Unpopular Green Day Opinions

[Z J]

This seems to be quite a common opinion, and I don't think I'll ever understand it. They made the record they wanted to at the time. I know it's very common for bands to lose their edge when they get signed to a major label and try to be more marketable to the mainstream, but that doesn't mean they have to. I get that Dookie was more poppy, but that album was written before they were signed to a major, so I have to believe that Dookie was entirely authentic. The same goes for Insomniac by extension. They started out as a punk band, it can't be surprising that they released a punk album. It might be rougher and more raw than any of their other post-Dookie records, but it seems to be the most honest, and is easily their best work in my opinion.

Did they ever actually say the album is for diehard fans only? That seems to be a common misconception that is projected onto them just because it's a less pop-based album than their others.

I absolutely agree about the diehard fans thing, I don't really believe any artist, especially Green Day would think that way.

However I disagree about Insomniac being entirely something the band wanted to do. Based on Billie's comments about it, it seemed like they felt pressured to release a follow up. Instead of giving the record company the Dookie II that they wanted they channeled all of their anger and frustration from the past few years in to an album that they thought would shut up the crowd who thought they weren't punk enough. Maybe they wanted to stop and give everyone a big middle finger before moving in to their Nimrod/Warning style music.

When I consider the album through that lens, I enjoy it all the more. The emotion and honesty behind their performances, especially the nationally televised ones during the era, were only equaled in my opinion by the American Idiot performances.

There seems to be a correlation between GD feeling pissed, bitter, and written off and them producing great music. I want to believe that this trilogy mess and the wave of critics calling them "finished" would light a fire under their asses. We'll see.

[JOE THE X-KID]

The next album should be called: "Fuck you. Fuck everyone."

[Z J]

The next album should be called: "Fuck you. Fuck everyone."

I would never be more delighted to be told to fuck off.

[walking_c0ntradicti0n]

Insomniac is one of the few GD albums I still listen to all the way through. I likes me some anger.

who doesnt?

[Spike]

I absolutely agree about the diehard fans thing, I don't really believe any artist, especially Green Day would think that way.

However I disagree about Insomniac being entirely something the band wanted to do. Based on Billie's comments about it, it seemed like they felt pressured to release a follow up. Instead of giving the record company the Dookie II that they wanted they channeled all of their anger and frustration from the past few years in to an album that they thought would shut up the crowd who thought they weren't punk enough. Maybe they wanted to stop and give everyone a big middle finger before moving in to their Nimrod/Warning style music.

When I consider the album through that lens, I enjoy it all the more. The emotion and honesty behind their performances, especially the nationally televised ones during the era, were only equaled in my opinion by the American Idiot performances.

There seems to be a correlation between GD feeling pissed, bitter, and written off and them producing great music. I want to believe that this trilogy mess and the wave of critics calling them "finished" would light a fire under their asses. We'll see.

Fair point. What I meant by that was kind of what you said though. They were under pressure to release something like Dookie and they didn't, so whatever the reasons, Insomniac was what they wanted to do. They're certainly their best after they've been backed into a corner and feel they have something to prove, so I think the next album could be really interesting.

[Z J]

Fair point. What I meant by that was kind of what you said though. They were under pressure to release something like Dookie and they didn't, so whatever the reasons, Insomniac was what they wanted to do. They're certainly their best after they've been backed into a corner and feel they have something to prove, so I think the next album could be really interesting.

yeah as I was typing it I came to realize I was essentially agreeing with you

Only problem is they're at a point in their career where they don't need anything else. I outlined the context for Insomniac, and with AI they needed something that big just to make themselves relevant again. And there was a statement to make. Now they're relevant no matter what they do.

Rehab as the lyrical theme seems likely but the direction the music could go in is endless.

[AlissaGoesRAWR]

I really think Kerplunk and 39/smooth are way poppier than Dookie and Insomniac. Probably their poppiest two records. The recording quality is lesser, but the songs are straight up pop rock.

The lyrics to the 1000 Hours songs kind of make me want to vomit, tbh. So punk rawk.

Insomniac is one of the few GD albums I still listen to all the way through. I likes me some anger.

It's definitely my "I'm pissed, blaring me some Green Day" album, whether I realize it or not when it's happening. I actually just did that this week.

Rehab as the lyrical theme seems likely but the direction the music could go in is endless.

I honestly kind of hope it's not that direction. But we'll see what happens.

[Spike]

I can't say I'm a fan of the whole "music as therapy" kind of approach, and that doesn't really seem like Billie's style, and never has. I'd be surprised if the next album was full of songs about his breakdown and rehab, especially since he doesn't even want to see the iHeart video. I'll be interested to see what they do musically, though. They got past the 3 chord punk stuff in 1997, I don't know why they're still defined as that, apart from some of the Trilogy. But the combination of styles in songs like Peacemaker and Nightlife combined with stuff like BOBD and Stay The Night could get really interesting.

