Talk:American Idiot

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is within the scope of the Green Day WikiProject, a collaborative effort of Wikipedians who are interested in expanding encyclopedic coverage of articles relating to the band Green Day, and who are involved with improving content, citations, images, and any other items that hold informational use. If you are interested in joining, please visit the project page, or leave a question/comment at the project's talk page
B This article has been rated as B-Class on the assessment scale.


This article is within the scope of WikiProject Albums, an attempt at building a useful resource on recordings from a variety of genres. If you would like to participate, visit the project page, where you can join the project and/or contribute to the discussion.
Start This article has been rated as Start-class on the quality scale.
??? This article has not yet received a rating on the importance scale.

The following comments were left by the quality and importance raters: (edit · refresh)

Article requirements:
YesY All the start class criteria
YesY A completed infobox, including cover art and most technical details
YesY At least one section of prose (excluding the lead section)
YesY A track listing containing track lengths and authors for all songs
NoN A full list of personnel, including technical personnel and guest musicians
YesY Categorisation at least by artist and year
YesY A casual reader should learn something about the album. Andrzejbanas (talk) 22:16, 11 May 2008 (UTC)

Contents

[edit] Who moved "Are we the Waiting" to the album page?

This should be reverted back. Can someone do this? I don't know how to. Blaze7755 (talk) 11:09, 21 March 2008 (UTC)

^^touche. asap. - ishaandirnt *want to be* KING FOR A DAY! 16:37, 22 March 2008 (UTC)

Wtf? Blaze7755 (talk) 18:21, 22 March 2008 (UTC)

i agree with your statement. however, being new to this site, i do not know how to do the needful myself. that is precisely what i meant to say. - ishaandirnt 59.183.7.192 (talk) 08:22, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I didn't move it but it's not a single that was released on its own, so doesn't warrant a wikipedia article of its own either. The last track that was released from American Idiot was Jesus of Suburbia. Otherwise, every track on every album would have a page of its own which is needless. Feudonym (talk) 09:28, 25 March 2008 (UTC)
Hmm, seems like all the other tracks on American Idiot have their own page so I'm wrong I guess. I don't know why it was moved, I'm guessing it was too short and didn't cover the notability guidelines? Feudonym (talk) 09:30, 25 March 2008 (UTC)
Exactly. All of them have pages. And "Are we the Waiting" redirects to the album page. I'm new here so I can't cahnge it back. Blaze7755 (talk) 18:38, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

I think the issue is, the non-single album tracks should NOT have their own pages, and the relevant information in them (a lot of which is original research) should be integrated within the album article. Jacknife737 (talk) 21:42, 20 April 2008 (UTC)

Except all of the songs have their own pages except this one. If they were all incorporated into the album page, it would be fine with me. Blaze7755 (talk) 14:55, 21 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Disambiguation

Now that there are wikipedia pages on the American Idiot album, the American Idiot song/single, AND the American Idiot EP, I say we move the page about the album to American Idiot (album) and make the page American Idiot a disambiguation page. --JoeBlowfromKokomo 02:48, 28 April 2006 (UTC)

I agree with you. But you forgot about one link, the American Idiot (film). --Zingazin 17:57, 28 April 2006 (UTC)

Oh yeah, can't believe I forgot about that one. well, four different pages with "American Idiot" as the title (the album, the song, and the film) or part of the title (American Idiot EP) definately makes it worthy of a disambiguation page. --JoeBlowfromKokomo 01:14, 29 April 2006 (UTC)


[edit] Booklet and Dates

The Booklet shouldnt be ignored when interpreting the songs. They show the lyrics as handwritten dairy entrys. Jimmy and Jesus have pretty much the same (male) handwriting, but some lines are written by a female (Whatsername). Also, most of the songs have dates next to the title (like diary entry). Some of those are far too symbolic to ignore. Here they are:

    1. American Idiot Feb, 23
      (1991) First day of the invasion of Iraq
    2. Jesus of Suburbia March, 3
    3. Holiday March, 1
    4. Boulevard of Broken Dreams March, 2
    5. Are we the waiting
      (Easter Sunday) Resurrection of Jesus
    6. St. Jimmy May 7
    7. Give me Novocaine June 13
    8. Shes a Rebel July 4
      1776 Declaration of Independance
    9. She is an exaordinary girl no date
    10. Letterbomb August 18
    11. Wake me up when September ends September 10
      Last day before 9/11
    12. Homecoming October 19
      1987 Black Monday???
    13. Whatsername January 1

If you take this into account, the album might be interpreted as a much stronger political statement. Whatsername might be Liberty and the old ideals of the USA (he meets her on July 4th). Jimmy/Jesus are the american public torn between old ideals and deceptive lies. Also note the musical quotes: Part II of Jesus of Suburbia cites "Summer of 69", Part IV cites "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash. The beginning of "Homecoming" cites "Jack and Diane" by J.C. Mellencamp. All these songs are Americana by now and paint a rather positive and patriotic picture of "american life". -- Sweetshark 80.171.202.199 15:02, 29 January 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Genre?

This, and none of their other albums are really punk rock. Pop punk, maybe. But this album takes a more rocky approach, even with the political lyrics. Pop rock maybe?

It's not pop. That's that. 64.231.68.96 29 June 2005 19:36 (UTC)

All rock is part of pop. Some have stronger pop influences. This album has rock influences, punk influences, and pop influences. Beatles (pop rock), Who (rock), Clash (punk), and other artists all have an influence on Green Day. PM03

  • "Pop" has a broad and a narrow meaning which should be borne in mind here. --MacRusgail 22:48, 17 October 2005 (UTC)

I disagree; American Idiot is NOT pop. It is punk rock. Period.

  • Some of these songs are very poppy, and it is arguable whether all the songs are punk, but some are certainly new wave. --MacRusgail 22:48, 17 October 2005 (UTC)

Punk is something that can't be defined. Using powerchords doesn't mean that a record is punk, and vice versa, a ballad CAN be punk. Punk is about social engagement and feeling that you don't need to change for the world to like you. I believe Green Day is, and always was, making music that THEY like, I don't see Green Day putting a mainstream song on one of their albums without it having a punk message. I think that is the main reason you can consider American Idiot punk. Green Day does what they like, and their songs reflect it. That's punk.

How about you all go listen to some dead kennedys, minor threat, dead boys, flux of pink indians, and discharge, and then come back and talk about what REAL punk rock is. I'm sorry to be offensive, but anyone who thinkgs green day is punk has no clue as to what they're talking about. Sure, go ahead and think they're 'alternative' (they're as mainstream as it gets), I really don't care. They're not punk rock.

