31 Best Green Day Songs EVER
There haven't been many punk rock bands as successful as Green Day. Their career spans three decades, five Grammy Awards, and even inspired a Broadway musical.
With such an illustrious catalog, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've compiled the best Green Day songs.
Contents
“Hitchin’ A Ride”
Song year: 1997
Green Day's “Hitchin' a Ride” is a dark song about sobriety and the struggles of staying on the wagon. The song's protagonist delights in their relapse, part of the punkish darkness of the track.
With its frenetic energy, the song is well suited for the coming bacchanal of its main character. The song’s violin intro is a unique sound on a Green Day record, one that signaled the musical experimentation the band would pursue later.
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”
Song year: 1997
Leave it to a punk band to name an emotionally charged acoustic ballad “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).” The song is most likely Green Day's lasting contribution to rock music, transcending the punk and alternative genres altogether on its way to becoming a popular song at graduations and proms.
While the song was intended to serve as a kiss-off to an ex-lover, its nostalgic quality is universal and resonated with a large audience, cracking the charts globally.
“Basket Case”
Song year: 1994
“Basket Case” isn't just one of the best Green Day songs. Rolling Stone has named it one of the greatest songs of all time. From its iconic opening lines onward, this song signaled a changing of the guard in alternative music.
The song's music video is also something of lore, filmed in an actual mental institution in Santa Clara. In the face of the mid-'90s grunge frenzy, “Basket Case” was the most subversive song you could find on the radio.
“When I Come Around”
Song year: 1995
Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong wrote “When I Come Around” about his experience in a long-distance relationship. The song is a bouncy, mid-tempo pop-punk song that found the band once again topping the American Billboard charts.
While the song is a highlight of Dookie, it also serves as a real-life promise kept. Armstrong would marry his long-distance girlfriend, Adrienne Nesser, after the release of the album. Distance might make the heart grow fonder — the couple is still together today.
“Redundant”
Song year: 1998
Even though Billie Joe Armstrong and his wife managed to tie the know after their long-distance relationship, it doesn't mean their subsequent marriage was without its trials. Armstrong outlined the deterioration of their relationship on Green Day's “Redundant.”
The song is unique as one of the few Green Day tracks with prominent guitar effects. The guitars' different tone helps underline the emotional urgency of the relationship that's stuck in the mundane. Armstrong and his wife would work through their problems.
“Waiting”
Song year: 2001
As Green Day matured, they began exploring different textures in their songwriting. Though this approach took some of their music outside of the realm of punk rock, it provided their albums a nuance and depth they seldom had before.
In “Waiting,” Green Day's hopeful take on rising to meet the occasion is sung over 70's inspired power-pop guitars and a vocal melody that borrows from the 60's pop classic “Downtown.” While less biting than their previous work, it's every bit as effective.
“Brain Stew/Jaded”
Song year: 1996
The guitar intro to “Brain Stew/Jaded” is one of the most recognizable of 90's alternative rock. And because the opening chords are so simple, this was the first song an entire generation of rock-inclined guitarists learned to play.
The song lives on in the hearts and bedrooms of teenage punks and guitarists everywhere, which is all the better for us. This track is an alternative anthem that sounds just as vital today as it did in 1996.
“Walking Contradiction”
Song year: 1995
After the massive success of Green Day's album Dookie, many of their peers and fans in the underground punk community accused the band of compromising their morals for fame. Based on the lyrics of the track “Walking Contradiction,” it seems even Green Day was concerned about it.
The song outlines a series of contradicting actions set over their trademark ragged guitar power chords and pounding rhythms. It's hard to imagine it doesn't have anything to do with being punk rock pop stars.
“Wake Me Up When September Ends”
Song year: 2005
Green Day wrote an emotional, show-stopping ballad with “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” The song's written about the death of Billie Joe Armstrong's father when he was ten years old, making it one of the most autobiographical songs of the band's catalog.
The song has become synonymous with the September 11th attacks and Hurricane Katrina, in effect weaving it into the fabric of American songs of healing.
The song lives on every year as a meme, usually involving a photo of Billie Joe Armstrong on October 1st.
“Longview”
Song year: 1994
Bassist Mike Dirnt wrote the bassline for “Longview” while he was on acid. After sobering up, it would take him a while to learn the notes that had come to him while tripping, but the resulting riff helped make the song one of Green Day's best.
In addition to the bass, drummer Tre Cool's shuffle rhythm gives the song a unique swing that allows the driving chorus to soar in contrast. This complexity of songwriting revealed the young band had a bright future.
