk. This revolutionised the scene, documented personally and directly. It was important for Green Day that the media presented a true representation of their life, ensuring not to become a part of the unachievable glorification of reality that drove their motives initially.

Closing the album, a sense of revelation can be sought, recognising a need for taking accountability for personal situation and to stop instead blaming society. Within this period, Green Day actively worked to obtain control by breaking out of, not society, but instead the restrictive state of mind that once dominated the control the band’s shared mentality.