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Dilemma (Green Day song)

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"Dilemma" is a song by American rock band Green Day from their fourteenth studio album, Saviors (2024). The fifth song on the album, "Dilemma" is a punk rock song which has been stylistically compared to power pop and '50s rock. The song is lyrically inspired by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong's struggles with alcohol addiction and mental health.

"Dilemma"
Single by Green Day
from the album Saviors
ReleasedDecember 7, 2023 (2023-12-07)
StudioRAK Studios, London
Genre
Length3:18
LabelReprise
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s)Billie Joe Armstrong
Producer(s)
Green Day singles chronology
"Look Ma, No Brains!"
(2023) 		"Dilemma"
(2023) 		"One Eyed Bastard"
(2024)
Music video
"Dilemma" on YouTube

"Dilemma" was first released on December 7, 2023 as the third single from Saviors. The accompanying music video for the song, directed by Ryan Baxley, begins with an intoxicated Armstrong having what seems to be a fun night out, before revealing the actual, "uglier" events from the night. "Dilemma" received acclaim from music critics, with multiple declaring it as a standout track on Saviors. The song is included in the setlist of The Saviors Tour, the ongoing concert tour in support of Saviors. "Dilemma" topped the US Rock & Alternative Airplay and the Canada Rock charts, and was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

Background and release

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"Dilemma" was inspired by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong's struggles with alcoholism. Following an onstage meltdown during the 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival, Armstrong first entered rehab for his alcohol addiction; however, after five years of sobriety, he noted how he gradually began to drink excessively again, and struggled to receive help due to loneliness and him feeling unable to receive help through organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous due to being a celebrity. Armstrong noted on The Howard Stern Show how he wrote the song while drinking, and has called it one of the most honest songs he had ever written.[1][2]

Alongside other songs from Saviors, "Dilemma" was recorded at RAK Studios in London after the band learned the Liam Gallagher recorded his studio album C'mon You Know there.[3][4] The band teased the single release on December 4, 2024 through a "festive" social media post featuring a photo booth image strip and the text "A Very Green Day Holiday!".[5] On December 7, "Dilemma" was made available for digital download and streaming as the third single off Saviors, and an accompanying music video was simultaneously released to the band's YouTube channel.[6][7]

Composition and lyrics

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"Dilemma"
A 19-second sample of "Dilemma". The song's introduction consists of Armstrong singing over a "nostalgic-sounding" chord progression played on an electric guitar, before a drum hits and the song takes on a heavier sound.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Dilemma" is a "punk bossa nova"[1] song which stylistically draws from power pop,[8] doo-wop,[9] and '50s rock.[10][11] The song begins with a slow, "nostalgic-sounding" introduction containing only an electric guitar for instrumentation. Afterwards, the introduction finishes with an open cadence, before a drum hits and the song transitions into a heavier sound more reminiscent of "classic Green Day".[12][13] Dana Poland of Slant commented on the song's "bright, Beach Boys-esque guitar tones", which complemented its "bursts of pop-punk energy".[14] Marko Djurdjić of Exclaim! stylistically compared "Dilemma" to songs by the Menzingers,[15] while Kory Grow of Rolling Stone noted that the song was likely inspired by Ramones.[10]

Lyrically, "Dilemma" focuses on Armstrong's struggles with alcoholism and mental health.[16] Armstrong explained that the lyric "I was sober, now I'm drunk again" from the chorus could be seen as both a celebratory statement for having gotten drunk, or as a representation of "someone that's fallen".[17] Armstrong also acknowledged how the first line of the song, "Welcome to my problems, it's not an invitation", was designed to be self-pitying akin to a Facebook post, however commented that people should interpret the lyric how they want.[18]

Reception

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Critical response

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"Dilemma" received acclaim from music critics, with Far Out's Kelly Scanlon calling it a "punk anthem destined to infiltrate your mind for weeks, if not months".[19] Tom Breihan of Stereogum praised the composition of "Dilemma" for being "fun" and "catchy",[20] while Kory Grow of Rolling Stone called the song a "plaintive, swinging rocker".[10] The song's lyrics have also received positive reviews, with The Independent's Helen Brown calling "Dilemma" an "enjoyably self-pitying whinge"[21] and BrooklynVegan's Andrew Sacher calling the lyrics some of the "most impacting" on Saviors.[22] Multiple critics regarded "Dilemma" as a standout on Saviors,[a] with Madison Walters of New Noise Magazine going as far as to declare it "one of the best songs Green Day has ever released".[24]

Accolades

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Nominations for "Dilemma"
Award Category Result Ref.
2025 Grammy Awards Best Rock Song Pending [27]