  • I agree. And why is it classified as Rock\Rock opera?
  • Rock maybe... They're not Rock but somehow it looks ok
  • But Rock Opera? Where did that came from? I'm editing it to Pop punk. Psychomelodic 20:11, 30 January 2006 (UTC)

Green Day described it as a Rock Opera... opera meaning a story told through song only, no spoken dialogue. iTunes describes this album as Alternative & Punk. - --220.237.60.163 06:08, 26 March 2006 (UTC)

Actually, punk can be defined! Look it up in Wiktionary. It says "a harsh rock music originating from the 1970s with angry, offensive lyrics; a reaction against progressive rock". A reaction against progressive rock? Isn't that the genre known for rock operas? Oh wait, this is a self declared rock opera!? Oopsie, doesn't sound too punk to me! Gold Stur 02:34, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
Ironically, much like the term "grunge" many years later, "punk" was a term coined by the media rather than the musicians. Vehemently arguing over a term that was shoehorned in by popular culture is amusing. The declaration that anything can or cannot be "punk" is equally amusing. Attempts at creating a limited definition of what can and cannot be punk goes against the grain of the concept itself. It's akin to ostracizing someone from the high school "punk" club because they do not wear the right brand of "punk" approved shoes. "Oopsie", doesn't sound too punk to you? Too bad. Self applied labels are intrinsically transitory, and are ultimately an exercise in futility. Watching people desperately try to define themselves and their tastes as punk is about as far from the origins of punk as one can imagine. This applies comfortably to both sides of this pedantic argument. Green Day is or is not punk? For most people this question is a debate simply based on how they identify themselves and how they feel about Green Day's music. Facts are facts however. Green Day began as a self identified "punk" band, best known for playing at a self identified "punk" club to a self identified "punk" audience at a time and region when "punk" was very far removed from the mainstream. "Punk", "Pop Punk" and "Alternative" are all applicable depending upon perspective and era. With that comfortably in mind, I will change the label back to encompass all views. Repeatedly if necessary. Enjoy.Theplanetsaturn

American Idiot= Punk Rock. Green Day=Punk Rock. NOT POP! SHUT UP!--69.112.229.71 (talk) 00:15, 24 March 2008 (UTC)Greenday21

[edit] Jesus and Jimmy

I recall that in an interview, someone from Greenday said that Jesus and Jimmy were two different people, not one. Evidence: In Novacaine, the singer, presumably Jesus, refers to Jimmy in the 3rd person, plus, he claims that Jimmy 'says its better than air', which makes no sence if he is Jimmy. (Death of Jimmy's line regarding blowing out his brains can be metaphor,)Cor Shan 22:18, 1 Apr 2005 (UTC)

  • Could it be Whatsername singing? Xxpor 02:14, 2 Apr 2005 (UTC)
    • I doubt it, because 'She's a Rebel', where we meet her, is after 'Novacaine', which I gave a link to novocaine and put in a 'Sic' as to prevent some Speeling Nazi from fixing it. Cor Shan 03:59, 2 Apr 2005 (UTC)
      • I'm not convinced. "She's a Rebel" is the first song we hear about Whatsername, but she could appear earlier. Plus, unless she's singing "Novacaine," we're left with the curious position of the female lead in the story having only one song (Letterbomb), which doesn't fit with the album-as-musical theme. teucer
  • Just a comment, it better than here, not air ;) Xxpor 20:35, 3 Apr 2005 (UTC)
    • YOu mean the line in Novacaine? On rare-lyrics.com, it is air, and my ears agree :p Cor Shan 03:09, 4 Apr 2005 (UTC)
      • My ears agree too, but in the insert that comes with the CD, it says here. :) Xxpor 19:19, 4 Apr 2005 (UTC)
        • Yes, quite. I think that Jesus/Jimmy has a split persona. Of course, the guy's high and insane. He's going to refer to "himself" in the third person. He's turning into Jimmy, he just isn't Jimmy yet. --Fire King 01:08, Apr 5, 2005 (UTC)
          • Have you listened to much Green Day? It might sound like air but that's just Billy's pronunciation. I'm no number one fan but I know that a lot of the pronunciation isn't... strict... It's "here" --220.237.60.163 06:12, 26 March 2006 (UTC)
            • You're right. You are no number one fan, considering it's spelled Billie, not Billy. Blaze7755 (talk) 13:05, 23 March 2008 (UTC)

Considering all of the above, the line "Jimmy Died Today, he blew his brains out into the bay. In MY STATE OF MIND IT'S MY OWN PRIVATE SUICIEDE." strongly intends that they're the same person. You're probably making a mistake in your recollection. The interview is most likely on the internet somwehere, if you want to try to quote it. D prime 01:56, 18 Apr 2005 (UTC)

  • Originally I perceived Jesus and Jimmy as separate characters, and I believe Wikipedia formerly supported that idea. However, I am now under the impression that they are split personalities. For those of you who have seen (or read) Fight Club, I think their relationship is near-identical to that of Narrator and Tyler Durden, if that helps. Some other people have given reasons for the one-person theory, but I think the strongest bit comes in Letterbomb. "You're not the Jesus of Suburbia / The St. Jimmy is a figment of / Your father's rage and your mother's love" Compare this to the opening line of Jesus of Suburbia - "I'm the son of rage and love."This also explains the constant presence of "the" in front of either's name - it's one side and another of the same person. I think this is more or less definitive evidence, but if anyone still disagrees, I still think the two-person theory can be argued for. I do, however, consider myself very qualified, since I've been listening to this album over and over again for several weeks. :) --BDD 01:43, 26 Apr 2005 (UTC)
  • I'm the biggest expert seeing as I've listend to it through every day since it came out, and have two copies of it (the normal one and the one with the book.) =D And yes, the above comment is completely correct and I support it. However, I don't feel that it's quite as insane a relationship as that and that he uses the new title more to reflect a new personality. But, that doesn't make a difference in how the article should be written.D prime 02:28, 10 May 2005 (UTC)
    • A lot of people call themselves the biggest experts on [insert subject here]. Most, if not all, aren't. Blaze7755 (talk) 18:35, 24 March 2008 (UTC)
  • I believe that they are the same person only Jimmy is an alter-ego that Jesus created. When Jesus is sitting there with the drugs he has his "darker" side, (ie: Jimmy) telling him to do it.Milkman1042 15:05, 15 May 2005 (UTC)

Link

  • This is just my personal opinion, but I view St. Jimmy as a person Jesus of Suburbia created in his mind. Probably a split personality. Anyway, I believe that at first Jesus of Suburbia thought he was a real person. PM03 15:20 10 Sept. 2005
  • If any of you have seen the video that premiered in the UK of "Jesus of Suburbia", it has Jesus writing a big "SAINT JIMMY" on the wall, as if he were tagging it. I would suppose that they are the same person. GUEST


