Reviews (page 11 of 14)
This is a good punk album. The first few songs are great. I thought this would be much, much worse. Like with most punk bands, Strummer couldn't sing. I don't hate punk but the last few tracks were underwhelming. 3 stars for "Self Titled."
I understand it is a classic but it just hurt my ears. I don't think I am into punk.
Prefer London calling!
Not too bad
not the best Clash album, but it’s still pretty great and an essential piece of music history. it’s super influential for early punk and we don’t get a lot of what comes after this if The Clash never existed. it’s definitely of its time but that doesn’t mean it has no merits
I was previously familiar with The Clash but not this album. I have to say the music is fine, but the songs kind of all sound the same to me. One of the things I like about London Calling is that the songs are fairly highly varied. I don't really get that as much from this. So this is just ok for me.
I feel like their other stuff deserves to be on this list way more.
Every new song: “Wow I have heard this before.” I have never listened to the Clash.
Not my kinda music, but I respect it. Actually really good album.
Very punk, not as polished as their stuff after this though.
Love the rock sound, don’t really like the vocals.
Nice bit of punk
Good early punk, not their best album though
I admittedly didn't listen to this in the best of circumstances. I had it on in the background while playing a board game. However, I've also had many times in my life where I initially fell in love with an album that I was passively listening to. I listened to this album twice all the way through without even realizing it. Not a single song was remarkable enough to catch my attention such that I would notice it was playing a second time. That is the epitome of a 3 star album to me. Pleasant enough to listen to twice, but not remarkable enough to leave a distinct impression.
Didn't like this the first time around, but listening to it again I'm starting to come around to it. Pretty good and fun album, but still a bit pop-ish for my tastes.
Not played this in a while. So good
I like the next one better
A solid debut from The Only Band That Matters. Their melodies and musicianship were head and shoulders above those of their contemporaries. And frequently, unapologetically political, as great punk music often is. But their truly great work is still ahead of them. Highlights: Janie Jones, White Riot, What's My Name, Police & Thieves
This was an interesting album. Always enjoy the clash even if they aren’t one of my favorites
I found it good but slightly bland
It's punk. The instrumentals are often amazing but the vocals leave much to be desired. Still, not the worse punk album I've ever heard.
ok
its alright 3/5
It's fine. Nothing special to my ears. Pretty generic punk sound.
I liked it
Good album, wasn't what I expected when I first heard it
The Clash
I forgot to post my review and lost it. Stand-out: Hate & War
never bad but nothing stood out at all
I should have listened to this without having listened to everything that came out later. It’s hard to appreciate the shock after it’s passed.
OK
Sometimes I think it’s important that we know ourselves. One thing I know about myself is that I don’t really care for punk music en masse. I recognize that this is thought of as an important album in regards to punk rock. I understand. One of the first times that punk had multiple singles that stood out on. Charts. I understand that this is the debut for an iconic group. that I just don’t really care for it. It’s the genre, not the execution. Honestly, had MTV come out a little bit sooner, I would have probably thought this was a great album as well. They just needed to put a few cool videos to it. problem solved.
eminal first album. Good all around, although I thin Sandinista is better.
Melodic-punk, if that makes sense. Singing is pretty decent too. Song writing is interesting. Probably one of the best punk albums I've listened to (much better than The Ramones). Good bass playing.
Liked it but not really my cup of tea
You can definitely hear the hints of what would become the iconic Clash sound. The album lacked that high energy, wanna dance punk vibe that other Clash tracks emit. It was meh.
More guitars. More terrible singing. Would give a two and a half if I could just like I would have done the ramones
Salright
Wasn't interested in a fair number of the songs, but it still had some hitters.
