Damaged

Oh yeah, I had this baby on cassette! A true punk classic, not only for the content, but also for it’s creation and troubled distribution. They tried to bury it, then they tried to capitalize on it. Fuck you Suits, you lost! God Bless Black Flag!

Ooph these guys are angry.

This was entertaining. I'd love to have seen these guys live in their heyday.

Probably the most well-known Black Flag album, to the extent that you can say that about any of their albums, is Damaged. This is mostly because of the song TV Party, a song that is ultimately about giving up, which was featured in the cult movie classic Repo Man. You can find TV Party on the Repo Man soundtrack as well. Damaged is more than just one song. Besides TV Party, you have the raw anthem Rise Above, the anti-authoritarian screed Spray Paint, the ridiculous nihilism of Six Pack, and painfully loud Damaged I, II, and II. Damaged is the first Black Flag album to feature the incredible Henry Rollins. It's intense, political, and at times, funny. I mean, how can you not laugh at the shouted list of early 1980s TV shows that anchors TV Party? You can't really. Damaged is both an example of the 1980s DC hardcore scene and social commentary that is horribly relevant today.

Pretty solid punk album, doesn’t blow me away but didn’t overstay its welcome, again another good album for the lore but not one I’ll actively seek out

Isn’t Black Flag one of the leading hardcore punk bands? Look, I can appreciate a lot of “noisy” music - even some modern hardcore punk from time to time. But I think above all, punk is about uniting under a message, and I have trouble receiving it here. On my second listen I pulled up the lyrics, which helped, but I still don’t really feel their struggles are anything more special than today’s. I mean, I get it - life sucks, a bit of depression here, a bit of disagreement with policies there. TV and drinking is replaced by social media and drugs, and were lonely just the same. Musically, it’s not the worst. Some guitar riffs I can appreciate, and there are a few clever rhythm breaks. It sounds chaotic, which I can enjoy if it’s done well, but here it feels pretty drowned out by the muddy and rough recording quality. I’m sure this was a great scene to be part of, and I’d probably enjoy the music more if I was there. And while I respect the DIY mindset, to me it kind of hurts the enjoyment. That said, I do think you should consider art in its environment. Does it belong on a “1001 Albums” list? Yeah, it’s clearly been important. Do I want to listen to this again? Unless I get dragged to some hardcore punk–themed party with really fun people - hell no.

I can appreciate the history behind this album as one of the early punk classics, although it wouldn’t be something I threw on for a casual listen.

If you don't like this, I don't like you

Nothing goes harder than good punk music.

i like the sincerity of the lyrics. its a common staple for punk, especially the early stuff, but it shines through here. theres no hiding behind metaphors, its all brevity here.

This is a messy and noisy album, but definitely worthy of a listen if you have any interest in punk music. Yes, some of the lyrics are a bit immature, but I think it's notable that very few people in "macho" type bands of this era were singing so candidly about mental health issues. There's only a few songs on here that I'd return to, but glad to have given it a full listen, as I only really knew Rise Above before this.

It sounds like they came up with the names of the songs before writing them

Not really a fan of hardcore, or Black Flag.

Fine because it was easy to recognize as early punk rock. Many others were better though.

Screamy punk

We're gonna have a TV party TONIGHT!

Noise. Shouting. 0/5

Hard core punk. Yuck. 1

This seems to draw out those who critique British punk with effusive praise. Americans? Anyway, it’s punk. It’s fine, but nothing more. Would I choose to listen to it again? No.

"Damaged" is the debut studio album by American hardcore punk band Black Flag. The band had made two previous attempts at recording an album that were canceled until Henry Rollins became the new singer and the recording began a few weeks later. The album was produced by Spot and the band on the SST record label since their original label Unicorn (associated with MCA Records) would not release it due it being an "anti-parent" record. Lol. Other band members included Greg Ginn (guitar), Dez Cadena (guitar, backing vocals), Chuck Dukowski (bass) and Robo (drums). Initially, the album was largely ignored by critics and the public but has since been recognized as a classic and one of the most influential records ever made. "Rise Above" roars the album open with fast drums and a guitar going up and down the scales. Rollins with raspy vocals and a screaming chorus. Also a screaming guitar solo. Defying oppression and asserting empowerment in a punk anthem. "Six Pack" start slowly. Rollins talking. And then it takes off. Sure about beer and abs but also self destruction. The band has a humorous side and they show it off in "TV Party." The group chanting. A punk beat and handclaps. I get a vibe of making fun of new wave. Hey, I liked the Jeffersons, Monday Night Football, Saturday Night Live and Vegas. Well, I guess they're making of me. Selfishness and gluttony are not out of bounds either in "Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie." A charging guitar. Rollins repeating the title. He wants more. The band cranks it up in "Depression." Guitar feedback and very fast. Machine gun vocals. Another great guitar solo. A desperate look at internal struggles. The majority of these song are short, fast and need to be played loud. Screeching guitars but also showing complexity. Yes, punk at the core but at times, post-punk and even grungy. Rollins' vocals are full throttle, in your face and mostly screaming. Clever, funny, anti-society and personal lyrics. A lo-fi sound on purpose. This album lives up to its punk elite reputation. A great album and one to play loud for everyone especially all parents and elderly.

