They’re all good, but which one’s best?

"Boulevard of Broken Dreams"

Why It’s Good: In 2004, very few things captured your teen angst better. Green Day knew you were alone, they knew you had bigger dreams than your suburban town, and that just spoke to you. The instrumentals in the song are pretty cool too, especially at the end. “Boulevard” is a classic.

Why It’s Not: Beloved as it is, “Boulevard” doesn’t do a lot to further the rock opera’s plot. Sure, it tells you that the Jesus of Suburbia has big dreams, but it can stand alone just as well (perhaps the reason why it was released as a single).

Best Line: “Check my vital signs to know I’m still alive, and I walk alone.”

Reprise

"Extraordinary Girl"

Why It’s Good: One of my personal favorites on the album, “Extraordinary Girl” is a nice love letter to the romantic lead in the rock opera. It paints a decent picture of the relationship between the Jesus of Suburbia and Whatsername, and it reveals just how special and powerful Whatsername must be. The song doesn’t try to be too complex or flowery. It says what it needs to say, and it resonates.

Why It’s Not: It's a good song and a pretty song, but others are just a little better.

Best Line: “She’s an extraordinary girl in an ordinary world, and she can’t seem to get away.”

Reprise

"Are We the Waiting?"

Why It’s Good: Its simple poetry is powerful and hits home. In its easy language, it asks an incredibly complex question – “Are we the waiting?” It offers an even more complex answer – unknown. The drums are also aces.

Why It’s Not: There’s nothing bad about this song, really, but being “the waiting” is a little confusing, even though it’s open to interpretation. What is the waiting? I think I just had a great idea for a song sequel.

Best Line: “The Rage and Love, the story of my life…”

Reprise / Via boulevardofrevelations.tumblr.com

"Letterbomb"

Why It’s Good: This is one of the best break up songs ever, ever, ever. Billie Joe Armstrong taps into the female voice to write it and he does it so convincingly. The instrumentals are perfectly angry with the song’s theme. Plus, the scream in the middle is a damn good rock and roll scream.

Why It’s Not: This song is awesome. It’s just that some of the other tracks are a little more important to the rock opera.

Best Line: “Where will all the martyrs go when the virus cures itself, and where will we all go when it’s too late?”

Reprise / Via amandasuclescy

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