[TheGrouch33]

I really think Kerplunk and 39/smooth are way poppier than Dookie and Insomniac. Probably their poppiest two records. The recording quality is lesser, but the songs are straight up pop rock.

I think youre totally right but this is a fact! not an unpopular opinion. Its funny how Green Day had a much poppier sound when they were more "underground" than afterwards!. I do like Kerplunk and 39/smooth as much as the rest!

[Z J]

Well maybe he doesn't use it as therapy but he's still able to put personal stuff in the record. Idk if he'd take the more serious "WMUWSE" approach or if he'll use humor and make the songs upbeat but have the subject matter be rather personal (Which is what he usually does). He may do neither. Who knows?

I would love if they took a more classic rock approach to their music. Widening the chord progressions they use but infusing their incredible ability to write irresistible melodies and hooks. Maybe not classic rock in the led zeppelin vein but perhaps a more Beatles-like pop-rock style, or Boston. They did that a little with Wow That's Loud! I thought but the harmonies were missing throughout the trilogy. Maybe they'll get really weird since Billie is singing on folk-country records now.

The only thing I believe we can firmly predict is that they won't try and hype whatever their next project is (unless it is re-release of Dookie). BJA seemed to prefer the Foreverly album release process. It still did well in sales from what I can tell.

[Spike]

I would love if they took a more classic rock approach to their music. Widening the chord progressions they use but infusing their incredible ability to write irresistible melodies and hooks. Maybe not classic rock in the led zeppelin vein but perhaps a more Beatles-like pop-rock style, or Boston. They did that a little with Wow That's Loud! I thought but the harmonies were missing throughout the trilogy. Maybe they'll get really weird since Billie is singing on folk-country records now.

The only thing I believe we can firmly predict is that they won't try and hype whatever their next project is (unless it is re-release of Dookie). BJA seemed to prefer the Foreverly album release process. It still did well in sales from what I can tell.

I think that'd be really interesting! A song like Drama Queen is pretty Beatles-esque, and that's one of the best and most interesting songs on the Trilogy. I mean, I hate the Beatles, but hearing Green Day doing something similar is pretty cool. They do really need to get back into doing harmonies though, Billie and Mike's harmonies are fantastic.

I do hope they go for the more understated marketing approach next time. I mean, I'm really not sure what will happen because it depends on what Warner want, it wouldn't surprise me if they really pushed it given how the Trilogy fell flat. But after Dookie, American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown it'd be nice if they put out a good album without the mainstream hype.

[Guest]

An album of Drama Queen/The Forgotten/Brutal Love style songs would be a complete disaster. If they captured the funky edginess of KTDJ and made an album of experimental fun but dark songs, that'd be great. However, I'm banking on another 14 songs of 4 chord pop punk.

[Spike]

An album of Drama Queen/The Forgotten/Brutal Love style songs would be a complete disaster. If they captured the funky edginess of KTDJ and made an album of experimental fun but dark songs, that'd be great. However, I'm banking on another 14 songs of 4 chord pop punk.

I think it'd be pretty commercially successful when you take into account that BOBD, 21 Guns and Oh Love were the most successful songs from their respective albums. I'm not saying mainstream success makes an album good, because lol, but if they want chart success again they're not going to get it with their upbeat songs. Personally I hope they're willing to put hopes of commercial success aside and just make the album they want to.

[Flyingdonutz]

I really think Kerplunk and 39/smooth are way poppier than Dookie and Insomniac. Probably their poppiest two records. The recording quality is lesser, but the songs are straight up pop rock.

... the hooks in Kerplunk and 39/smooth are boring as hell. 2000 Lightyears Away and Christie Road are probably the only two pop songs that could have been hits on Dookie (besides welcome to paradise obviously). As far as 39/smooth goes it's way too raw to be poppy especially the solos. You'd never find a solo like the judges daughter in a pop rock song in a million years. That's why Dookie is filled with boring melodic solos because (for some reason) thats what people like. Green Day knew that if they pulled out a record like Dookie they'd be instant hits and that's why Dookie will always be their most pop record ever, as a whole anyway. Doesn't really get any more poppy than Boulevard or 21 Guns, though, for Green Day.

[Hermione]

... the hooks in Kerplunk and 39/smooth are boring as hell. 2000 Lightyears Away and Christie Road are probably the only two pop songs that could have been hits on Dookie (besides welcome to paradise obviously). As far as 39/smooth goes it's way too raw to be poppy especially the solos. You'd never find a solo like the judges daughter in a pop rock song in a million years. That's why Dookie is filled with boring melodic solos because (for some reason) thats what people like. Green Day knew that if they pulled out a record like Dookie they'd be instant hits and that's why Dookie will always be their most pop record ever, as a whole anyway. Doesn't really get any more poppy than Boulevard or 21 Guns, though, for Green Day.

