James Metcalfe
The British Punk movement totally took the country by storm when it first burst onto the scene in the late 1970s, playing a big role in altering British culture and identity both at home and abroad afterwards. Many current bands and artists have cited the Punk movement as being a driving force in terms of their inspiration, and with classic vintage albums still enjoying some relatively decent sales even today, it’s clear that we’re all still feeling the force of the movement.
Below are some of the very very best in British Punk. Albums and soundtracks that revolutionised a country and brought about one of the biggest subcultures ever.
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#1 Buzzcocks – Another Music In a Different Kitchen
One of the pioneering artists for arguably the greatest city for music in the UK, Manchester, the Buzzcocks' importance in both the Punk movement and in the music world as a whole really can't be understated. Released in March 1978, Another Music in a Different Kitchen was the band's debut release and showcases the very best of the band.
It has received critical acclaim since its release and the influencing factors in the music make themselves more than apparent to anyone listening. Featuring the hit single 'I Don't Mind', the fast-paced rock elements of the album will threaten to leave you breathless from the first track right up to the end.
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#2 Ultravox – Ultravox!
Taking all the aggression and heavy rock that had featured so much on Punk albums throughout the early to mid-seventies, Ultravox arrived with a unique take on the movement. Giving it a more sensible, almost maturer texture, Ultravox's debut album was released in 1977 and displayed such a huge level of uniqueness and character when put next to rival bands.
Under the direction of John Foxx, Ultravox!'s features so much vibrant energy that will keep any listener engrossed from start to finish. Although Ultravox would quickly find themselves going down a more 80s sounding keyboard-heavy style, their debut album remains one of the best releases in the Punk era.
Find out more or buy this album here:
#3 The Clash – London Calling
Released in December 1979, anyone that might have been questioning The Clash's true 'punkness' would have been taken back in awe by the genius of London Calling. Establishing itself worldwide as one of the best rock albums of all time as well as the one of the best punk, London Calling is The Clash at their very, very best.
With hits such as 'Train in Vain' and the unofficial anthem of the capital of the UK: 'London Calling', The Clash once again blend in hints of reggae, soul, blues and a broader style of rock and roll that would ensure a best seller. Despite the popularity of the band, the album still contains all the same scoffing at stardom and sneers at the establishment that any core Punk fan will love.
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#4 The Stranglers – Rattus Norvegicus
One of the pioneering artists that truly helped engineer the explosion of Punk rock as a movement, whilst the Stranglers might have slightly abandoned their rocker roots once the 1980s hit, Rattus Norvegicus will always remain a mainstay in any Punk's greatest soundtracks.
Featuring classic hits in "(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)" and "Peaches", The Stranglers' debut sound incorporates elements of reggae and blues whilst featuring plenty of growly misanthropic vocals that would come to encapsulate Punk as a whole.
Find out more or buy this album here:
#5 Sex Pistols – Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
As outrageous and over the top as you would come to imagine, very few albums capture an entire movement quite like the only studio album released by The Sex Pistols. Targeting British peoples conformity and cementing themselves as one of the most hardened anti-establishment groups around, the album contains all of the mayhem that any Sex Pistols fan love.
No album in British history has caused as much hysteria and moral panic as 'Never Mind the Bollocks', and it has continued to live on in British culture even today. With hits such as 'God Save the Queen' and 'Anarchy in the U.K.', 'Never Mind the Bollocks' will whisk any listener right back in time to Punk's very best moment.
Find out more or buy this album here:
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