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American Idiot
Green Day
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- Album
- American Idiot
- Released
- 2004
- Genres
- punk, pop punk
- Length
- 2:56
- Tempo
- 186 BPM
- Label
- Reprise
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About this song
Released as the first single from the album of the same name, the song has become one of Green Day's biggest and most recognizable hits. Billie Joe Armstrong was inspired to write it after hearing Lynyrd Skynyrd's "That's How I Like It" on the way to the studio, and the song received mostly positive reviews from critics. It was nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year.
What it's about
The song is a scathing takedown of American culture in the years following 9/11, criticizing the United States around 2004 during the presidential campaign that re-elected George W. Bush. It also introduces the themes and concepts of the album, which was envisioned as a rock opera.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 16 other songs, like “Confusion Vol. 5 by Ph0ton”.
- Covered 18 times, including “American Idiot (Live) by Avril Lavigne”.
- Written by Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool.
- Produced by Green Day and Rob Cavallo.
- Recorded at Studio 880.