“Released in 1995, “Insomniac” was Green Day’s second major label record, and their fourth album overall. This album follows in the footsteps of its predecessor “Dookie,” but for some reason it just didn’t have that kick like the aforementioned “Dookie” had.
Released at a time when alt-rock was all the rage in the U.S., Green Day took the reigns and ran with them. Many people bashed this album for not being as good as their previous outings, but for my money, it’s just as enjoyable as all their other records. The biggest difference is the absence of that one real killer track on the album that Green Day is so noted for. Granted I love “Brain Stew,” “Jaded,” “Geek Stink Breath” and “Walking Contradiction,” but none of these rivals “Basket Case” and “Welcome to Paradise.” To be honest though, it’s tough to follow up a record like “Dookie.” Many bands released amazing records and never followed them up with anything; at least Green Day has continued to pump out terrific albums to this day.
Another no brainer on the Green Day front. No way hard rock fans will be disappointed, and for the rare chance that you’re never heard a Green Day song, this album has some of their best work in my opinion. Great album all the way around.”
(Reprise Records/2017)
