Dookie

by

Green Day

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I remember the day I bought this album. I was thirteen years of age, and the year was 1994. It was the fifth CD I've "ever" bought, and it totally spun my musical tastes into high gear, driving me to discover a world that I had never been exposed to. Along with Offspring "Smash," this was the first album I've ever bought that I felt I could identify with on a personal level. This album was the cure for boredom in the lifeless suburb I grew up in. My buddies and I would just sit around listening to this album for hours on end; everybody had it, no wonder it sold over 14 million copies.

"Dookie" was a case of accidental success, much like Nirvana's "Nevermind". The latter could be thanked for Green Day's success in many ways. Green Day hit at the right time, with the right sound. Reviving punk rock isn't the easiest task, but Green Day made it seem like child's play. At their core, the California based punk rock trio were masters at reviving the fast and catchy three-chord punk tunes that everyone's grown to love. Even though Green Day would never out sell "Dookie," their influence has reached the masses. These guys opened the door for a revival of punk metal, third wave ska and pop-punk. I'd venture to say that Green Day is the most influential band to come along in the mid nineties, second only to Nirvana.

It's a good thing pop music was better back then, than it is now; because it makes my stomach turn to hear good music mixed up with garbage. But Green Day was in good company back in 1994 (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Live, Stone Temple Pilots, Beastie Boys, The Offspring, etc.). Undoubtedly, everyone remembers "Longview," "Basket Case," and "When I Come Around". Those songs and videos were played around the clock on the radio and MTV, earning them diamond status. "Longview" was their first single off of the record, and a huge hit, thanks to it's raw bass line, heavy guitar, audacious attitudes, and catchy melodies. I feel sorry for the kids that have to put up with today's pop music. I feel pretty privileged growing up in the boom of grunge. It's not as great as the 60s or 70s, but a hell of a lot better than the pop music the new millennium has brought us. "Basket Case" was most definitely their most popular song of all time, maybe forever. It saturated the airwaves far more than it's predecessor, reaching a much larger audience. The same could be said about "When I Come Around", they simply kept topping themselves with bigger hits. Aside from the hits, there was also some great album tracks, such as the lovely "She" and "Pulling Teeth," and "Welcome To Paradise" (a re-recording of the same song off of their "Kerplunk" album) which also received airplay. This album was a defining moment in which I learned to appreciate a "full album" as opposed to single tracks. Ever since then I've been on the quest for the perfect album.

Another thing that I've always been obsessed with, is the album artwork. I had a large poster of the illustration hanging in my room that I'll never forget (since I lost it over time). Dogs throwing and launching crap at everyone, including Jesus. It was some pretty funny stuff; very punk.

I can say with pride, that these guys are still one of my favorite bands. I haven't missed a beat of their career, and thankfully, they still haven't made a bad record to this date. If you like any sort of rock music, I have no doubt that you will like this album.