Insomniac

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Insomniac was released on 10 October 1995 on Reprise Records, as the successor to the breakthrough record Dookie. The band recorded the album at Hyde Street in San Francisco and opted for energetic takes. Success had also earned Green Day distrust in the punk world. Billie Joe Armstrong was branded a sellout, and the group wanted to prove that they belonged.

The sound is heavier and harder than on Dookie, and the lyrics are gloomier. They are about alienation, anxiety, boredom and drug use. Panic Song begins with a pounding intro of almost two minutes, during which the drummer Tré Cool tore the skin off his hands. Brain Stew and Jaded follow each other directly. 86 is about the rejection by the Gilman Street club in Berkeley. The reviews were mostly positive and praised the lyrics and the sarcastic humour.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Armatage Shanks2:17Apple Music ↗
2. 2Brat1:43Apple Music ↗
3. 3Stuck with Me2:16Apple Music ↗
4. 4Geek Stink Breath2:16Apple Music ↗
5. 5No Pride2:20Apple Music ↗
6. 6Bab's Uvula Who?2:08Apple Music ↗
7. 7862:48Apple Music ↗
8. 8Panic Song3:35Apple Music ↗
9. 9Stuart and the Ave.2:03Apple Music ↗
10. 10Brain Stew3:13Apple Music ↗
11. 11Jaded1:31Apple Music ↗
12. 12Westbound Sign2:13Apple Music ↗
13. 13Tight Wad Hill2:01Apple Music ↗
14. 14Walking Contradiction2:31Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