Commercial performance

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On April 6, 2024, "Dilemma" topped Billboard's Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, making it the eighth song by the band to do so.[28] "Dilemma" also individually topped Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart and Alternative Airplay chart on April 27 and May 4 respectively, becoming the ninth and thirteenth song by the band to do so.[29][30] Outside the United States, "Dilemma" also topped the Canada Rock chart,[31] and charted in New Zealand,[32] Germany,[33] and the Czech Republic.[34]

Music video

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The music video for "Dilemma", directed by Ryan Baxley, was released on December 7, 2023 to coincide with the single release.[6] The video begins in black-and-white, with Armstrong waking up on a floor and remembering a night out at a bar and a Christmas party. However, towards the end of the video, it changes to full color and reveals that, in reality, the events of that night were much "uglier".[20][35] According to Baxley, the video represents the "personal, honest side" of the band, and is the third video in a cycle where color was gradually introduced — the video for "The American Dream Is Killing Me" was entirely in black-and-white, while that of "Look Ma, No Brains!" was black-and-white with pink accents.[36] The music video for "Dilemma" was nominated for Best Rock Video at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, losing to the music video for "Human" by Lenny Kravitz.[37]

Live performances

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Green Day played the live debut of "Dilemma" during their performance as part of the 2024 edition of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.[38] The band then performed an acoustic version of "Dilemma" on January 16, 2024 in a New York City subway station with Jimmy Fallon, as part of a segment for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon; while the performance did not air, it was uploaded to the show's YouTube channel on January 18.[39][40] The song was included in the setlist of their January 18, 2024 show at Irving Plaza, as part of the Small Stages Series by Sirius XM.[41] On April 3, 2024, the band played the song at the Fillmore during a charity concert for the United Nations Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance.[42]

"Dilemma" is included in the setlist of the Saviors Tour, the ongoing concert tour in support of Saviors which began on May 30, 2024.[43] On July 26, 2024, the band played "Dilemma" during their appearance on Good Morning America's televised "Summer Concert Series".[44] The band also played the song during their appearance on the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special on October 6, 2024.[45]

Credits and personnel

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Credits are adapted from iTunes.[46]

Green Day

Additional personnel

Charts

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Chart performance for "Dilemma"
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Canada Rock (Billboard)[31] 1
Czech Republic (Rádio – Top 100)[34] 45
Germany Airplay (TopHit)[33] 37
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[32] 25
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[47] 32
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[48] 1

Release history

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Release history for "Dilemma"
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various December 7, 2023
Reprise [6][49]
United States January 23, 2024 Modern rock radio Warner [50]

Notes

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  1. ^ Attributed to Jon Pareles of The New York Times,[23] Madison Walters of New Noise Magazine,[24] Mark Richardson of The Wall Street Journal,[25] and Michael Gallucci of Ultimate Classic Rock.[26]

