There's a fine line between genius and stupid. The Ramones sit happily on that line, huffing the marker used to create it.
Ramones is the debut studio album by American punk rock band The Ramones, released on April 23, 1976, by Sire Records. After Hit Parader editor Lisa Robinson saw the band at a gig in New York City, she wrote about them in an article and contacted Danny Fields, insisting that he be their manager. Fields agreed and convinced Craig Leon to produce Ramones, and the band recorded a demo for prospective record labels. Leon persuaded Sire president Seymour Stein to listen to the band perform, and he later offered the band a recording contract. The Ramones began recording in January 1976, needing only seven days and $6,400 to record the album. The album cover, photographed by Punk magazine's Roberta Bayley, features the four members leaning against a brick wall in New York City. The record company paid only $125 for the front photo, which has since become one of the most imitated album covers of all time. The back cover depicts an eagle belt buckle along with the album's liner notes. After its release, Ramones was promoted with two singles, which failed to chart. The Ramones also began touring to help sell records; these tour dates were mostly based in the United States, though two were booked in Britain. Violence, drug use, relationship issues, humor, and Nazism were prominent in the album's lyrics. The album opens with "Blitzkrieg Bop", which is among the band's most recognized songs. Most of the album's tracks are uptempo, with many songs measuring at well over 160 beats per minute. The songs are also rather short; at two-and-a-half minutes, "I Don't Wanna Go Down to the Basement" is the album's longest track. Ramones contains a cover of the Chris Montez song "Let's Dance". Ramones was unsuccessful commercially, peaking at number 111 on the US Billboard 200, though it received glowing reviews from critics. Many later deemed it a highly influential record, and it has since received many accolades, such as the top spot on Spin magazine's list of the "50 Most Essential Punk Records". Ramones is considered an influential punk album in the US and UK, and had a significant impact on other genres of rock music, such as grunge and heavy metal. The album was ranked at number 33 in Rolling Stone's 2003 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, maintaining the ranking in a 2012 revision and dropping to number 47 in the 2020 reboot of the list. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2014.
There's a fine line between genius and stupid. The Ramones sit happily on that line, huffing the marker used to create it.
Repetive repetive repetive
I mean, it's all the same song. It honestly is. It's fine enough but you'd be hard-pressed to find a lot of differences.
The greatest punk album by the greatest punk band. Ever. Full stop. Each track overflows with the sheer, joyful, nihilistic abandon that makes punk so great. Haters gonna hate ... but they're wrong. This is peak punk perfection. Full stop.
This album flies by. Most songs are less then 2 minutes long, nothing overs stays it's welcomes. It just punches you in the ears for 30 minutes and then stops. Perfection Blitzkrieg Bop is one of the greatest songs ever.
"Ay, oh, let's go!" A great way to start this 1001 album journey. I like the Ramones; their music has a charming simplicity that I'm sure encouraged countless people to pick up their instruments and play. Everything sounds very DIY--basic drum patterns, power chords, nothing fancy. That's the purest nature of punk rock. As an album, this didn't exactly hold my attention, as it starts to blend together very quickly, but its value is very apparent to me. For a debut album, this does a perfect job establishing a signature sound. Favorite tracks: Blitzkrieg Bop, Beat on the Brat, Let's Dance Album art: Pretty badass band photo. The cover looks surprisingly modern. I could see a band doing an album cover like this in the last decade. Also I have to point out that the Ramone on the far right looks exactly like Coconuthead from Ned's Declassified.
I do declare, the compositions on this phonograph from this band of young miscreants all sound exceedingly similar! Can you imagine the nerve?!? How audacious! Quick, someone fetch me my fainting couch! I do believe I am having the vapors…Oh, my!
Gabba gabba hey! The perfect Friday record. Poppy, upbeat, positive and catchy as hell. Try not having a giant smile on your face while listening.
That was 14 of exactly the same song for me. If there wasn’t a gap between each song I would have that the album was 1 x 29min 16sec song. 1/5
pnuk
Just one of the best rock records ever. That's all.
It is no coincidence that punk can be defined as "worthless" and "trick" because I feel like I am being duped by anyone who praises this album. Obnoxious singing, tedious rhythms, and nothing of value.