Please enunciate your words better. I don't even care if I can't understand them just please stop sounding like you're vomiting I have misophonia please
A legendary first half. Some of the best punk tunes. I really wanted to give this a 5, but as it went on, the 5 turned to 4, and the 4 turned to 3. The second half is pretty weak and boring to me the more it goes on. Outside of "Cheat" nothing in the second half really shone
Like it 3/5
A rather embarrassing fact about me is that I cannot understand a British accent at all. I know it sounds fake – a lot of my friends think at first that I'm bullshitting them, especially because I'm mostly okay with an Irish or Scottish accent, and accents in general, too – but it's 100% an auditory processing issue. I don't know why, but a British accent sounds like mud in my ears. That's important, because I literally had a hard time understanding this album, and this has always been my issue with The Clash. I should like this band more than I do. Of the first ✨big✨ punk bands, I think The Clash had a bigger impact on the direction and sound of punk, not only in the UK but in the States, too. (Literally who is doing The Ramones or The Sex Pistols today? It's all based on The Clash, and this album, or earlier proto-punk bands.) But this record just does not impact me like I want it to. Even when a song is 2 minutes long, somehow, The Clash makes it sound like it goes on forever. Politically, I agree with them, but when I read the lyrics, it feels kind of underwritten, especially given their reputation as a lyrical band. And again, I cannot for the life of me understand the vocals at all. I like that it's not entirely aggro but still always has edge, but sometimes there's also too much breathing room on a track. I like the influence of reggae, but they also seem to be doing it a disservice, somehow. And these things are all distractions I can't get over. And believe me, I really want to like this album. I would like a song, like "Career Opportunities," and favorite it on Spotify, and then it goes into the Oi! breakdown, and it loses me, and I'd unlike it. I did this for over half the album – a pump fake 4 star record, if you will, where little choices would get under my skin and turn me off completely. It does lose some steam in the last leg, sure, but for most of this, I truly think this is a "me issue." I don't hate it, but I would never revisit this for any reason. Is it important? Yes. Is it essential listening? Yes. Does it belong on the list? Absolutely. But do I personally enjoy it? Unfortunately, I think the answer is no. Simply put, I just think, for some weird reason that goes against my tastes, The Clash are not for me.
Classic punk. Good album.
I kind of like Garageland
I liked this but it didn’t blow me away. None of the songs were familiar.
This was a very important debut album, and like the Ramones debut caused quite a stir, but it’s nowhere near as good as London Calling, or maybe even Combat Rock. I am more familiar with the US version with I Fought the Law, even owning the initial edition that came with a bonus 7” single. Sold that for $16 seven years ago. Solid, but not that great.
Álbum pioneiro de punk. O som da guitarra é bem "cru", tem pouco efeito e distorção; e os ritmos das músicas são um pouco devagar demais, distante do punk mais agressivo e energético que estou mais habituado à ouvir. É interessante, porém, que as vezes as músicas se parecem muito com um reggae/ska (da pra ouvir bem na levada da música "Police & Thieves", inclusive uma das melhores do álbum).
I was in my mid 20’s and still a Prog Rock only when punk came along. As part of the punk rebellion was partly directed at people like me I initially resisted it and enjoyed how it was ridiculed and dismissed in the general media. But I couldn’t ignore what I read about in the music press. The Clash were the darlings of the NME. A bit more refined than the Sex Pistols and much more political. When I think of the Clash I always also think of the UK inner city riots and the general malaise in the UK at the time. I did not agree with a lot of what The Clash stood for but as someone who tried to appreciate all types of music I did eventually succumb and bought this album on vinyl. I did not like it then and still do not like it but I cannot deny that it deserves its place on this list and understand why so many will put it at the top of their favourites. Listening now it sounds very naive, hollow and lacking substance. But I cannot forget this was how and why punk came along. Simple structures most people with a mind to could play themselves. A direct opposite to the music I enjoy then and now. As The Clash grew their future albums offered a lot more to me. Not personal favourites but a whole lot better than this one. It’s difficult for me to rate this album as I dislike it but cannot ignore the place it has in popular music and it will always be regarded as something at the vanguard of punk, an important musical chapter. 1 (but 3 because of its musical importance)/5 10/4/24
Classic Punk-Rock, but doesn't come close to London Calling.
Oh, man, I love The Clash, but as good as it may be, this album I put in a solid 3rd place after London Calling and Combat Rock. Still, excellent punkness.
Good, but not my style. Can't see myself going back to this one.
The Clash is definitely one of the most important bands in history, but I don't think this first album really quite captured them yet. All the songs sound the same and it's not all that interesting.
Coloquei a expectativa muito alta e acabou sendo um pouco mais monótono que eu esperava. Fave: I'm so bored with the u.s.a
Punky
Pendiente por escuchar.