I think that this album have some genres of music. American Idiot and Jt. Jimmy are reaaly punk. No discuss here. Holiday? Punk Rock, maybe pop punk Bouvevard of Broken Dreams? Rock Whatername maybe is Pop Rock. This album could have more one song that we can call pop rock, have normal rock and punk rock

It´s a big miscellanious! logan is a homosexual

  • Let me start off by saying I have listned to American Idiot countless times, memorized every word, and am unhealthily obsessed with Green Day (people have told me so). Personally, I believe that JOS and Jimmy are the same person, but I'm going to support another side. JOS is schitzo. Him and Jimmy are completely different people, living within the same body, leading seperate but intertwining lives. I could type up the entire story as I see it, but I go with what the band has said (this isn't an exact quote) -- "We wrote this album with our own views on it, but we left it open, for people to decide what they want it to be about. It's definitely anti-bush, but it's also a human story." ~Green Day. Sorry if anything in that quote wasn't exactly what the band said. 172.143.124.71 22:18, 28 December 2005 (UTC) Kira

[edit] Opposition to Bush?

First off, forgive me if my format here is wrong, this is a first for me. I think the album's "opposition to Bush" is little more than hype...though the lyrics mentioned certainly are, there's no other real reference, and I'd say it's a stretch to call it a major theme in the album. I'm not much of a writer, so I'd rather somebody else deal with it, if anyone happens to agree with me.

  • Welcome to Wiki, your formatting is fine - just sign off with four tildes. :) As for the Bush opposition, it's most clear on the track "Holiday." Aside from the lyrics, the group themselves stated it in live shows - they played the American Idiot tour's last concert in Toronto on the radio and you hear them talking about how much they hate him, so I it's safe to say the really mean it. They also mentioned their political motivation in interviews. Krupo 14:11, Oct 19, 2004 (UTC)

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/17162460/billie_joe_armstrong

    • These are all Anti-Bush lines from Holiday:
      • ...Sieg Heil to the president gasman...
      • ...Pulverize the Eiffel towers / Who criticize your government...
      • ...I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
    • From American Idiot:
      • ...I'm not a part of a redneck agenda...
      • ...And sing along in the age of paranoia...
    • From Extraordinary Girl:
      • Like a child left behind
      • Cor Shan 22:16, 1 Apr 2005 (UTC)
I don't see the link between alot of those lines and Bush. The first 'Sieg Heil to the president gasman' is thought by many to be a racist insult to Arnold Schwarzenegger because of his austrian birth. I think any referencesa to Bush are so intentionally vague that it cannot be said to be a major theme and i agree that it was largely a marketing hype. --Neon white 21:24, 8 February 2007 (UTC)
The line 'Like a child left behind' is refering to the character Jesus and not Bush. However, their opposition to Bush is very blatant. They have formally said that they don't support him and don't think that he acts in the interest of americans, and at his concert in Toronto on 2004's election night (I was there), Billy Joe went "I hate Bush. I hate him so much. I think that we're safer with Saddam. If he wins tonight, we're not going to be from California any more. We're going to be from Toronto." They've also had their picture taken with John Kerry and are on the punk compilation album "Rockin' against Bush." D prime 01:58, 18 Apr 2005 (UTC)
The CD is called Rock Against Bush Vol. 2, not Rockin' Against Bush. 68.194.81.250 19:59, 15 September 2005 (UTC)
While "child left behind" is a descriptor for Jesus (or Jimmy), it seems highly unlikely that Green Day would unintentionally choose a phrase so similar to Bush's education plan. I would agree, however, that besides the title track and Holiday, there is very little anti-Bush music on this album. Don't get me wrong - I love Green Day and hate Bush - but I can recognize a marketing ploy when I see one. If we can think of a polite way of saying that in the article, I would definitely be in favor of doing so. --BDD 01:46, 26 Apr 2005 (UTC)
If you go to one of their concerts you realize just how much they hate Bush 70.162.37.27

@Cor Shan: Doesn't the cd booklet say "paparizzi, eiffel towers" in the spoken segment near the end of holiday? - ishaandirnt *want to be* KING FOR A DAY! 16:43, 22 March 2008 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ishaandirnt (talk • contribs)

[edit] (N)POV?

This was removed for being POV/review-style: "American Idiot," the first single released from the album, is a raw and energetic call to arms of sorts. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," the second single slated to be released, is a more mournful anthem. Both songs exemplify the strong artistic expressions and emotions that come through on the album.

I can understand objections to the last sentence, but the first two help explain what the songs are like - anything wrong with that? Krupo 03:07, Oct 17, 2004 (UTC)

"raw and energetic call to arms of sorts" isn't written very pedia-like and too me sounds slightly POV. If a good description can be written then that'd be great. I know it's difficult to describe music without it sounding like a review or POV but I'm sure this could be done. violet/riga (t) 08:34, 17 Oct 2004 (UTC)
Ironically, I added "of sorts" in a nod to keeping it NPOV, but I can see where you're coming from. It is a raw and energetic song, though - don't see how that can come up as a matter of dispute, eh? Krupo 01:40, Oct 18, 2004 (UTC)
it is personal opinion which is not appropriate on here. I personally find the song bland, unoriginal and infantile. --Neon white 21:28, 8 February 2007 (UTC)

He doesn't know what he's talking about. Yes, Bush is bad, but he doesn't kill his people for speaking out against him, he doesn't torture his own people. Saddam is a lot worse. I don't know how to post on here, so sorry if I've messed all this up.

The clap isn't as bad as leukemia, but I wouldn't want either one. St. Jimmy 18:32, 24 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Musical Improvement

I think that American Idiot is a definite musical development in Green Day. Just listen to any song from that album, and pretty much any other one from any other album. American Idiot actually has music instead of notes with words.

You're entitled to your opinion, but this is an encyclopedia, not a message board. If you care to, you're welcome to examine the actual notes of this and previous Green Day albums and share with us your findings, but then again, it isn't unusual for a band to play more complex music as they mature. If you were suggesting a "Musical Improvement" section, that probably won't fit in. --BDD 00:21, 25 Apr 2005 (UTC)

Ouch! - ishaandirnt (*want to be* KING FOR A DAY! 18:23, 30 March 2008 (UTC)) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ishaandirnt (talk • contribs)

[edit] American Idiot movie

Anyone else here anything about... if so could you add to the little section I started. --Saint-Paddy 00:37, 29 Jan 2005 (UTC)

I started an article American Idiot (Movie)

where did billie joe armstrong confirm anything?

[edit] Song list

I'm not one to do it because I'd probably mess something up but the links in the song list need to be cleaned up to link to their article on Wikipedia if there is one. If there isn't then they should be left without one.



