These Classic Punk Albums Have Been Cool This Whole Time
From the stripped-down sounds of the Ramones to the idiosyncratic style of the Dead Kennedys, these records represent the best punk albums from the early days of the movement.
By Davey Ferchow
Ask any punk fan and they’ll probably have a gripping story about how they first came to discover the genre. In the late 1970s, local record shops, select music publications, and small-run fanzines helped spread the word about this new style of music that pushed back against the status quo with a sound that was defiantly loud and fast. Over the decades, the punk network continued to evolve with tape trading, the rise of the CD, and file sharing online. Today, the internet, vinyl reissues, and the influence of TV and film are part of most punk origin stories.
Some people have recently discovered punk thanks to the latest entry in the Spider-Man universe, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Fans keep talking about a character named Spider-Punk, a British Spider-Man who has a mohawk, speaks with a Cockney accent, and wears a studded vest. Marvel Comics writer, Cody Ziglar, shared a playlist with songs that served as inspiration for the Spider-Punk series, but as the world’s largest music database, it only seemed fitting that Discogs should develop a list of its own.
These classic punk albums highlight the early years of the original movement. Although some records will show later dates, all of the material included below was originally released or recorded between 1976 and 1980. That means you won’t see groundbreaking proto-punk bands like The Stooges or New York Dolls included here. The list also focuses on full-length albums and compilations that are popular amongst collectors on Discogs, which is why earth-shattering releases like Black Flag’s Nervous Breakdown 7-inch have been excluded.
Now, let’s enjoy the inspiring immediacy that only punk can provide.
Ramones (1976)
by Ramones
It doesn’t get more classic than the Ramones’ self-titled debut. Released in April 1976, the album laid the foundation for every record featured on this list. The Ramones took elements of bubblegum pop, 1960s girl groups, and ‘70s hard rock to create a new style of stripped-down rock played at blistering speeds. If this is the beginning of your punk journey, you’ll start to see this album pop up time and time again as a life-changing record for so many musicians. Some may call it simple, but the Ramones forever changed rock and roll by showing just how much you can do with a few instruments and a whole lot of heart.
(I’m) Stranded (1977)
by the Saints
The Saints were one of Australia’s earliest punk bands and they’ve gone down in history as the first group outside of the United States to release a record. They followed 1976’s (I’m) Stranded single with a 1977 album of the same name, and the punk world was forever altered. Every song on the album is full of swagger, urgency, and sincerity as the band blazes through scorching rock numbers and a few blues-drenched ballads. Once you hear Chris Bailey exclaim “Come on!” or hear the buzzsaw whirlwind that is Ed Kuepper’s guitar playing, you’ll know why The Saints are one of Australia’s greatest musical exports.
Damned Damned Damned (1977)
by The Damned
The Damned were the first British punk band to release a single and a full-length album. For whatever reason, this brilliant band never achieved the same level of notoriety as bands like The Clash or Sex Pistols. Some speculate that the band’s darker elements and the way they didn’t take themselves very seriously didn’t fully sync with the fury and politics of their early punk contemporaries. In any case, Damned Damned Damned is an essential punk album that is brimming with attitude and impressive musicianship. Once you’ve given this one a listen, check out Machine Gun Etiquette to hear how The Damned were always a few beats ahead.
The Clash (1977)
by The Clash
The Clash are one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful punk bands of all time, and their debut record is an essential album for anyone looking for a crash course in Punk 101. From day one, The Clash were a band that could blend melody and aggression in an incredibly powerful way. Whether they were blazing through an angry political song or incorporating other influences such as reggae, their songs were always full of memorable hooks and overflowing with passion. If you are hoping to discover some punk that is anthemic, inspiring, and easy to sing along to, grab The Clash’s self-titled album and start a sonic revolution.
Never Mind The Bollocks Here’s The Sex Pistols (1977)
by Sex Pistols
As one of the most notorious bands to emerge from the first wave of punk, the sensationalized coverage of the Sex Pistols over the years has often overshadowed just how good their sole album is. Vocalist Johnny Rotten was the ultimate instigator and bassist Sid Vicious became a symbol of punk nihilism as his excessive drug use, murder charges, and death before his trial were international news. Regardless of the media frenzy, Never Mind The Bollocks Here’s The Sex Pistols is a must-listen punk record that is confrontational, sarcastic, and full of carefully pointed social critiques. Johnny Rotten’s wild vocal delivery and Steve Jones’ impeccable guitar riffs have solidified the album as one of rock and roll’s most inspiring moments.
