Top Ten: Green Day

We can all agree that this group requires no introduction. For over 30 years, Green Day has unapologetically showcased their versatility. From punk classics in Dookie (1994) and Insomniac (1995) to rock operas in American Idiot (2004) and 21st Century Breakdown (2009), their ability to put out a variety of styles while maintaining a timeless sound is something most bands fail to pull off. Whether it be through nine-minute epics like “Jesus of Suburbia,” or two-minute bangers like “Stuart and the Ave.”; the Oakland rock band possesses a unique ability to convey a message through empathy and elite storytelling.

Ever since the release of American Idiot in 2004, the band has remained in the spotlight and has shown no signs of slowing down. This is why many fans were filled with anticipation of the announcement of their forthcoming new album, “1972.” Who knows exactly what kind of direction this album can go? With this 14th LP being one of our most anticipated albums of (hopefully) 2023, we’d like to celebrate and walk you through our – Top 10 Green Day Songs:

**10. “American Idiot” — American Idiot (2004)**

“Now everybody, do the propaganda
And sing along to the age of paranoia”

Individuality and self-expression is a common theme in Green Day’s music. American Idiot received a ton of backlash as the lyrics were misinterpreted as “anti-American.” The band throws jabs at the Bush Administration and the media for the panic created after the events of 9/11. It also pleads the listener to resist the pressure of conforming to these ideas and staying true to their own personal values. It is fast-paced from beginning to end. An energetic protest anthem that could easily fit today’s world like a wet sock.

**9. “Fashion Victim” — Warning (2000)**

“You auctioned off your life
For the "most" expensive price”

A sharp rebuke to society and it's incessant standards of beauty. The song mocks the individual who slavishly follows ill-flavored fashion trends, even as far as destroying their own health and finances in the process. While having a light-hearted tone, it does a great job of addressing an issue that is very much prevalent today.

**8. “Worry Rock” — Nimrod (1996)**

“Yelling at brick walls and punching windows made of stone.
The worry rock has turned to dust and fallen on our pride.”

It is impressive how the group was able to write a solid 18-track record in a short four months. Contrary to popular belief, the record is full of great songs: this is one of them. Rage and love seem to be consistent themes in this record. Billie Joe writes about a couple that struggles with endless conflict. They can’t decide whether or not to pull the plug on their relationship. Now, while they cannot stand each other, the love between them is enough for both to suffer and try to make it work. A musically simple but at the same time, lyrically complex track that deserves more attention.

**7. “Redundant” — Nimrod (1996)**

“Choreographed and lack of passion
Prototypes of what we were”

Much like “Worry Rock,” Billie writes about a relationship past its honeymoon phase. The feelings they once had grown dull. While they still love each other dearly, they have taken each other for granted. The song is felt from the opening riff as if it’s slowly taking you down a downward spiral. This is one of their tracks where lyrics and musical composition work in tandem to make the listener feel everything they are trying to convey.

**6. “Burnout” — Dookie (1994)**

“I declare I don’t care no more.”

This track focuses on the frustrations of growing up and how apathetic people become with adulthood. Being worn out by endless work and responsibilities, we can become discouraged and ultimately apathetic. This “anthem” for the uninterested outcast says so much in such a short two-minute track. The song is featured on, Dookie, Green Day’s third LP and their first release through Reprise Records. The group wastes no time setting the bar for not only this album but for their career. A chaotic tune from beginning to end.

**5. “Lazy Bones” — ¡Dos! (2012)**

“I don't want your sympathy
I don't want your honesty
I just wanna get some peace of mind”

This track is written like a small autobiography. Given to depression and alcoholism, Billie Joe writes about the effect it has on his motivation. Rejecting external help, he continues to drown his issues and tough it out himself. A very prevalent topic, not just in 2012, but even now almost 11 years later. Even with all the improvements on the stigmas of mental health, the lyrics on this song are still very much relevant. Being that ¡Dos! is a fast-paced and overall fun record, it's refreshing to have a track with both authenticity and personality.

**4. “St. Jimmy” — American Idiot (2004)**

“I'm the patron saint of the denial
With an angel face and a taste for suicidal”

American Idiot is a concept album tailored to be a “rock opera.” It tells the story of an outcast, Jesus of Suburbia, who runs away from his hometown. The song introduces the main character's alter-ego, “St. Jimmy:” a violent, drug-abusing vandal. In other words, everything the main character isn’t. Even though it brings us into the brain of this intense alter-ego, this track is just too fun. It is delivered with humor, energy, self-deprecation, and almost broadway-like storytelling.

**3. “Stuart and the Ave.” — Insomniac (1995)**

“I'm beat down and half brain dead, the long lost king of fools
I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid enough to stay with you”

A breakup song, just not a sad one. Billie Joe writes about the regret of his involvement with an ex-lover. He expresses his disdain and disappointment regarding the outcome of the relationship. Thinking on it, finds himself reflecting on how foolish the relationship was and has since then moved on. (A message some of your parents should have learned).

**2. “Jesus of Suburbia” — American Idiot (2004)**

“In a land of make-believe
That don't believe in me”

Remember that nine-minute epic we mentioned earlier? In the second track of the narrative rock opera, the group tells a story about a man who lives in a small town he refuses to fit into. Rather than conforming to the illusions of most, he grows apathetic to his community, the same way they do him. Split into five parts, the band takes you through an emotional rollercoaster introducing you to the main character of the story. While the song is part of the rock opera and its story, it serves as the ultimate love letter to an outcast.

“Armatage Shanks” — Insomniac (1995)

“I must insist
On being a pessimist
I'm a loner in a catastrophic mind”

Insomniac is surprisingly underrated. The album as a whole consists of nothing but noise and raw emotion. This first track sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the songs that follow on the album. Much like “Burnout” off Dookie, Billie Joe introduces himself and does not hold back. For a little over two minutes, he expresses his distrust and disdain for others, including himself. Rumor has it that Billie named the song after a British toilet company “Armitage Shanks” symbolizing “life going down the drain.”

Green Day is a band whose ability is showcased in both their versatility and consistency. All the tracks in this list have a little something for all the different types of fans the band has garnered over the three decades they’ve been in the scene. Some of the songs were no-brainers that the everyday person may have heard; while some may have fans reading this questioning the opinions and the credibility of this entire site. Regardless of this, one of the greatest bands to come out of the 90s is still around to give us more. Now, we wait to see if the new record will result in a track or two being added to this list.

Honorable Mentions:

“Too Dumb to Die” — Revolution Radio (2016)
“J.A.R (Jason Andrew Relva)” Live — Awesome As F**k (2011)
“Reject” — Nimrod (1996)
“Westbound Sign” — Insomniac (1995)
“Emenius Sleepus” — Dookie (1994)