[edit] Image

Things seem to be over, so I've moved the discussion to Talk:American Idiot/image. I think I should not have made an issue out of this. I hope the slightly-better-looking image will remain on the page, but I will not take any further actions on this page myself. Dpbsmith (talk) 14:59, 26 Jun 2005 (UTC)

Was this page deleted, or did you make a typo?
More like a braino. More like multiple brainos. Try Talk:American Idiot/cover dispute. Dpbsmith (talk) 01:26, 27 Jun 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Please delete

The image uploaded by WB should be deleted, why? Because I said so. -- Mike Garcia talk 9 July 2005 19:05 (UTC)

  • "Mike Garcia said so" is not a valid reason for deletion. Everyone else prefers Water Bottle's version. the wub "?/!" 9 July 2005 19:13 (UTC)
    • Well. I don't care and you're not gonna stop me from removing his/her own image that was obviously uploaded by some god damned silly bitch. But, that's it, please delete it. -- Mike Garcia | talk 9 July 2005 19:17 (UTC)

I'm guessing this an album cover... what Mike do you want regoniction that you uploaded a fair use album seen on every other fucking website on the entire web? --Saint-Paddy 03:38, 8 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Genre/Jesus and Jimmy

I think much of this album could very easily be classified as pop. Pop rock is, yes, a more apt description and should appear in the article.

Watch VH1's Storytellers Green Day episode if you want to know everything Billie Joe has to say about Jesus and Jimmy. They are the same person and they are not; it is not clear. He intended it to be open-ended.

St. Jimmy is the alter-ego of Jesus. Jesus creates Jimmy (in his head) to make himself stronger. It is unknown, however, if Jesus has bipolar disorder or something. Also, another thing: Americn Idiot=Punk Rock. Green Day= Punk Rock. Deal With it.--Greenday21 (talk) 05:10, 9 March 2008 (UTC)greenday21

[edit] Reference to Buddha of Suburbia ?

Is there a reference to Hanif Kureishi's 1990 book, (also a movie & album) The Buddha of Suburbia? The overall theme is vaguely similar but the name may just be a co-incidence. Here's the Amazon.com blurb:

"There's quite a bit of activity in Buddha of Suburbia. A bureaucrat becomes a suburban guru who marries a follower with a son who's a punk rocker named Charlie Hero. Consequently, the guru's son is propelled from his bland life into a series of erotic experiences in London. All the while, Hanif Kureishi keeps the tone lively with wry wit. On the description of suburban life: "We were proud of never learning anything except the names of footballers, the personnel of rock groups and the lyrics to 'I Am the Walrus.'" He also bends cultures, classes and genders while blasting the racism of British life in this 1990 Whitbread Prize winner." --Kingsleyj 20:07, 28 July 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Import Tracklisting

There's an import version of American Idiot that includes the song "Favorite Son." Most of the time, 'bonus tracks' on import releases are just tacked on the end, but I thought there was a chance that, since the album has a storyline, "Favorite Son" may have been put somewhere in the middle of the album instead. I've been unsuccessful at finding the import release's tracklisting, though. Could somebody find and add information on "Favorite Son" and the import release and include it in a section of the article? -Josh, August 21, 2005; 13:33 EST.

  • The tracklisting as I guess it, may be something like this:
  1. American Idiot
  2. Favorite Son
  3. Jesus of Suburbia
  4. Holiday
  5. Boulevard of Broken Dreams
  6. Are We the Waiting
  7. St. Jimmy
  8. Give Me Novacaine
  9. She's a Rebel
  10. Extraordinary Girl
  11. Too Much Too Soon
  12. Letterbomb
  13. Wake Me Up When September Ends
  14. Shoplifter
  15. Homecoming
  16. Governator
  17. Whatsername
Remember that it isn't OFFICIAL, tracks are placed in the way I think. Post your comments on it. I added the other "unreleased" American Idiot tracks on the list, they are the italic ones.--Greedy 01:31, 24 August 2005 (UTC)


Favorite Son was originally made for Rock Against Bush Vol. 2 --68.194.81.250 20:12, 15 September 2005 (UTC)

Actually, Favorite Son was written around the same time as American Idiot.

This is my first time on a talk page, so I'm probably not formating any of this right. But, I disagree on the full rock opera plot (keep in mind the plot was conceived as a whole with the b-sides included). I believe Favorite Son would come after Jesus of Suburbia, as for aesthetic reasons it appears the five-part songs come just after the beginning and just before the end of the album. And further more, Jesus of Surburbia is an introduction to the main character and why he is unhappy with Jingletown. The first line in Favorite Son is "He hit the ground running at the speed of light", that leads me to believe it would be about J.O.S. the character going off on his own. For one reason, in the edited-down album the plot immediately jumps from J.O.S. leaving home to already being in the middle of his new life in the city.

Then I think Governator might go either before or after Holiday, as it is similar in political content to Holiday. I can't quite word it right, but I think it would be part of Jesus of Suburbia's anger at the world around him and then him being happier in Holiday. If Governator comes after Holiday, it might fit in place as JOS changes his mind from being pleased in Holiday to feeling lonely in Boulevard of Broken Dreams. However, one reason Governator might come before Holiday is because that song and BoBD transition into one another, and at first Green Day wanted to releas them together as a single. But, of course, Governator was already a b-side to American Idiot by the time the album came out and plans for the second single were underway. This song is probably the trickiest to fit in somewhere.

Shoplifter is about JOS getting by as a rebellious, um, shoplifter, with Whatsername. I think it would fit in after She's a Rebel. If it came before She's a Rebel, it might imply that Whatsername vastly improved JOS's life. But I really think it was intended to come after She's a Rebel, as it would help out my guess on Too Much Too Soon.

Too Much Too Soon would probably come before Extraordinary Girl, and so after Shoplifter by my theory. Because on the album it immediately jumps from JOS being happy with Whatsername to him feeling insecure and knowing they can't stay together, then her dumping him. It would make more sense if it explained a little more about their situation (as in Shoplifter) and then about how things weren't working out. Therefore, Too Much Too Soon would give more insight as to why JOS is acting like he is in Extraordinary Girl. That's just what I think. -Kuiper

I've never done this before so forgive any mistakes I might make. I just wanted to add that Holiday and Boulevard of Broken Dreams are cross faded...so you can't really put a song in the middel of the two


  • I think Shoplifter should fit between St. Jimmy and Give Me Novacaine, as Jesus/St. Jimmy stealing things to get by. It seems out of Whatsername's character to do some thing like that. As such, Too Much Too Soon should be either before or after Letterbomb. I think Jesus is a more mellow guy than his (who I believe to be) alter-ego St. Jimmy, so I think TMTS is told by Jimmy as him seeing Whatsername as wanting too much and such and more of why they broke up (she packs her bags and says goodbye and bon voyage...) and Jimmy being disgusted at JoS (who is wishing he hadn't done all the stuff he's done (he's talking shit about how it's better way back when), hence that, in Homecoming, Jimmy dies (which supports the theory that JoS and St. Jimmy are the same - "in my own private suicide") and so his alter-ego is no more, and he goes back home, trying to go back to how it was. --69.151.179.134 06:51, 22 October 2005 (UTC)

