Amazon.com

For its first new set of music since 2000's Warning, Green Day tears up the blueprint and comes up with something unexpected: A punk rock concept album built around elaborate melodies, odd tempo changes, and a collection of songs that freely reference classic rock warhorses like the Beatles and Pink Floyd. "She's A Rebel" and "St. Jimmy" might sound like vintage Green Day but the rest of the disc finds the Northern California trio trying on a variety of different guises: "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" is a cliché-strewn Foo Fighters-style power ballad; "Extraordinary Girl" floats on Indian strings; and the hushed "Wake Me Up When September Ends" wouldn't sound entirely out of place on a Jessica Simpson record. It doesn't always work. "Dearly Beloved" eerily resembles the Alarm's "68 Guns" while the title track eerily resembles something Green Day has already done far too many times. But, overall, American Idiot is represents a promising step forward. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great cd
Ok well I just have to say that the first time I heard this cd I knew that it would be my favorite greed day cd. I have listened to this cd at least 50 times since I've gotten it! In fact I'm listening to it while im typing this reveiw. My favorite song on the whole cd is holiday and I know that this cd will be my fav. cd for a long time.

I freakin' LOVE this CD
Go get this CD! It is awesome! It has both their traditional punk rock which is always awesome and some more slow music which is also awesome. It's not like any of their other albums before. It's also very opinionated, but you can decide whether that's a good or bad thing. I really don't care! All I know is that this is one heck of a rock opera and a must-have for any Green Day fan!

best cd since kerplunk
this is probally greendays best ccd since kelrplunk almost 10 years ago and its a great cd, get it

green day rox!!!
green day is sik! 1.american idiot 8/10 i loved this song on madden too bad i over played it 2.jesus of suburbia 8/10 catchy a bit long tho still kewl 3.holiday 9/10 'on holiday' 4.blvd of broken dreams 11/10 best song on the cd by far slow rock song but great awsome lyrics catchy tune just awsome 5.are we the waiting 7/10 probably my least favorite song on the cd 6.st jimmy 10/10 awsome i can see this song in the THUG 2 fast and a nawce tune 7.give me novacaine 6/10 i change my mind this is my least favorite slow and annoying i got nothing against slow but... 8.shes a rebel 10/10 catchy lyrics just all around good 9.extraordinary girls 8/10 i hat the begining like tribal drums or something waste of 30 seconds songs ok 10.letterbomb 8/10 ok 11.wake me up when september ends 7/10 catchy lyrics slow and doesnt really go any where remember slow is not bad (take for instence adam?s song by blink) 12.homecoming 8/10 kewl song long though 13.watsername 9/10 slow (see) kewl lyrics i averaged the scores and got 8.38461538461538461538461538... im a math idiot i giv the cd a easy 9/10 buy it!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Green Day takes the title International Superhits literally,offering a no-surprises compilation of all the songs that made a big dent oncommercial radio. From the pop-punk heroes' breakthrough album Dookie ("Longview," "Welcome toParadise") through Insomniac ("Brain Stew"), Nimrod ("Good Riddance [Time ofYour Life]"), and Warning("Minority"), if a record produced a hit, that song is on this album. There areonly two new tracks on the Superhits (both recorded a couple of monthsbefore the album's release)--the spazzed out rock & roll singalong "Maria" andthe puppy-dog love of "Poprocks & Coke." Because International Superhitsdoesn't pull from Green Day's early EPs and Lookout albums or offer any livevariations, though, this album is really only one for the serious-mindedcollectors who don't want to skip past a single Green Day release.-- Jennifer Maerz ... Read more

Reviews (142)

Green Day has always been my favorite band.
I've always loved Green Day, who were at their peak in 1994 and enjoyed many other hits afterwards, including Brain Stew, Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), and Minority. Even with an album that only came out less than two years ago (Warning), Green Day is getting less and less recognition. With newer pop-punk bands such as Blink 182, Sum 41 and New Found Glory becoming more popular, Green Day has been ignored.

Let's get to the point. International Superhits is great for the casual listener, or just someone who wants to rediscover them. But unless you desperately want to hear Maria and Poprocks and Coke (which are decent songs), or J.A.R, I wouldn't recommend this to the fan who already has all of their Reprise releases. Unless you want a good cd to listen to all the way through, which this certainly is.

The songs are all good! There is not one song I can't listen to...truthfully, there isn't one song I don't like by Green Day. The two new songs, as previously mentioned, are both good...the catchy, but somewhat repetitive Maria, and the poppy love song of Poprocks and Coke, but they're not much compared to the others. You'll get every Green Day hit on this CD, from their first single (and possibly one of their best songs) Longview, to the timeless classic Good Riddance, to the melodic Waiting, the somewhat harsher Geek Stink Breath and Brain Stew, and the lesser known Walking Contradiction and She...they're all here. Green Day is a fun band to listen to, and this is a nice representation of them.

One thing that slightly peeved me is that there are no songs from their Lookout releases on here. I can't say I liked 1039 SOSH, but Kerplunk is my second favorite (after Nimrod). Beware! When you buy this, you're not getting the full Green Day experience...there are great songs such as Going to Pasalacqua, 2000 Light Years Away, Christie Road, and many others that aren't on here!

Oh yeah, if you want more Green Day, check out all 6 of their albums, you'll find some good songs that weren't played on the radio. They include, but aren't limited to, 86, Stuart and The Ave., Westbound Sign, Scattered, Jinx/Haushinka, Prosthetic Head ... Castaway, and Misery. ...

If you're that person who has heard songs like Longview and Good Riddance on the radio and liked them, but has never bought a Green Day release, by all means BUY THIS! Green Day fans with the entire collection, you may not want to get this unless you need something to top it all off or are just mad for the song J.A.R.

And J.A.R is a great song.

Green Day's best CD
Of course this is Green Day's best CD because it is a greatest hits CD. The album has all of their best songs , but I am a little disappointed that it had no songs from 'Kerplunk!' or '1039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours', but never the less, all of the songs on the album are 'superhits' and it just reminds you what a good band Green Day are.

1. Maria

2. Poprocks & Coke

3. Longview

4. Welcome To Paradise

5. Basket Case

6. When I Come Around

7. She

8. J.A.R. (Jason Andrew Relva)

9. Geek Stink Breath

10. Brain Stew

11. Jaded

12. Walking Contradiction

13. Stuck With Me

14. Hitchin' a Ride

15. Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)

16. Redundant

17. Nice Guys Finish Last

18. Minority

19. Warning

20. Waiting

21. Macy's Day Parade

As you can see, most of Green Day's best songs and definitely worth buying. This album is definitely Green Day's best because the songs are better than the songs on 'Nimrod', 'Insomniac' and even 'Dookie'.

True Superhits
IF you are a punk rock fan, Green Day is your band. They are absolutely amazing and always will be. First of all, Billie-Joe Armstrong is a true rock revolutionary. He has and an unmistakable voice that will be recognized everywhere. His guitar skills are also quite accomplished. Mike "Dirnt" is by far the best bassist out there today. He is absolutely amazing. He plays the bass guitar like he is soloing on a normal electric guitar. Finally, the fantastic Tre Cool on drums. Another one of the best in his field. If you listen to the drums in the background, you will be blown away at how good he is.
International Superhits is by far their best CD yet, and it should be since it is a Greatest Hits album. Everyone of these 21 songs deserves to be on this CD and totally kicks ass. The CD starts out with two new tracks that are just as good as the rest. If you are a newcomer to green day, a casual fan, or even if you have all of their CD's, I recomend this CD. Every fan of Punk Rock or any type of Rock music for that matter should go out and buy this CD

Awesome
This is an excellent album for the summer's travels and just great for putting into your cd player and not having to skip every few songs. This album had all their hits and I fell in love with ALL of them. From the energetic and wonderful Maria to the most beautiful song Macy's Day Parade, this compilation is 21 of the best songs around. A must have for a Green Day fan or someone who has heard classics like Basket Case or Good Riddnance and want to see what this band is really made of.