- Boos, niet men ding - 0 nummers toegevoegd aan MMMM - 0 nummer al toegevoegd aan MMMM

Æi, ég er of gamall fyrir þetta. Sit undir þessu í 34 mínútur og skelli ás á þetta með góðri samvisku.

Great old hardcore album that I’d never really given too much time. Good mix of stupid and meaningful lyrics.

Meh, wasn't a huge fan, but I did listed to it a couple of times, there was something that kept me coming back. I might dig into their catalogue to see what else they did.

Favorite Track: Rise Above

classic. Nice melodies, good drum & bass.

Maybe the greatest punk album of all time. A true classic, an automatic 5 star..rise above, doc pack, tv party. The essence of hardcore it’s all there. Anyone looking to know what hardcore punk is- this is its bible. This isn’t a punk album- avant garde hardcore. So ppl who compare this to the clash, Ramones etc- completely off.

Not for me. Every single sounded the same.

A bit too hard on the punk and scream for me. Cool album, just too rough. Rise above was my favorite track.

I liked it but would have to be in the mood for it.

Noise

I'm not into punk and not into hardcore. So, not for me.

Damaged by Black Flag is a raw outburst of fury, chaos, and disillusionment - a defining artifact of early American hardcore. Its energy is undeniable, and Henry Rollins’ vocals embody pure frustration. But the album’s relentless aggression often overshadows nuance; the songs blur together, and the production’s abrasive roughness can wear thin fast. While its impact on punk history is significant, as a listening experience it can feel more punishing than powerful.

not bad for classic punk

Influential punk

I liked this way more than I thought I would because I thought I would hate it. I knew the song Rise Above because it was featured in my favorite TV show, Freaks and Geeks. The songs were short, the lyrics were understandable, and the album was short.

It’s weird looking back on all the kids that used to wear slipknot shirts also were the same kids wearing black flag shirts; which, after listening to this, feels distinctly different. There’s a noticeable amount of cries for help and socially conscious anger here. “Damaged 2” and “Life Of Pain” left an imprint, but my pick from this record is “TV Party” for how well it captures the life of some bums just bumming it. Soft 3/5

Not for me. Some great riffs and music spoilt by vocals that just seemed unnecessarily aggressive in an unpleasant way.

Shouty American punk. I can hear how this influenced many other bands. It's pretty good but I don't think it was really worth imitating to that extent. It's probably so widely imitated because it's easy to play and not very musically complex - crude is maybe the word I'm looking for. Anyway, I enjoyed it all the same, especially TV Party, where it sounds like they're having a lot of fun.

What a debut!

I want to like hardcore punk like this, but the abrasiveness just wears me out too quickly

Punk rock.

Black Flag is...adorable?

I think I could summarize this record as "I'm so angry, I'm going to drink a beer, crush the can with my hands, and then I'll throw it as far as possible, and I'll scream as much as I can while I see it fall". That may seem very dramatic, but so is the album too. From start to finish, Henry Rollins is screaming his lungs out while touching several topics like depression, rebellion or... drinking beer with friends? Well, most of the tracks of the album might feel very serious, but there are a couple of songs, those being 'Six Pack' and 'TV party', that are a little bit goofy, specially the last one, which even sounds very happy (that's why I included the beer part in the introduction). The singer might be one of the highlights, but the rest of the members don't fall behind. There are some killer guitar riffs and bass lines; and the pace is so fast and energetic that it makes me headbang. However, there's a problem. The instruments can feel very undeproduced. For an album that sounds so aggressive, I wish it was a bit louder. Another complain I have is that, towards the end, it may feel a bit monotonous. Nevertheless, it is a sound that I enjoy, so I could take it. Overall, really great album.

This is definitely a classic album that helped define American Hardcore. I have to admit, listening to it now doesn’t quite hit the same way it once did, but there was definitely a time in my life when this album hit hard and really resonated with me. For anyone researching the roots of Hardcore, this is without a doubt one of the top albums to check out.

One or two punk songs can be ok, maybe even enjoyable on the odd occasion, but every punk album quickly becomes a slog

Forgettable. Simpsons: No

Oh hell yeah. This feels punk af. I know heard where the sample from one of my favorite songs is from, with a great album attached to it as well. Solid themes, solid music, great album. 3.5/5

A punk rock classic. Kind of unhinged in the best possible way.

This was an awesome to listen to. I never had heard it, or much of Black Flag, but the sound is one that was so influential. It was awesome to hear something so simple hit so hard

If this was part of a Tony Hawk's Pro Skater soundtrack, I would probably have liked it more.

This is a bad recording (Spotify) and does no favours when the music is already a bit grunge-y even if primarily punk. To my British ears it is pretty boring and noisy. Maybe it is hitting some cultural notes for North American listeners (it has a sort of alternative, devil may care attitude to it, beers with the boys fuck the system etc) but it feels so basic compared to the recent Sex Pistols album - really puts it into perspective. Nothing especially wrong with the instrumental aspects but not that interesting. Bleh.

I'm not sure about this industrial punk. It's a bit too shouty, and they seemed to favor irritating, shouted playback after the main vocalist. This often ruined any intended effect. It may be influential for the genre, but there's too much uncoordinated thrashing for my liking. This made me disengage with their "art", and I suspect some interesting politics or opinions were completely lost on me as a result.

