Green Day Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

Basket CaseGreen Day1rank/position

Green Day – Basket Case [Official Music Video] (4K Upgrade)

Despite the 30 years that have passed since its release, this is a true classic that’s surely still being played at live houses somewhere across Japan! “Basket Case,” the song that helped catapult the hugely popular band Green Day to stardom in Japan as well, is a timeless masterpiece.

Its arrangement is stripped-down with no waste, yet it captures the essence of pop-punk, and the contrast between its bright tone and serious lyrics makes it a landmark in music history.

Technically, it’s well within reach for beginners, though maintaining a fast 8-beat—especially for drummers—can be challenging at first.

Try practicing by, for example, switching to quarter-note hi-hat strokes and gradually getting used to the tempo.

American IdiotGreen Day2rank/position

Green Day – American Idiot [Official Music Video] [4K Upgrade]

A song I highly recommend for beginner bands is “American Idiot,” the signature track by the American punk rock band Green Day.

Packed with sharp criticism of American society and politics, the song satirizes media-driven manipulation of public opinion and the apathetic attitude of the masses.

Despite its strong message of rebellion and individuality, it features an extremely catchy, straightforward melody.

The guitar relies mainly on simple power-chord backing, and the bass and drums aren’t too difficult either, making it easy for beginner bands to perform.

Even more than 20 years after its release, it’s a classic I hope many young rock kids will cover!

Wake Me Up When September EndsGreen Day3rank/position

Green Day – Wake Me Up When September Ends [Official Music Video] [4K Upgrade]

A gem of a Green Day ballad themed around love for a father and the pain of loss.

It’s based on Billie Joe Armstrong’s real experience of losing his father at the age of ten, and the title comes from what the boy, shut away in his room, said to his mother.

Beginning with delicate acoustic guitar arpeggios and gradually building into a grand arrangement, the structure is a masterpiece that expresses the passage of time and the healing process through music.

Released in June 2005 as the fourth single from the album American Idiot, it peaked at No.

6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It’s a song I’d recommend to anyone who has lost someone dear or is facing a turning point in life.

Boulevard of broken dreamsGreen Day4rank/position

Green Day – Boulevard Of Broken Dreams [Official Music Video] [4K Upgrade]

Green Day is a male rock band.

You’ve just had your heart broken, so you want to be left alone.

If you feel that way, why not immerse yourself in a Green Day song that beautifully sings of the sorrow of loneliness? The beautiful melody is also a highlight.

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)Green Day5rank/position

Green Day – Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) [Official Music Video] [4K UPGRADE]

This is a song whose heartfelt words and warm melody gently embrace life’s turning points.

Featured on Green Day’s 1997 album Nimrod, it’s characterized by the soft tones of acoustic guitar and strings.

While accepting life’s uncertainties and farewells, it also sings of the importance of cherishing past experiences.

Loved as a classic that accompanies life’s milestones—such as graduations and weddings—it reached No.

2 on the U.

S.

Modern Rock chart.

Give it a listen when you want to look back on youthful memories or need the courage to take a new step forward.

HolidayGreen Day6rank/position

Green Day – Holiday [Official Music Video] [4K Upgrade]

A popular song by an American three-piece punk rock band.

In addition to the pop appeal that’s their trademark, this track has an exceptionally groovy rhythm and a very cool guitar solo.

If you want to add the upbeat feel of pop punk to a middle schooler’s study session, this is the perfect choice.

MinorityGreen Day7rank/position

Green Day – Minority [Official Music Video]

Green Day, a band that has led the American punk scene while achieving mainstream success, was formed in 1987 and quickly joined the ranks of top bands with their 1994 major-label debut album, Dookie.

Their 2004 album, American Idiot, was a massive hit, reaching No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

At the 47th Annual Grammy Awards, they became the first punk rock band to win Best Rock Album.

Despite a straightforward band lineup, their catchy melodies and powerful sound are their appeal, earning support not only from punk fans but from a wide range of music listeners.