American Idiot
by Green Day
  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: Sep 21, 2004
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 841 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 769 out of 841
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 841
  3. Negative: 50 out of 841

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  1. hannah
    Jul 19, 2006
    10
    Amazing!!!!! best band ever!!!!
  2. SunnyG
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    Always best and rocking one. Best album
  3. DaveN
    Sep 22, 2006
    10
    This easily the best CD Green Day has released since Dookie.
  4. AaronS
    Jan 1, 2007
    10
    The best Green Day to date! For those of you thinking that this album was written for TRL, you're MISTAKEN! This statement goes to show that you don't understand Green Day's symbolism nor their sarcasm within this alblum. As for their "slower" songs on this album, apperently you aren't much of a Green Day fan. They have made MANY ballads that aren't exactly "punk The best Green Day to date! For those of you thinking that this album was written for TRL, you're MISTAKEN! This statement goes to show that you don't understand Green Day's symbolism nor their sarcasm within this alblum. As for their "slower" songs on this album, apperently you aren't much of a Green Day fan. They have made MANY ballads that aren't exactly "punk rock." Have you not heard "Macy's Day Parade," "Minority," or "Time of Your Life." This album is a statement to the American people that all is not well with this country. We still have oppression, hate, and corruption in this land. Green Day at least has decided to call out the government for this and all those who believe in the policies that continue this way of thinking. Some call them Un-American. Even Wal-Mart has banned this album from their stores for this very same reason. Yet I can't help to think, the America that Green Day sings about sounds more like the America as it should be, a FREE LAND. Not some politicians version, but one that truly allows all of its citizens the same security, freedoms, and oppurtunities that everyone else is allowed. Each song on this album holds a message for us; it's just up to us to decipher it. Green Day wants us to think about whether what our country is doing is in the right or wrong. At times they are blatantly honest (mostly in the form of sarcasm) about what is wrong with this country, in others you must think about what has transpired and why the lyrics really say what they do. For example, "When September Ends" has a deeper meaning than what you think. It's there, you just have to find it!… Expand
  5. eskildb
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    This album is the greatest ever! I mean look at the songs. They are so good. And Tre Cool, is so funny. And Billy is so good and cool.
  6. BenN
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    I would be an american idiot if i did not like this album
  7. kadek
    Mar 24, 2007
    10
    This album is astonishing! I don't understand how some people can not like it. I have followed Green Day from the start, And I love 90's "Dookie" as much as I like this album. I mean cmon people look at what your sayin when you say, "American Idiot really sux" the album won 14 Grammy's was also labeled a 10x Platinum Album. One of the grammy's being "Best Rock Group"! This album is astonishing! I don't understand how some people can not like it. I have followed Green Day from the start, And I love 90's "Dookie" as much as I like this album. I mean cmon people look at what your sayin when you say, "American Idiot really sux" the album won 14 Grammy's was also labeled a 10x Platinum Album. One of the grammy's being "Best Rock Group"! I mean, i guess it depends on who you are... as in like the lyrics in "American Idiot" are politically charged and have extremely good meanings to them, you just have to look beyond the outside stereotype of "anti-american emo's" because if you do the research before you judge you would know that green day is not out to destroy the goverment, they are just trying to expose the things that the "Bush Admin." would rather brush under the carpet. Green Day has really grown up and impressed me greatly. I hope they continue the streak. P.S. If you are totally against volitle music that challenges the american government... you think green day is bad? hahaha go listen to "ANTI-FLAG"s albums and talk to me again. GREEN DAY ROX!!! :)… Expand
  8. meganr
    Apr 6, 2007
    10
    I love American Idiot because it tells about what is going on in the world today and the war.
  9. Sam
    May 13, 2007
    10
    So the comments look like this is a "love it or hate it" album. I'm a "love it." The overused Boulevard of Broken Dreams aside, there are some awesome and unappreciated tracks on here. "Jesus of Suburbia" and "St. Jimmy" are two of my favorites, for the exuberance of the music and singing. And of course the infectious "Holiday." Find me a catchier guitar strain. Love it. Some of the So the comments look like this is a "love it or hate it" album. I'm a "love it." The overused Boulevard of Broken Dreams aside, there are some awesome and unappreciated tracks on here. "Jesus of Suburbia" and "St. Jimmy" are two of my favorites, for the exuberance of the music and singing. And of course the infectious "Holiday." Find me a catchier guitar strain. Love it. Some of the music is deep enough to be thought-provoking. However, it's not unavoidably deep. If the politics of the music aren't your thing, it's still possible to look past the tones of the message and appreciate the great tunes and musicianship for what they are.… Expand
  10. jam
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    i think american idiot rax and the thing is it shows what green day think of the world 2day such as american idiot. I personally love holiday, bouvlevard of broken dreams, wake me up when september ends and a few more, but thing is if there band hadn't hit the charts i would have never gotten in2 green day and other rock/punk/heavy metal bands. Personally i prefer the album Dookie to i think american idiot rax and the thing is it shows what green day think of the world 2day such as american idiot. I personally love holiday, bouvlevard of broken dreams, wake me up when september ends and a few more, but thing is if there band hadn't hit the charts i would have never gotten in2 green day and other rock/punk/heavy metal bands. Personally i prefer the album Dookie to this 1 though o n green keep on making music… Expand
  11. KeilaT
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    OK so this is like 4 yrs after Aerican Idiot was released but I still adore this album with every fragment of my teenaged soul. I wish that everyone could comprehend the brilliance and underhanded eloquence of this organized rave! Green Day is impeccable hands down.
