My FIRST TIME Hearing BAD RELIGION - "American Jesus" (REACTION!!)

[@pmorris1916]

The song isn't just criticizing religion, it is criticizing our obsession with being "American", which makes this even more relevant today in this ridiculous culture we have. The opening lines "I don't need to be a global citizen, because I'm blessed by nationality." is a great line that backs this up. A lot of this brilliant song is about how we treat our cultural identity as a religion and act like everything "American" is "good", and everything else is "bad". For a song from the early 90s, it has shockingly immense relevance today.

[@rolanddeschain6089]

Is it me or is Punk rock much more timeless than a lot of other rock music? Musical as well as lyrical.

[@MacGuffinExMachina]

Somewhat, but some shit hasn't aged well, like the homophobic language in Creatures from Adolescents. I know Tony Adolescent isn't homophobic now, but like back in the 80's, I don't know. Either way, it's kinda cringe. Still love the song. Generally, it's still cool. Even some of the fashion is timeless. Like, the 80's had a lot of wild shit we either love or hate for its ridiculousness, including some punk styles, but a lot of the staples of 80's hardcore punk fits in well with the way people dress today. Just simple jeans, tees, and Vans or Converse.

[@ninja_tony]

I agree, because I think a lot of the main themes you see a lot in punk are still just as relevant today for sure. Also, I LOVE your name, I'm a huge Dark Tower fan!

[@juggalonumber27]

Well, shit doesn't really change all that much. So things that were fucked then, are fucked now, so the songs still apply.

[@SuzakuX]

I mean, musically simple with catchy hooks and lyrics dealing with socioeconomic issues that still haven't been solved.

[@rolanddeschain6089]

@@SuzakuX yeah, feels a bit like irish folksongs. That shit doesn't get old.

[@gnarxy]

"I feel sorry for the Earth's population, so few live in the U.S.A." that lyrics is so motherfuckin epic.

[@wouldiwasshookspeared4087]

At least the foreigners can copy our morality...

[@electric_screams6581]

@@wouldiwasshookspeared4087 They can visit but they cannot stay!!!

[@JosephKinney]

Greg Graffin, their frontman, is smart as hell. He’s got a PhD in Zoology from Cornell. He’s also a college professor and an author among other things. Love Bad Religion and their message off questioning everything. One of my favorite songs of theirs is “Materialist”

[@seelenwinter6662]

in america you are smart as hell when you can write your name without a fault...

[@JosephKinney]

@@seelenwinter6662 oh trust me, it’s getting worse every day. Asimov’s postulated cult of ignorance is alive and well.

[@NinjaLill]

Dr. Greg Graffin is the GOAT.

[@donaldlamendola1392]

Now you need to get into some Pennywise, NOFX and Social Distortion.

[@JoeyJordison97]

Fuck yeah! Especially Pennywise they're my favorite 😊

[@FamineWolf]

I agree! Could probably transition into ska like Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish easily as well

[@awesomeas2]

Dont forget Rancid and the offspring! Plus Anti Flag or Rise Against

[@FamineWolf]

@@awesomeas2 I think he would love Rise Against and The Offspring. Anti Flag could be great depending on what he starts with!

[@maximusperestrelo4165]

Yes and rise against

[@TheDaner]

Fun fact: Listening to BR makes you a smarter person.

[@MadMax-cl8ib]

Pffft maybe 30 yrs ago

[@Jones-eq4bs]

Mad Max get a grip, have you not heard their brand new album? maybe you shouldn’t comment if you’re ignorant

[@oneDonly]

Had look up a few words.

[@MadMax-cl8ib]

@@Jones-eq4bs no need for that..

[@judet2006]

TRULY

[@adamcastillo3976]

Didn’t expect punk!! Check out Dead Kennedys - Holiday in Cambodia please!!?

[@Grrizo]

Yeah! Anything by DK!

[@jamalfromcollege2854]

Yeah man agree. Or black flag

[@mikeycost6917]

Lol it’s through dead Kennedy’s I found bad religion

[@_Goyle]

Fun fact: Bad Religion refers to their backing vocals as “Oozin’ Ahs”

[@sharilynbratton6476]

Lost my only son 4 years ago, this band and especially this song was one of his faves. He played it all the time.