I agree, just a few minutes ago I listened to Too Much Too Soon and felt like an idiot thinking it would come before Extraordinary Girl. Letterbomb seems to portray Jesus/Jimmy's anger very well, so I think TMTS might come before it. It it still quite tricky, as Jesus/Jimmy is receiving a break-up letter from Whatsername, so she wouldn't be backing her bags and saying goodbye before the break-up letter. It is almost impossible for Green Day to have designated the b-sides and then rewrote the album tracks, so it has to fit in somewhere. One possibiliy, though it seems so unlikely, is that TMTS might have been a fight between them. I.E., their relationship is falling apart and maybe Jesus/Jimmy is expecting her to come back, but instead receives that letterbomb. Now that I think about it, that seems like an acceptable theroy. Again though, this interupts songs that fade into one another. However, of course, they are not written into each other any more than the rest of the plot. The transition merely occurs on the album, so, the b-sides could easily have been removed and then the remaining songs were merged. As for Shoplifter, now I think it might come before Are We the Waiting. In his imperfect life in The City, he steals things to get by. Then in Are We the Waiting he starts to transition into his alter-ego, and in St. Jimmy, obviously, becomes it. Right now I think the "full" tracklisting would look like this:

  1. American Idiot
  2. Jesus of Suburbia
  3. Favorite Son
  4. Governator
  5. Holiday
  6. Boulevard of Broken Dreams
  7. Shoplifter
  8. Are We the Waiting
  9. St. Jimmy
  10. Give Me Novacaine
  11. She's a Rebel
  12. Extraordinary Girl
  13. Too Much Too Soon
  14. Letterbomb
  15. Wake Me Up When September Ends
  16. Homecoming
  17. Whatsername


I'll disagree - Favorite Son sounds like it takes place after JoS leaves ("He hit the ground running at the speed of light", as in, away from home), so put it after Jesus of Suburbia. I'd say to put Governator before Holiday (the events of Arnold being elected and such drive the politics in Holiday, so that fits). --69.151.177.237 05:18, 13 November 2005 (UTC)
Yeah, sorry, I accidentally put Favorite Son in the wrong spot after explaining where it should go. And I agree about Governator, so the tracklisting of mine has been changed. - Kuiper
None of the b-sides belong in the tracklisting, so there's no point to this discussion. They were just released as singles and aren't part of American Idiot or it's story.

[edit] POV: interview

Billie Joe Armstrong once said in an interview, however: "I think a lot of people sort of stick us in a category of just being punk, and I don't think we're the most punk, and I don't even think we're a voice for punk at all. We're not waving a punk rock flag or anything like that - we represent ourselves and our own songs and our own style and our own philosophies, and if that doesn't agree with some faction of people... then f*ck 'em." People are so eager to stick bands into slots, but every band is unique and many do not fit perfectly into any single category. Green Day does not have to be "punk" or "rock" or "alternative"... they are simply "Green Day", and we should not criticize them when they step out of the box which they have been put into.

First, when and where did he said that?... cite sources. Second, that is a very explicit POV, check policies here. --Greedy 18:32, 31 August 2005 (UTC)

I saw this interview on the Canadian TV Network MuchMusic. It was on both "Egos & Icons: Green Day" and on "Spotlight: Green Day". I am positive that they said it but am having a hard time finding an internet source with this information. --Milkman1042 12:34, 15 October 2005 (UTC)
They have been known to express alot of different constrasting views at various different times in their careers. This sounds like it may date from the mid to late ninties whereas currently they seem happy to be pigeon holed. --Neon white 21:31, 8 February 2007 (UTC)


[edit] Grrr

If whoever posts that goddamn thing abot not criticising Green Day again, I'll be majorly pissed off. Learn what NPOV is and come back.

Further, Green Day are Pop Punk. Sorry. It's true. Either accept it, or listen to better music.

Punk Rock, not pop rock. Blink 182 is pop rock.

  • You're all wrong. Green Day is Punk Rock (pre-Dookie + a couple tracks thrown in in their recent albums), Pop Punk (post-Dookie), and Alternative Rock (a couple of tracks thrown in their albums) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Blaze7755 (talk • contribs) 18:45, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Excuse Me?

Would you please stop deleting my post? Yes, I'm the person who says not to criticize Green Day. Why can other people express their views about how Green Day has gone downhill with American Idiot, and I can't defend them? And don't delete a post that you don't even understand... I'm NOT denying the fact that some of their songs are punk pop (or rock or alternative)... what I'm saying is that that doesn't mean they've gone downhill or sold out punk, because they never were punk. They can't sell out something they never belonged to.

It is not the place of wikipedia to tell people what they should or shouldn't do. It isn't encyclopedic. Stop it. Ivesfreak 19:26, 5 September 2005 (UTC)

For the record, it's pretty much never acceptable to delete someone else's comments on a talk page. --BDD 07:40, 4 January 2006 (UTC)

[edit] St Jimmy

Who else noticed the fact that Jesus adopted as a nickname the same name as the main character in The Who's Quadrophenia, a rock opera and film a long time ago? It could be a reference to it, or maybe Billie was inspired by it, or whatever... Dragonfly888 15:09, 22 September 2005 (UTC)

Plus there's the whole "troubled youth develops a split personality due to the conflicting demands of his society" premise, which is quite a similarity. 222.155.156.132 21:27, 19 October 2007 (UTC)
  • Yes, a lot of Green Day stuff has been obviously inspired by The Who. --69.151.179.134 06:39, 22 October 2005 (UTC)
  • Part II of Homecoming seems to be a nod to Tommy, also.St. Jimmy 18:35, 24 March 2006 (UTC)

As American Idiot is a rock opera (Yes it is. The Plot was on the page until someone took it off.) it is very likely it was inspired by another.--Greenday21 (talk) 05:20, 9 March 2008 (UTC)greenday21

[edit] Videos

You know, the plot described in the notes bears absolutely no resemblence to the videos I've seen from this album. Are the videos just completely unrelated digressions made to emphasize the song itself out of context? — Phil Welch 07:30, 13 October 2005 (UTC)

Yes, I believe so. The JOS video will probably be slightly different though --Joewithajay 14:20, 13 October 2005 (UTC)

As Green Day said in a recent television interview, Sam Bayer came to them with his ideas for the videos like American Idiot, Holiday and Wake Me Up When September Ends. The band and Sam worked together and colaberated their ideas. --Milkman1042 12:44, 15 October 2005 (UTC)

Well, the JoS video has some merit, but if your looking for the whole or a good part of the album's plot by looking at the videos... well, your better off listening to the album itself. Although, Some videos are pretty cool--Greenday21 (talk) 05:24, 9 March 2008 (UTC)greenday21

[edit] Give Me Novacaine

I modified a section in the plot a bit. Added that it might be possible that Novacaine is about Jesus/Jimmy's feelings for Whatsername.

