Dookie is the third studio album by the American rock band Green Day , released on February 1, , by Reprise Records. The band's major label debut and first collaboration with producer Rob Cavallo , it was recorded in at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. Written mostly by the singer and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong , the album is largely based on his personal experiences and includes themes such as boredom, anxiety, relationships, and sexuality.
It was promoted with four singles: " Longview ", " Basket Case ", a re-recorded version of " Welcome to Paradise " which originally appeared on the band's second studio album, 's Kerplunk , and " When I Come Around ". After several years of grunge 's dominance in popular music, Dookie brought a livelier, more melodic rock sound to the mainstream and propelled Green Day to worldwide fame. Considered one of the defining albums of the s and of punk rock in general, it was also pivotal in solidifying the genre's mainstream popularity.
Its influence continued into the new millennium and beyond, being cited as an inspiration by many punk rock and pop-punk bands, as well as artists from other genres. Dookie received critical acclaim upon its release, although some early fans accused the band of being sellouts for leaving its independent label Lookout!
Records and embracing a more polished sound. It was a worldwide success, peaking at number two on the Billboard in the United States and reaching top ten positions in several other countries. It has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it the band's best-selling album and one of the best-selling albums of all time. It has been labeled by critics and journalists as one of the greatest albums of the s and one of the greatest punk rock and pop-punk albums of all time.
Eventually, the band left their independent record label , Lookout! Records , on friendly terms. They signed a five-album deal with Reprise in April The deal secured Cavallo as the producer of the first record and allowed the band to retain the rights to its albums on Lookout!.
