"American Idiot," the seventh studio album by the American rock band Green Day, made its debut on September 21, 2004, under Reprise Records. Produced once again by Rob Cavallo in collaboration with the band, the album's recording sessions unfolded at Studio 880 in Oakland and Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood, California, spanning from 2003 to 2004. Embracing the concept of a "punk rock opera," "American Idiot" weaves a narrative centered around Jesus of Suburbia, a disillusioned lower-middle-class American youth grappling with the socio-political landscape of the time, heavily influenced by events like 9/11 and the Iraq War. Employing unconventional techniques, including seamless transitions between interconnected songs and expansive, chaptered compositions, the album serves as a powerful reflection of the generation's dissent and disillusionment.
 
"American Idiot" emerged as one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2004, heralding a triumphant return for Green Day. The album achieved unprecedented success, charting in 27 countries and securing the top spot on the Billboard 200 for the first time in the band's career, in addition to reaching number one in 18 other countries. With over 23 million copies sold worldwide, it stands as the band's second best-selling album, trailing behind their 1994 major-label debut, "Dookie," and ranks among the best-selling albums of the decade and of all time. In 2013, it received a 6× Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. Boasting five hit singles, including the Grammy Award-winning "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," the album garnered both critical and commercial acclaim upon its release, earning accolades such as Album of the Year and Best Rock Album at the 2005 Grammy Awards. Its impact extended beyond music, inspiring a Broadway musical, a documentary, and a planned feature film adaptation. Recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time, "American Idiot" secured a place on Rolling Stone's prestigious list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time," ranking at 225 in 2012 and rising again to 248 in 2020.