Green Day's third studio album, "Dookie," was a critical and commercial success, propelling the band to international fame. The album was released on February 1, 1994, and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, selling over 2 million copies in its first week. The album's lead single, "Basket Case," was a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and becoming the band's first top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other singles from the album, including "Longview," "Welcome to Paradise," and "When I Come Around," also received significant radio airplay and helped to raise Green Day's profile.
"Dookie" was praised for its catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and energetic punk rock sound. The album was also noted for its dark and introspective themes, which dealt with issues such as anxiety, depression, and alienation. "Dookie" received widespread acclaim from critics, and it is often considered one of the most important and influential albums of the 1990s.
The success of "Dookie" helped to establish Green Day as one of the most popular punk rock bands in the world. The band's subsequent albums, including "Insomniac," "Nimrod," and "Warning," were also commercially successful and helped to further solidify Green Day's status as a major rock band.
In addition to the success of "Dookie," a number of other factors also contributed to Green Day's rise to fame:
* The band's unique blend of punk rock, pop punk, and alternative rock appealed to a wide range of listeners.
* Green Day's live performances were energetic and engaging, and the band developed a strong fan base through their extensive touring.
* The band's music videos were often creative and visually striking, and they helped to raise Green Day's profile on MTV and other music networks.
* Green Day's lyrics were often relatable and resonated with listeners of all ages.
* The band's association with the independent record label Lookout! Records helped to create a sense of authenticity and credibility.
All of these factors combined to make Green Day one of the most successful and influential rock bands of the 1990s.