[@CosmicAnimosty138]

May he rest in peace, hail Bad Religion.

[@sharilynbratton6476]

@@CosmicAnimosty138 Thank you and blessings to you.

[@jacobprice8048]

Love to you. You raised him right. Sorry for your loss. Hope you have a great holiday

[@sharilynbratton6476]

@@jacobprice8048 Thank you so much, happy holidays to you as well.

[@Zephyr616]

"only thing on the interstate is billboards and advertising" *Exactly*

[@StormKing757]

Please react to 21st century digital boy by bad religion

[@simonloewenstein2581]

that's an amazing song

[@Mauricio-dv9lr]

Up

[@fyramis]

Jupp had go and watch it after this ;-} good old times

[@markwalker2951]

This one, please. And the video rocks!!

[@LojakZeRo]

Still my favorite Bad Religion jam!

[@KillerManzarek]

Welcome to the world of punk rock! Bad Religion are pioneers of this genre. In the mid 90's, punk rock was the most popular music in the world with bands like Bad Religion, The Offspring, Green Day, NOFX, Pennywise, No Use for a Name, Rancid and Lagwagon. Most of these bands are still active today. I would love to see more reaction to this genre and these bands. Keep up the good job Alex!!

[@znmckague]

I recommend Agent Orange, Pennywise, Suicidal Tendencies, the Descendants

[@trenchy1990]

Same Old Story by Pennywise makes me want to skate all the time.

[@SuperDirtyDiggler]

I would add Alkaline Trio and The Bouncing Souls if he wants more songs like this

[@Blake_B52]

'Merican by Descendants

[@stevenl3265]

Zack McKague Descendents!!

[@hobojoedogbro6415]

Next up is 21st Century Digital Boy by Bad Religion

[@ExUSSailor]

I hope this will be only the intro to you diving further down the Bad Religion rabbit hole. They have a back catalog stretching back to 1980. Of course, if you're gonna do punk, you need to do Black Flag, Bad Brains, and, the Misfits. Arguably, the three most essential American punk bands.

[@ExUSSailor]

It's 90s, by the way. Bad Religion has been recording, and, touring, pretty consistently, for over 30 years.

[@Da1UP]

Went to their concert again today and must say: Wow! They're still so ALIVE!!!

[@DragonXxWolf]

Fit for a King - When Everything Means Nothing Falling in Reverse - losing my life Oceans Ate Alaska - Escapists The music videos for these songs please.

[@canalretrogeek]

React to Sorrow anda Los Angeles is burning from Bad Religion also!!

[@viralchowda]

Sorrow is probably my favorite Bad Religion song.

[@lechatvenere]

I think he can react to all of their songs :)

[@Jones-eq4bs]

YES

[@virus640]

Bad Religion is my favorite punk band. One of the greats to be sure. Either way, why haven't you reacted to GWAR yet!?

[@BerserkerNick]

Yes! Sadom a go go or bringing back the bomb would be awesome. I'm going to see GWAR on Wednesday in DesMoines it'll be my 7th time

[@oneDonly]

Because they're garbage

[@virus640]

@@oneDonly I'm sorry you feel that way. You are entitled to your opinion, no matter how wrong you are.

[@ImJustMikayla]

We need some Halloween themed reactions for this month. Kidnap The Sandy Clawz by Korn, This is Halloween by Marilyn Manson, Scaretale by Nightwish....

[@awesomeas2]

The silver scream album review

[@frederic3952]

Halloween - Keeper of the seven keys full album reaction

[@jarmopaakkonen2045]

@@frederic3952 you probably talkin bout Helloween, the band?

[@trendkill84]

A Social distortion Song would be Very much appreciated dude!

[@Xzoir]

Gotta check out Misfits and some old AFI now

[@priscilla2525]

I would love to see him listen to 90s era AFI. And yea, would be awesome to see him listen to the Misfits

[@paulbeahm3891]

Yeah AFI actually used to be good

[@mrhakcfan7134]

If you like Bad Religion, maybe check out "Generator" or "21st Century Digital Boy." Hell, "Parallel" and "Kerosene" are great, too.