I mean, to me, this is another prime example of how punk shines best. It is tight and catchy, but still has rough edges and a lack of polish that really digs in to you.
One of the most classic songs starts out this album that is more than twice as long as David Bowie’s album the same year. By length I do mean tracks because time wise it is ten minutes shorter. I think back to when Freddie Mercury told the executives when pitching Bohemian Rhapsody: “I pity your wife if you think six minutes is long”. Maybe David Bowie taught Freddie, I’m not sure. But the Ramones certainly are of the philosophy “get in and get out”. As much as I am a fan of shorter songs, can a song that is ninety seconds long be considered a song? It is pretty wild to see how far punk rock has come from the Ramones. Loved the cool use of a chainsaw on the song Chain Saw but then the beat goes right back to their last four songs. At least each song ends before I even have a chance to skip it due to their length. Again, these are great songs to have on in the background of a party or a punk rock type gathering but I wouldn’t listen to it otherwise. Now they want to sniff some glue. I did do a quick play through of three or more songs and they all started with the exact same drums and guitar riffs. I could sing Blitzkrieg Bop during each of these songs and my tempo wouldn’t be off at all. Ok I even tried another two songs and it was the same. I’m laughing as I write this because Listen to My Heart starts out different but quickly goes right back to the beat. They became famous from this so who am I to tell them what success looks like.
Stone cold classic. Messy, scrappy and as punk as you like. Fun from start to finish
Fuck yeah the Ramones
hey ho! Let's go! hey ho! Let's go!
Pretty much just the intro track was enjoyable.
It’s hard to not like this band. Great melodies. Easily one of the most influential bands of all time. Idk how much I’d ever listen to them, but they’re undeniable.
Ramones = Ramones
first three (EDIT: four) songs are great and set the template for EVERYTHING else, of course. one of those bands for which you appreciate the influence but don't really want to hear again
This album designates the Ramone's signature sound, fundamental punk rock, nothing fancy. While I enjoyed the listen, all of the songs started meshing. I enjoyed it, but I wish there were more originality instead of doing one sound well 14 times.
I never got around to the Ramones back in my can-I-afford-another-REM-or-Talking-Heads-album days. And it looks like this came out same year as the Clash’s first album which is more compelling to me. But, they inspired some of my favorite bands, U2 and as Sleater-Kinney to name just two… so I will round up to make sure they get the credit they deserve.
I was doing a pilates class a few year s. It' one of things I need to do as an aging man to maintain some sense of mobility. The instructor complimented me on my Ramones t-shirt. "Oh yeah", I said, "I saw them at the Hordern pavilion in 1989" "Cool", he replied. "I was born in 1994." Suddenly I felt really old. But that did nothing to diminish my love of the Ramones or my memory of being 18 years old, in the mosh pit of that 6000 capacity show. They came out and tore through about 45 songs in a blistering set before an adulating crowd. It wasn't until I saw the documentary End Of the Century years later that I realised that this was a much bigger venue and enthusiastic crowd than the Ramones typically played to in the States, where they never really got bigger than the club circuit. That docu also showed how formative the Ramones were on my taste. This is an all time classic album with some all time classic songs on it. It's fast and loud, but the songs are really catchy, funny, but also gritty and serious. This album is both informed by the past (girl group harmonies, Stooges aggression), but also sets the tone for much music to follow. You hear the influences of the Ramones all over music to this day, and their look and iconography is also everywhere. Charles Shaar-Murray went to New York in 1975 and wrote notes on the nascent punk scene for the NME. he rightly identified the Ramones as the best band on the scene, but bemoaned that they would never put out a record. He was right on the first point, but wrong on the second. They ended up being the longest lived of all the CBGBs bands, and probably the most influential, even if commercial success evaded them. I love the Ramones, and especially this first album where they perfectly reveal their whole vision. Of all the records I have listened to from the 1001 albums list, this truly is one of the few that you really must hear. 5 million stars.