Best Green Day CD Ever
hey guys, this cd is the best green day cd ever. just buy it, its awesome! its got ur fav, walking contradiction,when i come around, Longview, basketcase and much more! this cd rox and is one of the best punk rock bands i've heard. get ur copy now... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Take one part Ramones, one part Buzzcocks, and one part Husker Du, and you've got the basic foundation of Green Day, a punky, witty, melodic San Francisco Bay area trio who became overnight stars in 1994 when this album, their third overall release and major label debut, catapulted them to the top of the pop charts. Led by guitarist/vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong and their secret weapon, powerhouse drummer Tre Cool, Green Day put '70s and '80s punk in a compact '90s package with songs like "Longview," "Basket Case," "Pulling Teeth," and the hit semi-ballad, "When I Come Around." One the few modern alternative rock bands with a bona fide sense of humor. --Billy Altman ... Read more

Reviews (376)

A review of the brilliant Dookie (Green Day) by Daniel Bland
The album starts with the wonderful 'Burnout', which has a certain energy about it which makes you want to play it over and over again. 'Having a blast', has an addictive drum beat, and Billie Joe's punky voice adds that special touch. Billie Joe's lyrics are very modest in the 3rd song, 'chump', and towards the end there is a wonderful piece of music, without singing, which I love. 'Longview' has a lovely variety, with the majority of it being slow, and a great heavier chorus. 'Welcome to paradise's'brilliant chord structure possibly makes it the best track on the album. 'Pulling teeth', a slower song, but still, a superb song. Then, 'Basket case' and 'She', two similar songs - slow,fast,slow,fast. Theses songs will leave you speechless, at least until you come to 'Sassafras Roots'. Although, slightly repetitive, the parts which are repeated are excellent. On to 'When I come aroun', maybe their most famous song, maybe my favourite. Again, a slower song, ! but still, it will stick in your mind. Number 11, 'Coming clean'. A song which I found rather boring. After listening to the album a couple of times, you will skip this song and move straight on to 'Emenius sleepus'. Billie Joe, again his voice is brilliant, he's feeling sick and he wants to go home. But he'll have to wait, 2 songs left. 'In the end'. Another great song, with a supreme drum beat near the end. The last song, 'F.O.D.' The first 1 and a half minutes are very slow, and light, and then, an explosion. The music errupts. Something which has to be played at full volume. A bonus track, at the end of 'F.O.D' is 'All by myself'. Funny 6the first time, but something which is not worth waitng for. All in all a great album, and something which should not be missed

"Possibly the most influential album of its time"
In the start of a decade that looked to be filled with dance and rap as the dominating genres of that era, there was a shining glimmer of hope for fan of rock. The now legendary band from Berkeley, Green Day, released quite possibly the most influential album of its time, as it has triggered the start of many other bands in the area (Blink 182, No Use For A Name, etc.). In their release of this cd, they began their journey in the rock world, and in effective fashion:

ANALYSIS OF TRACK LISTING:
1. Burnout: 4.5/5-a fast paced, distorted guitar-blaring anthem that showed how people didn't grow up, but rather just burnout out.... A great start to the album with a great drum part in the bridge

2. Having a Blast: 4/5-possibly one of their most controversial songs (next to Platypus, on nimrod), it is a song about a person who is going to kill everyone in their path.... a very catchy song

3. Chump: 4.5/5-One of the un-appreciated tracks of this cd, Chump is about hating a specific person, though you've never even see them.... the instrumental in this is very good

4. Longview: 4/5-The original and only tribute to masturbation to date (at least to my knowledge).... despite it's widespread appeal, you may grow tired of this song, due to its excessive air time on the radio.... the bass part in this song is quite good as well

5. Welcome to Paradise: 4.5/5-A re-release track from their Lookout! Records release, kerplunk!, this track is about a young man who ventures away from home and eventually finds himself in paradise.... one of the best bass solo's i have ever heard

6. Pulling Teeth: 3.5/5-A slower-paced song, highlighting a true event of being busted up by the one you love (Mike Dirnt had both of his elbows broken while having a pillow fight with his wife Anastacia).... good, but a little bit too slow for my taste

7. Basket Case: 5/5-Quite possibly one of the best songs of all time, this song focuses on the mental instability of a single person and his ventures to find sanity.... A MUST LISTEN!!

8. She: 4.5/5-another great song, following up Basket Case.... it is mainly a reflective song giving advice to a girl that the person loves.... to stop yelling at them before they go insane..... Dirnt shows his talent with another great bass intro

9. Sassafras Roots: 4/5-a repetitive song that ventures the question "May I waste your time too....?" the lyrics will catch on, and don't be surprised if you end up singing it after hearing it a few times

10. When I Come Around: 4/5-a solid song, possibly their most well-known song on this album.... it is about getting somewhere that you need to be, and the one that matters knowing where to find you.... has a good guitar solo, and a solid bass and drum line

11. Coming Clean: 4.5/5-a better song than When I Come Around, it is a great increase of the pace that was held back by the previous track.... it is mainly about a person "coming clean" about being of an alternate sexual orientation.... a fun, quick and to the point song

12. Emenius Sleepus: 4.5/5-A continuation from the previous song, Billie Joe now sings how he's sick and wants to go home, since he doesn't know his friend at all anymore.... a VERY good song, as it keeps the pace of the album up as it comes begins to come to a close.....

13. In The End: 4/5-the second to last song, it provides a clear message: not liking what you see in the future and hoping that you're not dead when somethin important comes around.... it has a solid bridge yet again, and brings us into the final "official" track of the disc......

14. F.O.D. 4.5/5-the final track of the CD, it is a mellow beginning, but then a loud and very clear anthem.... it mainly just says how the person wants everyone to F.O.D., which if you listen to the song, you will figure out what it means.....

Hidden Track: All By Myself 3.5/5-a very funny track that the guys recorded while they were high in one of their friends basements.... funny, but it won't be worth the wait for much more than two times

really cool; good for any fan
Really awsome for any Green Day fan, but if you're not, step away. I, being a HUGE Green Day fan, think that you'll LOVE most of these songs, I recomend "Pulling Teeth","Basket Case", "Longveiw" and "Welcome to Paradise". The only song on this CD I don't LOVE is "Coming Clean", not really interesting. All really strict parents who hate cuss words as small as "crap", this is a bad CD for your kids.

The one that started it all...
the downfall of real/street punk, that is. This is when Green Day "sold out", but they were never realy punk, they and their friends at clubs had a skewed version of what punk is. They think it is about spreading peace or some sissy stuff like that, and it is not, Anarchy is the opposite of peace, it is unadulterated freedom, real, true, freedom to do whatever you want. And punk music should be noisey and aggressive. This is one of those bands(the leader, in fact) that made people think this poppy crap is punk, and almost completely killed real punk rock. If it wasn't for bands like the Casualties, punk would truely be dead, but it isn't dead, and won't die. Punk is back and it's here to stay! I HATE GREEN DAY, BUT AT LEAST THAT SISSY SONG ISN'T ON THIS!