Firstly, what is going on with the production of this album? It's a mess and urgently needs a remaster. It's unusual for the production of a record to be so bad that it genuinely reduces my ability to listen to an album but I couldn't really hear the constituent parts for most of this album. That said, and going off pure vibes, its a fun, early punk album that has good energy and doesn't take itself too seriously. Would probably be a fun gig to see live. Unfortunately this is seriously limited as an album because it sounds like it was recorded by gathering round a single microphone in my shed.

Raw energy. Simplistic in a good way. A true keystone in American Punk music. 4/5 Would listen again.

Nostalgic listen. Lots of bangers. End of album trails off.

Hardcore = headache

very angry

The songs are very short, which grabbed my attention. What interests me most is how raw and dirty the production is it feels very authentic. It’s pure aggression and hostile energy compacted into two minute songs. Punchy, fun, straight to the point. The musicianship isn’t technical at all, in fact the songs are built on simple chords and structures. That’s exactly what gives it its charm it doesn’t try to be too clever. I’m more used to the commercial side of punk, mostly 2000s punk and pop punk, but I can enjoy the raw power in this. It actually grew on me more and more from the first track to the last. Six Pack is the my favourite song from all that song would go crazy at a party. And of course I love beer. (CISK GĦAL DEJEM.)

This is where I split off from the die hard punk fans. I’m just not into the hardcore sound. This does deserve 5 stars for the influence/importance though, no arguments there. I didn’t take away much besides having a better understanding of the type of punk I don’t enjoy. I feel like this is what most people imagine if you say you’re into punk. Rating: 2.5

Look, for punk rock to work there has to be some rock to go with the punk. You can't just shout into a microphone for 35 minutes and say you've made an album.

I know this sort of music eventually got us to green day, and for that I thank them, but the less I say in addition to that, the better.

Hardcore punk is not for me, but I recognize what this album means for the time. 2*

never been a big fan of american punk and i don’t like henry rollins but i did like the sort of replacements sound to it

(83/100)

Good classic hardcore punk!

Black flag has always been pretty one note to me. But when you're looking for it, it's great.

Love the raw energy on this album. The early heavy punk sound is rad and some of these songs make you want to run through a wall.

Rough, and not in a good way.

Yet another, does what ot says on the tin band. The names of both band and album let you know exactly what you are in for. And in this case it's not much. TV Party being the only track worthy of comment as it did make me smile. Unfortunately good as it was even it couldn't drag the album above a 1.

Oh wow. So bad. One dimensional. My ears are bleeding.

Henry Rollins is a bit of a legend, just not my legend. This was entertaining in its energy and rawness, but it just didnt have anything standing out for me.

#724. There's a lot of shitass British punk albums on this list, but they're all basically the same and pretty mid at best if we're being honest. This is what punk should sound like. 4/5: great

this is legit an awful album. the vocals are so bad. i really like the instrumental, but the vocals are actually some of the worst ive ever heard.

own

No, just no.

Nope. 1

Ništa niščim.

It was alright. Solid 3.5

Ok

I feel like the guys from Jackass really like this, and I like them a lot. The transitive property only extends so far, though. I found this less objectionable than I expected to, but I still didn't actually like it.

60

Really liked the production, it’s not like anything else I’ve heard especially from the 80s. Will listen again

I guess it's a feature of legitimate punk to sound like butt. That's the barrier to entry to keep the normals out. I appreciate that. But I'm not on that side of the fence yet with Black Flag.

I have a hard time being enchanted by the sloppiness of punk rock. The drummer sounds like they’re trying with their whole might to catch up with the band one song and outrunning them the next. Police Story is cool - ACAB

It's 80s, it's punk. Not a good chance i was gonna like it from jump. And i didn't. At this point I'm not sure how i ended up loving the dead milkmen and violent femmes. Who i heard similarities to in a couple of the songs, like tv party. This album got me thinking about how if i was a teen or young adult in the 80s i would've been insufferable. And how I'm glad that my earliest memories basically start in 1990

This kind of hard core punk is just not for me. Indistinct screaming. You know that crowd is annoying and pushing people. The bar is filled with smoke and everyone has horrendous BO. Kasey described the exact bar scene this fits and it’s just not for me.

There’s a real argument that the punk movement is the singularity that opened up music to the masses. Like folk music before it, its ethos is that music is for the people and should be in the hands of the people. But it takes it a step further by asserting one does not need to be a musician to produce music. Punk frees its creators from the shackles of melody and meter by being an onslaught of mood. I view it a lot like finger painting. It’s a lot of fun to do, it’s where we all start, and it commends the creation regardless of quality. I don’t typically like spending my days staring at finger paintings. Ok on to Black Flag. I know these dudes are pioneers for hardcore punk, I respect the hell out of it. Henry Rollins is an institution and has put over many other artists on his various tv shows, radio shows, and other platforms. I feel like the guy is a raging cunt and I think that’s the point when you’re listening to it. The lead guitarist plays like a dude that wanted to be in a thrash metal band but all the metal guys were like, “dude get better at playing guitar.” And he was like, “fuck that I’m just a punk rocker I guess.” Which I can identify with to an extent. As for songs I actually enjoyed start to finish, I think it was only Damaged 1. I liked the slow down, sludge of it. It felt like the first time the band all knew what was supposed to happen. And I think I was excited for the album to be over. A one feels to low. A three feels to high. Punk is a genre where I generally feel ill equipped and ill informed to have a well thought out opinion. So I feel ok settling on a two.