[@geoffbaumgartner5335]

I wholly recommend their newest album "Age of Unreason" as well as the awesome tracks you just mentioned. Title track, Do the Paranoid Style, Big Black Dog, End of History.. it's almost all great.

[@nathangolden9876]

Dont think I've ever clicked a video so fast. Favorite band

[@bradensahlstrom1626]

Fit for a king - when everything means nothing Red - feed the machine Starset - manifest

[@hobojoedogbro6415]

Yes Manifest is frickin awesome!

[@ayalacarlos18]

NOFX - The Decline 🤘🏽

[@sebastianyusuf1035]

I think he's gonna sleep before fatmike doing the bass lines

[@scottmclarty2400]

Bad Religion is a very complex band that you should definitely dive deeper into. Anything off of No Control, Suffer, Against the Grain, and Generator is worth looking into. The album the Empire Strikes First was during the Bush era and while the music is a little more mainstream the lyrics are powerful. I would definitely always have their lyrics pulled up when hearing it for the first time. Greg Graffin is a stellar lyricist and always says something worth hearing.

[@lechatvenere]

I listen to Bad Religion for more than 20 years now and collected all their albums, and I love quite all of their songs. This song is one of my favorites. "10 in 2010" and "21st Century Digital Boy" also are two of their greatest and most popular. The better for me is Generator.

[@josephandreano2708]

Eddie Vedder is on backing vocals. Reason Mtv played this. And I discovered them. Great F'n band.

[@njmicp]

Also a verse on “Watch It Die”. I fell in love with them in about 7th grade. Check out “Bad Religion Reverb” video (if you haven’t already). That turned my love for them on.

[@bradhoff]

Bad religion has been around since 81 and are bad ass. Greg Graffin their lead singer is a professor at the UCLA. This song came out in the mid 90s and br is one of the best punk bands of all times

[@kristofferahlgren8391]

Bad Religion- Generator live 96 . That is EPIC!

[@Ghostfailure33object27]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR DOING SOME PUNK ROCK!!! Please react to Strung Out’s Bring Out Your Dead. Super heavy song talking about addiction. Amazing song you should totally hear.

[@jessegifford7913]

How did I miss this one?!? Bad Religion is one of my all time favorite bands. Sooooooooo good. And those backup vocals you love are one of their trademarks (the ooohs and ahhhhs they call them).

[@Γάμμα-φ7χ]

Oozin' aaaaahs

[@ceryneianhinds]

Bad Religion is legit, check out anything else, its all pretty damn great

[@pagekitten12]

Everything they do is awesome

[@wyolaskan1868]

I love this song! Lyrical genius!

[@orchidmalevolence9726]

*OCEANS ATE ALASKA - HANSHA* The song is a great introduction on the band, and then the rest is history.

[@brianchavez2541]

About time to react to Punk my man! Please react to NOFX, Rancid, Face to face, Pennywise, Less Than Jake, Goldfinger, Alkaline Trio, The Descendents, All, No Use For A Name just to name a few in the wonderful world of PUNK MUSIC(punk rock/ska/hardcore punk/oi punk, etc.) music. Not to mention the Legends (Ramones,The Clash, Sex Pistols etc.) Yeah Punk Lives forever!

[@sly11benal7]

U didn't mention dead Kennedy's or anti flag BrUh. U know ur punk tho!

[@BakerStreetShootout]

Bad Religion and rancid were my first two bands to pull me into punk rock. Now, many years later I’ve expanded my horizons, but always come back to Bad Religion. They have always struck a chord with me and I love that you’re delving into it. Definitely check out more from them. I’d love to see more punk rock reactions!

[@IcePrincess751-kb9bq]

I've been a huge fan of Bad Religion since I was 13,(I'm 44 now,)And this will always be one of my favorite Punk bands,so if I could please suggest a few of songs I love:😉 -Infected -Suffer -21st Century Digital Boy

[@geoffbaumgartner5335]

Same.. Check out their newest album "Age of Unreason" if you haven't yet. Great almost all the way through. It's real anti Trump though, so trigger warning for anyone who still supports without question. "Big Black Dog" especially. Also, they released a single last year called "The Kids Are Alt- Right", which they should've included on the new one imo.