I fucking love this album. It took me a while to get into the Ramones, but every song on this album is fun. It must have been so awesome to live in New York in the late 70s, apart from the insane levels of senseless violence 5/5
Now we’re talkin. Love the Ramones. Bring it on baby! I mean Blitzkrieg Bop is legendary.
In elementary school I had learn to play guitar because of guitar hero. I could play up to 6 chords, and did I think I was cool and would get all the girls in high school. In my first year high school, there was a performance night. The music teacher scouted all 4 people in our class who could play an instrument and put them together in a band. There was this nerdy kid who could actually play the guitar, and I was demoted to bass. We’d practice some times after class, and made it actually sound like something. Fast forward to the performance night, in the auditorium, all the parents there. I was so nervous. The first band got up the stage and started playing. Blitzkrieg Bop. I knew the guys, they were 2 years above me and secretly I always thought they were so cool. Swinging guitars around, headbanging, the whole punk performance etcetera. I knew the song because it was in a Tony Hawk game, and thought it was awesome. My first introduction to punk music. However, the nerves got me. After some more acts we were due. I got the bass guitar, and managed to forget the 4 notes I had been rehearsing for weeks. We got up and I was shaking. Our guitarist started playing, unbothered. I fucked up. Didn’t know what the fuck I was doing. Right there I had a realization. I could never play guitar. I could never be in a band. I would never be as cool as the kids playing Blitzkrieg Bop, let alone be as cool as the Ramones. I was forever traumatised by stage fright. And the worst part is, we played You Belong To Me by Taylor fucking Swift, I was demoted to bass, forgot the 4 notes I was supposed to play, and the nerdy guitar kid who’d actually put in the time got all the attention after.
Perfect bopping with no fat and perfect tunes. What a blitzkrieg of an album - end to end.
Absolutnie widzę się 40 lat temu słuchając tego albumu kilka razy dziennie, odkładającego na ramoneskę wszystkie zarobione pieniądze. Utwory co prawda za krótkie, żeby cokolwiek się w nich rozwinęło - jest mocna, szybka perkusja, są elektryki, głośne wokale i całość razem daje zaskakująco pozytywne brzmienie. I to chyba przepis na dobrą płytę, bo dziś też słucham jej już piąty raz, za każdym razem czerpiąc z tego przyjemność. Nie ma co tu kombinować, zasługują na wysoką notę jak mało kto w tym zestawieniu.
One trick ponies sure, but what a trick it is.
My 25th birthday music!!! From Spider-Man was awesome!!
I wasn't excited to see this one come up, but as soon as I listened it was immediately a favorite. Energetic and naughty, humorous and provocative, it fired me up good. I love "I Don't Wanna go Down to the Basement." I love Joey Ramone's articulations.
Pure, unbridled PUNK ROCK This is the most important album in punk easy (not the best mind you, that honour would probably go to the band's third effort Rocket To Russia or London Calling).
Just wow. That energy.
Never really listened to the Ramones before but after listening to this album, I may have to start. I'm a huge fan of punk type music (Blink-182, Green Day, Fall Out Boy, *honorary mention* Lil Peep) but I've also not been a huge fan of Rock music. I know that some of the bands I've listed are also considered to be Punk Rock bands, but I see them more as Punk than Rock. But with this album, you can really call it Punk Rock, and I like it, a lot. As soon as I finished listening to it, I listened to it one more time, and then another. It's a perfect blend of Punk and Rock and you can really feel it. Real rocky instrumentals with that great mix of Punky vocals and lyrics. It makes you wanna smoke a cigarette in class and flip the bird at your bloody teacher. Blitzkrieg Bop is a classic (Shout out Jimmy Neutron) and I really like I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend, Havana Affair, and Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue. It's a very fun album to listen to and it's almost like they're just rumbling when they sing sometimes and at this point, I'm rambling but it's because I'm trying to finish this review up so I can go listen to it again and throw rocks at birds while wearing all black. Oops, almost forgot to tear some holes in my jeans, I guess I'll be going now. ……… Are you still here? BUZZ OFF ASSHOLE *Double middle fingers*!
Los padres del punk rock.
I love this album. It's short and fast and fun. The Ramones are great.