“Jesus of Suburbia”
Song year: 2005
“Jesus of Suburbia” is the nine-minute mini rock opera climax of Green Day's concept album American Idiot. With five distinct sections leading to a cinematic crescendo, the song is the band's attempt to write an updated version of Queen's “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
While the band faced criticism when the plans for the ambitious track were made public, it has quickly become a fan favorite. A reader's poll in Rolling Stone magazine ranked the song as the best Green Day song ever.
“Warning”
Song year: 2000
Striking a strong resemblance to the song “Picture Book” by The Kinks, “Warning” signaled Green Day was firmly entrenched in exploring sonic territory outside of their punk roots. With its pop melodies, acoustic guitars, and tremolo effects, the song was unlike anything they had done before.
Initially conceived as a song written entirely of signs and labels, the idea took on a greater meaning of anti-authoritarian themes. Green Day would continue exploring these themes in their follow-up albums.
“21st Century Breakdown”
Song year: 2009
“21st Century Breakdown” finds Green Day at the height of its powers. By seamlessly blending biography, politics, and musical references, the song is the band trying to make sense of themselves and America at the beginning of the Millenium.
After the success of American Idiot, the band remains firmly in rock opera terrain on this track. The song is heavily indebted to former rock opera veterans Queen and The Who, but the results stay true to the punk rock ethos of Green Day.
“Oh Love”
Song Year: 2012
Green Day took a break from their political themes when they penned their jagged ode to romance “Oh Love.” With start/stop guitar work Billie Joe Armstrong sings of the possibilities of the night while also resigning himself to unrequited love.
The song finds Green Day in pure power-pop mode, with the sound of the song tapping into the sound of their earlier work more than their previous rock operas. “Oh Love” would be included in the band's 2017 greatest hits collection, God's Favorite Band.
“American Idiot”
Song year: 2004
While Green Day had flirted with political themes on their album Warning, it wasn't until their concept album American Idiot that the band stepped into the role as political punk elder statesmen. Ironically, the album would become a Broadway musical in 2010.
It's fitting that Green Day, a band whose career has always defied convention, arrived at international rock stardom with their single “American Idiot,” a bombastic takedown of post 9/11 American xenophobia. The song signaled the beginning of a fertile era of protest-themed songs for the band.
“Nuclear Family”
Song year: 2012
After the political rock operas American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown, Green Day took a more nihilistic approach on the single “Nuclear Family.” Their trademark critiques of society are still intact, but they seem content to watch it burn instead of raging against it.
The song was the first single released to promote their album Uno! and signaled their move away from the sound of their previous concept albums into a more streamlined sound. The band cited British rock bands The Who, Queen, and The Rolling Stones as influences.
“Stay the Night”
Song year: 2012
In “Stay the Night,” Green Day captures the anxiety and wishful thinking of trying to recapture a love that once was but probably never will be again. The song is unique for Green Day at its take on romance is less cynical.
Pop-punk bands are continually mining topics of love, so the terrain can feel worn out if not approached with a level of authenticity. Green Day doesn't reinvent the love song in “Stay the Night,” but they capture the essence of young love in a bottle.
“Troublemaker”
Song year: 2012
On paper, Green Day's “Troublemaker” reads like a lusty rock song by the numbers. The catch is that the track is so infectious. You can't deny the incredibly catchy melody and guitar licks as Billie Joe Armstrong sings about being tormented by the sight of the object of his desire.
Like most classic punk and power pop songs, “Troublemaker” is short, sweet, and to the point. This lean and mean rock song is an anthem for those getting ready to go out looking for love.
“The Forgotten”
Song year: 2012
“The Forgotten” might be the most divisive song in all of Green Day's catalog. The track is a piano ballad that closes out the album Tre! and is also featured in the soundtrack to The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2.
The song might be the softer side of Green Day, but the sounds of a piano are a unique texture for the band and allow the rhythm section and vocals of Billie Joe Armstrong to shine. By the time the guitar solo kicks in, you'll be pumping your fists.
“21 Guns”
Song year: 2009
The most triumphant protest song of Green Day's rock opera era, “21 Guns” packs everything the band does well into five perfect minutes of pop rock. The song's plaintive acoustic intro and soaring sing-along chorus beg to rise from the stage of arenas across the world.
“21 Guns” was a hit on the Billboard charts and featured in the soundtrack to Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. This mainstream success of the track is unique for a protest song and speaks to the universal appeal of Green Day.
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams”
Song year: 2004
With a title taken from a painting by Gottfried Helnwein, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” finds Billie Joe Armstrong attempting to make sense of loneliness and isolation. The song is an important setpiece to the story of American Idiot and is one of Green Day's best-selling songs of the '00s.
The song is a swirl of guitars, from the tremolo intro to the chiming layers throughout the verses. Though it's considered a ballad, it packs enough punch to satisfy the punks, too.