In the 80s loads of pop songs had cheesy solos like that! The sound quality etc is raw but the melodies, solos and many of the lyrics on 39/Smooth are very pop. So much so that they often had trouble being allowed to play Gilman at that time, they were considered too pop and not punk enough. I think the only reason Dookie might sound more pop is because the sound quality is so much better and the songs are more polished, and they got better at making the melodies memorable and catchy. I don't think it has anything to do with what people wanted from them, they simply carried on making the simple and catchy songs they'd always made, only improved with songwriting experience and a better studio.

[Guest]

I think it'd be pretty commercially successful when you take into account that BOBD, 21 Guns and Oh Love were the most successful songs from their respective albums. I'm not saying mainstream success makes an album good, because lol, but if they want chart success again they're not going to get it with their upbeat songs. Personally I hope they're willing to put hopes of commercial success aside and just make the album they want to.

Oh Love was only the most successful because it was the only single that got any promo whatsoever

... the hooks in Kerplunk and 39/smooth are boring as hell. 2000 Lightyears Away and Christie Road are probably the only two pop songs that could have been hits on Dookie (besides welcome to paradise obviously). As far as 39/smooth goes it's way too raw to be poppy especially the solos. You'd never find a solo like the judges daughter in a pop rock song in a million years. That's why Dookie is filled with boring melodic solos because (for some reason) thats what people like. Green Day knew that if they pulled out a record like Dookie they'd be instant hits and that's why Dookie will always be their most pop record ever, as a whole anyway. Doesn't really get any more poppy than Boulevard or 21 Guns, though, for Green Day.

Why did they re-record 409 In Your Coffeemaker for Dookie then?

[Spike]

Oh Love was only the most successful because it was the only single that got any promo whatsoever

That's irrelevant, it still strengthens my argument

[Flyingdonutz]

Oh Love was only the most successful because it was the only single that got any promo whatsoever

Why did they re-record 409 In Your Coffeemaker for Dookie then?

Why didn't it make the record?

In the 80s loads of pop songs had cheesy solos like that! The sound quality etc is raw but the melodies, solos and many of the lyrics on 39/Smooth are very pop. So much so that they often had trouble being allowed to play Gilman at that time, they were considered too pop and not punk enough. I think the only reason Dookie might sound more pop is because the sound quality is so much better and the songs are more polished, and they got better at making the melodies memorable and catchy. I don't think it has anything to do with what people wanted from them, they simply carried on making the simple and catchy songs they'd always made, only improved with songwriting experience and a better studio.

The entire reason Green Day got popular was because people were bored of the 80's and wanted more Alternative rock music after Kurt cobain died. The lyrics are cheesy as hell, I'll give you that one. I just seriously can't see shreddy solos like that being at the forefront of pop ever again.

I should probably explain why. I don't feel people have any appreciation for instrumental talent anymore and are a lot more focused on what sounds cool and relates to them. Anything more than a cool little lick to bridge something will bore people, at least in my experiences dealing with people that are really heavy into pop music.

[Guest]

Why didn't it make the record?

Fuck knows.

[Flyingdonutz]

Fuck knows.

Who's Fuck?

[munns6691]

Yeah.. I don't want a classic rock, The Forgotten/Drama Queen style, or expiremental album...

[Spike]

I should probably explain why. I don't feel people have any appreciation for instrumental talent anymore and are a lot more focused on what sounds cool and relates to them. Anything more than a cool little lick to bridge something will bore people, at least in my experiences dealing with people that are really heavy into pop music.

I think that's simply down to the fact that people who are into pop are into melody. That's why melodic solos are appreciated more than technical ones. Personally I think it's fair enough, a super-twiddly fast solo in any song on Dookie really wouldn't fit at all. The solo should complement the song, not completely take it over. That's why I consider The Grouch such a good solo, it's very simple but fits the song perfectly. That said, even when Billie lets rip on a solo, like with 409 or One For The Razorbacks (which is his best solo ever in my opinion), it's still very melodic. That kind of thing comes out of being influenced by blues, and it's fantastic.

Fuck knows.

Because they decided In The End was better, obviously.

[Guest]

Who's Fuck?

My pet goldfish.

Yeah.. I don't want a classic rock, The Forgotten/Drama Queen style, or expiremental album...

Green Day HAVE to do something different. The only thing the Trilogy proved is that they can't do pop-punk anymore without ripping either themselves or other people off.

Because they decided In The End was better, obviously.

Oi, In The End is wunnerful.

[JOE THE X-KID]

Green day should do another instrumental. No, seriously. They should just go all out on a five minute jam.

[Guest]

Green day should do another instrumental. No, seriously. They should just go all out on a five minute jam.

So 5 minutes of random power chord riffs? Or a Last Ride In esque jam on a riff of about 6 notes?