Not Bad
Fun lightweight pop-punk. Nothing terribly interesting or in any way groundbreaking, but not horrible either. I'd burn a copy, no way would I pay for it. To call these guys punk is ridiculous. They're very mainstream in terms of attitude and desire for acceptance. If these guys had showed up at a Black Flag concert back in the day they would have had their arms and legs ripped off and thrown in a pile. This is safe enough for your 13 year old daughter and makes for a pleasant listen when driving your kids to and from soccer practice. ... Read more

Album Description

Formed in NYC in the mid-'70s by David Byrne, Chris Franz, Tina Weymouth, and ex-Modern Lover Jerry Harrison, the Talking Heads evolved out of their now-legendary humble beginnings at CBGB's to become one of the most adventurous and influential bands ever. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, the Heads' visionary, polyrhythmic sound daringly combined funk and punk, African beats, avant-garde minimalism, and pure pop. From their 1977 debut through their Brian Eno-produced classics to their '88 farewell, Naked, they both pushed artistic boundaries and delivered indelible radio hits like "Once In A Lifetime" and "Burning Down The House." ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Nimrod came along two years after 1995's Insomniac and was the first indication of Green Day's willingness to stretch the boundaries of punk rock. The fullness of the record is first hinted at on "Hitchin' a Ride," which starts out chug-a-lugging and then breaks into a raging rocker."Redundant" is accented with some psyched-out guitar work and has Billie Joe Armstrong singing a good deal more than usual. The wonderful "Platypus (I Hate You)" speed-rocks with abandon and recalls the early days of L.A. punk (a little Dickies here, a little Descendents there). The biting "Take it Back" is a snarling throwback to hard punk, and "Prosthetic Head" is an infectious ditty that counts among the very best on the album. Most surprising is "Last Ride In," an instrumental nod to the sensual surf-and-sun life. Of course, the crown jewel of the collection is the sentimental, acoustic "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)," which seemed nearly inescapable when it was released. Beyond these standouts, even the "usual" Green Day fare here has punch. --Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Reviews (371)

NIMROD IS THE BEST!
Very possibly the best album ever created, Nimrod is just another example of Green Day's talent and versatility. Billie Joe Armstrong's lyrics just keep getting better and better, Mike Dirnt's bass playing is just amazing, and of course, Tre Cool's drumming, ever changing, is a great part of the album.
Nimrod is a great cd that really led the transition from Insomniac to Warning well. It is so versatile, with ballads, a surf type song, hard metal type songs, typical Green Day music, and much more. Aside from different subgenres of the music, many different instruments are used such as harmonica, the bongos, and of course, the baseball bat. ^_^ Green Day has really matured with this album.
There is not a single bad song on this cd, each one gets a 10 from me.

Nice Guys Finish Last-a great song to start the cd out with, was one of the first songs that really got me into Green Day. Mike Dirnt does extremely well on the bass in this one.

Hitchin A Ride-incredible, excellent song, one of their best. Although it takes a while to get used to, it is really incredible. The drumming in this is very VERY good, I know from playing it on my drums that it takes a lot of skill to get it right.

The Grouch-hilarious lyrics, it's a really good, driven song, explicit, but humorous. Also has a very catchy tune.

Redundant-can't say anything about it except that it's a masterpiece. It's a really beautiful song with really beautiful lyrics. You can tell what a good songwriter and guitarist Billie Joe is, what a good bassist Mike Dirnt is, and what an INCREDIBLE drummer Tre Cool is from just this one song.

Scattered-just another one of Green Day's incredible songs. Possibly one of the best tunes, Billie Joe's voice really stands out in this song. One lyric that I really liked was "Story to tell and I am listening." You can tell they've grown up, because since when is Green Day listening?

All The Time-I know not many people really like this song, but I'm hooked on it. It's not as catchy a tune as some others, but when you get used to it, it's really great. It's one of those songs that you'll be singing for days and days after hearing it just once.

Worry Rock-Beautiful, BEAUTIFUL LYRICS! I love it, it's a really sweet song and it's incredible. Another song in which Billie Joe's voice really stands out.

Platypus (I hate you)--A very good song, it is very hard core and although you can barely understand a word of what Billie Joe is screaming out, it's worth it. You can really tell his emotions through the lyrics.

Uptight-Possibly one of the greatest songs on the cd, the ending is incredible. The beginning verses are also very good, but what really stands out is the ending choruses, the "Uptight, I'm a nag with a gun, All night...." part. It makes a very good transition from Uptight to Last Ride In.

Last Ride In-my favorite instrumental by any band. Sure, not many people are into it because it is sort of slow and instrumental, but it's the one instrumental I can listen to the whole thing through. The guitar and bass really shines, but the main thing to me (thenagain, being a drummer, it would be the main thing) that shines through is Tre Cool's drumming. He strays from the normal "punk rock boundaries" in drumming and really goes to the extra by using more latin drumming. I've heard tons of that drumming in Latin music, believe me.

Jinx-an awesome tune, awesome guitar, awesome song in general. I really like the lyrics in this one, and once more, the vocals are incredible in this song. The tune is very different than many other songs you would find, and it makes a nice transition to Haushinka.

Haushinka-not such a liked song by many people, but after listening to it for a while it can really grow on you and you can see what a great song it is. It is more old style Green Day, as it was written during the time of 1039 Slappy Hours, yet not placed on the Kerplunk cd. Very good song.

Walking Alone-this could very well be one of my favorites, it's got an incredible tune, very relatable lyrics, and harmonica! well, the harmonica is very fun and it is always great to see bands going the extra mile to use different things rather than the normal, set instruments. Green Day makes their own rules.

Reject-this song was written about a person who wrote a hate letter to Green Day, you can really see the emotion in it and the anger through the lyrics. Another harder song on the cd, it's a good one.

Take Back-not really one of my favorite Green Day songs, yet it is pretty good to. A nice job on the harder, metallic rock that's very enjoyable.

King For A Day-even if the song isn't as catchy as others, the lyrics and the horns really make up for it. A hilarious song, a sort of ska song, even if it is about drag queens, it's just way too funny to pass up!

Time Of Your Life-well, everyone knows this one. The classic Green Day song that led them into even being played in soft music radio stations like Warm 106.9 (I've heard them on it), it's a masterpiece. It's very very pretty, I also like the violin in the back.

Prosthetic Head-a wonderful closing song, Prosthetic Head's tune is very good and very catchy. It's a song I got stuck in my head the whole day and ended up writing the chorus lyrics on every paper and wall I could find in a craft store I was dragged into.....

Anyway, in closing, this is an EXCELLENT cd, and passing it up would be...a crime.

An incredible album that shows all sides of Green Day.
This truly is a great CD, not only becuase every single song on it is strong and original in its own sense, but also that it features such a wide variety of alternative music! Green Day's other albums (Dookie, Insomniac, etc.) are all great, but the variation of the musical content on them is not nearly as wide as on Nimrod. There are great punk and rock songs, fast, furious, and to-the-point, such as "Nice Guys Finish Last," "The Grouch" (an extremely funny song), "Platypus (I Hate You)," and "Reject," to name a few. If you like slower stuff, then there are several slower tracks, like "Redundant," "Worry Rock," "Uptight" and "Prosthetic Head." Other notable songs include the hilarious, hord-driven song "King For A Day," the moody instrumental "Last Ride In," and the widely popular acoustic ballad "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)." For both music lovers and Green Day fans alike, this album is a must-own.

A Refined Green Day
I owned this album, but it got stolen, and I have regretted that ever since. I'll probably get it again some day, when I have spare cash. I remember I really liked it, and it spent a lot of time in my CD player. I liked every song on the album, some more than others, obviously, but I don't ermember skipping any tracks. My favorites were:

2. Hitchin' a Ride
3. Grouch
4. Redundant
7. Worry Rock
8. Platypus (I Hate You)
9. Uptight
12. Haushinka
13. Walking Alone
14. Reject
16. King for a Day
17. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
18. Prosthetic Head

Now I know why it got stolen! LOL

Not bad, but could have been better
As Green Day progresses, their mean sound improves, though their really good ones are no better or worse than they always have been. A big difference on this CD from the norm, is that their popular songs are not always good. Their skippable songs have decreased in number from the beginning, and they have the same number of really good ones, so I'd say this CD is overall better than one like Dookie.

The only songs that I skip regularly are "Walking Alone," "Take Back," and "Last Ride In." Walking Alone just doesn't excite me much, it's not really bad or anything, just not anything special. Last Ride In is boring the first few times you hear it, but it's so freakin catchy, now I listen to it almost every time I get to it. Take back is probably the worst song on the CD. Green Day isn't all that great at screaming songs.