Pink Flag (1977)
by Wire
Pink Flag is one of the most original debut albums in the punk world, and one could argue it’s one of the “punkest” records on this list based on the fact that Wire follows no rules. The band’s blend of punk energy and avant-garde sensibilities also placed the band at the forefront of the post-punk movement. Labels aside, Pink Flag still sounds as fresh today as it did in 1977. Ranging from minimalist numbers with no repetition to faster songs featuring memorable vocals and biting wit, Wire’s ability to be unpredictable and incredibly consistent has cemented their legacy as a highly influential group that’s inspired countless genres.
Singles Going Steady (1979)
by Buzzcocks
You could easily start with one of the Buzzcocks’ first two albums released in 1978, but the Singles Going Steady compilation is just as essential. Like the first two-full lengths, the album is all killer, no filler and showcases the band’s penchant for crafting infectious pop melodies. Easily the catchiest collection of songs featured here, the Buzzocks’ pop songcraft is elevated by the forward propulsion of punk rhythms and provocative lyrical themes explored throughout Singles Going Steady. If the anger of some of these other releases hasn’t been resonating with you, this may be the punk record you didn’t know you were searching for.
Blank Generation (1977)
by Richard Hell & The Voidoids
After stints with Television and The Heartbreakers (both with essential early punk albums of their own), Richard Hell assembled a backing band called the Voidoids and released one of the era’s seminal albums. The title track has become a quintessential punk track and the entire album takes you through an entire checklist of what made the ‘70s New York music scene so exhilarating. Blank Generation has its fair share of volume and punch, but Richard Hell’s charismatic vocal performances and the angular musicality of Robert Quine’s guitar playing make it a completely unique entry in the early punk catalog.
Static Age (Recorded in 1978)
by Misfits
Static Age wasn’t officially released until 1997, but these 1978 recordings are the debut album that should have been. With lyrics about low-grade horror movies and intense historical moments from the 1960s and ‘70s, initial label interest dwindled quickly. Once the Misfits’ horror punk sound and aesthetic found a huge audience, the album was finally released. Everything fans love about the Misfits shines in these recordings. Danzig’s “evil Elvis” croon, the gritty production, and early versions of some of the band’s most beloved songs make this the perfect entry point for the band and an essential early punk artifact.
(GI) (1979)
by Germs
The LA punk scene was full of eclectic artists and the Germs bridged the gap between the arty Hollywood punks and the hardcore punk scene that was starting to spread throughout the suburbs. Darby Crash’s snarling vocals, evocative lyrics, and chaotic live performances gained the Germs the type of reputation that attracted both punk pioneers and curious newcomers. Although the band claimed to not know how to play their instruments, you would never know that from listening to (GI). With the help of producer Joan Jett, the raw chaos, intelligence, and proto-hardcore rage of the Germs was captured in all its raucous glory.
Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables (1980)
by Dead Kennedys
After only a few seconds, you can tell that Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables is unlike any other. Jello Biafra’s signature vibrato vocals and razor-sharp social satires immediately pull you in. From there, the otherworldly surf and rockabilly sounds of East Bay Ray’s guitar playing and the distinctive bass stylings of Klaus Fluoride make the Dead Kennedys’ debut album a bonafide classic. No band before or since has come close to capturing the energy and idiosyncratic sound of the Dead Kennedys. If you’re looking for more music like this, the rest of the band’s catalog is just as vital.
Los Angeles (1980)
by X
X carved out their own punk sound with unconventional vocal harmonies, poetic lyrics, and their own dash of rockabilly influence. X is another band that proved that accomplished players could take the power of punk and filter it through different influences. This is incredibly apparent if you watch The Decline Of Western Civilization, a documentary about the early days of the Los Angeles punk scene. During interviews and live concert footage, X’s lifestyle, sources of inspiration, and performances all point to the idea that punk can be whatever you want it to be. Once you listen to Los Angeles, you’ll see that the punk possibilities are endless.
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