“Nimrod (25th Anniversary)” - Green Day Album Review

Story posted February 2, 2023 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by Ethan Hetrick

One would have to be a real nimrod to not enjoy the remake of this rock classic.

Green Day is a East Bay, California Punk Rock band that formed in 1987. The band currently consists of lead singer and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, vocalist and bassist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tré Cool.

The band is one of the most successful of all time. They are one accredited with making Punk Rock popular starting with their breakout album “Dookie.” Since then, they have 20 Grammy nominations, a Broadway play and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

But this article is not about Green Day’s accomplishments, but the album that is celebrating its 25th birthday. By golly, this album is a Green Day celebration that the fans have been clamoring for.

“Nimrod (25th Anniversary)” album re-releases the original album with a fun new cover and tons of bonus content.
The album is split into three parts: the remastered original album, demo tapes for the songs of the album plus ones that did not make and an entire live performance from their tour right after the release of “Nimrod” in Philadelphia’s Electric Factory, now known as Franklin Music Hall, on November 14, 1997.

The first third is the remastered original album. Honestly, it is an improvement from the original but to the average listener they will not notice much of a difference. But if one revisits the joy of the original punk rock album that introduces some of Green Day’s most iconic songs like “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” then this is a good trip down memory lane.

The second part of the album is the demo portion. It is the most fascinating part for those who are interested in the process of making music or seeing songs they love in a rawer form. Although it is still the songs, it is fun to see what made the cut and what did not. Plus, it is fun to see the earlier drafts of iconic songs without the clean perfection they have now, like a great case of comparisons between the demo and the one that hit the airwaves is “Nice Guys Finish Last.”

The last portion is the live show. This is the best part of the album because it feels as if the listener was at the original tour.

Green Day chose a great performance because the Philadelphian crowd was clearly into the band's hijinks that was performing its “new” hits and tunes from previous albums. It is fun to be in the 90s again or for the first time listening to the band in their prime. Overall, for live concert performances that are turned into albums, this one is spectacular due to the performance and crowd atmosphere that makes one feel as if they are there.

This two and half hour album is a treat for any Green Day or rock fan in general. With all the bonus tracks and added live performance in it, it becomes an album well worth listening to and respectfully celebrates the bands success. It is a great album and well worth the listen.

Rating: 9/10

Favorite Song: “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”
Least Favorite Song: “Playtapus (I Hate You)”


Ethan Hetrick is a second-year telecommunications major. To contact him, email eth5186@psu.edu.