The songs from the CD that most people will recognize easily are "Good Riddance," "Nice Guys Finish Last," "Hitchin' A Ride," and "Redundant." The first two are good; Good Riddance isn't as great as the first time I heard it, but when you hear a song 6 billion times, that happens. Nice Guys Finish Last is one of the best songs on the CD. Check out the video on their website, it's almost as good as the song is. As for the other two, they really aren't anything special. I don't know why they're so popular. Redundant is catchy, but its only real redeaming quality is a good video. Hitchin A Ride isn't as catchy, maybe a little better song though. Neither are anything worth talking about. However, as I said earlier, their "not worth talking about" songs are still not half bad, not as skippable as their subpar efforts on Dookie were. Other mediocre songs are "Scattered," Uptight," and "King for a Day" (which is a bit ska).

The songs worth talking about, other than the two mentioned earlier, are these. "The Grouch," is easily one of the top songs on the CD, I don't really like the language, but it makes it pretty funny. "Life's a bitch and so am I. The world owes me so f*** you." Not sure why I like "All the Time," and it isn't awesome, but it is a cut above the other mediocre songs. "Worry Rock" I think is the best song on the CD. A bit slow, though not as slow as Good Riddance, and short, but completely awesome. Another great one is "Platypus." The only problem with that one is the language. Incredibly speedy, hard to understand lyrics, punk at its finest. "Jinx" is another fast punk song, though not as much as Playtpus, and is another favorite of mine. "Haushinka" flows from Jinx, as Jaded does from Brain Stew, but is not nearly as good. The only good part is the bridge, the rest of it is pretty mediocre. "Reject" is typical Green Day pop-punk, but is a pretty good song nonetheless. "prosthetic Head" I originally thought was the worst song; actually, I treated it as filler, not even as a real song. However, the more you listen to it, the catchier it gets, and I love the lyrics; not one of the greats, but not bad.

By the way, why are Green Day's hateful songs always some of the best, from "Playtpus" to "FOD" to "Ha Ha, You're Dead."

The Best CD of all time!!!!
Nimrod is my favorite Green day album.It is a great record which everyone oughtta have. ... Read more

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Collection of Blondie Hits that Accompanies the Band on their Winter 2002 Tour. This Disc Updates the Collection and Adds their Comeback #1 in the UK "Maria" to Make this the Most Up-to-date Blondie Set Ever Released. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Crystal clear hit sounds
This is the best Blondie hits compilation by far and the sound is crystal clear; the hits are not arranged chronologically however, which makes it impossible to chart the development of the band. But that doesn't matter - this collection demonstrates the band's versatility - compare their early punk-pop Rip Her To Shreds or X Offender with the hypnotic synthpop-disco of Heart Of Glass or Atomic! My favorites include the wistful I'm Always Touched and the bilingual Denis (a classic slice of sixties pop), as well as Tide Is High with its percolating reggae rhythm, plus Sunday Girl (more lovely 60's pop). In my opinion, their best albums are Parallel Lines and Plastic Letters, and these are well represented with 6 of these gorgeous 19 tracks. I wouldn't call this a "Best Of" since there are some album tracks that I like more than some of these hit songs. These include Fan Mail and Bermuda Triangle Blues from Plastic Letters and Fade Away And Radiate from Parallel Lines. But this was never intended to be anything else but a greatest hits collection and serves it purpose very well. It just goes to show that classy pop music is timeless, and Blondie always had that special something, whatever the style they chose to do it in.

For Blondie's Hits, This is the Place to Go
Over the past twenty years, there have been at least a couple dozen collections of Blondie's hits put on the market. However, only two of those compilations have given an effective overview of the group's career- THE BEST OF BLONDIE from 1981 and PLATINUM COLLECTION from 1994. But fortunately, this GREATEST HITS edition can also stand alongside those two retrospectives, rather than be buried among the other budget collections that have probably picked up plenty of dust over the years.

To put it bluntly, the title says it all- GREATEST HITS collects nineteen of the biggest hits Blondie has scored from 1976 to 1999. Besides including their biggest hits on both sides of the Atlantic- "Heart of Glass"; "Call Me"; "The Tide Is High"; "Rapture"- this collection also includes lesser-known US hits ("Dreaming," "One Way or Another," "Atomic"); songs that only became hits in the UK ("Sunday Girl," "(I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear," "Maria") and standout album tracks ("X Offender," "Rip Her to Shreds", "In the Flesh"). So basically, every essential hit and album track that Blondie scored during their career is here (with the exception of the UK hit "War Child," which is barely a loss at all). Hardcore fans will likely have a personal favorite or two missing, but GREATEST HITS pretty much tells everything a casual fan needs to know about one of the greatest new wave bands.

If there is any complaint about this collection, it's that upon listening, it may seem that more than one group is being represented, for GREATEST HITS does not sum up all of Blondie's styles into one effective mix. That may actually be nitpicking, but casual fans should still consider purchasing THE BEST OF BLONDIE instead, for not only does it focus on the very best of Blondie (and for the record, everything from BEST OF BLONDIE is on GREATEST HITS), but its nonchronological sequencing actually works so that it showcases only one group- a group that was seemingly consistent. But if you want to get virtually every essential Blondie hit and album track on one collection, then you should purchase GREATEST HITS.

BLONDIE IS BLONDIE
It's undeniable that Blondie has to be one of the best band out there(diggin' many musical styles and territories a fine example to groups like NO DOUBT), her last single GOOD BOYS represents the band at their best if you haven't heard it. So without a question this new compilation includes all their charted hits and some exclusive favorites, it would be out of place to describe each song because the titles of the songs speak for themselves, HEART OF GLASS, ATOMIC, CALL ME, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER all classic songs of the late 70's early 80's, this is one of the best compilations of Blondie around today, + include here is their hit MARIA, not available in another GH package...so delightful Blondie will always be Blondie...a must have.

The Price of Admission
"Dreaming" is one of the best pop songs ever written and makes this CD worth purchasing. The rest is great, too.

A TRUE GEM!!!
There is no doubt about it, Blondie is the band that has redefined music in a whole other way! They have gone from pop to rock, from disco to jazz, from rap to punk, and they have even done country! Every song on this compilation deserves to be here!

THE SONGS
Dreaming- A mix of pop and Debbie Harry's voice can really make some sweet music!

Call Me- One of my favorites!!! Also the theme from American Gigolo. (which happened to be a great movie)

One Way Or Another- Truly a great ROCK N' ROLL SONG!

Heart Of Glass- A true gem!!! One of Debbie's finest songs.

The Tide Is High- A happy summertime beach song! FUN!!!

X Offender- Classic as always!!!

Hanging On The Telephone- A great punk-rock tune!

Rip Her To Shreds- Reminds me of some of the girls at my school.

Rapture- I think Debbie can rap!!!

Atomic- You can really dance to this one!!! Or at least I think so!!!

Picture This- A nice sweet song thats likeable.

In The Flesh- Sounds like something out of the 50s. But its a great song!!!

Denis- Gotta Love Denis!

(I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear- Not my favorite, but I like it.

Union City Blue- A great vocal performance!!!

The Hardest Part- Loved It!!! She Can Sing!!!

Island Of Lost Souls- Catchy tune!

Sunday Girl- Love the French!

Maria- Another true pop gem!!!

Blondie is a band! (A great one I might add) And I am so glad they made such enjoyable music! Thanks!!! Peace Out!!!