Probably as good as punk gets for me :/
I assume this is supposed to be the original British release, which is great despite the later US release including “Complete Control”, “(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais”, “I Fought the Law”, and a new version of “White Riot”, all some of The Clash’s best songs up until the release of London Calling. The Clash excelled at making covers their own. “I Fought the Law” is a great example of this, but “Police & Thieves” is a song that really fits in with the rest of Joe Strummer & Mick Jones’ repertoire.
Musically it wasn’t my cup of tea back in the 70’s and it’s still not my thing today. The album itself was a true reflection of the discontent of the day. Most definitely deserves its place in the 1001.
Imagining Fred Armisen singing this album to me
Better than the other clash album I listened to, but after a few songs, it was hard to tell them apart. A lot of similar sounding songs.
varhaista punkkialbumia, vielä 70-luvulla, tuntuu vielä aidolta eikä kommersiaali kakalta miihinä SUURIN OSA GENRESTÄ ON ALISTUNUT... bändin myöhempi musiikki vitusti parempaa, mtta huomaa miten tämä päällystänyt tien tulevaisuudelle... jalkojenkostuutusesque..x ihan perus.. rupee yliarvostamaan... skaalalla on kolme janie jones
Album énergique et plutôt sympathique !
As a person who does consider themselves a punk aficionado, I can say that I never quite get into the gibberish yelling and harsh guitars. I understand the value of this, but I cannot fully appreciate it. I will have to revisit one day
I liked the songs Janis Jones and Career Opportunities. It was a good album but will say that a lot of the songs sound the same.
I own this one. It's not my favorite Clash record but it represents something about the punk movement.
I can respect that it is a progenitor of punk but most of the songs are duds.
consistent, not bad but not particularly interesting either. classic punk but missing actually catchy songs
6.5/10
Not my cup of tea
A classic, I really like this whole album. I feel like its best listened to in its entirety rather by single.
I definitely enjoyed the album, it was a fun casual listen.
It was OK, not my favorite Clash album.
Heard of the clash but haven’t really listened. Good vibes on first song. High 3.
Punk del bueno!!
Repetitive
In the past I have only listened to the Clash's top hits. They definitely had a unique sound and were a groundbreaking and pivotal band for the punk genre. Although they're not my personal favorite I do appreciate their music and their contribution to rock and roll history. They definitely deserve to be on this list.
Really fun album. Really inspired the punk rock scene today. I hear their sounds in green day and alike bands. Nothing crazy special, i prefer London calling as you get some more variation. For this type of album where it’s hard-punk-rock mostly they hit the song/album length right at 35 Mins as any more would be in excess. 3.5/5
The clash again. Starting to feel like homework…
6/10. Some great songs but as an album gets a bit stale with no change in pace, same screaming voice. Not so much my thing. But would like a song or two in the mix amongst other genres. specifically Janie Jones, London’s Burning and Career Opportunities.
Punk classic.
Un bon album de punk rock à l’ancienne ! Je ne connaissais pas donc c’est bon pour la culture hehe London’s burning est trop biennn
I think I was distracted while listening to this
Obviously an important album for punk and the direction music would go in from here on but after a couple of listens, nothing really got me wanting to keep it in my rotation. Decent but not incredible.
Okay
Its an enjoyable record with classic punkiness. Whilst it hasn't exactly dated, it does feel a bit underwhelming and doesn't exactly stand-out. It has some interesting instrumental passages, but the album as a whole was quite repetitive for mine. Fav track: I'm so bored with the USA
Totally see the appeal and it mostly stands up to the test of time. It's prototypical punk fare now but it must have been pretty incendiary. A worthy addition. Fave track: White Riot
London Calling is probably the only Clash album I need to listen to. Track for track, far better
BL: Listened to this album before and thought it was incredibly compelling, always saw The Clash as more compelling punk rockers than that of the Sex Pistols. AL: still as decent as I remember it. I find it hard to really get into any punk records as I think they don’t have longevity - only short bursts of anger, but this is one of the better punk records out there to be sure. FT: “Janie Jones”, “I’m So Bored With The U.S.A”, “Career Opportunities”, “Police & Thieves” 3/5
ig: @musicwithnessa
Good lyrics and music. Kits
Excellent rapid riffs
Niet zo chill
Janie Jones: 4/5 Remote Control: 3/5 I'm So Bored with the U.S.A.: 3/5 White Riot: 4/5 Hate & War: 3/5 What's My Name: 3/5 Deny: 4/5 London's Burning: 3/5 Career Opportunity: 3/5 Cheat: 4/5 Protex Blue: 3/5 Police & Thieves: 3/5 48 Hours: 3/5 Garageland: 3/5 Avg.: 3.3
The Clash get so much better.
