yes, I realise that. Just because I don't listen to pretentious indie crap doesn't mean I'm completely stupid, but what I'm saying is, Green Day were the first I can think of (please give me an example of other mainstream artists who did so before them and I may be eating my words), who really made a statement. Sure, some indie band probably did so before then, but it wouldn't have made the impact on the greater society that American Idiot did. And anyway, it really was a defining album of the Bush years, whether it had been released at the start of his term, mid way through, or at the end is completely beside the point.The first commercially succesful band to speak out against Bush as president? American Idiot was released 4 years into his term sweetheart.
Just because they're a popular band doesn't take away from the fact that that album delivered a message and made a major impact not only within the 'punk' scene, but within the mainstream scene as well and not to mention it was a really good CD.