Gives me a headache. But people sure do seem to rave about it.

I get it, it's important and all that, but I really prefer punk bands that don't take themselves so seriously.

3.5

idk boring as fuck

Can't say I particularly enjoyed. A bit too shouty. Good energy, can see where it fits in the timeline but not something I would listen to again.

Sounds like this dude is just dry heaving

Great album!

Not really my thing but gets a 3 for being the original thrashy punk album that has been copied thousands of times through four decades

Not quite as good as My War, but this is still a damn good hardcore punk album. Just anger, spite, and energy in every song.

Pretty solid.

Of the early hardcore punk I've heard so far, this is a definite standout. The mixture of aggressive noise, satire, and the dash of pop hooks, ironic or not, hits a real sweet spot. I cranked this up while driving through a suburb and found it to be an appropriate and pleasing experience.

Couldn't really get past the first couple songs. Really difficult to listen to screamo / metal / whatever aharmonic mess this was.

This is a classic punk record. I liked it. Great energy overall.

1 - Puro ruido

Whole lotta screamo that I can’t be loving

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That's never a good thing.

I'm sure it's vital, just not a huge fan of punk

Haven’t finished but enjoyed what I’ve heard

I love this album. Most times I will bitch when the is bad but it works for this one. It's a great album full of fun songs. TV Party is great satire. It's a great example of punk for me. Loud, gritty, kinda silly, and makes a point. I love the whole album.

Brutal

I can hear the influence directly from Sex Pistols so I’m not sure why this one is considered influential…. Even his voice is similar (but worse). Mostly not great. TV Party is hilarious though.

If I could rate this zero, I would.

Not the easiest listen, but a solid punk album if you're in the mood for it.

Love me some Black Flag…just in 7” doses rather than LP doses.

As much as most of the songs sound the same, they’re classic for a reason.

Rough

Was hoping to find a Black Flag on album through this journey. I understand the hype people have gave them through the years. If these guys are considered basically the birth of American Punk then this is as least something as an American I can be a little proud of currently(25’).

Thank God Zaheer discovered air bending and chilled tf out a bit.

This was pretty friggen bad it’s like heavy metal with mad instrumentals and lyrics. TV Party was kinda good tho but damn that was brutal…

Not special

Cool album op zich. Misschien niet ideaal om te luisteren op een rustige ochtend. 3.0

I was having a conversation with a friend after listening to this all the way through for the first time. There is an alternative timeline where in my teenaged isolation, anger, and anxiety, I came across Hank Rollins and the boys instead of "Subdivisions." My life might have looked very, very different. Listening to it now, in my thunderous middle age, I can understand why this appealed to so many angsty teens. Stone cold anomie. Good stuff.

I always wondered where all the hype came from and now I get it!

Mot da best from blur but good

Horrible

It's some raw shit for sure. Rise Above is a classic. The rest is the same punch to the face the mirror on the cover got. Real punk.

Interesting.

Not a big punk guy, but enjoyed this for what it was and for the influence it had on the genre

The title of this album is well chosen. You have to like this genre to be able to judge how good or bad this album is.

I had no idea Black Flag was Henry Rollins’ band, so I was intrigued to finally give Damaged a listen. I’ve read plenty about Rollins but wasn’t familiar with his sound, and I expected loud, heavy punk music. That’s exactly what I got. The album is fast, furious, angry, and completely relentless—full of raw energy. I still can’t decide if I love it or hate it, but the fact I went back for a second listen suggests it got under my skin. The lyrics are sharp and biting, and the mix of words and noise somehow becomes strangely catchy. Favourite track: Room 13 – it has a cool Iggy Pop vibe. Least favourite track: Honestly, every track has something worth hearing. Album artwork: A striking, gritty cover that suits the music perfectly.

At the start I wasn’t feeling this one but after a few songs I started to get into it. Overall while I did like it but it’s not going to be one that I’m gonna revisit regularly . Top Track - Damaged II

Don't give me a reason to not bump Black Flag, throwing myself around my office like Henry Rollins would want. Fuck the man.

1. Rise - 1 2. Paint - 0 3. Six - 1 4. See - 1 5. Party - 1 6. Thirsty -1 7. Police -1 8. Gimmie -1 9. Depression - 1.5 10. Room - 1 11. Damaged - 1 12. More - 1 13. Cell - 1 14. Pain - 1 15. Damaged 2 - 0

Keep the punk coming!

Legendary

Ready to run through a freaking wall…

I like punk in general, and i get that this album was significant in the development of punk, ... but i just didn't enjoy it.

1/10…punk

5/10 - It was mid

Don’t really care about punk for the most part

A fun listen. Straddling the line between Punk and Hardcore. And Henry Rollins is a saint.

Utvilsomt en klassiker og essential listening, men det er ikke en skive jeg pleier å komme tilbake til. Innflytelsen er det ingen som tviler på, men er det den beste hardcore skiva fra tidlig 80-tallet? Det er ikke engang den best Black Flag skiva. (My War, åpenbart.) Dagens standout: Spray Paint. Misforstått som en throwaway interlude mellom skivas høydepunkter Rise Above og Six Pack, finner vi en proto-grindcore låt med et budskap det er lett å hengi seg til.