References

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  1. ^ a b Kaufman, Gil (January 18, 2024). "Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong Says 'Dilemma' Tackles Substance Use, Mental Health With Zero Filter: 'There's No Metaphor'". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  2. ^ Gerber, Brady (January 19, 2024). "Billie Joe Armstrong on Trump, Punk, and Green Day's Saviors". Vulture. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  3. ^ Carter, Emily (December 19, 2023). "Watch Green Day record new single Dilemma at London's RAK Studios". Kerrang!. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  4. ^ Brannigan, Paul (December 15, 2023). ""We went to this crazy burlesque show, took off our shirts, and put these nipple tassels on. I've got the photos to prove it!": Green Day reveal how recording 'Saviors' in London threw up some new life experiences". Louder Sound. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  5. ^ Skinner, Tom (December 6, 2023). "Green Day announce new single 'Dilemma', coming this week". NME. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Paul, Larisha (December 7, 2023). "Green Day Sobers Up and Faces Hard Truths in Blurry 'Dilemma' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  7. ^ Carter, Daisy (December 7, 2023). "Green Day release drop latest album teaser 'Dilemma'". DIY. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  8. ^ "Green Day - Saviors (album review 3)". SputnikMusic. January 19, 2024. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  9. ^ Swann, Emma (January 19, 2024). "Green Day - Saviors". DIY. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c Grow, Kory (January 8, 2024). "Green Day Update Their Take on American Idiocy With 'Saviors'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  11. ^ Amorosi, A.D. (January 19, 2024). "Green Day's Sociopolitical Sarcasm Ages Well in Sharp 'Saviors': Album Review". Variety. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  12. ^ Vito, Jo (December 7, 2023). "Green Day Release New Single "Dilemma": Stream". Consequence. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  13. ^ Sacher, Andrew (December 7, 2023). "Green Day share new song, "Dilemma"". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  14. ^ Poland, Dana (January 14, 2024). "Green Day Saviors Review: Pop-Punk's Great Redeemers Get Personal". Slant. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  15. ^ Djurdjić, Marko (January 17, 2024). "Green Day Hit a Late-Career High on 'Saviors'". Exclaim!. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  16. ^ Armstrong, Billie Joe (January 21, 2024). "Billie Joe Armstrong on Green Day's latest album 'Saviors'" (Interview). Interviewed by Ayesha Rascoe. NPR. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  17. ^ Nelson, Jeff (January 18, 2024). "Billie Joe Armstrong on Managing Addiction, Mental Health: 'There's No Shame' (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  18. ^ Carter, Emily (December 7, 2023). "Green Day have shared a personal new single, Dilemma". Kerrang!. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  19. ^ Scanlon, Kelly (January 18, 2024). "Green Day – 'Saviors' album review: authentic post-punk anthems for a broken world". Far Out. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  20. ^ a b Breihan, Tom (December 7, 2023). "Green Day – "Dilemma"". Stereogum. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  21. ^ Brown, Helen (January 19, 2024). "Green Day review, Savior: Stroppy chant-alongs about the State of Things". The Independent. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  22. ^ Sacher, Andrew (January 18, 2024). "Green Day return to form on new album 'Saviors' (review)". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  23. ^ Pareles, Jon (January 22, 2024). "Green Day Gets Loud Again". The New York Times. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  24. ^ a b Walters, Madison (January 19, 2024). "Album Review: Green Day – Saviors". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  25. ^ Richardson, Mark (January 16, 2024). "'Saviors' by Green Day Review: Perennial Punks". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  26. ^ Gallucci, Michael (January 16, 2024). "Green Day, 'Saviors': Album Review". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  27. ^ "2025 GRAMMYs: See The Full Nominations List". The Recording Academy. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  28. ^ Rutherford, Kevin (March 29, 2024). "Green Day's 'Dilemma' Tops Rock & Alternative Airplay Chart". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  29. ^ Rutherford, Kevin (April 19, 2024). "Green Day Earns Ninth Mainstream Rock Airplay No. 1 With 'Dilemma'". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  30. ^ Rutherford, Kevin (April 26, 2024). "Green Day Earns 13th Alternative Airplay No. 1 With 'Dilemma'". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "Green Day Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  32. ^ a b "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  33. ^ a b "Top Radio Hits Germany Weekly Chart: Oct 10, 2024". TopHit. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  34. ^ a b "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 16. týden 2024 in the date selector. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  35. ^ "GREEN DAY Releases New Single 'Dilemma'". Blabbermouth.net. December 7, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  36. ^ Čížek, Ondřej (March 20, 2024). "The American Dream Is Killing Me. Interview with Director Ryan Baxley". Wired CZ. Archived from the original on August 5, 2024. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  37. ^ Atkinson, Katie (September 11, 2024). "2024 VMAs Winners List: Complete". Billboard. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  38. ^ "'New Year's Rockin' Eve' performers include LL Cool J, Cardi B". KABC-TV. December 27, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  39. ^ Kaufman, Gil (January 17, 2024). "Green Day and Jimmy Fallon Rock N.Y. Subway Station With Surprise 'Basket Case' Performance". Billboard. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  40. ^ Kaufman, Gil (January 19, 2024). "'Tonight Show' Posts Official Video of Green Day's Ripping Subway Pop-Up Concert". Billboard. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  41. ^ Shanfeld, Ethan (January 19, 2024). "Green Day Previews New Album 'Saviors' at Intimate, Hit-Filled Irving Plaza Show". Variety. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  42. ^ Ruskin, Zack (April 3, 2024). "Green Day riles up S.F. crowd for a cause". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  43. ^ Carter, Emily (May 31, 2024). "Green Day: Here's the setlist from the first night of The Saviors Tour". Kerrang!. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  44. ^ "Green Day played Central Park for GMA's Summer Concert Series (pics, setlist)". BrooklynVegan. July 26, 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  45. ^ Carter, Emily (October 7, 2024). "See Green Day perform Dilemma at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special". Kerrang!. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  46. ^ "Dilemma — Song by Green Day — Apple Music". Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  47. ^ "Green Day Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  48. ^ "Green Day Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  49. ^ "Spotted on New Music Friday". Hits. December 8, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  50. ^ "A Recap of Radio Add Recaps". Hits. October 24, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
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