[@daubertmartinez4660]

Hey! You should react to The Offspring!

[@mattgray871]

Come out and play, or the kids aren't alright.....anything from them would be good!!

[@IliasAtmatsidis-u9w]

Race against myself! Very different and much better than most if not all other Offspring songs!

[@mattgray871]

its also worth noting that the lead singer of the offspring Brian "Dexter" Holland has a degree in molecular biology and graduated valedictorian in his high school and does research in his spare time

[@OwenMiller-ge5lo]

Yessssss

[@robertinman5438]

Fun Fact: Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam is credited for backing vocals on this track.

[@KillerManzarek]

you are a true Bad Religion fan buddy

[@robertinman5438]

@@KillerManzarek what can i say, i grew up with vinyl records and cassette tapes. Back then we read the liner notes lol

[@KillerManzarek]

@@robertinman5438 same here

[@DShaneSands]

he has a song that he sings a verse on on this record as well

[@robertinman5438]

@@DShaneSands i do remember that, just could remember which track. Guess I'll just have listen to the album again.😁

[@MarkusCrassus]

The initial riff of this song is what got me into Bad Religion in particular, and punk in general. 14 years old, and a older kid was dicking around on the auditorium stage with his guitar, and I heard it.... and had to know where it came from. I was not disappointed.

[@nachofernandezcomics5238]

From Hip-Hop to Metal, to Hard Rock and now to Punk. Wonderful trip!

[@tamiramos5873]

This song came from a 1993 album. Interestingly enough, one of their former drummer's is now the current drummer for Avenged Sevenfold - Brooks Wackerman....who was previously with Suicidal Tendencies!!! Brooks had been with BR from 2001 till 2015. BR's current drummer is Jamie Miller. Brooks was also with Infectious Groove and Tenacious D.

[@andreasastrom7514]

Fit For A king - When everything Means Nothing Fit For A king - Price Of Agony Fit For A king - Shattered glass Fit For A king - Engraved

[@EvertheHumanist]

You should really do punk rock day, it will be another deep and rewarding journey like metal has been. So many sub-genre, eclectic sound, simplicity (ramons) and complexity (propagandhi), party tunes (NoFX) to serious lyricism (NoFX). Bad Religion is a great place to start though, my personal favorite. Greg Graffin is my hero.

[@ThatThrashGuy99]

YES!!! FINALLY!! I love your channel! Love this song! Let's GIT IT

[@UnpleasantDog]

I love this band. I hear Bad Religion since 1996, when I was 16.

[@rubysoho1980]

When I hear the line “see him on the interstate” I think of Big Butter Jesus next to I71 in Ohio. On the other side of the interstate is a Hustler store. Lightning struck Jesus and burned it down a few years ago but left the Hustler sign untouched.

[@McDuff96]

Awesome video as always Alex!!! You should check out the band Enter Shikari I would say start with either "Zzzzonked" , "Arguing With Thermometers" or "Sorry You're Not A Winner"

[@fragilefilter]

I’ve been listening to them since the early nineties and they definitely helped shape my views of the world and this song (and album) are absolutely phenomenal.

[@charliemoss6379]

This is one of the best bands ever! Greg gethin and the boys are able to express things that others are afraid of

[@mattmcginnis5831]

Social distortion Social distortion Social distortion

[@davidperoutka2231]

You can listens to DYMYTRY. It's Czech band, but they've a song in ENG, name of the song is - DYMYTRY - BEHIND THE MASKS

[@cynoshifter]

I got into bad religion in the early 80's as a young skateboarder. Though now I listen mostly to slam/death metal, bad religion is my favorite band of all time. I see good info already in the comments so I'll just add a tidbit. Their guitarist formed and runs Epitaph records. You may remember a band signed by them called Parkway Drive which you have reacted to. I'd like to also add that they still put out albums and tour to this day. They just released a new album earlier this year. The sound is still amazing with them being in their senior years.

