Green Day - 39/Smooth (1990)
Tracklist
1. "At the Library" 2:28
2. "Don't Leave Me" 2:39
3. "I Was There" (lyrics written by Kiffmeyer) 3:36
4. "Disappearing Boy" 2:52
5. "Green Day" 3:29
6. "Going to Pasalacqua" 3:30
7. "16" 3:24
8. "Road to Acceptance" 3:35
9. "Rest" 3:05
10. "The Judge's Daughter" 2:34
Total length: 31:20
Green Day – 39/Smooth (1990) Album Review
Green Day’s debut studio album, 39/Smooth, released on April 13, 1990, marked the humble beginnings of one of punk rock’s most iconic bands. Recorded at Art of Ears Studio in San Francisco with producer Andy Ernst, the album showcases the raw energy, youthful angst, and nascent songwriting that would later define Green Day’s signature style. While it doesn’t yet have the polished hooks of Dookie or American Idiot, 39/Smooth is a fascinating look at a band finding its voice, and it remains a must-listen for hardcore fans and punk historians alike.
Album Credits and Contributors
Artist: Green Day
Members: Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals, guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass, backing vocals), John Kiffmeyer a.k.a. Al Sobrante (drums)
Producers: Andy Ernst, Green Day
Songwriters: Primarily Billie Joe Armstrong, with contributions from Mike Dirnt and John Kiffmeyer
Label: Lookout! Records
Recording Location: Art of Ears Studio, San Francisco, California
Release Date: April 13, 1990
Tracklist and Analysis
39/Smooth consists of 10 tracks, blending fast-paced punk with melodic sensibilities that hinted at Green Day’s future success.
At the Library – A brief, 2-minute burst of teenage humor and awkwardness. It’s a fun opener that reflects the band's early penchant for quirky narratives.
Don't Leave Me – Classic punk heartbreak. The song’s frantic energy and staccato riffs already reveal Armstrong’s knack for combining angst with melody.
I Was There – Mid-tempo storytelling with introspective lyrics, showcasing early experimentation with dynamics beyond the standard punk thrash.
Disappearing Boy – The first of several tracks on the album dealing with isolation and adolescent frustration. Its catchy chorus foreshadows the anthem-like qualities of future Green Day hits.
Green Day – An eponymous track that embodies the band’s identity with raw energy and sarcastic lyricism. Fun trivia: this is where the band’s eventual name would stick permanently.
Going to Pasalacqua – Named after a California street, the song combines observational humor with high-speed punk riffs. It’s a local nod that longtime fans appreciate.
16 – A melancholic, reflective track about the confusion of youth. Despite its simplicity, it shows Armstrong’s early ability to craft memorable melodies.
Road to Acceptance – Melodically experimental, featuring unusual chord progressions for a punk record of its time.
Rest – A softer, slower-paced track offering a break from the relentless punk energy, hinting at Green Day’s ability to mix tempos for emotional impact.
The One I Want – A punchy finale that encapsulates the themes of desire, frustration, and youthful recklessness, closing the album with a high-energy bang.
Fun Facts and Trivia
The album title 39/Smooth reportedly comes from the band’s fascination with numbering things randomly, rather than referencing a literal “39.”
Original drummer John Kiffmeyer, also known as Al Sobrante, was replaced by Tre Cool in 1990 after this album, making 39/Smooth unique in featuring the band’s original lineup.
39/Smooth was initially released on Lookout! Records, a small Bay Area punk label, and later re-released as part of 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours (1991), which included tracks from their early EPs.
Billie Joe Armstrong, who was only 18 at the time, wrote or co-wrote most tracks, giving the album a raw, authentic teenage perspective.
Despite its underground release, the album helped Green Day secure a strong Bay Area following, setting the stage for Kerplunk and later Dookie.
Sound and Style
The album exemplifies early 1990s pop-punk: fast tempos, distorted guitars, and short, punchy songs. While lyrically simple compared to later Green Day releases, it displays youthful wit, angst, and self-awareness. Armstrong’s guitar work is straightforward but effective, Dirnt’s bass lines are melodic yet driving, and Kiffmeyer’s drumming is energetic, albeit less complex than Tre Cool’s later style. The production is raw and unpolished, adding authenticity that resonates with punk purists.
Impact and Legacy
While 39/Smooth didn’t make waves in mainstream charts, it was crucial in establishing Green Day’s identity. Tracks like “Going to Pasalacqua” and “16” became fan favorites in live shows. The album laid the groundwork for the band’s blend of punk attitude and pop sensibility, which would explode with Dookie in 1994. For collectors, 39/Smooth remains a snapshot of Green Day’s formative years, a bridge between local punk DIY ethics and global punk stardom.
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Conclusion
39/Smooth is a fascinating listen for anyone curious about Green Day’s origins. It’s raw, energetic, and full of teenage angst and humor—a true underground punk gem. Though overshadowed by later releases, it’s a foundational piece in the Green Day discography and a must-have for fans looking to understand how one of punk rock’s most influential bands got its start. From quirky narratives to youthful energy, the album captures a moment when Green Day was just beginning to define the sound that would eventually dominate the 1990s punk scene.