One of the best punk albums of all time
An absolute classic, been jamming to Blitzkrieg Bop since Pro Skater 2
Happy Birthday Punk. Literally. So what if all the tracks sound the same? It's punk innit. Fack off you prog dinosaur wanker.
Good shit.
The Ramones!!! I know every word (not that there are that many). Jesse Covington took me to see them at the Masquerade. I think it was their last tour, though we didn’t know it at the time. Drivin n Cryin opened. I was 15 or 16, it was summery sunny but not hot. Jesse Covington was in love with me and we could not get enough of that three-chord noise. When I think about how special it was to grow up in Atlanta, this day comes to mind. I would have told you at the time, it was one of the best days of my life.
"brevity is the soul of wit" - B̶i̶l̶l̶y̶ ̶S̶ Ramones every album should contain 14 songs and a sub-30 minute length
Nr. 29/1001 Blitzkrieg Bop 4/5 Beat on the Brat 3/5 Judy is a Punk 4/5 I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend 4/5 Chain Saw 3/5 Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue 3/5 I Don't Wann Go Down to the Basement 3/5 Loudmouth 2/5 Havana Affair 3/5 Listen to my Heart 3/5 53rd & 3rd 3/5 Let's Dance 3/5 I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You 3/5 Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World 3/5 Average: 3,14 A bit repetitive, but still enjoyable
ту ту ру тутут быстренько
I liked the song Ramones off the album Ramones by Ramones where the lead singer said ahh were the Ramones hear us Ramone
“Have the Rolling Stones killed” “But sir, those aren’t…” “Do as I say!”
Repetitive
Come on. What was that
This is way too boring to be so popular, what the hell is going on. Blitzkrieg Bop is a decent opener right up until you realize that's the only song on the album. A 29 minute runtime is a grace from God. If I was in the 80s and this was the only album I had, I think I'd not give a fuck about music.
Hate Punk
WWII, horror movies, leather, 60s garage and surf rock aping, the Ramones took some really disparate ideas and started a whole new genre and movement. It's easy, breezy, fast, and fun. It's form over substance. It's a classic.
HEY! HO! LET’S GO! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Impossible to give this anything but five stars.
2 minute songs about stupid stuff? Yes, please!
1 2 3 4... Punk American punk rock at its best!
Few albums have a near perfect run front to back like this does. Even rarer is this albums place in history as the first true punk album (according to some). It's rare not because it's the first, but because of how hard it comes out swinging. I don't believe any band has ever refined or perfected Ramones, they've only attempted to reach these heights. Blitzkrieg Bop is honestly a top contender for best opening track and best song to mosh to, I can just see punks burning the place to the ground smiling.
When people think punk, they might immediately picture The Sex Pistols, like subverted fashionistas who are furious at world. But a year before the Pistols released their album, The Ramones were presented a purer form of punk. They weren't angry, they just didn't care about anything serious. Their songs all exclaim what they want and don't want, with little desire to live a meaningful life. Their fashion is as stripped down as their music, donning jeans, leather jackets and long shaggy hair. Their four-chord music was all they had but it was incredibly refreshing during a time of increasingly complex and technical rock stars. The album is repetitive, sure. You could generously call it variations of a theme. But let's be honest, they were kind of a one trick pony. Despite that, the appeal of this album endures. The energy is infectious and it's hard not to smile or dance. And The Ramones manage to do a lot with very little. This the album that every young suburban punk band playing out of their parents' basements wishes they could make. But what so many miss is the heavy influence from often sickly sweet 50s Doo Wop and girl band groups that made The Ramones so endearing. It's like they took one of those huge rainbow lollipops, sucked off all of the color and threw it on the ground. You know it's still kind of sweet, but it's covered in dirt and grim now. Mind you, they don't do this out of spite, but out of reverence. They're paying tribute to the oldies without having any idea of how to actually make their music. They just do it anyway and have fun doing it. And if that's not punk, then what is?