Blondie Is: Debbie Harry
Chris Stein
Clem Burke
Jimmy Destri ... Read more

Amazon.com

After two years off following the release of the genre-expanding Nimrod, the usually insouciant trio Green Day are open to some weighty self-analysis. Gone are the raging rants, cartoonish antics, and anthropological musings about the punk scene, replaced by an introspection that brings to mind Michael Stipe and Bono. Like the U2 frontman, Billie Joe Armstrong still hasn't found what he's looking for, but he knows where he's been and is eager to move past the days when Green Day were considered the clown princes of rock. Witness "Jackass," which cautions, "Everybody loves a joke, but no one likes a fool." Proving that they aren't fools, Green Day take a substantial step forward, exploring new rhythms, sonics, and subjects. While many of the tracks are still cheeky and infectious, the deceptively simple melodies belie a quest for meaning, faith, and fulfillment. There's a tentative optimism here that's tempered by irony and flashes of self-loathing. Still, Warning transcends the darkness that clouded 1995's Insomniac. No longer so under the sway of the Buzzcocks and the Ramones, this time Armstrong and company dip into the early rock canon--the Beatles and Bob Dylan, among them. As a result, their first self-produced album is more "Nowhere Man" than "Blitzkrieg Bop." --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (423)

Sellouts? I think not. Can you say "growing up"?
Green Day does it again, like they do every single time. Every time they are met by a skeptical crowd. No one wants to accept the growth, and the fact that things change. People change and grow. Little BJ isn't 18 anymore. Is a 27 still gonna write songs about leaving home, or about that girl he likes? Nope, unless theres a serious problem. He'll write about problems he faces with his wife, relationships, things he's learned. Things such as that. The first thing you need to know before listening to this wonderful band is that they are Green Day. They are not pop, they are not punk, they are not anything... but Green Day. They're in a group of their own. Lets get down to the music, shall we? The lyrics are the deepest I've seen. Witty, catchy... they really make you think. Also, the actual music is really great too. Theres a lot of variety. Some songs are slower (Warning), some are faster and more energetic (Jackass), and some are catchy and fun (Blood, Sex, and Booze).

What else can I really say? I could take up pages talking about Green Day and their music. I must cut this short, though. If any of you would like to talk, get in touch with me. Green Day fans are the best people in the world!

Warning is hopefully, only a test
It might be possible(I hope) that "this is only a test" (-lyric from the first song) to see whether or not fans will like this music. I'm a big fan of Green Day and have all their cds minus their imports 'cause their expensive. I went and got the new Green Day album this morning and I'm a little confused. This album is definitely more layed back than previous albums. It seems to be more thought out but I find it to be boring at times. I've gotten into an alarming appreciation for Green Day's music in that I can just plop the cd into the player and not worry about not liking any of the songs because I like all of them. The new cd changed all that. About half the songs off "Warning" are dull and irritating. I read the review for the "warning" album off of Amazon.com and I was upset at how a band can change so much because of a little name calling and a search for some sort of self identity. I don't think they're the clown princes of rock and it was because of those early albums that Green Day has become as well known as they are today. I waited 3 years for this CD people! I hope that future albums aren't like this. It gets 3 stars 'cause it's Green Day and I liked about half the songs.

'Cause I'm thinkin' 'bout a brand new hope.....
Green Day is a good band but they just like Metallica, eventually slowed things down. Nevertheless this is a good album with some highlights like Blood, Sex and Booze and the incredible beautiful and fantastic Macy's Day Parade. This song is really great, and definetly their best ballad.
NI!

Different in a really good way
Green Day was already my favorite band and this cd ranks right up there with all the rest of their cds and maybe even exceeds them. It's different than their other cds, but you still get the same good vibe. My favorite songs are Warning, Minority, Deadbeat Holiday, and Waiting. I think more than half the songs on this cd should be on "International Superhits." In closing, I recommend it to any fan of the band.

great cd...not my favorite
green day is my favorite band...i dont know what cd is my favorite but not this one. but i still really like this. its got a lot of different sounds on it.

1. Warning - one of my favorites...you might have heard this on the radio or something. its funny. 5/5
2. Blood, Sex And Booze - this song is good. 4/5
3. Church On Sunday - its funny...goes from Blood sex and booze to Church on sunday....sex and booze to church....ooo bad. okay i'm weird....this is one of my favorites..dont know why. i like it. 5/5
4. Fashion Victim - this song annoys me 3/5
5. Castaway - i like this song. 4/5
6. Misery - oh man this song....way to funny. 5/5
7. Deadbeat Holiday - wake up the house is on fire...and the cats caught in the dryer....yay the best lyric. 5/5
8. Hold On - this song is cool with the harmonica....4/5
9. Jackass - this song annoys me...its got a saxiphone guy in it....3/5
10. Waiting - oh you've all heard this....4/5
11. Minority - yeah this song is good. 5/5
12. Macy's Day Parade - this is my favorite song on the whole cd. its slow and just really good. 5/5

yeah that was no help but i'm bored. ... Read more

Album Description

Formed in NYC in the mid-'70s by David Byrne, Chris Franz, Tina Weymouth, and ex-Modern Lover Jerry Harrison, Talking Heads soared out of their humble CBGB's beginnings to become Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and one of the most adventurous and influential bands ever. The onstage energy that propelled their rise to fame was documented in the 1982 double-LP set THE NAME OF THIS BAND IS TALKING HEADS, now available on CD for the first time. Following them through several early evolutions from '77-'81, this live gem - a 1982 Top 40 Billboard Album- is a riveting portrait of a stellar band on the rise. For its CD debut it's been expanded with over 30 minutes of rare and mostly previously unreleased bonus material. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Call them the Nine Inch Nails of punk. Like NIN, the Offspring preserve the essential ingredients of their chosen genre--guitars grinding out three chords, shouted vocals, and plenty of vitriol--and layer them over a melodic base that packs considerable popular appeal. The singles from Smash, the Offspring's breakthrough album, still receive considerable radio airplay: "Gotta Get Away," "Come Out and Play," and "Self Esteem."With these and Smash's 11 other tracks, the band chronicles the adolescent experience with clarity and surprisingly incisive wit. That pretty much describes all of their albums, but this is the one to get. It's got more shape than their earlier material and isn't as disturbingly poppy as their more recent recordings; it's the perfect blend of riffs and rage. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (316)

I would recommend it
Hard to believe that it's been almost a decade since the Offspring released what was to become their best work, "Smash". Brewing with Dexter Holland's so-cal voice, clever lyrics, and nice all-around punk energy, Smash represents the prime of one of the Epitaph labels best bands.

But to label the Offspring as just another Epitaph band would be wrong. This is a punk album, make no mistake about it, but if you're looking for something along the lines of noFX, Randcid, or Pennywise, you might be in the wrong place.

Not to say that "Smash" isn't up to par with "Punk In Drublic", "...And Out Come The Wolves", and "About Time", but it definetly has a sound of it's own when compared to those three.

If I could, I'd rather give this 4 1/2 stars, but unfortunatly, Amazon.com only allows me a 4 or a 5 so I'll go with the latter, because though it's not exactly a 5 star CD, it's definetly not a 4 star. Here's a quick track by track listing.

1. Time To Relax: Simple introduction. Kind of pointless, but it's not bad as far as introductions go.

2. Nitro: Very fast and energetic track. It sets the tone for the rest of the album very well. As the chorus states, it's about "living like there's no tomorrow".

3. Bad Habit: Like many other Offspring songs about serious subjects, Bad Habit's take on road rage is surprisingly up tempo (save the first 50 seconds or so, and somewhat comical.

4. Gotta Get Away: Arguably the best track on the CD. Very nice, but somewhat slow and monotonous. Still manages to have one of the best choruses ever. It's about a person suffering from paranoia.

5. Genocide: Fast song. One of several on here dealing with political issues. As the title suggests, it's about genocide. "Dog Eat Dog, every day, on our fellow men we pray".

6. Something To Believe In: Self explanatory. One of the more pointless songs on the album. It sounds almost exactly like all the songs around it.

7. Come Out And Play: The unreleased single turned hit. For a song about gang-violence, it's surprisingly up tone and seems better suited for a party than such a serious issue.

8. Self Esteem: At this point you reach the peak of the CD (although Smash helps bring it back to that level near the end). Come Out And Play and Self Esteem might be the two best songs on the CD and they come right after each other. It's about a guy being abused in a relation ship.

9. It'll Be a Long Time: Yet another political song. Deals with how world leaders may never set aside their differences for the greater benefit of all.

10. Killboy Powerhead: About as significant as the title leads you to believe.

11. What Happened To You: Poppiest song on the album. Deals with a guy's best friend turning into a druggy before his eyes and him not being able to help him. Once again however, very uptone for a serious subject.

12. So Alone: Quick fast, swearing. It wasn't meant to be anything deeply meaningful, and it doesn't have to. It's great just the way it is.

13. Not The One: Voice of a generation. Scoffs at youth being labeled as causing the problems in society while so many of the worlds problems were caused by past generations.

