90’s Alternative Revisited – Green Day’s “Nimrod”

by George Yiallouros ‘20

Let’s just get straight into this, Green Day’s “Nimrod” is primarily known for only one song: “Time of Your Life.” Yes, it got annoying. Yes, it was overplayed. However, the worst thing the song did was make the album only known for that one thing.  This is an absolute tragedy, because “Nimrod” is actually one of the best albums of the 90’s.

The album’s first single was “Hitchin’ a Ride,” the first taste fans were going to get.  The song uses a violin before the first verse kicks in, already showing that this isn’t your normal Green Day song.  The song talks about the struggle to stay sober, with the music overtime becoming more hellish as a result. What comes from this is an amazing song that is one of Green Day’s best.  Sadly, it doesn’t get the most radio play because of that other song…

The third single of the album was “Redundant” and my goodness, this might be the best song on the album.  It is about a deteriorating marriage which is what lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong was going through at the time.  The song has the bass being the lead while the guitar is the rhythm, which is uncommon in most rock songs. What comes from this is an amazing bass line that carries the song.

Then there is the song “Uptight” that wasn’t a single.  “Uptight” is about battling feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and is my favorite song of the record.  For a Green Day song it starts off very slow, with the lyrics talking about how the future isn’t what it used to be.  The song keeps getting louder and louder until the chorus when it all blows up. After the chorus you get the best Green Day bridge they might have ever written.  The guitar with anthemic chords playing would make anyone just want to jam out to the song.  

“Nimrod” didn’t get panned at release, endured criticism for being different (and for the song “Time of Your Life”).  Under all of that though you have one of the most complete Green Day albums ever recorded, and one of the biggest hidden gems of the 90s.  Please listen to this if the only song you know from it is “Time of Your Life.” It’s much, much, more than that.