[@evanroyal6540]

I really hope you react to more from bad religion. I'd suggest something off of No control, suffer, or how could hell be any worse. Keep it up bro!

[@scottballinger40]

Bad Religion has been around since 1980. I was a freshman in high school and being a local band from the same county as myself I gravitated to them and many more great bands from the called orange county home. These bands were intelligently speaking out against a corrupt government (local and federal) issues that pertained to America's youth. This bad has stayed relevant for over 40yrs and still play shows to this day. By the way the lead singer is a college professor in political science and evolutionary biology at Cornell university.

[@terryschwimmbacher2314]

I generally don't like reaction videos but watching people react to Bad Religion and the lyrics in particular is so much fun

[@ozman1760]

Avenged Sevenfold - The Stage. Avenged sevenfold’s current drummer is Ex-Bad Religion drummer.

[@patchesm]

Haven't even watched the video yet but I'm gonna say already IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME! Rise Against next! Prayer of the Refugee?

[@quieteyes881]

Fun Fact. Brooks Wackerman, the current drummer for Avenged Sevnefold, was in Bad Religion for 15+ years.

[@mikebrown3820]

Just saw them a few weeks ago. They still kick ass, 39 years down the road!

[@almostjocke]

Not sure of it's already written before in the comments but the guy who made this Bad Religion video is Gore Verbinski and he is behind Movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Ring and many more movies! He is supposedly a huge Punk Rock fan!

[@CussingBee]

I love how all the punk fans are coming out en masse. Alex PLEASE dive into more punk music!

[@Logger2008]

This song was on an album released in 1993, but you are right. Music from the 80s is definitely alive and well... particularly in the goth community.

[@salemtrials2711]

Totally agree. Been listening to Bad Religion since the early 80’s. They are still relevant to this day. Greg is probably the most intelligent punk rock dude alive. Los Angeles is Burning and Sorrow are true gems.

[@MilkHound]

Bad Religion was awesome back in the day. It was pre-grunge alt music. So like B52s, R.E.M, Spin Doctors, Blind Melon... Mc Hammer. This song was also on Tony Hawk Pro Skater videogame.

[@hitman-mq1wk]

Norma Jean (feat.Chino Moreno of Deftones) - Surrender Your Sons

[@kaylabreitweiser2910]

So happy and surprised you reacted to my favorite band of all time! Some of my other favorites by them (yes I know it's a lot but they have such important messages in their lyrics): I Want To Conquer The World Atomic Garden Them and Us Punk Rock Song Sorrow LA Is Burning Let Them Eat War New Dark Ages Dearly Beloved

[@wouldiwasshookspeared4087]

Hell yeah, Atomic Garden is one of their best!

[@-yomamasnuggets1143]

great song one of my favorite bands of all time. wish youd check out some other songs by them. Also the lead singer is a college professor just an interesting fact.

[@n1nj482]

Infected is another great song by Bad Religion

[@castlefreak8122]

Alex, love the review. I’m going to make a suggestion. This is a good introduction to Bad Religion, one of the greatest and most important bands of the past nearly 40 years. The thing is though, these guys are still going strong. They just put out their 17th studio album a few months ago, and it’s killer. If you wanna hear what the band does best, but with more modern production, you should reaction to the title track, “Age of Unreason.” It is a perfect encapsulation of the American landscape in 2019. The band has not lost their edge one bit, despite all being in their mid to late 50s. Definitely react to the song itself and lyrics of the title track from “Age of Unreason.” 👍🏻

[@MattMuirhead]

Fun fact.... you mentioned that you liked the backup vocals.... Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam helped out with backup vocals on this track.

[@JeremyDrumsMetal]

other songs to get into: Sinister Rouge, 21st Century Digital Boy, Los Angeles is Burning, Generator, Punk Rock Song

[@LojakZeRo]

Bad Religion one of the all time great punk bands!

[@CreepyNeighbor666]

Bad Religion is a pretty epic band, loved many of their albums. Please react to the new Killswitch Engage song called Us against the world.

