Insomniac
As the follow-up to their surprise hit *Dookie*, *Insomniac* is every bit as solid and true to the spirit of the Berkeley punk trio’s influences and interests. Success never changed Green Day in any discernible way. Billie Joe Armstrong continues to write the same quick, catchy, cute and quirky tunes he was writing before the world took note. “Armatage Shanks” picks up where “Longview” and “Basket Case” left off and the band continue to pummel with the same dedication of their punk heroes—The Jam, Buzzcocks, Descendents. Green Day’s emergence as punk’s most famous pop superstars never made them flinch, never made them question their approach. Unlike other alternative bands who felt a need to further explore their sonic realm, Green Day were a melodic punk band who saw their role as writing fast, strong songs that fans could dance and pogo to without thinking. “Walking Contradiction” attempts to make sense of this dichotomy, but the truth is in the irresistible hooks. “Geek Stink Breath” is a brilliant pop hook brought to further life with production that never tries to soften the attack.
Dookie gave Green Day success, but it was never really clear whether they wanted it in the first place.