Punk rock. A snarling, spitting rebellion against the bloated excess of 70s rock, a DIY explosion of energy and anger that rattled the establishment to its core. Born in the sweaty basements and grimy clubs of New York and London, punk was less a genre and more a cultural Molotov cocktail. But at its heart were the songs, raw, stripped-down anthems that channeled the frustration and alienation of a generation.
Here are 10 tracks that defined those early, electrifying years:
Ramones - Blitzkrieg Bop (1976): A lightning bolt of pure adrenaline, this is the sound of punk's Big Bang. A rapid-fire assault of buzzsaw guitars and shout-along vocals, it's a call to arms for all the misfits and weirdos.
The Damned - New Rose (1976): The first UK punk single, a raucous blast of rock 'n' roll swagger with a sneering punk attitude. Its infectious energy and rebellious spirit helped launch the British punk scene.
Sex Pistols - Anarchy in the U.K. (1976): A middle finger to the establishment, a sonic riot of rage and discontent. Johnny Rotten's sneering vocals and the band's chaotic sound perfectly captured the punk spirit.
The Clash - White Riot (1977): A rallying cry for working-class rebellion, a call to arms against inequality and oppression. The Clash's raw energy and political consciousness set them apart from the punk pack.
The Jam - In the City (1977): A sharp-edged commentary on urban life, fueled by youthful frustration and a yearning for escape. Paul Weller's mod-inspired style and the band's tight sound made them punk's most stylish rebels.
Richard Hell and the Voidoids - Blank Generation (1977): A nihilistic anthem for the disaffected youth, a declaration of independence from societal norms. Richard Hell's poetic lyrics and the Voidoids' jagged sound perfectly captured the alienation of the punk era.
The Undertones - Teenage Kicks (1978): A bittersweet ode to adolescent longing, a burst of pure pop energy wrapped in a punk sneer. The Undertones' melodic sensibilities and youthful exuberance made them punk's most endearing romantics.
Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've) (1978): A heart-wrenching love song wrapped in a punk snarl, a raw, honest exploration of unrequited love and teenage angst.
Patti Smith - Gloria (1975): A gender-bending, genre-defying reimagining of Van Morrison's classic, a powerful declaration of female sexuality and artistic freedom.
Wire - Pink Flag (1977): A minimalist masterpiece, a collection of short, sharp shocks that redefined punk's sonic boundaries. Wire's angular guitars and cryptic lyrics challenged listeners to think, not just pogo.
I’m sure I missed out on some of your favourites. So let me know in the comments below.