## In-Depth Review of *Ramones* by Ramones The Ramones’ self-titled debut album, released in April 1976, is widely recognized as a seismic event in rock history. Its stripped-down sound, relentless pace, and raw energy not only defined punk rock but also influenced generations of musicians across genres. This review examines the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and enduring influence, while weighing its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## **Lyrics** The lyrics on *Ramones* are famously minimalistic, direct, and often tongue-in-cheek. The band’s songwriting approach was to distill rock ‘n’ roll to its barest essentials, both musically and lyrically. Most songs are built around a few repeated lines, often reflecting adolescent boredom, rebellion, or absurdity. - **Simplicity and Humor:** Tracks like “Blitzkrieg Bop” (“Hey! Ho! Let’s go!”) and “Judy Is a Punk” exemplify the band’s knack for catchy, chant-like refrains. The lyrics are intentionally simple, sometimes even silly, but always memorable[3][4]. - **Dark and Subversive Themes:** Despite their playful delivery, the Ramones did not shy away from darker subject matter. “53rd & 3rd” deals with male prostitution and violence, while “Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue” references adolescent drug use and ennui. “Chain Saw” draws inspiration from horror films, and “I Don’t Wanna Go Down to the Basement” plays on childhood fears[7][8]. - **Pop Culture References:** The lyrics are peppered with nods to comic strips, B-movies, and 1960s pop culture, giving the album a distinctly American, streetwise flavor[8]. **Pros:** - Lyrics are instantly memorable and easy to sing along with. - Blend of humor and darkness gives the album a unique voice. - Directness and repetition contribute to the album’s immediacy. **Cons:** - Some listeners may find the lyrics too simplistic or repetitive[2][6]. - Occasional use of controversial or misunderstood themes (e.g., Nazi imagery in “Blitzkrieg Bop”) can be off-putting or misinterpreted[3]. --- ## **Music** Musically, *Ramones* is a masterclass in economy and speed. The album’s 14 tracks clock in at just under 30 minutes, with most songs lasting around two minutes. - **Instrumentation:** The band’s sound is built on three-chord guitar riffs, pounding drums, and melodic basslines. Johnny Ramone’s guitar is fast and aggressive, with little ornamentation. Tommy Ramone’s drumming is relentless and propulsive, while Dee Dee’s bass provides a melodic counterpoint[3][7]. - **Melody and Harmony:** Despite their reputation for noise and speed, the Ramones were deeply influenced by 1960s pop and girl groups. Songs like “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” feature melodic hooks and even harmonies, albeit delivered with punk attitude[5][7]. - **Pace and Structure:** The album maintains a breakneck pace, with little variation in tempo or dynamics. Songs are tightly structured, rarely deviating from verse-chorus forms. This uniformity is both a strength and a limitation. **Pros:** - Infectious energy and immediacy; every song feels urgent[3][4]. - Memorable riffs and melodies beneath the raw exterior. - The band’s tightness and discipline stand out, especially given the album’s speed. **Cons:** - Lack of musical variety; songs can blur together for some listeners[2][6]. - The relentless tempo and minimalism may fatigue those not attuned to punk aesthetics. --- ## **Production** Produced by Craig Leon on a shoestring budget of $6,400, *Ramones* is a triumph of lo-fi clarity and focus. - **Sound Quality:** The production is intentionally raw, emphasizing the band’s live energy and immediacy. Guitars are loud and upfront, drums are crisp, and vocals are unadorned[3][7]. - **Minimal Overdubs:** The album was recorded quickly-just seven days-resulting in a sound that is unpolished but powerful. Overdubs are minimal, with only occasional backing vocals or sound effects (e.g., the chainsaw in “Chain Saw”)[7]. - **Mixing:** The mix is clean, allowing each instrument to be heard clearly despite the overall sonic assault. The “wall of sound” approach is reminiscent of Phil Spector, but filtered through a punk lens. **Pros:** - Captures the band’s raw energy and live feel. - No-nonsense approach suits the material perfectly. - The clarity of the mix allows the band’s interplay to shine. **Cons:** - Some may find the sound too raw or dated by modern standards[2]. - The lack of studio polish may be a turnoff for listeners used to more produced rock albums. --- ## **Themes** *Ramones* is often described as nihilistic, but its themes are more