It makes more sense than the drugs explanation to me. First of all, novacaine's not really a drug you get high off of. Secondly, Jesus had already been doing drugs since the beginning of the album. Also, Novacaine segues right into She's a Rebel, which hints that they might be related.

Novocaine is not a recreational drug, but it is an analgesic, structurally similar to cocaine (hence the name: new cocaine). But I think a literal novocaine=drugs reference would be too obvious. My conclusion would be that the existence of Jimmy itself is the drug, the pain relief.St. Jimmy 18:38, 24 March 2006 (UTC)

I think he was talking about the drug. Novacaine is first, then She's A Rebel, which he means he hadn't even met Whatsername yet. JohnnyCage 14:52, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

St.jimmy (the wikipedia user) was right. Due to st.jimmys greater emotional strength, JoS uses him as a shield, protecting himself from emotional pain.--Greenday21 (talk) 05:27, 9 March 2008 (UTC)greenday21

[edit] Rock and Roll Girlfriend?

What is the significance of the song 'Rock and Roll Girlfriend' to the story in the album? Is it supposed to be one of Jesus' daydreams? In the lyrics book that came with the CD, the song is written on a letter addressed to St. Jimmy and signed as someone called Tunny (i think). Could someone clear this up for me? ---- fatmcguire 20:48, 3 December 2005 (UTC)

  • I don't think 'Rock and Roll Girlfriend' is very significant to the storyline. You see, 'Rock and Roll Girlfriend' actually precedes the American Idiot project. The track 'Homecoming' was largely created before the band even thought about doing a rock opera, although 'Homecoming' essentially inspired Green Day to make the album. So if 'Rock and Roll Girlfriend' doesn't connect with the storyline, it's because of that. ----Ornen

Didn't Tre Cool essentially write 'Rock and Roll Girlfriend' about himself? Starla Dear 22:10, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

I think ' Rock and Roll Girlfriend' has some significance, though not as much as other songs. In the booklet it is written like a letter, wouldn't this imply that it is a letter written to Whatsername from Jesus? As Homecoming is the last song on the track and closes up the plot of the album, would 'Rock And Roll Girlfriend' be Jesus cutting off the rest of his ties with whatsername, like in the line " So get off my case, get off my case, get off my case"?

tr'e Cool did write the song about himself. There are non-opera songs on the album (American idiot,Nobody likes you)--Greenday21 (talk) 05:31, 9 March 2008 (UTC)greenday21

[edit] His Name

Okay, their lead singer is not named Billy Joe. He his not named Billy Jo. He is not named Billie Jo. He is not named Billy-Joe, or even Billie-Joe. HE IS NAMED BILLIE JOE!!!!!!!!! NO hyphens. Yes, Billie is spelled like a girl's name, but that's how it is on his birth certificate. People say they're huge Green Day fans and they can't even spell his name right!

I havn't been here long...people really cant spell his name? Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooww...--Greenday21 (talk) 05:33, 9 March 2008 (UTC)greenday21

[edit] Removed link

The inclusion of this link seems to be very POV and is nothing more than a teenager's Xanga. Please speak up if you think it has any place here. --24.125.24.130 07:31, 4 January 2006 (UTC)

I was the one who made that change and this comment. This computer seems to have trouble with cookies. Anyway, I'd like to add that that link has factual errors as well, since it cites lyrics with a considerable amount of errors in a fairly small portion of one song. --BDD 07:35, 4 January 2006 (UTC)
    • Sure....it's appropriate that it was removed, I guess....

[edit] Gender?

Billie Joe said on storytellers that the main character is female, yet the article jumps from "He" to "She" and "His" to "Her" all the time. Plus "Jesus" and "St. Jimmy" don't hint at a girl. What's the definite word?

-- DarkBard 19:47, 11 January 2006 (UTC)

I think JOS is meant to be a male, as on the video for Jesus of Suburbia he is clearly a hetrosexual male.

The main character was never said to be female, you just either heard wrong or completely made that up. Jesus of Suburbia/St. Jimmy is a male while Whatsername is a female.

[edit] Who cares?

I'm sick of people telling me that Green Day have "sold out" with American Idiot, I thought it was one of the best albums i've ever listened to. And I don't want some pre-pubesant jerk telling me i'm a "Main streamo" (what?!). Lifes too short to worry about weither a band is "In there" or "out there" or whatever it is these idiots say.

  • That's the masses for you...Starla Dear 22:12, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Backing Vocals?

Isn't there an instance on this album where a woman provides prominent backing vocals to at least one song? 63.233.72.142 07:03, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

I think the only song that has a female voice on it is Letterbomb. In the beginning she sings the "nobody likes you..." intro. The woman's name can be found in the CD booklet.

  • What is her name? Starla Dear 22:12, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

Kathleen Hanna---swainstonation

[edit] Remove Controversial album tag

To my knowledge american idiot was not a controversial album, it was very well received in the mainstream and although it had political overtones it did not ammount to really any real opposition from anybody.

Correct, plus surely Green Day's amateur political overtones failed to offend anyone —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.149.45.165 (talk) 00:57, 8 February 2008 (UTC)

Doesnt freedom of speech cover that problem?--Greenday21 (talk) 05:35, 9 March 2008 (UTC)greenday21

[edit] Renaming

Many, many pages (see [1]) refer to American Idiot, as the album. Shouldn't we make American Idiot the album page and a disambig page that goes American Idiot (disambiguation)? --Alexignatiou 14:50, 24 May 2006 (UTC)

I agree. Please give your opinion below. Korg (talk) 05:08, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Requested move

American Idiot (album) → American Idiot

[edit] Survey

Add "# Support" or "# Oppose" in the appropriate section followed by a brief explanation, then sign your opinion with ~~~~

[edit] Survey - Support votes

[edit] Survey - Oppose votes

Oppose. Better to have the dab in the middle. -- Beardo 05:29, 6 January 2007 (UTC)

Oppose, in order to effectively disambiguate this article from the one about the song and the rumored film. - Cyrus XIII 11:39, 6 January 2007 (UTC)

Oppose Love the band. Love the album. But sorry, the phrase "American Idiot" brings more then just the album to mind. 205.157.110.11 03:49, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

'Support I dont know anything other than the band and song called American Idiot--Greenday21 (talk) 05:39, 9 March 2008 (UTC)greenday21

[edit] Discussion

Add any additional comments

The above discussion is preserved as an archive of the debate. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on this talk page. No further edits should be made to this section.