To the point

3.5

Track 1 I thought "ok"... Yeah, then it went completely downhill from there. I don't mind a bit of punk but christ this was bad 2 ⭐️

1st album! Very punk rock 👍🏻

Cool album

It feels like something I would have enjoyed as a 16 year old, beers etc. 20 years on, it's a little less up my street now. I did like the music mix that was played after the album of related tracks mind.

TV PARTY TONITE!

One of the many many ‘favourite albums’ I’ve had in the past. Used to love this when I was about 20, and havent really listened to it much since. Its still class though, this is what punk is for me. Not the Sex Pistols. There’s just something more to it, but I cannot articulate what. This was the record that I imagine kick started 1001 hardcore punk bands and everything that followed since. I often sing TV Party to my daughter, takes the edge off In The Night Garden

Must have been mad to hear this at the time if you were used to the sex pistols level of punk, did pretty much invent the hardcore punk genre. I like it but definitely prefer minor threat from those early bands. Sounds completely authentic and raw but I don't think it's aged very well, other bands did a lot more with the sound. Rise above is class, happy to listen to them every now and then but bit too dated to get hooked. 3.5..

What I See was brilliant. The rest, less so. I believe this is rather influential, but I simply didn't enjoy it. Perhaps I enjoyed What I See as it was more structurally coherent. A few too many atonal, diverting parts. +1 for What I See.

I don't think I've ever listened to black flag properly, which is ridiculous given the hardcore bands I liked as a teenager. I can hear in this how much they must have influenced them. Sick of it all and pennywise in particular spring to mind. Anyway, this is everything hardcore punk should be, energetic, angry, bit messy. I'll be back. 4.5

Bit too hardcore punk for me.

On the album are songs that can be in a 2000s film about a group of teens. I like the song “depression” it has something. I would give the album a 7/10

Mange av puslebrikkene faller på plass i punkepuslespillet

Overraskende bra for å være punk.

It's punk, not for us really.

Fun listen. Not my thing.

Just not my thing

Absolute crap. Sounds like someone dropping tools on a concrete floor for 40 minutes. Why is this sort of shit included on a list like this??

Bad

I have never listened to a black flag album from start to finish. It’s not really my taste, but I appreciate it for the creativity and heaviness at the time.

Music without melody does nothing for me. At least it was short.

So this is the famed Black Flag. What Henry Rollins did before he became the Henry Rollins we all know, love, and go out for ginger brews and violent discussions with. It's an album for that rare species of testosterone-driven youngsters with a weak spot for alcohol and destruction. I'm not in that demographic any more, and probably never really was.

This was awesome. I preferred hardcore to punk by a mile. I never listened to their studio stuff but I remember in high school I had the live recording who’s got the 10.5. Gimmie gimme gimme is just awesome. Gonna go play that live record now. I remember listening to the bass on that record and wanting to learn. Awesome stuff.

Damaged is an album from the very early days of Hardcore Punk and when listening to it you can very much tell that in the overall structure, sound, and ideas the band is throwing out. It is a very simple project much like a lot of The Ramones' work, but instead of being very simple instrumentals and bare bone lyrics this album embodies the rage and angst of your typical teenager/early adult that really hasn't been captured as beautifully in its' harsh and jaggedness as on this LP. Some will hate how raunchy and tough it tries to be while others will enjoy it for the same reasons, it is a polarizing album that still stands the test of time and manages to continue to define a phase I'd argue 90% of people have gone through or are still going through in a way that makes you feel heard. I haven't heard this album in full in easily 3 years, but upon relisten I have to say I still very much resonate with this project. Maybe it is because I am still hugely into Punk music or maybe I am just showing off my age here, either way Black Flag still absolutely slaps and so does Damaged well over 40 years later.

A classic west coast hard core punk album.

This was a steaming pile of trash. I believe I have heard part/all of "TV Party" before. I would literally be that mother asking their kids, "What in the world is that noise you're listening to?" if my kids dared to listen to it. (Not their taste either.) I just don't get the entire punk thing. I have never wanted to rebel in that sense. I was and will forever be human and need to be loved, just like everybody else does.

Is there a record for the album responsible for the most smashed gear on a tour?

Kidzbop punk. As if drinking a six-pack - not shooting heroin, not even smashing a 40 - is worth making a song about. The final word of this album is 'Noone comes in!!! Stay out!!!'. It conjures the image of a pimply teenager slamming the door on mom.

I really struggle to take this kind of music seriously; though I would never say that to Henry Rollins’ face. I dunno. I think you have to be in the right headspace for it. I appreciate some of the bass work (like on No More). There’s a real intensity on this track. Saying that, anyone can strike a distorted open E at five second intervals and call it “building tension and suspense”. ⭐️⭐️

I think I heard the song Rise Above before but didn't know the rest. I know of Henry Rollins but don't really know his music. Some of the tracks are kind of fun, like TV Party, but on the whole it's just kind of noisy and amateurish-sounding.

15 songs in 34 minutes. 60s rock bands take note: That is how you make an album. A 4, but maybe a low 4.