nuanced. The album oscillates between adolescent rebellion, absurdist humor, and dark social commentary. - **Adolescence and Alienation:** Many songs express the frustrations and desires of youth-boredom, lust, and the urge to escape (“I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend,” “I Don’t Wanna Walk Around with You”)[3][7]. - **Violence and Subversion:** The band uses shocking imagery and taboo subjects not to glorify them, but to satirize and subvert rock and roll’s conventions (“Beat on the Brat,” “53rd & 3rd”)[7][8]. - **Pop Culture and Satire:** The Ramones’ fascination with pop culture, from comic books to horror movies, permeates the album, giving it a playful, irreverent edge[8]. **Pros:** - Themes are relatable and timeless, tapping into universal adolescent experiences. - The blend of humor and darkness creates a distinctive mood. - Satirical edge keeps the album from becoming self-serious. **Cons:** - Some themes may be misinterpreted or seen as offensive out of context. - The simplicity of the themes may leave some listeners craving more depth. --- ## **Influence** Few albums have had as profound an impact as *Ramones*. While it was not a commercial success upon release, its influence quickly spread through the underground and eventually mainstream music. - **Punk Rock Blueprint:** The album’s stripped-down sound, speed, and attitude became the template for punk rock worldwide. Bands like The Clash, Sex Pistols, and Dead Kennedys drew direct inspiration from *Ramones*[3][8]. - **Alternative and Beyond:** The influence of *Ramones* extends far beyond punk. Nirvana, Metallica, Green Day, Sonic Youth, and countless others have cited the album as foundational to their own music[8]. - **Cultural Impact:** The album’s aesthetic-leather jackets, ripped jeans, and no-frills attitude-became synonymous with punk itself. Its songs have been covered, referenced, and celebrated in countless contexts. **Pros:** - Set the stage for entire genres of music, from punk to alternative rock. - Inspired a DIY ethos that democratized music-making. - Continues to resonate with new generations. **Cons:** - The album’s very ubiquity can make it feel overfamiliar or “safe” compared to its initial shock value. - Later punk and alternative bands sometimes imitated the style without capturing the Ramones’ wit or originality. --- ## **Pros and Cons Summary** | Pros | Cons | |----------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | Unmatched energy and immediacy | Songs can sound repetitive or similar to each other | | Iconic, memorable songwriting | Lyrics may be too simplistic for some tastes | | Raw, powerful production captures the band’s essence | Production may sound dated or too raw for modern listeners | | Themes blend humor, darkness, and pop culture | Some themes/imagery can be misinterpreted or feel offensive | | Blueprint for punk and alternative music | Lack of musical and thematic variety | | Enduring influence; still sounds fresh and vital | Initial commercial failure; not for everyone | --- ## **Conclusion** *Ramones* is not just an album-it’s a manifesto. In 29 minutes, the band redefined what rock music could be: fast, funny, raw, and honest. Its lyrics, while simple, cut to the heart of adolescent experience, mixing humor and darkness in equal measure. Musically, the album’s relentless pace and minimalism are both its greatest strength and its main limitation. The production, though rough, perfectly suits the material, and the album’s themes remain as relevant today as they were in 1976. The influence of *Ramones* cannot be overstated. It split the history of rock ‘n’ roll in half, paving the way for punk, alternative, and countless other scenes[3][8]. While some may find its simplicity monotonous or its rawness off-putting, its impact and enduring appeal are undeniable. For those seeking the purest distillation of punk’s spirit, *Ramones* remains the ultimate statement.
So this is where it all began. Blitzkreig Bop still sounds great. This is raw fun. I saw two punk bands yesterday after listening to this. They didn’t have any songs. All the best music has songs, not just a sound
Seminal album that defined a generation
5-
Top 3 punk album of all time.
>>>>>>>>>>> The Beatles
Standout Songs: Blitzkrieg Bop I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend Chain Saw Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue Listen to My Heart 53rd & 3rd What a fun, upbeat album. I remember my dad had this album on cassette and I was absolutely obsessed with Blitzkrieg Bop. It was nice to finally sit down and listen to the whole thing. Loved it!