[@johnnnyoddity]

Oh man, you’ve just scratched the surface with Bad Religion!! Sooo many great songs!

[@markdemars7044]

I’ve heard of Bad Religion when I used to play Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 for the PlayStation 1. Anyone else first heard of Bad Religion from that game?

[@alejandrojosegallocordova646]

Bad Religion - Sorrow... great song!

[@vidzsz]

Will always think of the game Crazy Taxi when I hear this band. The soundtrack was all Bad Religion and The Offspring

[@FrancoUnAmericano]

You should check out "Skyscraper", "wrong way kids" or "Them and us" those are my favorites. :) (with Bad Religon ofcourse.)

[@adamdarrski6818]

Another punk gem, try REFUSED - New noise

[@moro7108]

We need more punk-rock reaction! Please check: The Ramones , The Clash , Sex Pistols ,Rancid , The Offspring , Green Day , Toy Dolls and so on.

[@TheFool_0]

You should really check out "Against Me!" for the next punk vid. I love them.

[@noodlemans]

Awesome! Bad Religion is a phenomenal band with amazing lyrics.

[@Choctaw468]

One of my all time favorite bands.

[@SorenKisamora]

you ever heard of Fuel, Alex? Easily one of my Favorite 90's Bands. Brett Scallions has an Amazing voice Imo. Might have heard their larger Hit Hemmorhage (In My hands) but i'd also recommends things like "Innocent", "Shimmer", "Bittersweet" and "Bad Day".

[@DrGrnthumb-fh2rp]

Killswitch engage - My Curse album version!!

[@justincarnes8341]

I got to meet them in 2002 at the Van's warped tour and listening to these guys talk is freaking crazy. You should check out allot of their early stuff from the suffer or no control albums. Some of their best stuff

[@tinaduncan2824]

True Classic! Such a brilliant album!

[@MacGuffinExMachina]

Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam did backing vocals for this song. Man, you must be young. This is def. 90's, but they've been a band since the early 80's... maybe late 70's. Don't feel like googling.

[@rockmusicchallenge]

It's 4:50 a.m and I should be asleep but instead I got a notification that Alex uploaded a new video and now I'm here

[@chaosultimamage]

One of the all time great punk bands. I'd definitely recommend checking out "Supersonic", "Against the Grain", and "Kyoto Now". They were so far ahead of their time.

[@RandomNonsense1985]

BR's harmonies are referred to in their album liner notes as "Oozin' Ahhhs".

[@rapidmc1521]

Please do more Punk reviews! It is a huge genre with tons of great music!

[@lessonsinfailing]

In Effingham Illinois, there's a 60' metal cross right off of interstate 57.

[@iPumaPantz]

If someone is doing a Bad Religion reaction video then I'm watching.

[@jarrettenaope7038]

One of my Favorite Jams Growing up....

[@tkirk3660]

Every Time I Die "Wanderlust"

[@thomassanchez2301]

T Kirk oh HELL yes, or even something like Petal.

[@tkirk3660]

@@thomassanchez2301 also good!

[@rafaeloropeza702]

The entire song is written as mocking the American ethos and its combination with religion. It's not necessarily about the evils with religion, but rather how Americans treat their patriotism as such. "See him on the interstate" is referring to the interstate markers with red, white, and blue on them. We're obsessed with the American flag and its colors are everywhere. "The preacher on TV" refers to the fact that preachers get on TV and infuse politics and prosperity gospel BS (if you're poor it's because you're not praying or donating enough). "We have a place to go when we die and the architect resides right here" is pointing to the idea that Americans believe that God supports the United States. The blindfolds on people saying the pledge show people don't question our system and we blindly believe that it's the best. The rich work hard, the poor are lazy, and our system is the best. The whole fast part at the end is a list of all the issues that we have in the United States that we gloss over (hence it's quicker than the rest). It's kind of like those RX ads where they read off side effects really fast at the end. Lastly, the symbolism of walking around with a cross is a reference to a sort of "white man's burden." Oh, how hard it is for Americans to have the obligation to civilize everyone else and show them how great our system is.