Punk classic.

A short album but a struggle to get through. It's raw and it has a lot of energy but not for me at this age

Classic. Tv party is a rompin’ good time.

Probably the quintessential bridge between punk and hardcore.

It's alright, quite entertaining in places.

Quintessential hardcore punk

This is so good. Hits hard, riffs are killer, Henry Rollins inspires so much passion. I already liked this album. Love it now.

Regret not getting into these guys in my more hard core punk-ish phase, even if I wasn't really ever that hard core or punk lol. Decent overall & can see why it's on here.

Their debut album. Punk. It's a decent enough Punk album but they're late to the party by four or five years. The sound is also a bit hollow as well as the lyrics. Earlier Punk had authentic and real world, harsh messages. This seems more like an angry fourteen year old pissed off with his parents. There's much better and believable Punk than this from the 70s.

Sounds like Ramones if Ramones was a bit shit. No pirate would listen to this.

This makes me feel old to say but - this band's lyrics are supposed to be part of what sets them apart. I just wish I could understand a thing they said.

Are you gonna put it all on the table in this review of DAMAGED, old man? Will your review do a roll call of all the singers prior to Henry and talk about who has the best full-throated delivery? Will you talk about the bad business practices of Greg Ginn, or will you stick to discussing only the wailing guitar? Will you write about Robo's drumming or his immigration status? Will you praise the first half's brilliance or bemoan the second half's lackluster moments? Will you talk about the runtime being so short it barely matters? Will you interrogate volume, tempo and tone? Will you defend the sloppy production as authentic? Will you talk about the iconic logo by Raymond Pettibon and his influence on the visual culture of punk? Or the classic cover photo by Ed Colver? Will you analyze Rollins' lyrics versus the lyrics of others? Will you scrutinize performance versus myth? Will you speculate on all the history or ruminate on the legacy? Will you dissect canonization as a concept antithetical to the punk ethos? NO! This album is a refusal. This review is a refusal. Sometimes that's all you need.

A classic punk album that left me sadly underwhelmed, as often with our spiky friends. I can respect the "low-fi / raw sound" ethos of early punk rock bands (a trait they share with black metal) ; it was partly due to material constraints, but also a statement against the overly clean production style of mainstream music. However, the consequence is that you get punk (or black metal) bands that are great live performers and can set a crowd on fire, but can’t record a listenable album to save their own lives. Such awfully murky sound and simplistic guitar riffs are really hard for me to enjoy at home on speakers. This album is a great soundtrack to drink yourself silly with your mates, crush beer cans with you skull and pick fights with random strangers. But since I’m too old for that shit, I’ll pass. I’ll still rate it a 2,5* out of respect for the punk movement and for the unhinged energy of Henry Rollins. But let’s be real – objectively speaking, this is not very good music, and British punk did it better years before.

Another punk album.

I love the album, but I recognize that it's not a masterpeice.

Primitive punk, sounds like a debut album. I find their voices hoarse, rather than agressive. The most redeemable part of this album are the lyrics. I do also like the instrumentals a fair amount.

Still not a big fan of American punk.

This album was so bad I almost found it funny

Someone mentioned it being music for white supremacists and it skewed my interpretation of the album! 3* for it not being their fault.

Early punk classic

A classic that actually holds up, although it flags a wee bit towards the end

Overall quite enjoyed it, solid album

Quite fun at the start but it seemed to get progressively worse as it went on

Very average for me. I think again nothing super memorable, but was alright.

I'm sure I could vibe with some things they're singing about but I'd really much rather just listen to Henry Rollins speaking softly, thanks. TV Party is kinda funny. Once. 3/10 1 star.

If you don't like this you don't like punk. If you've never heard punk this is a great place to start. RISE ABOVE...

I prefer the later Henry Rollins stuff that was a little less rough around the edges, but this was cool to hear for sure.

Why am I only getting punk albums 😩

I’m sorry but this is just not my stuff. I understand it is fundamental stuff to the genre and deserves its spot on a list like this but I personally just don’t enjoy it too much. Also, my attention span is short but not 15 songs in 35 minutes short.

Annoying music mixed with brutally bad vocals is a good recipe for 1 star or F-.

It sounds like my son's band from when they were in junior high school.

Not my bag, baby. High 2 I think, not bad but doesn't resonate with me

Who is the burliest punkboii you can think of? If you didn’t say Henry Rollins, it’s probably because you haven’t heard of Henry Rollins. That burly boy is the frontman of today’s band - Black Flag. I know I’d heard some Black Flag before today, but I’d struggle to say which songs. Nothing here sounded familiar anyway, although I did quite enjoy it. Bafflingly, even my sister who usually listens to exclusively country music said she didn’t mind this, as it was on while I drove us to go white water rafting. I’ve rambled enough now. This is a pretty good punk album.

Just not good. There’s a huge quality gap between this album and Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables

Fuck yeah.

Hey, wait a minute, my TV doesn’t work! It’s broken! No TV party toniiiiiiiight

Let’s have an album party

Satme fart på

En all-time vred plade. Virkelig mange klassikere på, egentlig

Loved it. Great energy.

Aggressively depressed. Classic hardcore punk.

I don't care for this genre

energetic punk rock but kinda wears out after a while.

