An opinion piece about the essential albums every punk rock fan should have in their collection.
All punk fans have that list of albums they couldn't live without.
Obviously, there are a lot more than 5 essential punk albums, but these are truly definitive works in the punk genre.
The following albums showcase some of the best punk music of all time, from mid-70's riot punk to the early 90's California punk scene.
Whether you are a die-hard punk music fan or a casual listener, the following albums are definitely worthy of a listen.
The Clash's self-titled debut album fit perfectly with the musical styling of the 1970's punk scene. A definitive album for any punk music fan, this album truly helped establish The Clash as one of the leading bands of the U.K. punk revolution.
People who have yet to pick up this CD should definitely purchase the U.K. version of the album to truly experience the mastery of The Clash. Joe Strummer's amazing vocals are evident on songs like "Career Opportunities" and "White Riot," as well as fan favorite "I Fought the Law."
There's no doubt that The Clash is an album any punk music fan should have, strictly for the raging vocals and awesome lyrics alone!
You can't have an essential punk album list without putting the Ramones right up there towards the top! The Ramones mid-70's debut has served as inspiration to countless punk bands, and that reason alone makes the Ramones self-titled debut album a must-have for your collection.
Not only were the Ramones one of the frontrunners of the early punk scene, they helped establish a new music revolution with their edgy lyrics and fast tempos. Don't miss "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend."
An amazing album from start to finish, Static Age encompasses everything the punk music scene - and the Misfits - are all about. Frenzied, energetic tunes mixed with crushing vocals creates an album jam packed with punk rock fun.
From the title track to songs like "Hollywood Bablyon," "Spinal Remains" and "In the Doorway", Static Age offers untapped punk goodness in one neat little package. Don't be surprised if you throw this album on and can't take it off repeat for weeks - it's just that good.
4. ...And Out Come The Wolves - Rancid
As the mid-90's California punk scene was beginning to emerge, Rancid answered the call for new music and became legendary.
Inspired by early 70's punk bands the Ramones and The Clash, Rancid truly did have sound all their own. "...And Out Come The Wolves" spawned fan favorites "Time Bomb" and "Roots Radicals," delivering a completely fresh approach to the punk scene.
No matter how many times Rancid are compared to The Clash, it's undeniable that they took something great and reinvented it make their own sound, with melodies and lyrics you can't help but have stuck in your head all day long.
5. Never Mind the Bollocks... - Sex Pistols
As relatively short-lived as their career may have been, there's no doubt that the Sex Pistols served a vital role in establishing the British punk scene during the 1970's.
"Never Mind the Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols" is a defining album simply because of Johnny Rotten's crazy, growling vocals and loud, unapologetic, PURE punk rock.
"God Save The Queen" and "Anarchy in the U.K." are, to put it mildly, perfect examples of what punk rock is all about. GET THIS ALBUM if you don't already have it in your collection.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, there are scores more than 5 great punk albums, but these are true masterpieces. They speak volumes about how punk has progressed from the U.K. scene in the '70's to the California punk revolution in the mid-90's.
For pure, unadulterated punk rock, these albums offer that and more.
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