Joel Madden has opened up about a song he wishes he could call his own — and it’s a defining anthem from Australian rock history. In a recent radio interview, the Good Charlotte frontman admitted that if he could take credit for one Aussie classic, it would be “Israel’s Son” by Silverchair.
A Rock Classic That Left a Mark
Speaking on Homegrown with Matty O on Triple M, Madden was asked to name an Australian track he would have loved to write. While he mentioned several favorites, he ultimately landed on the explosive 1995 single “Israel’s Son,” the breakout hit from Silverchair’s debut album, Frogstomp.
The track, known for its raw energy and grunge-driven sound, became a signature moment for the teenage trio and played a key role in launching them onto the global stage. Reflecting on the band’s catalog, Madden also praised “Tomorrow,” another early hit that helped define Silverchair’s rise.
Admiration for Daniel Johns’ Songwriting
Madden didn’t stop at one track. He spoke highly of several songs penned by Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns, including “Straight Lines,” “Slave,” and “Suicidal Dreams.” According to Madden, narrowing down his choice wasn’t easy — Australia’s music scene has delivered too many standout moments to count.
He even pointed to Gotye’s global smash “Somebody That I Used to Know” and the timeless catalog of Crowded House as examples of Australia’s songwriting strength. Still, when pressed to choose just one, he made his decision clear.
“If I had to pick one, I’m going with ‘Israel’s Son,’” Madden shared, adding that he would love the chance to sit down with Johns. He praised the musician’s perspective and authenticity, noting that Johns has always remained true to himself.
Silverchair’s Breakthrough Moment
Released in 1995, “Israel’s Son” helped push Frogstomp to international acclaim. The album climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard 200 — a remarkable achievement for an Australian rock band during the height of the post-grunge era. The success marked one of the rare times an Aussie act broke through the competitive U.S. rock market in such a major way.
The song’s aggressive riffs and angsty tone captured the spirit of the mid-’90s alternative scene, solidifying Silverchair’s place in rock history.
Good Charlotte’s Own Billboard Success
Madden’s reflections came ahead of Good Charlotte’s upcoming Australian tour, where he also discussed the band’s evolving sound and their eighth studio album. Over the years, Good Charlotte have carved out their own impressive chart legacy.
Their 2004 album, The Chronicles of Life and Death, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, while their breakout 2002 release, The Young and the Hopeless, climbed to No. 7. Both records helped cement the band as one of the defining pop-punk acts of the early 2000s.
Throughout the interview, Madden emphasized his long-standing admiration for Australia’s music scene, describing the country as consistently ahead of the curve creatively. And with Joel Madden Reveals He Wishes He Had Written Silverchair’s ‘Israel’s Son’, it’s clear that even global rock stars still have songs they wish they could claim as their own.