It's in the name
Helt nydelig:) Hits på hits som man ikke blir kvitt på lenge. Nynner konstant
I've heard some of the songs before, most notably "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "Beat on the Brat" (I mean, who hasn't heard them?). Haven't listened to the whole album until today. Happy that I finally got around to it. There are plenty of overlooked tracks such as "I Don't Wanna Go Down to the Basement" and "Havana Affair". Lots of energy, short, sweet. Does not overstay it's welcome at all. -Fav tracks: Blitzkrieg Bop, I Don't Wanna Go Down to the Basment -Least fav tracks: None
Stone cold classic. The sound never changed, but here's where it was freshest and most original. A band with such an iconic look, too.
Ramones. Klasa sama w sobie. Nie ma co wybrzydzać.
This album is amazing. 14 songs in 29 minutes. "Blitzkrieg Bop" is on the short list of greatest opening songs on debut albums of all time. I vividly remember the first time I heard it (or at least a piece of it): I was in 4th grade (spring/summer of 1984) at a friend's birthday slumber party and his parents let us rent National Lampoon's Vacation. When the kids put on their headphones in the car on the interstate, the beginning of "Blitzkrieg Bop" plays. From that point forward I forever associated the song with coolness. I was 9. In middle school I was an Anglophile, so I always leaned Pistols over Ramones. But I was young and foolish then. I'm no longer young, still foolish, but I can admit now that THIS was and is the real shit. Sadly, the only time these guys came to Knoxville (1991,) I was out of town.
Short, but it felt very dense with the amount of songs that were present. There was a point where things did sound a little repetitive in the last third, but overall this was great.
They are the best
How can anyone who says they like rock n’ roll not love this album.
Hell yeah. I fully acknowledge that this album can be a bit of a slog to listen to in one sitting, as a lot of the songs sound the same, but it's great.
Catchy, great riffs, good stuff all around baybeee
High school days gone past. The fastest punk I had listened too, learned multiple songs and then slowly faded away from them. That fun punk, play as fast as we want, sing as little as we want. Speed and more speed. Such great times.
Classic punk rock perfection. This album is loaded with great songs. Simple three/four chord songs. But done with such precision. A great album.
In the late 70’s disco dominated the radio forcing disco haters like me to turn to other earlier forms of music like classic musicals and The Beatles hoping someone would come along to save us. They did, in the form of New Wave, punk and SKA. A landslide of new bands like The Clash, Elvis Costello, The Specials, and The Ramones arrived like a musical renaissance. Along with scooping up every new Ramones release, I saw them in concert in 1980 at a small Seattle venue. Hooky classics like Beat on the Brat and Blitzkrieg Bop had me jumping up and down like a pogo stick establishing the Ramones sound. While album is not perfect with more generic songs dominating the middle, this is a groundbreaking, disco crushing masterpiece. One, Two, Three, Four!
I've said it before, but a lot of the albums I've listened to so far from this list seem to be on here just because of their influence. This is not one of those cases. Ramones were the blueprint for American punk. It's easy to write them off now, but keeping in mind the time that this record was released, they were still pushing boundaries. They brought punk to the forefront of music conversations, and for that, we should be forever grateful. The production on this record is solid, the performances are great, the songs are fun. What more is there to ask for? Sure, it gets a little bit repetitive and not every track sticks. But that's not the point. 9.5/10
With lyrics like Second verse same as the first.. instant classic and landmark album.
Rock n roll dudesby's because that was amazing.
Opens with iconic songs and continues throughout. Not being a fan or follower of the Ramones, i still knew the majority of songs on this album as they are ingrained in so many different types of media.
A classic I frequently have in my rotation.
Undoubtedly culturally and historically significant album. Lots of energy, anger, and socio-political critique. Simple and effective.