14. Smash: As good as any of the other songs on this album. In my opinion the best. An anthem for all of those who don't fit in and don't care what the "mall-ratts" think about them. I'm sure that if it wasn't for the constant swearing, this would've been their first single.

So there you have it. The Offsprings Smash. Very good, but not Great. But still, good enough that I'd recommend it to you. Check it out. You won't regret it.

An absolutely amazing cd.
It's hard to say which Offspring cd is the best, many people say this one. Although I'm not sure I agree (too much competition for me) those people have good reason to call this the best Offspring album.

Time to Relax, a good intro, a little bit worse then disclaimer and Neocon. No rating

2. Nitro, a good opening track, the guitar sticks in your head badly. The lyrics dont make much sense but they sound cool. 9.5/10

3. Bad Habit, a fun song about road rage, this is the one I heard first off this album. One of the songs that shows what the Offspring are like. 9.5/10

4. Gotta Get Away, an awesome song with a great chorus. Has some cool lyrics and a weird music video. 10/10

5. Genocide, a song with an awesome guitar riff (used at the end of the album and in the Ixnay song Change the World). A fun song to sing aloud because of the dog eat dog line. 10/10

6. Something to Believe in, I don't know why people dont like this, it has an AWESOME chorus and a great interlude. 10/10

7. Come out and Play, a really fun song that I still hear on the radio all the time. The lyrics are hard to figure out but they are good. 10/10

8. Self Esteem, another single, a cool song that I heard awhile before I bought this album. A little slow but has good guitar. 9.5/10

9. It'll be a Long Time, the only song on the album I don't love. It's ok but not spectacular. 7/10

10. Killboy Powerhead, The 2nd worst song on the album, but
that dosent mean its bad, 7.5/10

11. What Happened to You, pretty good and funny 8.5/10

12. So Alone, I get it confused with All Along from CO1, I'm not sure which is better. 9/10

13. Not the One, awesome awesome lyrics with cool guitar, I love this one 10/10

14. Smash, aaaaaaaaah the best song on the album. Awesome lyrics and cool guitar. The bridge is AWESOME AND COOL. Wow this is good. 11/10

Offspring's Finest
Smash is the album that made the offspring famous and its deffinatly their best work. Sure, this CD might be from 1994, but it's still awesome

1)Time to Relax- an intro, so nothing to worry about. no rating
2)Nitro (Youth Energy)- a catchy drum line at the beginning and powerful sound. the song has great lyrics that will fill you with energy. the song is basically a song about teens doing what they want. 10/10
3)Bad Habit- a very funny song that starts out w/ just slow bass, then turns into a really rocking song. the lyrics are amusing and shows the humor that these guys posess. the song is about someone w/ road rage 10/10
4)Gotta Get Away- 1 of the hits, it's got a great sounding intro and a catchy sounding chorus. the song is about someone who is paranoid and can't stand himself 9/10
5)Genocide- its got a very catchy punk sound w/ good but not great lyrics. the song is about how people fend for themselves and walk all over the little guy 10/10
6)Something to Believe In- 1 of their political songs, its about society falling apart. the song starts out slow, but gets faster and has a good sound 9/10
7)Come Out And Play- 1 of the hits, its the song that made them famous. the song has kind of a strange, but catchy middle eastern sound to it. it also has a great sounding chorus. the song is a sarcastic look on teenage gang violence 9/10
8)Self Esteem- 1 of the hits, the song has a more mid-tempo sound and is organized strangely, but has awesome lyrics. you can just visualize the situation going on- the guy trys so hard to look for love, but all hit gets is abuse. but that's all made up for when he gets sex(...) 10/10
9)It'll Be a Long Time- 1 of their political songs, it gets faster and has a more punk sound as it goes a long. the song is about how the the superpowers (ie usa and brits) do what they want, but in turn harm the rest of the world 9/10
10)Killyboy Powerhead- a dijets cover, the song has rather pointless and repetitive lyrics, but an ok sound with good guitar 7/10
11)What Happened To You?- a very fast paced song w/ high energy and almost a ska sound. the song has some good lyrics that move fast. it is about a good person who fried their brains on drugs 9/10
12)So Alone- the hardest sounding song on the CD, it is about loneliness and depression. however, the song is so short (a minute 15 seconds) that its hard too enjoy 7/10
13)Not The One- 1 of their political songs, it is about how society's problems are passed on to the next generation even though they didnt cause them. the song has a good punk bass and drum beat 9/10
14)Smash- the best song on the CD! it has an awesome sound and a great solo. it also has the perfect lyrics for a punk song and it is about doing what you want and not conforming. the song is actually 3 minutes long, but if you keep listening, there are about 5 minutes or so of instrumental pieces, after it 10/10

this is why everybody likes offspring
this album rocks. the singles for this are the kinda songs you dont mind hearing over and over on the radio. the rest of the songs in this are good and is the best offspring cd out there. they may not be the most hardcore punk band out, but who cares?

Their best. Perioud.
This is the best independent CD sold to date. And that says enough. If you like any of the other albums, you'll love this. ... Read more

Album Description

Subtitled - Their Toughest Hits. 2002 collection, compiledby Joey Ramone, stuffed with the band's 30 loudest punkhits spanning from 1976 to 1995. Sire/Rhino. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

RAMONES...LEGENDS
This is a pretty well done compilation. I think Johnny Ramone picked alot of the Ramones greatest hits here. Except for a few others that needed to be included. I think "Poison Heart" would have been a better choice than "The Crusher". But overall, this album is great. I really like the bonus 'Smash You: Live '85' disc. It has some great live songs such as "Too Tough To Die", "Howling At The Moon (Sha-La-La" & "Do You Remember Rock 'N' Roll Radio?".I have been a Ramones fan for about 3 years now. Each year I get closer & closer to the greatest band ever, The Ramones!

A GOOD COLLECTION OF SONGS FOR OLD OR NEW RAMONES FANS
Johnny Ramone personally selected the songs that appear on this album, and he did a good job of picking a variety of songs that give a retrospective of the band's entire career. There aren't many songs from the band's final years, but that's OK - their best songs were recorded in earlier years. As for the song selection, some are obvious ("Blitzkrieg Bop," "I Wanna Be Sedated," and "Rock N Roll High School"), while others are less well known ("Glad To See You Go," "I Wanted Everything," "Outsider," and "Highest Trails Above"). I would have probably selected some different songs to appear on the album, but I'm not about to question Johnny's choices. With his punk rock icon status and unwavering devotion to keeping the Ramones real, he's earned the right to do whatever he darn well pleases. What really makes this album worth having is the limited-edition bonus disc containing eight live songs recorded in 1985. Most notable is "Smash You," a B-side that was performed in concert very few times. This alone makes the album a must-have for the serious Ramones fan.

THE original
THE original punk band.If you like the Ramones,this is THE cd to buy.If you're just starting to get into the Ramones,or don't have any of their cds,this is the one.With some of their most popular hits, "I wanna be sedated","Blitzbkrieg Bop","Judy is a punk" and "The KKK took my baby away" this is a must for any lover of punk music.

FIRST RULE IS - Buy this cd.
The Ramones are possibly the greatest punk band ever. Every song on this cd is a gem. This greatest hits album rivals his colections such as The Beatles Red and Blue albums combined! Plus its half the price of either one. This is what punk truely is, not Charlet, NFG, of Avril

Coolest of the Ramones Compilations
Like so many groups whose appeal surfs through multiple generations, The Ramones have had a bunch of compilation albums, and we will probably see more in the future. I have yet to come across a lame Ramones collection, but this particular compilation gives you the greatest adrenalin rush for your buck.

The first three tunes are identical to their debut album, but instead of easing into the sweet "I Want To Be Your Boyfriend," they follow up with more high-energy ear fuel with "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment," and "Commando." No Lagardian pauses here, folks! In fact, if you want a wide variety of Ramones songs that include their semi-mellow side, you are best off buying each individual album instead of any compilations, since most of these collections focus on their high-octane classics (which, I admit, is what they did best!)

