# 21st Century Breakdown

> 2009 studio album by Green Day

**Wikidata**: [Q207502](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207502)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_Century_Breakdown)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/21st-century-breakdown

## Summary
*21st Century Breakdown* is a 2009 studio album by the American punk rock band Green Day, released on May 15, 2009, through Reprise Records. The album marked a shift in Green Day's sound, blending punk rock with elements of pop, rock, and electronic music, and is notable for its themes of political disillusionment and societal critique.

## Key Facts
- Released on May 15, 2009, through Reprise Records
- Part of Green Day's discography, following *Bullet in a Bible* (2005)
- Genre: Punk rock with influences from pop, rock, and electronic music
- Includes notable singles: *21st Century Breakdown*, *Know Your Enemy*, and *21 Guns*
- Produced by Green Day and Rob Cavallo
- Part of Warner Music Group's catalog via Reprise Records
- Has 42 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects
- Wikipedia title: *21st Century Breakdown*
- Wikidata description: "2009 studio album by Green Day"

## FAQs
**What is *21st Century Breakdown*?**
*21st Century Breakdown* is a 2009 studio album by Green Day, known for its blend of punk rock with pop, rock, and electronic influences, and for its themes of political disillusionment and societal critique.

**Who released *21st Century Breakdown*?**
The album was released through Reprise Records, a label owned by Warner Music Group, and produced by Green Day and Rob Cavallo.

**What genre is *21st Century Breakdown*?**
The album is primarily punk rock but incorporates elements of pop, rock, and electronic music, reflecting Green Day's evolving sound.

**What are the notable singles from the album?**
Key singles include *21st Century Breakdown*, *Know Your Enemy*, and *21 Guns*, which gained significant attention and airplay.

**When was *21st Century Breakdown* released?**
The album was released on May 15, 2009, following *Bullet in a Bible* (2005) in Green Day's discography.

## Why It Matters
*21st Century Breakdown* is significant for its role in Green Day's evolution as a band, blending punk rock with contemporary musical influences while addressing modern political and social issues. The album's success helped sustain Green Day's mainstream relevance and contributed to the punk rock genre's continued cultural impact. Its themes of disillusionment and societal critique resonated with audiences, reinforcing Green Day's position as a voice for generational change. Additionally, the album's production and sound experimentation marked a departure from their earlier work, appealing to a broader audience while retaining punk's core energy.

## Notable For
- Blending punk rock with pop, rock, and electronic influences
- Addressing political disillusionment and societal critique in its lyrics
- Produced by Green Day and Rob Cavallo, marking a shift in their production approach
- Including the critically acclaimed single *21 Guns*, which became an anthem of the 2008 financial crisis
- Released through Reprise Records, part of Warner Music Group's extensive catalog
- Expanding Green Day's mainstream appeal while maintaining punk's rebellious spirit

## Body
### Release and Background
*21st Century Breakdown* was released on May 15, 2009, through Reprise Records, a label owned by Warner Music Group. The album followed *Bullet in a Bible* (2005) and marked a significant shift in Green Day's sound, incorporating elements of pop, rock, and electronic music alongside punk rock. The band worked with producer Rob Cavallo, who had previously worked on their 2004 album *American Idiot*.

### Musical Style and Themes
The album is characterized by its blend of punk rock with contemporary influences, including electronic beats and rock production. Lyrically, it explores themes of political disillusionment, societal critique, and the challenges of modern life. Tracks like *21st Century Breakdown* and *Know Your Enemy* reflect these themes, resonating with audiences grappling with global economic and political issues.

### Singles and Reception
Notable singles from the album include *21st Century Breakdown*, *Know Your Enemy*, and *21 Guns*, which gained widespread attention and airplay. *21 Guns* became particularly notable for its association with the 2008 financial crisis, serving as an anthem for many during that period. The album received positive reviews for its musical diversity and lyrical depth, further solidifying Green Day's status as a influential band in punk rock.

### Production and Influence
Produced by Green Day and Rob Cavallo, *21st Century Breakdown* marked a departure from their earlier, more stripped-down punk sound. The album's production approach reflected the band's desire to experiment with new sounds while maintaining their punk roots. This evolution helped Green Day appeal to a broader audience while retaining their core identity.

### Cultural Impact
The album's themes and sound resonated with audiences, contributing to Green Day's continued relevance in the music industry. *21st Century Breakdown* helped sustain punk rock's cultural impact, demonstrating that the genre could evolve while remaining true to its rebellious spirit. The album's success also reinforced Green Day's position as a voice for generational change, addressing issues that were central to their fanbase.

### Legacy
*21st Century Breakdown* remains a defining work in Green Day's discography, showcasing their ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while staying true to their roots. The album's blend of punk, pop, and electronic influences has influenced subsequent generations of musicians, and its themes continue to resonate with listeners. As part of Warner Music Group's catalog, the album benefits from the label's global distribution networks, ensuring its continued availability and impact.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000812729)
4. Apple Music
5. [Lescharts.com - Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown](https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Green+Day&titel=21st+Century+Breakdown&cat=a)
6. Deezer
7. Tidal
8. Album of the Year
9. Rate Your Music