[edit] Record of the Year?

I removed this line, "Many expected "American Idiot" to win Record of the Year, but the award was instead presented to Norah Jones' album, "Feels Like Home", even though the album came in second to American Idiot in record sales" from the second paragraph of the page for a couple reasons. First and foremost, the Record of the Year Grammy is presented to a single not an album and Ray Charles won the Album of the Year Grammy that year not Norah Jones. The single "American Idiot" did get nominated and it lost to Ray Charles & Norah Jones' "Here We Go Again" so perhaps that's what the person meant. Secondly, who are these "many" who expected "American Idiot" to win? The RotY has a long history of being awarded to MOR songs (with a few exceptions like "Beat It") but I suppose it's possible "many" people did expect it to win but I'd like to see a source for that. Lastly, it's irrelevent that Feels Like Home came second to American Idiot in sales because, whether you agree or not, the Grammys publicly state that their awards are not based on sales numbers. That is all.--Lairor 17:50, 24 May 2006 (UTC)

I believe American Idiot is the bset rock album of the decade so far. it is better than there most succesfful album , Dookie and it deserves to win all the awards it has, Hitesh

[edit] Plot section is textbook original research

"This is an unofficial interpretation of the album's story" reeks of original reseach. Any "interpretation" not published somewhere else is out-and-out original research and needs to be immediately eliminated. I am going to start doing this after posting this message (it looks as though there are cited elements that deserve to stay). Dylan 13:48, 18 July 2006 (UTC) EDIT: After reading through the full contents of the section, it sounds like the idea of a plot or narrative story throughout the album is acknowledged by the band. Since I am not familiar with the album and which elements have been confirmed by the band, I'm not the right person to determine what's OR and what's legit, so someone familiar with the subject should do so. Dylan 13:53, 18 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Musical References and "Ripping off"

There's a paragraph at the bottom of the section "The recording" that talks about the controversy of the guitar in the track "American Idiot" being the same as in the Dillinger Four song "DoubleWhiskeyCokeNoIce", and about how Green Day "ripped off" Holiday from the Iggy Pop song "The Passenger".

This paragraph has several problems. First of all and most trivially, in its current form, in addition to addressing the reader in the second person and failing to link to the articles on Dillinger Four, Iggy Pop, etc., the paragraph has a comma error, and the word "Although" is misspelled. The rest of the language isn't that great either.

Next, the paragraph points out that the members of Dillinger Four are "often quoted to saying Green Day ripped off their song", but fails to provide any sort of source or citation for this. (Also, my own brief googling turned up no such quote, but I suppose I could have tried harder.)

There is also the question of the use of the term "ripped off". I listened to part of DoubleWhiskeyCokeNoIce, and it does sound very similar, but the term "ripped off" implies, in my mind, not only explicit intent, but also a sort of malice. Although it is apparently popular among true punk fans to believe that Green Day stole from Dillinger Four in the great riff crime of the century, the matter hardly seems as cut and dry as this paragraph would imply; the two bands are friendly and toured Japan together, and may have discussed song writing and structure. It's also entirely possible the riff is included as a sort of tribute, even. Please, if you know (not think, not believe, not wish) that I'm wrong, tell me.

I got interested in this paragraph because I noticed that part of "City of the Damned" sounds like "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams. The article for Summer of '69 includes a note that Green Day (and also Bon Jovi) was inspired by this song, rather than "ripping it off". The practice of musical references, tributes, inspiration, or whatever you want to call it extends well beyond Green Day, from John Williams and Hans Zimmer referencing Holst to the Barenaked Ladies tribute to Rush in "Grade 9".

So for all that, I changed that paragraph. B1mck 01:15, 16 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Progressive rock?

Is prog rock really appropriate for a Green Day album, because prog is more like Genesis or Pink Floyd. DJJJ 20:07, 4 October 2006 (UTC)

Ya, it's more for bands like Pink Floyd, not (at least in the case with this album) a pop-punk band. --ASDFGHJKL 14:40, 8 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Professional Reviews

All The Reviews icluded in the box have given the album the higest possible rating. Wouldn't it be interesting if we included a review which has badly criticised the album? --Alexignatiou 10:22, 7 October 2006 (UTC)

Someone apparently changed the reviews to give American Idiot the highest possible rating. Allmusic did not give the album 5 stars. Rolling Stone did not give the album 5 stars and Pitchfork Media gave it a score of 7.2, not 10. I haven't checked the other reviews but I'm guessing they were changed as well.

Also this album is not in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of alltime. In fact Rolling Stone's list came out before this album was released so that would have been impossible. I agree that this is a great album but its ridiculous for someone to be changing the album reviews and making up facts about the album on the wikipedia page.


[edit] SEVENTH STUDIO ALBUM

American Idiot is NOT the ninth studio album. Shenanigans and International Superhits! are not studio albums; they are a compilation and greatest hits album, respectively. If I am wrong, prove it. I will not change it because I will be blocked for no reason. Hello2112 22:58, 16 October 2006 (UTC)

That's been fixed. --Jesant13 23:18, 5 October 2007 (UTC)

Isn't International Superhits a studio album? i mean, 'maria' was re-recorded specially for it, and wasn't some other song's music video was released specially for this album? or does this not qualify it to be a 'studio album'? -ishaandirnt (*want to be* KING FOR A DAY! 18:42, 30 March 2008 (UTC))

[edit] record of the year

they won that

[edit] Err...I'm pretty sure there seems to be some criticsm with the album

People have criticized the album for the change in style, "sell-out", and especially changes in appearance for the band as Billy began to wear an eyelid which has been synomonous with the group of "emos". Someone needs to research this. 67.99.175.237 01:01, 15 February 2007 (UTC)

Yeah, like I was saying earlier, a lot of fans seperate the pre-American Idiot Green Day ("the old Green Day") with albums like Nimrod and Dookie from the current band ("the new Green Day") with American Idiot and Bullet in a Bible. Kochdude388 01:29, 15 February 2007 (UTC)
Of course, many fans set an earlier "sell out" dividing line that was crossed with the release of Dookie. It's fairly arbitrary, really.Theplanetsaturn 01:59, 16 February 2007 (UTC)
But you have to note that the amount of GD haters skyrockted or became much noticeable with this album. I say we set up a section for the album reception. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Maplejet (talk • contribs) 23:12, 16 February 2007 (UTC).
It's all relative. The amount of Green Day "haters" was phenomenal after the "sell out" of their Gilman roots, but it consisted of a smaller amount of the public. Is there a larger number of people who hate them now? Probably. But there is also likely a larger number of people who love them then there was back then. The "sell out" accusation has been being thrown at the band since even before Dookie was released. What it boils down to is relevancy. There is no need to specify what is a general accusation throughout the history of the band on the listing for this album alone when it already is covered quite well on the main Green Day page.Theplanetsaturn 23:43, 16 February 2007 (UTC)
I think enough extra criticism was recieved for it to be noteworthy --212.139.221.75 01:48, 15 June 2007 (UTC)
As I said previously, there is no need to specify what is a general accusation throughout the history of the band on the listing for this album alone when it already is covered quite well on the main Green Day page. The criticism or controversy over this particular album is nothing unusual or new or in the history of the band. Relatively similar levels outrage have been expressed on multiple occasions.Theplanetsaturn 21:12, 15 June 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Transition of Holiday/Buloveard