Slightly overating, but whatev's First half substantially better than the second
“ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!” My 2nd most streamed album of all time and my 2nd favourite band of all time!!! I remember when I first heard this album, I felt like a lot of the songs all sounded the same. And near the end I was like “this is going on for a while, how soon until it’s done?”. But I really liked the raw guitar sound and still listened to the album more and it really grew on me. Now, all the songs are very different and it’s easy to tell which is which just from the opening guitar chords, when before it sounded quite similar The nice thing about liking this album is that the Ramone’s first four albums all have the same sound and are all S tier, so tons of good content. This is their debut album and I would consider it their best though I also gotta give major credit to Johnny Ramone as the guitar player. Their songs are mostly all exclusively barre chords, which takes a lot of strength to play for an entire concert setlist. Also the Ramones famously played their songs faster live, so playing barre chords with fast down picking the entire team isn’t easy Fun side comment: this is the album I associate with making Strava map arts, cause I first listened to it then And here’s some comments about each track: 1 - Blitzkreig Bop My favourite Ramones song. Just perfect. Also super fun to play 2 - Beat on the Beat I remember when I first heard this track when first listening through the album, I was like “huh this sounds quite similar to Blitzkreig Bop”, but now I really enjoy it and love that about the Ramones 3 - Judy is a Punk My 2nd favourite track on the album. This one is just SOOOOO fun to sing along out loud. I love the “second verse, same as the first” and “third verse, different from the first” so much. Also “And oh, I don't know why / Oh, I don't know why / Perhaps they'll die, oh yeah” is so satisfying 4 - I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend A nice slower pace song. I really like this one too 5 - Chain Saw I love the bridge of this one 6 - Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue 😼 7 - I Don’t Wanna Go Down To The Basement The song lyrics say “basement” but I swear I only ever hear “base" 8 - Loudmouth Very simple lyrics but I love it. See I don’t always need complex lyrics! 9 - Havana Affair “I used to make a livin' man pickin' the banana!!!” 10 - Listen to My Heart I love the “next time!”s 11 - 53rd & 3rd My favourite lyric to say from the album: "53RD AND 3RD!!!!!!" 12 - Let's Dance I love this one. I especially like the other "dance" Ramones song - "Do You Wanna Dance?" on Rocket To Russia 13 - I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You Simple lyrics like a lot of their stuff but goes hard 14 - Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World Works great as a closing track. Especially the ending of this track
Does it really deserve a 5? Probably not, especially the second half. But that first half is killer and iconic and young James demands it.
Pretty amazing that they were able to make a career of basically playing the same song over and over by just writing new lyrics. No doubt radical when it came out but seems pretty tame now. Gets a 5 for being as hugely influential album.
Yasssss!
A great album! One of my Top 10
Iconic. When it's a punk album with an album cover of some boys standing beside walls with black and white filter on, you know it's gonna be good. Like, it is so dumb, it is brilliant. I love the sound of it. Bold, straightforward, and classic. Especially the riffs on "Beat on the Brat", so iconic and timeless. I don't know I just like this type of music, weird.
Fast and furious, nearly every song on this album is a banger. It holds up. Period.
Generatin steam heat!
Brilliant pink album.simple riffs but catchy.ive been a Ramones fan for years and this still sounds great to me
Gabba gabba hey! Relentless. Completely unique. I love it.
The Ramones' debut album is a punch to the face in the best way possible. Fast, loud, and stripped down to the essentials, this is the record that kicked the door open for punk rock. No solos, no filler, no nonsense — just raw energy and attitude. This was one of the bands that got me into punk, and this album still holds up as one of the genre’s blueprints. “Blitzkrieg Bop” is the anthem, no question — simple, catchy, and impossible not to shout along to. “Judy Is a Punk” flies by in under two minutes but leaves a lasting mark, and “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” shows they could slow it down and still keep it cool. Then there's “Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue” — pure chaos, pure punk, and somehow totally relatable in its own ridiculous way. Favorite song: Blitzkrieg Bop
Unbelievable album. This is what I would point to if someone wanted to know what punk should would like. Heavy, fast, full of aggression and angst. Not complex, but still driving and moving. The Ramones went on to make lots more albums, but all the parts are already in place on this debut album. Side note, their cover of Let’s Dance here, awesome in its own right, points a little to the fact that they were influenced by more than just the loud heavy stuff before them. Along that line, I recommend checking out the Ramones album Acid Eaters, all covers of 60s songs they were influenced by. Just interesting to honk about how they got to this sound from Jefferson Airplane and CCR.
Best ever !
fun, takes me back to college years when I discovered rock music