If you are one of those Ramones fans who preferred their earlier years, "Loud, Fast" delivers more of their classics, but gives their later years a decent backseat. A nice addition to these memorable cuts are several solo tunes by Dee Dee Ramones, including "The Crusher." Very trippy,as Dee Dee's material strayed from the traditional Ramones aura; he had a unique vision!

The only reason I would discourage anybody from buying this CD has nothing to do with flaws. I believe The Ramones are one of those rare groups who put out so much great material, so much which didn't wind up in any "Greatest Hits" collections, that buying each and every one of their releases is worth every penny. But--- to each his or her own, so if you want to buy just one Ramones CD, and get a great sampling of their work, this is the album to buy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Ramones' April 1976 debut, recorded for little more than $6,000, long ago passed into legend. Its exalted status as the inspiration for thousands of punk bands worldwide, though, hasn't overshadowed its monolithic roar, the knowing hilarity of its lyrics ("Judy Is a Punk" crams the SLA, the Ice Capades, and a salute to Herman's Hermits into a 90-second frame), and the impulse to blast it for everyone within earshot: Hey, listen to this. Embracing and rewriting rock & roll history at once, Ramones speeded up heavy music, adding a pop patina to songs inspired by horror movies and glue sniffing, and claiming a great Chris Montez tune ("Let's Dance") from the supposedly fallow period that had fallen between Elvis and the Beatles. Absurdist, yeah (how could anything with Joey's super-affected Liverpool-via-Queens accent be otherwise?) and also smart: "Havana Affair" is the greatest song about the cold war this side of Dylan. This remastered edition complements the original LP with a slew of demos, including a Spectoresque "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend," and the single version of "Blitzkrieg Bop," that, equally prophetically, puts Joey's vocal through a mixing trick that makes him sound like he's on the mic at a football game. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (58)

A true piece of Americana
If the United States were to bury a time capsule, the music representative should be this record. Not only is it great to listen to on an induvidual basis, but it's importance to popular music today is incredible. Johnny's roaring guitar fuzz, Dee's Dee's heart stomping bass, and Tommy's pulsating drumming capped off by Joey's vocals kickstarted an entire new musical genre. At a time when popular music was dominated by bands like Led Zeppelin and Rush playing eight and nine minute songs with four minute pointless guitar solos, as well as that thing called disco, the Ramones took rock and roll back to what it was in the first place, a simple and fun song. That is what this album is, a collection of real rock and roll songs. These sound quite simply like Beatles-esque songs played very loud and very fast. This record is essential for any comprehensive collection.

The shot heard 'round the world
In retrospect, it's easy to overlook how revolutionary and different this album was when it hit the streets in the second half of the '70s. Just play a Yes album, a Styx album, or an Emerson, Lake & Palmer album beside it to try to get an understanding.

Recorded for barely over $6,000, The Ramones' debut album broke all the rules of pompous '70s rock and a new type of music was "invented" in the process: punk rock. Not very different from '50s and '60s rock, just a lot louder and faster. No solos, just a bunch of power chords and catchy melodies.

Not counting the bonus songs, there are 14 songs on this album. None of them are longer than 2:32, and many of them come in at under two minutes. It's all over in less than half an hour. But there's more packed into those 30 minutes than many bands pack into an entire career.

The sound quality is very raw. However, the remastering has made the lows a bit lower and everything a bit crisper, making everything seem even more powerful than before. Dee Dee's bass is shoved into the left speaker, Johnny's guitar screams from the right, and Tommy's drums thud relentlessly in the background. On top of this, Joey spits out his lyrics with his unique accent and equally unique delivery.

And even though this album would have been a landmark just for the aforementioned qualities, the songwriting is strong as well. Everyone knows "Blitzkrieg Bop (Hey Ho Let's Go)," but every one of these tracks is fantastic. "Judy is a Punk" is my personal favorite, with three verses, three choruses and an instrumental break all packed into 90 seconds.

After this album was released, a whole new batch of bands started up. Suddenly, it didn't matter if you couldn't play like Keith Emerson or Steve Howe, all that mattered was how much you believed in yourself and your music. The Ramones were probably the first somewhat popular band to use its limitations in a positive way, and many other soon followed: The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Blondie, Talking Heads, U2, etc. Had it not been for The Ramones, these bands might not have formed, let alone have been signed to a major record label.

Quite simply, one of the most important - and fun - albums ever made.

REAL PUNK!!!!
I don't know what the HELL Infedel is talkin about!! The Ramones INVENTED punk!! Avril isn't punk, she is pop (IMO she is crap). The Ramones rule, best damn band ever!

Don't Listen to the Infidel
The Infidel, I pray to God you were kidding. This music is incredible. Avril Lavigne is not punk, she's pop. blink-182 is not punk, it's pop. Good Charlotte is not punk, it's pop. The Ramones are punk. They invented punk. If it weren't for The Ramones, Avril Lavigne wouldn't be able to call herself punk. But anyways, onto the cd. This cd is incredible. Has some of the best Ramones songs on it, and the one song that when you think of the Ramones you think of, Bliztrkieg Bop. This might be a bit corny, but go get one of your friends and say to them: "Hey Ho! Let's Go!(buy The Ramones)!"

The 6 Thousand Dollar Album
Gentlemen (chuckle), we can rebuild the seventies. We can make the world's first Junk Rock Record. The RAMONES will be that record! It will bet better than it was before: simpler, LOUDER, FASTER. We will use Marshall amps and turn it up to 11. We will abandon guitar solos and over the top jamming, as well as replacing every drum solo and fill with screwed up 4/4 signatures and cymbal crashes. We will boil syrupy 70's schmaltz ballads in the battery acid of our amplifiers and make the record sound like the whole decade is being ground up in a garbage disposal. We will pay tounge-in-your-girlfriend's- cheek homage to horror movies (Chainsaw), child abuse (Beat on the Brat), drug abuse (I Wanna Sniff Some Glue), political abuse (Havana Affair), dope fiend street hustlers (53rd and 3rd), romance (I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend), and the inevitable bust ups (Loudmouth). We will also bookend this plate of punk with the ultimate gameplan (Today Your Love, Tommorow The World), and the epitome of glorious calls to trashing good fun in Blitzkrieg Bop. We will crush everything the 70's has smeared on us or we will scare the record buyer right out of the friggin store..oops, we scared the friggin record buyers right out of the store and developed a rabid cult following instead. Oh well, who needs those pinheads anyway! Count it Dee Dee! "1234." Belt it out in your best Mersey-meets-Queens accent Joey, "Hey ho! Let's go!" ... Read more

Reviews (146)

Another Great Green Day Album.
This punk band just doesn't stop. This CD, their fourth one so far, exceeds the quality of Dookie and is almost as good as Nimrod. It's only 32 minutes long, though, but in those 32 mintutes they never stop. It just one roaring song after another. The best ones are "Armatage Shanks," "Brat," "Stuart and the Ave.," and "Brain Stew," which is definitely one of Green Day's best songs. In fact, here's my list of what I think are Green Day's top five songs. 1. Good Riddance (Nimrod) 2. When I Come Around (Dookie) 3. Brain Stew (Insomniac) 4. Basket Case (Dookie) 5. 2000 Light Years Away (Kerplunk!)

Don't ignore insomniac
Green day's 4th album - released in 1995, 'Insomniac' came between Their best selling albums Dookie and Nimrod. It may be easy to ignore this one because it is not rated as highly as dookie and nimrod and probably rightfully so. But this album still has a few very good songs spread over 14 tracks.It has been said to be Green day in their purest punk form and it does have a different feeling to it. This is how I rate each track.

