"...their pop is as snotty and fun as their punk was, just more tuneful. And any band that can write a song called 'Blood Sex and Booze'--and play it like a very drunk Creedence Clearwater Revival--hasn't overdone the growing up."
--Brett Milano, Stereo Review's Sound & Vision December 2000

"The frantic frenzy of yore has succumbed to a controlled, confident new pace-a sort of devil-may-care swagger that characterizes only the most assured tunesmiths. And the rest of the disc? A pointed lesson in never judging a book by its three-chord cover: 'Minority,' the first single, is set to a rousing military-march tempo; 'Castaway' and 'Church On Sunday' are power pop in the purest sense, with Armstrong's acrobatic, adventurous new vocals sparkling like frosting on top; 'Misery' tells a 'Walk On The Wild Side'-ish tale over a Brecht/Weill-style backdrop; 'Jackass' updates the Who's vintage 'My Generation' riff with a vitriolic twist; and the album closes with 'Macy's Day Parade,' a softly-strummed, string-buttressed ballad so gorgeous it's almost painful."

--Tom Lanham, Pulse November 2000

"Billie Joe Armstrong's songwriting talent might be more concentrated than ever. If it were a stomach, it'd be the abs of steel." --James Sullivan, San Francisco Chronicle October 1, 2000

"...a collection that is musically diverse, lyrically smart and a blast to listen to. Count it among the best records of 2000." --Dan Aquilante, New York Post October 3, 2000

"...contains catchy, intelligent hooks...'Waiting,' with its acoustic intro and fade, is both powerful and arresting, while the flamenco-flavored 'Minority' evokes the Clash...their most accomplished record yet." --Steve Baltin, Maxim October 2000

"There are more acoustic guitars in the mix, but they're played by Billie Armstrong with a slamming, Pet Townshend like ferocity. The songs are simple, propulsive bursts--a Green Day trademark--and it's good to see the band doing what it does best." --Steve Morse, Boston Globe October 8, 2000

"Proving that they aren't fools, Green Day take a substantial step forward, exploring new rhythms, sonics, and subjects. While many of the tracks are still cheeky and infectious, the deceptively simple melodies belie a quest for meaning, faith, and fulfillment. " --Jaan Uhelszki, Amazon.com October 1, 2000

"Two years ago the Northern California punk-rock trio shocked the pop world with their spare, curiously affecting anthem 'Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)'...they (the new songs) all signal the blossoming pop sensibilities of lead singer and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt and endearingly named drummer Tre Cool. Airy melodies, sing-along choruses and big, jovial beats power songs that are more ironic than rancorous. Where Green Day's punk lyrics dripped with vitriol, here, on 'Minority,' they are-Johnny Rotten, close your ears!- lyrical: 'One light, one mind/Flashing in the dark/Blinded by the silence of a thousand broken hearts.'" --Steve Dougherty, People October 9, 2000