description American Idiot Overview
Green Day's 'American Idiot' is a blistering punk rock opera that critiques American politics and culture in the post-9/11 era. The album follows the story of 'Jesus of Suburbia,' a young man struggling to find his place in a disillusioned society. Its raw energy, sharp lyrics, and powerful musical arrangements create a visceral and emotionally charged experience. 'American Idiot' resonated deeply with a generation grappling with uncertainty and political upheaval.
info American Idiot Specifications
| Genre | Punk Rock, Alternative Rock, Rock Opera |
| Artist | Green Day |
| Producer | Rob Cavallo, Green Day |
| Album Title | American Idiot |
| Record Label | Reprise Records |
| Release Date | September 21, 2004 |
| Total Tracks | 15 |
| Certification | 6× Platinum (USA) |
| Grammy Awards | Best Rock Album (2005) |
| Total Duration | 57 minutes 2 seconds |
| Billboard Peak Position | #1 (Billboard 200) |
balance American Idiot Pro & Contro
- Punk rock opera format blending narrative storytelling with energetic punk anthems
- Sharp political commentary that resonated strongly in the post-9/11 era
- Strong character development through the anti-hero 'Jesus of Suburbia' across multiple tracks
- Musical variety ranging from aggressive punk tracks to emotional ballads like 'Wake Me Up When September Ends'
- Critical and commercial success revitalizing punk rock's mainstream relevance
- Memorable singles including 'American Idiot,' 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams,' and 'Holiday'
- Strong political bias may alienate listeners with opposing viewpoints
- Dense concept album structure requires multiple listens to fully appreciate
- Some references and cultural context have aged since 2004 release
- Billie Joe Armstrong's aggressive vocal delivery can be demanding on repeated listens
- May feel derivative of classic rock operas like 'Tommy' and 'The Wall' to some listeners
help American Idiot FAQ
When was Green Day's American Idiot album released?
American Idiot was released on September 21, 2004, by Reprise Records. It marked Green Day's ninth studio album and their first concept album, representing a significant artistic departure from their earlier punk rock work.
How many tracks are on the American Idiot album?
American Idiot contains 15 tracks across its main tracklist, with a total runtime of approximately 57 minutes. The album includes singles like 'American Idiot,' 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams,' and 'Holiday.'
What awards did American Idiot win?
American Idiot won Best Rock Album at the 2005 Grammy Awards and earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. It also won the Grammy for Record of the Year for 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams.'
Is American Idiot a true story or based on real events?
American Idiot is a fictional rock opera featuring the original character 'Jesus of Suburbia.' While inspired by real cultural tensions and political events, the narrative and characters are creative inventions by Billie Joe Armstrong.
What genre is American Idiot classified as?
American Idiot blends punk rock, alternative rock, and rock opera elements. It combines Green Day's signature punk sound with theatrical storytelling reminiscent of classic concept albums like The Who's 'Tommy.'
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What is American Idiot best for?
Punk rock fans, alternative music enthusiasts, and listeners interested in politically-charged concept albums who appreciate ambitious musical storytelling.
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What are the key specifications of American Idiot?
- Genre: Punk Rock, Alternative Rock, Rock Opera
- Artist: Green Day
- Producer: Rob Cavallo, Green Day
- Album Title: American Idiot
- Record Label: Reprise Records
- Release Date: September 21, 2004
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