I want to revisit. I really got into it by the end.
For early punk, it's impressive. Yet, it is not something that I enjoy listening to.
Needed more reggae-ska influence
Okay, don't really get the hype
Fine Punk Rock.
The Clash was a pretty alright album. The music was pretty good and while the vocals were a bit weird at first, I eventually did get used to them. While the songs did sound a little bit samey, The album cut a quick pace so that wasn't too much of an issue for me. Best Song: Protex Blue Worst Song: Janie Jones
Okay
I’m sure this was innovative punk sound for their time as you can see their influence on the US punk rock scene. They certainly have some strong opinions about the British government and society.
It was decent. I don’t what else to say
Ok so I know what you're thinking. "Kieran I thought you loved punk how could you only give this album a 3?" Well I do love punk so just hear me out. This album is good but honestly I don't think it is great. Most of that has to do with Joe Strummer who does the lead vocals for most of their work. I don't like it. I don't like his voice and it is really hard to understand what in the world he is saying most of the time. Should I Stay or Should I Go is one of their best songs but that is sung by Mick Jones not Strummer. I really don't feel like this album is super special. I'm sure it was at the time because this was the birth of political punk as we know it (maybe not quite stylistically cause it is quite slow by comparison to punk in Cali later when punk became a big thing) but definitely in lyrics. However I think that kind of hurts it in the long run because eventually you will have people born (like me) who have no idea what events they are referencing and it has not meaning to us, which drains the songs (and the album) of some of its punch.
punk is not my normal style but it's an ok album. so many musicians were influenced by them
It's a good album to present punk's beginnings, full of electric guitars and basic music structures with catchy choruses and a response game with the main vox and guitars, good production techniques. Every song has a different personality with the same esence of punk rock.
It's cool but I don't need to listen again
Never heard this album or any of the songs on it, but I’m familiar with the band especially the album “London Calling” which I used to listen to a long time ago and always thought was great. This album seemed a little repetitive and I really couldn’t understand the lyrics but seems like a true punk album whereas “London Calling” had its punk roots but branched out musically. I Sure hope that album is on the list too because it deserves to be. But was glad I listened to this one.
It was alright, not the best album by the clash but still fun
Too much punk for me. But good!
3/5 goodish but not enough
No es el mejor de The Clash baina bueno
Good punky soup
Some toe-tappers, some head bobbers. But honestly, nothing I was super into. I know it was revolutionary for its time and the music itself was tight, but punk has come so far from this. Your grandpa certainly thought this was as extreme music could get.
Classic rock album at the beginning of the punk scene. I enjoyed listening to this entire album while doing a workout which is was great for.
Not as good as London Calling. Every song sounds like the SNL skit with Fred Armison.
I appreciate The Clash, but I don’t personally enjoy their music much.
Janie Jones - 8/10 Remote Control - 7.5/10 I'm so Bored With The USA - 7.5/10 White Riot - 10/10 Hate & War - 7.5/10 What's My Name - 8/10 Deny - 7.5/10 London's burning - 7.5/10 Career Opportunities - 7.5/10 Cheat - 8/10 Protex Blue - 7.5/10 Police & Thieves - 9/10 48 Hours - 8.5/10 Garageland - 8/10 TOTAL - 111/140
Overrated
too repetitive for me
''77-1st; classic, bt a bit too punky for mny relistns for me
Love this album so much I accidentally listenined to it on repeat without noticing. Definitely hear sounds that *must* have influenced U2 in the early days. Later confirmed: https://www.epitaph.com/news/article/bono-elton-john-chuck-d-talk-about-joe-strummerthe-clash Bono: Well, without exaggeration, the Clash were the first rock n roll band that we ever saw perform. It was in 1977, in Dublin, on the Clash's Get Out of Control tour-in fact, we wrote a tune called "out of Control" after seeing that show. I was 17 at the time, and I remember being frightened because there was a lot of aggression at the gate. But I was also elated. + Love this fun fact: Most of the album was conceived on the 18th floor of a council high rise on London's Harrow Road, in a flat that was rented by Mick Jones's grandmother, who frequently went to see their live concerts. <3 <3 <3
Punk is essentially two things: the message and the energy. You do hear them both here, but I need more than that. Give me more interesting compositions or production or playing, or give me a groove that is impossible to ignore, or give me lyrics and a vocal performance that moves me. I like The Clash and I appreciate the viewpoint and the energy, but this isn't an album I'd ever choose to put on.