Easy as pie. Its a near perfect record. I got this one from a highschool friend in the 11th or 12th grade. And I played it over and over again. Rollins growly talk sing and just gutteral raw yells might be one of my favorite vocal performances of all time. I love how real and just kick your ass some songs are and sometimes you get a TV party with dudes screaming about Dallas. Its incredible. The closer damaged 1 is one of the best songs I can think of. You get some classics like gimme gimme gimme. I sure do need some more of this shit. It rocks. It fucks. And I just love every minute of this. Its exactly what I want and nothing more or less. As close to perfect as anything ive reviewed so far. Can't say any more good things about this record. Listen to it, but I get if its not your thing. But if its your thing its really really gonna ne gor you. Hell yeah

Now this is punk. I feel like I’ve gotten weak ass, corporate, major record company released punk all before this. Sorry, The Sex Pistols always were and always will be industry plants. THIS is punk.

I think my copy must be damaged as it only has one track of horribleness repeated over and over. But each to their own.

Muy punk años 90. No está mal del todo pq la guitarra suena bien en algunas canciones. Lo de gritar por gritar en las canciones un poco meh pero oye, es lo que se llevaba

Strong songs and energy are mismatched with less than musicianship and terrible recording. A landmark of hardcore all the same.

It took me a minute to appreciate punk as a teen, and unfortunately I've outgrown it now. I tended to prefer the UK stuff a bit more but Black Flag is hard not to like. Surprisingly wholesome.

Thought the guitar sounded good. Surprisingly they had some good songs and themes.

They all sound familiar or are synonyms of each other

Solid fast and furious punk. Solid lyrics well done, sounded great. Really liked.

normally thrash/in-your-face punk is not my thing so I was pleasantly surprised with 1-being able to understand the lyrics, 2-the lyrics. Gimme Gimme Gimme had depth, and TV Party was about 4 decades ahead of its time. the final track however, was more of what I was expecting & why it's at a 3.5 instead of a 4.

Well this definitely had some great energy. Not exactly my style but I enjoyed the edginess.

Maybe you had to be there at the beginning.

Couldn't finish this one. I got the vibe after 3 songs

Really good punk album, I swear I know the name Black Flag but haven’t heard any of their stuff before.. sure it’s angry and chaotic, but also comical; strict in time but also sloppy as necessary. Great balance. Enjoyment was probably closer to 4 stars but the global reviews are tragically low so rating up.

For members of Black Flag, niceties such as vocal melodies must have seemed like concessions to The Man, so they're nowhere to be found on this album. Henry Rollins rants 'n' chants his way through these tracks while Greg Ginn aimlessly riffs on guitar. The rotten mix and overall shoddy production doesn't do the material any favors either. One of aims of punk was to reinvent rock and roll, but on *Damaged*, Black Flag's mission of discarding everything that seemingly stands in the way of "self-expression" is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Don't like punk, didn't bother

Despite being released in 1980, his album feels really fresh. Very energetic. Not sure I'd listen to it again, but enjoyed it nonetheless.

I was somewhat intimidated by this album’s reputation - hardcore thrash punk from wild-eyed Californian anarchists, but it’s surprisingly accessible. Listening to it is like standing on a cliff top in a storm, being buffeted by the wind and feeling the danger and exhilaration of something raw and primal. There’s the classic punk sound, reminiscent of The Ramones, but they play with that simple structure by changing the tempo and adding new elements. OK, some of the lyrics are screamed and difficult to follow, but others are compelling songs and some highly effective spoken word passages from Henry Rollins in the title track Damaged I, showing where he would later go with his poetry. My favourite track was probably TV Party, about the joys of watching your favourite shows like Hill Street Blues and Dallas, whilst drinking a few brews. There’s a twist coming though - what if your tv is broken? Oh noes! Punk-tastic!

What's not to love with this album? It's insanely efficient, it's anopologetic, it's quintessentially punk, it opened music to a new whole dimension. I love hardcore, and if I might not be listening to this album regularly, I can pay my tribute to it.

This is exactly my kind of sound. I already owned this album so I knew I would like it. This is just good. Basic punk rock. In one of its purest forms.

Proper punk music - gets a little weaker toward the end. The fact that it’s 1981 and still hits the spot today speaks volumes.

Angsty and critical of everything. I would have loved this album growing up, but not as into it now.

Normally I'm all here for some down and dirty punk, and I admit his voice tends that direction, but I couldn't get past it. Too ugly.

Not a fan

Fuzzy, fast, fierce. Fuck yeah.

A good Punk Rock band. But a band that I discovered through the GTA franchise. They are raw and dirty, as every good punk band should be. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done clearly and to the point. 4 stars.

1.5

2.5

Redefining the parameters of hardcore. The songs are harsh, aggressive and ready to smash your face in. Most people will probably hate the hostility and I can understand those feelings - but they're wrong, as underlying all the spit and snarl is some pinpoint satirical humour. You just have to stop the ringing in your ears to hear it. This album is essential. Best Tracks: Six Pack; TV Party; Police Story

Highlight: Rise Above. In a nutshell: snarl, shout, destroy. I was expecting Damaged to be punchy and angry (it is), but it was also... emo(?) Decent hardcore punk album. Overall: 6/10

3 stars for TV party.

