After Dookie, Green Day put out four more albums and a greatest hits album. They were basically worn out and out of creative thoughts. After International Superhits, (the greatest hits album) came out Green Day questioned if they should even be a band anymore. They decided to give it another shot and headed back to the studio. The band finished an album. The day after the album was mastered. Green Day came to the studio to find out that all of their master recordings had been stolen. At first they were upset about it. Later on they realized that what they had done was not their best work. They decided to start from scratch and begin creating and writing another album.

Green Day went back to the studio more creative than ever. Billie-Joe had found inspiration for his songs. His new songwriting inspiration was politics. Green Day completely disagreed with the way America was being governed. They made that clear on the new album, especially, in the title track, "American Idiot". Their view on our government and President Bush is also expressed in the song "Holiday". Before playing the song live, Billie is always sure to make a statement. He yells into the crowd, "this song is not anti-American, this song is anti-war". I guess in a way, we need to thank our government for this amazing album named "American Idiot".

American Idiot was released in September if 2004. For the first time in Green Day's career, their album debuted at number 1. This just proved what a great album American Idiot turned out to be. The album received five stars and was called a masterpiece. American Idiot was nominated for six Grammy's, including the biggest award of the night, album of the year. It didn't not win album of the year, but it did win best rock album. Throughout 2004 and 2005, Green Day were voted best band in the world and best live act in the world. Green Day had made the first punk rock opera of all time and it was incredible.

      In the middle of the success of American Idiot, Green Day began touring. First they toured through Europe and then the United States. All the shows were getting amazing reviews. I was able to go to one of the shows and I completely agree that it was unbelievable. In June of 2005, Green Day played their first two stadium shows. The shows were filmed right outside of England. It was later put on a DVD called "Bullet in a Bible". This was their first ever live DVD or VHS. The band agreed that this tour was the best they had ever had.

      American Idiot gave Green Day six hit singles. All six songs were catchy, well-written, and somewhat like stories. Their first single "American Idiot" was very political, as well as the third single, "Holiday". Both were basically about the band's disagreement with the United State's government. The most successful single off the album was "Boulevard of Broken Dreams". It was Green Day's most successful song and one of the biggest hits of 2005. It also won Video of the Year at the 2005 Video Music Awards. The album's fourth single, was "Wake Me Up When September Ends". Billie Joe wrote this song about his father passing away when he was ten years old. The video was as much of a success as the song itself. They most recent single of American idiot is "St. Jimmy'. It is a very upbeat song that goes along with the concept of the album. The next single was "Jesus of Suburbia". "Jesus of Suburbia" is just over nine minutes long. This song also goes along with the concept of the album. It is basically five mini songs nicely arranged to make on amazing song. It has been called the "Bohemian Rhapsody" of the future and I wouldn't disagree.

      With seven great albums, a rarities album, and a greatest hits album under their belt, Green Day has guaranteed themselves a place in Rock 'n' Roll history. Green Day is already in the studio, creating their next album, and plan on bringing their creative thoughts with them. Who knows maybe we'll see another album as great as "Dookie" or "American Idiot". Either way, Green Day plan on making their 16 year career much longer. They won't be going anywhere soon.