“Holiday”
Song year: 2005
“Holiday” is Green Day's most political song. Inspired by Bob Dylan, Billie Joe Armstrong took his frustration with conservative politics and the war in Iraq and turned it into punk rock gold. The song is one of the more direct singles from the band's rock opera era.
The song is one of Green Day's most successful. Despite its overtly political message, it cracked the charts in fourteen countries and has sold over a million copies. It is one of the band's signature songs.
“Know Your Enemy”
Song year: 2009
Green Day took a blunt approach with their political anthem, “Know Your Enemy.” Recorded by the band on the opening day of the Republican National Convention, the song doesn't explicitly point its finger at a single person or idea. However, the finger they use is certainly the middle one.
The band says the song is about media consumption, a familiar theme during their rock opera period. Unique to this period is the throwback sound of the track. “Know Your Enemy” is a classic Green Day sound with pounding rhythm and buzzsaw guitars.
“Youngblood”
Song year: 2016
Billie Joe Armstrong wrote “Younglbood” about his wife, Adrienne Armstrong. The song comes nearly twenty years after “When I Come Around,” his Dookie era song about his long-distance relationship with Adrienne.
Through two decades of rock stardom, it's clear that Armstrong still holds a flame for his wife. It's a sweet sentiment not often seen in the punk rock world. The song serves as a relationship status update on the couple that we've heard many songs about through Green Day's career.
“Ordinary World”
Song year: 2016
“Ordinary World” is a folk-inspired ode to family that Billie Joe Armstrong originally penned for the film Ordinary World. The singer, who also starred in the movie, wrote the song from the perspective of someone that had never reached the rock stardom he knows.
Armstrong liked the song so much he decided to include it on the Green Day record Revolution Radio. It's a unique sound for the band, with folk and country flourishes like slide guitar instead of their usual barrage of guitars. The result is an introspective treat for fans.
“Bang Bang”
Song year: 2016
Green Day tackle another tough topic on their single, “Bang Bang.” The song is about isolation and violence, written from the point of view of a school shooter. Though never a band to shy away from tough topics, the song is one of the darkest in Green Day's catalog.
Despite the dark subject material, “Bang Bang” saw the band topping the Billboard rock charts once again. As the first single from their album Revolution Radio, the song marked a darker tone for their upcoming material.
“Say Goodbye”
Song year: 2016
Green Day goes back to their earlier punk roots on their 2016 single “Bang Bang.” The song is reminiscent of the energy and compositional approach of Dookie, but the subject matter is unique to the changing times.
“Bang Bang” takes on the issue of school shootings in the era of social media from the perspective of a school shooting. Though the song sounds like '90s Green Day, tackling such a heady topic is the hallmark of latter-day Green Day.
“Still Breathing”
Song year: 2016
Green Day creates a pastiche of struggling characters in the single “Still Breathing.” Though the song doesn't follow a traditional narrative, the images of addiction, abuse, and depression are intended to illicit a relatable quality and allow struggling people to see themselves in the song.
Even with its difficult subject matter, “Still Breathing” topped the Billboard rock charts. With its anthemic chorus that serves as an affirmation of life, the song is on its way to becoming a modern Green Day classic.
“Back in the USA”
Song year: 2017
Green Day included their new song “Back in the USA” on their 2017 greatest hits collection God's Favorite Band. The song finds the band back in their political bag by taking aim at toxic patriotism.
No doubt reinvigorated by the presidency of Donald Trump, Green Day sound revitalized and sharp. By using the sound of their early records and the themes central to their rock opera era, the band hit on a sound uniquely their own.
“Father of All…”
Song year: 2019
“Father of All…” finds Green Day mining garage rock territory for a party rock anthem. Where Revolution Radio was a serious affair, this song finds the band looking to cut loose and simply rock out. No politics or heady topics, just tough rock riffs and sing-along choruses.
The song's falsetto vocals in the verse call to Motown and soul music, something unique sounding on a Green Day song. The music video is shot as a parody of Elvis Presley's movies of the '50s, making it clear the band is aiming for a simple rock and roll vibe.
“She”
Song year: 1995
By the time “She” was released from the album Dookie, the band had already released four other singles and sold millions of records. While it might seem like something of a victory lap after the fact, the song is so perfectly Green Day that it has become one of the most beloved of their thirty-year career.
By using a failed relationship as cannon fodder the song explodes from the speakers in a two-minute encapsulation of the energy, joy, and heartbreak commonly found in pop-punk.
Top Green Day Songs, Final Thoughts
From their humble beginnings in the Bay Area to the biggest stages in the world, Green Day has become the leading ambassador of punk rock in the 21st century.
Whether they're tackling politics, love, or growing up, the band always injects their melodic brand of pop-punk with unbridled enthusiasm and energy.
We hope you had the time of your life reading our list of the best Green Day songs.