3.5/5

Really great hardcore classic. The songs stayed punchy but it never got too repetitive. Some absolute catchy bangers mixed in here as well.

Piedra Angular del Punk.

enjoyed it a lot , bounced between a 3 and 4 and I ended on a 3

kinda generic punk idk it was ok

great album

I feel like I may be repeating myself, but I've never been angry enough in my lifetime to find the appeal of most punk rock. Was this an influential album for this era and genre? Maybe? What I do know is that this mostly felt like noise. I can't identify with the angst, so it really does nothing for me. I didn't hate it. I more or less tolerated it. But this will definitely not be an album that I'll be searching out ever again. That last track, however - "Damaged I" - is very much a prototype for what Henry Rollins eventually became.

This is fully what I would expect from a black flag album. I've never been able to connect with punk music, but I can see how it speaks to people.

Can’t be doing this personally but I respect this as a genre of music for other people

Terrible singing, yelling, so-so musically. Very punk, not my cup of tea

Not my favourite genre. But I guess it's ok

I mean, it is what it is. Forceful, punchy, quick, punk/hardcore. Not really my thing or anything particularly engaging about it. Imagine it’d be good to see live and let lose to, but as an album, can’t see me going towards it to listen through pleasure. We drink, we party, we fuck shit up 🤷🏻‍♂️ Gets pretty repetitive and get the message not long into the album and then much the same throughout. Pretty relentless, and not in a good way. Eye rolling and sighing when each next song starts and sounds like the last. I get it 🙄 (2.5)

Crunchy guitar tone is sick. First Rollins album. Some of the songs are fun, some of them are intentionally horrible to listen to. Not my bag but I kinda get it.

point9.

Yeah, baby, yeah. This sort of thing is my bag, baby!

I thought it would be a lot better, bit disappointing

Raw punk. Good when you’re in the mood.

со всем уважением... большую часть панка я могу слушать только когда нужен нойззз на фоне

Rise Above and TV Party are amazing, exciting tracks. The rest, not so much on the whole.

Fast loud and amusing classic punk

This was good. Great energy some songs blended together a bit too much. But other then that it was a fun listen strong 3*

I really gotta get back to my roots more often, it’s a vibe, it makes me get up and exercise because a fascist got up and exercised today and if they can they I for sure can. Thanks, punks from before my time, for being relevant every new decade.

When I was a teenager, this was a 5. Now, I still gotta give it a 4.

As far as I'm concerned, it's a banal punk album.

the og of punk albums. proper stuff by Henry and the boys.

This lands among the worst music I've ever heard (if it can even be called music).

Definitely need to be in a particular mood.

Grew on me with a few listens - love the ropey bass sound.

2/5 punk rock

Not enjoyable. 2.

An interesting listen, but not an album I'll ever return to.

I wouldn't put this album on my iPad, but I'd definitely invite them to my barbeque

Could not make it through this album. Not my type of music.

For better or for worse, reminds me of being 16. Needless to say, I had a great time.

Give your bathroom mirror a good smack; go on, do it now. That damn little liar trying to tell you that something is off with your face will get what he deserves. Because, Bam, everything is fine the way it is. Wait, no, it's not. Anyways. Bam, bam, bam, bam, bam…

Pønk

I listened to this 2x in a row. It was better than I remembered.

LOL, reminds me of high school! A little too rough to come back to without a fist fight or house party.

This is a lot. Like, getting cornered in a basement by a shirtless guy named Rat who wants to talk about anarchy. Too much for my hung-over Sunday morning. I can admire the pure piss-and-vinegar spirit, but it’s so repetitive. Feels like they came up with one riff, pressed record, and didn’t stop until the tape ran out. There are moments where the rage focuses into something nearly musical, but mostly it’s sonic road rash. Just unlovable. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions: - Rise Above

I like punk and props to this album for being 34 mins long. However, I prefer melodic punk, and this ain’t it! Still, not the worst I’ve heard but I wouldn’t listen again.

4/10 While on the one hand I can see how the Angry lyrics could connect, and musically it isn't terrible - although punky, it has definite skill to it - on the other hand I'll happily never hear it again. You can hear how this would go into to be honest and polished into the influences of later US punk bands and deserves it's place on this list. I just don't happen to like it.

Heavy.

I like the instruments but this is way too hardcore for me, just sounds like shouting

Wow, Henry Rollins before he was "Henry Rollins!" I've always wanted to listen to a Back Flag album and now I have. Thanks 1001 list! Liked Songs Added: Spray Paint

So bad, hate these punk albums

This was horrible when it started and then continued being horrible, not for me

Represents the dyeing pains of punk to my ears.

Oh yeah. Loud, fast, short, intensive.

You ever think about how this came out before thriller?

Favorite songs: Rise Above, TV Party, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Damaged II, Padded Cell Least favorite songs: Spray Paint, Damaged I 3/5

Wide ranging album in terms of content, but not necessarily in terms of musical chops. Not much different than the average punk album, but that’s only because Black Flag became the template for all punk artists. There’s about 1 good song (TV Party) and the rest are 20-60% of a good song & I can’t get over this aspect

Quick, hardcore, & poggers

Classic, seminal punk where Henry Rollins learned to be Rollins.