  12. VonC
    Jan 14, 2009
    9
    Fantastic album with well-written lyrics and hilly emotional ride from start to finish. It's funny to see the low scores with nothing but deflection and scorn from, I guess, two-time Bush voters! Someone actually used the term "moonbats"! What's this? A political forum? LOL! Billy must have been signing about those dead-enders.
  13. BenC
    Feb 11, 2009
    10
    If you hate this album then, A. You have no taste and listen to modern rap and pop crap. B. . You are stupid enough to think that Green Day is anti-American. American Idiot is one of the few albums of the century with a point. Rock formed on the basis of protest, with roots in the blues and continuing with the anti-war classics of the 60s and 70s. It is a protest against the amazingly If you hate this album then, A. You have no taste and listen to modern rap and pop crap. B. . You are stupid enough to think that Green Day is anti-American. American Idiot is one of the few albums of the century with a point. Rock formed on the basis of protest, with roots in the blues and continuing with the anti-war classics of the 60s and 70s. It is a protest against the amazingly screwed up American pop culture after 9/11. The songs tell a cohesive story with some of the best lyrics I've heard ever, and is backed ub with solid instrumentation. In a world where corporate bigwigs are taking all of our money and underpaying poor laborers in China, and the government takes away citizens rights one by one, American Idiot uses Jesus of Suburbia show how messed up this current system is.… Expand
  14. SidS
    May 18, 2009
    7
    When you are an old Green Day fan and are just willing them to bring out another 'Dookie', a bit disappointing.
  15. KevinL.
    Jun 17, 2009
    8
    Of course, American Idiot pales in comparison to the likes of Dookie or Insomniac but it's far from crap. In fact, it's an excellent album. I don't think Green Day wanna live in the shadow of Dookie forever so I welcome their change.
  16. Moondust
    Nov 14, 2004
    9
    Billie Joe and the Crew Have done it again, The album Is great.
  17. IainH
    Nov 15, 2004
    10
    The best album of 2004 beyond doubt. Only Morrsieey, The Libertines and The Ordinary Boys come close. Every song is magnificent.
  18. cindyP
    Nov 15, 2004
    10
    It's amazing. Normally I couldn't listen to an entire Green Day album from start to finish in one sitting. This one is different. They are on!
  19. Luke
    Nov 16, 2004
    10
    BEST YET
  20. TimK
    Nov 18, 2004
    10
    It is amazing it is the best song of Green Day I have ever heard. I can even play it on my electric guitar!
  21. CarlW
    Nov 19, 2004
    10
    this album rocks
  22. ChrisP
    Oct 16, 2004
    10
    Green Day's greatest album! I listened to it once and fell in love right away!
  23. Sarah
    Dec 11, 2004
    10
    Absolutely the best cd that green day has come up with in a very long time. The tracks are much more mature, have depth, but still manage to be catchy and fun to listen to. Awesome, Awesome CD, it's on repeat in my stereo...
  24. clarisac
    Dec 30, 2004
    10
    this cd rockes so hard i luv it!!!!!!
  25. harryb
    Dec 5, 2004
    9
    the american idiot album is definetly only second best to dookie, which isnt a bad thing, surprisingly, the worst song is american idiot, which is still a great song, the best by far is boulevard of broken dreams, the second solo probably the greatest solo they have ever done, properair guitar stuff. Wake me up when september ends shows how great they are, taking a slow song and making it the american idiot album is definetly only second best to dookie, which isnt a bad thing, surprisingly, the worst song is american idiot, which is still a great song, the best by far is boulevard of broken dreams, the second solo probably the greatest solo they have ever done, properair guitar stuff. Wake me up when september ends shows how great they are, taking a slow song and making it heavy, the 9 minute song homecoming providing a geat conclusion to a great album and the final song whatsername creating somewhat of an epilogue and the other stories in the songs giving you a reason, if any to listen to this, greenday fans will get it anyway but this album will be remembered as one of rocks greats, as a greenday album it is 2nd best, as a music album it is the best stuff they have ever done… Expand
  26. JasonS
    Oct 27, 2004
    10
    Easily the best album of the year - I cant' stop listening to it. You can really hear the emotion in Billie Joe's voice, the desperation of the characters.
  27. BrandonE
    Sep 21, 2004
    10
    I have been a fan for years...and with this new album is a reason for me to love their music even more...Flawless work..A+
  28. Holly
    Sep 27, 2004
    10
    3 words- Green Day Rox!!!!! Truly the best cd i've heard in my life!
  29. gfhfghfhgfhf
    Nov 28, 2005
    10
    awesome cd...very mature themes..green day has grown up!!!
  30. greendayfreakjelato
    Nov 4, 2005
    10
    THE best band, THE best album, would travel the world 2 see green day!! they ROK!!! the american idiot is ma life saver. green day rules
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Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Best Album of 2004
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2004
4
#4 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Billboard
    80
    It is exactly what the band needs to boost itself to the next level of pop-punk prowess.
    Read full review
  2. E! Online
    83
    There's still plenty of spunk in to be found in this Sgt. Pepper-lite.
    Read full review
  3. Dot Music
    80
    Not only does it contain Green Day’s finest songs (and choruses) to date... but it also scratches at the surface of political dissatisfaction with nails sharp enough to leave a nasty scar.
    Read full review
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