1. Armatage shanks - 9/10 great start to the album and one of the better songs.
2. Brat - 8/10 - catchy tune and fast paced but it is about wanting your parents to die to get your inheritance - kindof funny in a disturbing way.
3. Stuck with me - 9/10 - this song really grew on me 4 some reason - one of the better songs again.
4. Geek stink breath - 8/10 - has a cool guitar rift in the middle.
5.No pride - 10/10 - probably my favorite song on this album.
6.Bab's uvula who? - 5/10 - dont really like this 1.
7.86 - 10/10 - great song as well - maybe 2nd best on album
8.Panic song - 7/10 this 1ns alrite.
9.stuart and the ave - quite a catchy tune but not one of the best on the album - 7.5/10
10.Brain stew - 5/10 - this is supposed to be the best song on this album but its all a bit slow and repeditive for me.
11. Jaded - 5/10 - really just a wind down from Brain stew. Both of these songs made it to International superhits?
12. Westbound sign - 8/10 - fast paced song again - cool tune.
13. tight wad hill - 6/10 - nothing special.
14. Walking contradiction - 9/10 mean lyrics and a good end to the album.

So there are some good and some average songs on this album but it is still worth buying/ripping from Kazaa or sumthing.Don't ignore this if you already have dookie and nimrod - it might take a while to get used to as well.

Nothing skippable
When I listen to Warning, I ignore the first four songs and then play the rest (which is all brilliant) straight. With Dookie, I always skip Pulling Teeth, Chump, and Sassafras Roots. On Nimrod, Take Back and Walking Alone are clearly subpar. Insomniac may not have some of the greats, but the CD is great because it has practically nothing weak.

Armatage Shanks- Very good starting song. It's not "Nice Guys Finish Last," but it and "Burnout" compete for GD's best opener. Only one weak point in the whole song, a part where they kinda echo; I think it detracts from the song, but the rest is genius. 9.5/10

Brat- One of my two least favorite on the CD. I don't know why, this just isn't my favorite. 7/10

Stuck With Me- Definately top 3. I loved in on Superhits, and the more you listen, the more it grows on you. 10/10

Geek Stink Breath- Very nice. Just not up to par with some of the greats. 9/10

No Pride- Also a very good song. "Dignity's a landmine," and "to hell with unity" are good lines. 9/10

Bab's Uvula Who?- A bit repetitive, but still quite good. 8/10

86- The other weak point of the CD. A lot lighter than the rest. This reminds me a lot of something No Fun At All would do. The chorus makes me think of "Celestial Q&A." It's one of NFAA's better songs, but it's one of Green Day's weaker ones. Shows the difference between the two. 7/10

Panic Song- This one depends on how you listen to it. A long (two seconds short of two minutes) instrumental intro begins to get boring if you're focused completely on the song, but when your attention is divided, it pulses with energy, the excitement growing as it gets closer to the beginning of the lyrics, which are awesome. "The world is a sick machine breeding a mass of sh*t." 9/10

Stuart and the Ave.- Great lyrics, insanely catchy. Definately top three on this CD. "Destiny is dead in the hands of bad luck. Before it might have made some sense, but now it's all f*cked up." 10/10

Brain Stew- everyone knows this song. At first I thought it was boring, as it is very repetitive, but it's also very catchy, and not a bad song as long as you don't get Jaded by listening to the radio to often.- 9/10

Jaded- speaking of Jaded...I don't think you CAN get Jaded with this song. By far the fastest song on the CD, and I like fast music. Easily the best on the CD. One of GD's best. 10+/10

Westbound Sign- It slows down a lot whenever they say "West...something." The other parts are cool. Especially the bridge. 8.5/10

Tight Wad Hill- This definately sounds like another GD song, I just can't place which one. It's really bugging me too. Sounds maybe a bit redundant due to the familiarity. 8/10

Walking Contradiction- A good song, but the lyrics make it a great one. "Talk is cheap and lies are expensive," and "Call 'em as I see 'em even if I was born deaf, blind and dumb." 9/10

By the way, songs usually repeat the title a bunch in the lyrics. Not here. Four songs ("Walking Contradiction," "No Pride," "86," and "Westbound Sign" repeat the title multiple times in the lyrics. "Stuart and the Ave." says the title once (in the first line) and "Geek Stink Breath" also says it once, though it's in an almost unintelligable last line. I think "Brat" may use that word once or twice. The other SEVEN songs make no reference at all to their titles. Weird, but pretty cool.

Green Day Get Pissed
If "Dookie" is a sort of concept album about the trials and tribulations of growing up, then its followup, the equally great "Insomniac", is about what happens when everyone turns against you.
Almost of these fourteen songs are attacks to all of the kids and critics who called them sell out or said that Green Day weren't real punks.
"Armhatage Shanks" starts off the proceddings and tells you all you need to know about the record: musically, its the same old Green Day, but lyrical, Billie Joe seems to be hurting from the backlash. The record follows suit for the next fourteen songs, rarely treading on Green Day's formula of two and a half minute power pop songs, with only the hardcore edged "Jaded", changing things up.
But this is all okay by me. This record is just as good, if not better, than "Dookie". The songs are just as catchy, the lyrics just as anthemic, and the record holds up just as well. Sure it didn't have hits the size of "Basket Case" or "When I Come Around", but that makes this one even better. You don't hear anything off "Insomniac" on the radio, with the exception of the records one weak point, "Brain Stew", on the radio every bloody day.
You should all ready know if your going to like "Insomniac", and nothing I'm going to say is going to change your opinion. But if you like Green Day and don't have this yet, then you are in for yet another great record from Green Day.

insomniac won't put you to sleep!!!
Insomniac is a very good cd. It has my favorite song on it and it has some other good songs too. If you don't have this cd, then you should buy it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like most true originals, the Ramones embodied a dizzying array of contradictions. As punk godfathers, they became the archetype for a rebellious musical ethos that could often confuse the baby for the bath water, yet at heart they were 1960s pop- and bubblegum-worshipping reactionaries. The seeming unity symbolized by their street-hood uniform (ripped jeans, deck shoes, and black leather jackets) and name (nicked from an early nom de plume of Beatle Paul) belied turmoil both personal and personnel. And the dumber-than-dumb stance of the likes of "Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue," "Cretin Hop," and "Teenage Lobotomy" actually masked some of the shrewdest rock ever recorded. If Rhino/Warner Archive's two-disc anthology seems like hardly enough room to document a band with a quarter-century legacy, it's good to remember that the Ramones prided themselves on stripping every song they attempted to its elemental core, then halving it again with their patented buzzsaw, double-stop tempo. Journalist David Fricke's enclosed history is telling, if ironically packaged in a glossy hard-back edition that seems more befitting the likes of Fleetwood Mac. The nearly five dozen tracks here, reaching from the early '70s to the late '90s, stand remarkably outside of time--just like true originals. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (73)

The end of 'pinhead' reviews...
Okay, a lot of the die-hard Ramones geeks have cast their ballot in favour of trashing this superb compilation, simply because it's not full of b-sides that were relegated to b-side status for a very good reason! This is a review on the album as a 'greatest hits' collection, not a mindless gripe on what songs should have been put on according to the pettiness of a few kids.

Having said all of that, the only reason this collection doesn't get 5 stars from me is because there are too many Ramones compilations on the market already. And by the time the boys decided to (finally, thankfully) call it a day, they had released so much tripe in the later years that they forgot to put together a 'definitive' collection that includes the last ten years or so.

This is the one to get. It's chock-full of their best material (including the import-only "Carbona Not Glue"), and their most representative material as well. Most of the video-based tunes are here, and the selection is chronological, unlike the mind-warping 'Best of Smiths' albums. The liner notes are decent, and they've put on JUST EN0UGH to satiate even the die-hardest die-hard for his/her desert island collection.

Anybody who complains about why there isn't a box set is missing the point; until there IS a box set, this is the one to buy. Especially recommended for the uninitiated.

This is a good starting point
Ramones claim to be the first punk rock band in the world, and this would mean that punk rock originally came from America and not from England. Well, it depends on your definition of punk rock, so I'll leave it up to you' In my opinion, Ramones have something attractive to them, not taking the whole thing so bloody serious. But Ramones were also more talented than many of the other punk rockers, who obviously were in it mostly for fame and the opportunity to shock your parents. To me, Ramones are more of a traditional rock band than a punk-rock band, and they sure have their place in music history as an important band that influenced rock