Famous California rock band Green Day was formed by Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt in 1987. Drummer Tré Cool joined the band in 1990, replacing the former drummer and recording the band’s second album, ‘Kerplunk’. Green Day was known in the ’80s and ’90s punk scene in California, where it got its roots.
The band’s 1994 album, ‘Dookie,’ was a huge success and sold over 10 million copies. It became credited for being one of the American bands to revive punk rock to the mainstream public. Their seventh album, ‘American Idiot,’ was very popular among the younger generations. Their 2009 album, ’21st Century Breakdown’, catapulted the band to fame again. Green Day has won five Grammys and sold over 75 million records around the world.
Recommended Listening: We would recommend starting with their album ‘Dookie’ and then moving on to ‘American Idiot.’
Fall Out Boy
Formed in 2001 in Chicago's hardcore punk scene, Fall Out Boy is an alternative rock and pop punk band consisting of Patrick Stump, Pete Wents, Joe Trohman, and Andy Hurley. Their debut album, 'Take This to Your Grave,' earned the band a devoted fanbase and nationwide critical acclaim.
Their second album, 'From Under the Cork Tree,' was certified double platinum, making Fall Out Boy an international phenomenon. The band has been nominated for two Grammys and has co-headlined with bands like Weezer and Green Day.
Recommended Listening: Try "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and "Thnks fr th Mmrs" if you're in the mood for a song or two. If you're feeling more adventurous, go ahead and listen to the entire 'Mania' album.
Foreigner
Even though Foreigner was originally formed in New York City back in 1976, its co-founding members, Mick Jones and Ian McDonald were British. They came from quite prominent English rock bands themselves. They joined forces with American vocalist Lou Gramm and formed Foreigner, which would also include Al Greenwood and Ed Gagliardi.
Some of the chart-topping hit singles include "Waiting for a Girl Like You" and "I Want to Know What Love Is." With worldwide sales of over 80 million records, Foreigner is considered to be one of the best-selling bands in music history.
Recommended Listening: "Juke Box Hero," "Hot Blooded," "I Want to Know What Love Is," and "Waiting for a Girl Like You" is a great way to start exploring this legendary band.
Motley Crue
Motley Crue has a known reputation for being one of the craziest, most depraved rock bands in history, known for wreaking havoc wherever they go. The band formed in 1981, in Los Angeles, with Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars, Tommy Lee, and Vince Lee. The group of five became the bad boys of Hollywood, with their huge metal hair and an insane partying attitude.
Shockingly, all the band members survived years of debauchery and managed to become one of the most successful bands in the world, with over 100 million albums sold worldwide. They've released nine studio albums with 'Dr. Feelgood', 'Theatre of Pain,' 'New Tattoo,' and 'Shout at the Devil' are some of the most famous.
Recommended Listening: Any song recorded by Motley Crue will make you rock hard, but we'd definitely start off with their album 'Dr. Feelgood'.
The Strokes
The Strokes is one of the most famous bands in the garage and punk rock scene in the U.S. Formed in New York in 1998, The Strokes features singer Julian Casablancas, guitarists Albert Hammond Jr. and Nick Valensi, bassist Nikolai Fraiture and drummer Fabrizio Moretti. They are credited for reviving indie rock in the New York music scene.
They released their debut album, 'Is This It,' in 2001, to massive international success and critical acclaim. Their following albums, 'Room on Fire' and 'First Impressions of Earth', were also huge commercial successes. After this, the band took a break for several years. They started working with Rick Rubin on a new album in 2016, titled 'The New Abnormal.' It was finally released in April 2020, and it received great reviews from fans and critics alike.
Recommended Listening: Do yourself a favor and just play the entire 'Is This It' album.