With all these people hating on the album and all these high-class disscussions, this may not be worth mentioning...but similar to Jinx and Haushinka on 'nimrod.', there doesn't sound like there is any break in sound between Holiday and Bulouvard of Broken Dreams. As heard by listening to the CD, the end of Holiday and beggining of Bulovard run into eachother. Does this deserve a mention? FinalWish 04:21, 25 February 2007 (UTC) [P.S, sorry for poor grammer, its 11:30 and this keyboard sucks]

[edit] Interpretable Plot and themes

The plot to the album is interpretable, the band has never discussed the plot, themes, or motifs, and nobody with specific expertise has analyzed it as compared to the Iliad, the Odyssey, or Lord of the flies. I'm removing the plot section, and any other personal interpretation. The obvious and officially stated I am leaving in. Tree Hugger 23:03, 25 March 2007 (UTC)

Well, thats really to bad that you feel that way, because i put it back. (NOT..EASY)This album does have a set plot, wether you like it or not. So there. And by the way, i have a back up plot on my computer, so if anyone takes it off again, ill just put it back.--Greenday21 (talk) 22:52, 11 March 2008 (UTC)greenday21

[edit] Awards

Why are there two different "Awards" sections? 2. Awards and 5. Awards ... seems redundant to me. Seigneur 11:53, 4 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] American Edit made in 1995? No.

In the american edit section at the bottom of the page, it said that "In late 1995,...made American Edit". Cleaned that up. A Jorb Well Done 07:08, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Addition to infobox

I have seen other pages for albums with a singles section of the infobox like this: Should we add the one above to the article? --Jordan Elder talk 00:29, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] My Chemical Romance subheading

from what i can tell, the only relevance that the MCR part has to the album is that it is roughly contemporaneous with the release of the album. the subheading contains no information about the album, and seems to be relevant only to the history of my chemical romance. i am, therefore, deleting it. if you disagree vehemently, give your reasons here. Academic decathlete 15:12, 16 June 2007 (UTC)Academic decathlete

[edit] Worldwide Platinum

Where does this figure come from (6 x platinum)? Who certifies worldwide platinum records? There is a European Certification by IFPI, but I haven't heard of any worldwide equivalent.

[edit] Genre

American Idiots first genre waws pop punk , so i changed it. In no form is it pop punk. The songs are upbeat and talks strongly about politics. The lyrics and music are both punk influenced. It is much alike many Ramones albums. So if ramones are considered punk so should most green day.

The only reason this album could be considered POP PUNk would be because of its clear sound.(opposed to many rough and raw sounds punk is supposed to be) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 89.242.104.112 (talk) 15:54, 22 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] GREEN DAY SUCKS?

I'm pretty sure that there isn't a track 14. called "GREEN DAY SUCKS", could someone change this coz i dont know how

Mr. Toker 04:36, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

  • Excuse me I don't know how to make this its own section in the discussion area*

How do you rip music from this CD? Normally, you put it in the drive, media player comes up, and you go from there. When you put AI in, a screen comes up about ringtones, the website, etc. How do you get music from the CD? PLEASE REPLY!!!!! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.131.126.130 (talk) 18:13, 18 September 2007 (UTC)

American Idiot doesn't have a track called "Green Day sucks". A anti-Green Day fan probably said that. Anyway, it isn't there now. Someone removed it. --Jesant13 23:14, 5 October 2007 (UTC)

In the list of songs somewhere in the list, I saw a song called "Governator". That wasn't on the CD when I heard it or is it listed. And what is meant by a CD's "b-side"? Can someone tell me? I figured it meant you have to flip the disk over, but the label is on that side. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.162.228.126 (talk) 18:48, 14 October 2007 (UTC)

I dont know what a b side s on a cd either. all i know is you cant flip it over.--69.112.229.71 (talk) 00:04, 24 March 2008 (UTC)Greenday21

thats usually on single eps. on a cd single it just means the other tracks♠♦Д narchistPig♥♣ (talk) 02:06, 10 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Parental Advisory Sticker

The opening paragraph states:

American Idiot was "the first with a Parental Advisory sticker (though many of their albums contain profanity). "

I am certain this is not true, as I remember purchasing "Dookie" in 6th grade and getting shit from my parents when they saw the parental advisory sticker on it. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 124.120.109.137 (talk) 04:30, 21 November 2007 (UTC)

You're right, my copy of 'Insomniac' had a sticker on the case too. Chris (talk) 21:50, 11 December 2007 (UTC)
I'm quite sure Nimrod had swearing too. Deleted. Blaze7755 (talk) 11:04, 21 March 2008 (UTC)

it isthe first with a Parental Advisory sticker. i was at virgin mega store today and no albums had the sticker 'cept american idiot--Greenday21 (talk) 22:59, 4 May 2008 (UTC)Greenday21

[edit] personel

i added starring because it lists like an opera in the booklet much like RATM uses guilty partys.♠♦Д narchistPig♥♣ (talk) 02:04, 10 April 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Merge non-singles

Discuss the merger of non-single articles with American Idiot here:

  • Merge Personally, I agree, as much of the info on these song articles is pure original research and interpretation of lyrics.Nouse4aname (talk) 08:43, 21 April 2008 (UTC)
  • Don't Merge there is enough information per song to be seperate articles.--Greenday21 (talk) 15:50, 21 April 2008 (UTC)Greenday21
Comment Maybe so, but is it referenced or simply personal interpretation and original research...?Nouse4aname (talk) 17:26, 21 April 2008 (UTC)
  • Weak Merge because I believe the song meanings may help a bit. Lunakeet 14:13, 26 April 2008 (UTC)
  • Merge I agree, it was all original reserach anyways. Jacknife737 (talk) 05:52, 5 May 2008 (UTC)
    • OK, I have just redirected to American Idiot. There were no sources for any of the material making it pure OR and personal interpretation of lyrics.Nouse4aname (talk) 08:08, 12 May 2008 (UTC)