These songs are STILL relevant.
Thinking about how Green Day dropped a “greatest hits” album in 2001 always seems so insane. Of course, their 90s greats such as “Longview” and “Brainstew” were included, but what about everything past then?
In 2000, Green Day released their album “Warning”, which didn’t do as well as Dookie (1994) and Nimrod (1998). So why not release an album titled, International Superhits!? Going through Dookie era, the album features “Welcome To Paradise”, which was originally featured on one of the band’s earlier albums, Kerplunk! (2002). “Basket Case” is one that everyone knows, still getting plenty of radio play on alternative radio stations across America (thank you to my alt-rock station 105.7 The Point in St. Louis, MO for always playing them) with the infamous first line, “Do you have the time, to listen to me whine, about nothing and everything all at once?”. But it’s “When I Come Around” that really pulls you in… Everyone knows this song. Maybe you’re a huge Green Day fan and listen to this song on repeat. Maybe you’ve just heard this song on the radio, at stores, etc. “When I Come Around” is one of those songs you just know. And feel like when you hear it, you just belong. “She” features the all-too relatable lyrics in the chorus, “Are you locked up in a world that’s been planned out for you?”
Travelling further into the album, we’re next in the Insomniac era (1995) with “Geek Stink Breath”, a song that always gets the pit going. “Brainstew/Jaded”(which isn’t how it’s listed on the album, but these songs are always tied together) is one you heard constantly over and over again on the radio, and still gets unbelievable amounts of radio play.
“Hitchin’ A Ride” is that Green Day song from Nimrod (1998). Ya know, “1. 2. 1,2,3,4!” and repeat. With that amazing bass line (thank you Mike Dirnt). “Redundant” is one that’s somewhat of a deep cut and it’s… Exactly what you think it is, as the music video expresses the visual. “Nice Guys Finish Last” is probably the most amusing song on Nimrod and is super catchy with its chorus. “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)”. You know this one. It’s played at every. Single. Graduation. It’s also how Green Day’s been ending their live performances since 1998. Although it’s about a girl from Billie Joe Armstrong’s past, it truly is the perfect goodbye song.
Moving onto the Warning era (2000), this album is completely underrated. “Minority” is about well… Being the minority. An outcast. Being different. What’s even better than the song is in the music video for the song, it features Green Day performing on a float in the Macy’s Day Parade, which is also a Green Day song. The title track “Warning” features a lyric that too many people from today would resonate with, “Is the cop or am I the one that’s really dangerous?” “Waiting” is arguably the best track on Warning and features a music video that totally captures a 2000s house party. “Macy’s Day Parade” closes out International Superhits! and challenges fans to really think.
This album is essential for Green Day and holds many classic hits. However, the music they released after International Superhits! is arguably even more essential...
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