Surprisingly mid
I didn’t recognize any of the songs, and they all sounded alike for the most part.
This never hit for me like the pistols. White people love this.
Not the best The Clash album but not a bad one. White Riot is a great song.
2.8/5
some standouts, but i don't think this is their best album
Never was into punk, but this is fun.
meh
This was pretty fun to listen to!
I had never listened to this straight through before. I found some new meaning in "I'm so bored with the U. S. A."
British punk has never been my thing
Clash - sofort erkennbar und eingängig. Aber irgendwie packt mich das Album nicht. Doch der Einfluss auf andere ist unbestreitbar.
Solid
Die Sex Pistols waren mir immer lieber...
Es rock retro, es muy enérgico y la batería suena brutal 🫶🏻
pretty decent. definitely a new type of music i wouldn’t normally listen to. however i didn’t finish the whole album hhahah lmao
Classic Punk, be great when you’re in the mood for it
Pretty good, hard guitar, drums on point. Singer could be better, but it's very enjoyable.
I don’t dislike it but punk don’t massively do it for me. Quite like Police and Thieves but the rest seems to all blur together as fine.
If was better than I anticipated. Still not crazy about it, but it was a fun listen.
Good album, little just loud for my taste
What are the odds? Yesterday was Smash by the Offspring. Today is the Clash by the Clash. Cultural significance? Check. The shit singer and competent guitarist being led along by a drummer much too good for this gig? Check. There are better punk albums. Some of them are even by the Clash, too.
Wieder nichts Besonderes. Aber auch nicht ganz so schlecht. 2.6
Ganz ok, hat mich aber nicht besonders begeistert. 5.4/10
Early British punk. Very lively and fun record. 3.5 stars.
Usually don't listen to punk music for the musical prowess, but for the energy, and I just didn't feel much here. Maybe I would have felt differently if I heard this at its debut, but today this just felt like they were going through the motions. Adding a star for the significance though.
3.5
I dunno, it FEELS like The Clash should be something I'd really enjoy, but I just can't click with it. Is it me? 3/5
Favorite Song: Police & Thieves Album Notes: a little too “grungy” for me. Some good rock / head banger type songs here
A great Punk album that does not Sound the same All the way through
This is the kind of punk I like.
5/10. okay. bumped up to 3/5 bc there’s more i like than dislike
Pink, short, felt a little dated.
This sounds like a parody of The Clash
It was messy, dirty, but not in a bad way. Nothing stood out too much for me though
Okay
Ok
Fun listen, not bad.
Listened to this while playing Barcelona solo. First time playing the game...lost by a lot. I enjoyed the first couple songs, but from there it just slowly tapered off for me. Better than some of the other punk albums I've heard on here, but it's still not my favorite of genres.
Classic punk album
it's quite underwhelming when compared to combat rock or london calling but it's still the clash so tis' good
Like the punk, groovy melodies.
Thought this was pretty good Favorite songs: Janie Jones, I’m So Bored with the USA
62/100
Lyrically and message wise, they're top notch, but that's where my love-affair ends with The Clash. The vocals/music doesn't do it for me nearly as much as I want, sadly.
Dope punk album that sets a genre up for the decade
British rock and roll/punk. Famous band. The music is catchy, but nothing special. Don’t like the vocals.
Really influential and I can appreciate that, but it's not really my taste so by the end I was really done listening to this album.
Not my most favorite work by them but still it was solid
I was all ready to hate this album because, well... "I hate The Clash..." or have assumed that for years. In reality, I vehemently despise The Clash's reggae tendencies like "The Guns of Brixton," “Police & Thieves" boring yawn-a-thon junk. Surprisingly, most of the songs on this are tolerable and maybe even a little enjoyable... though if I'm listening to 70's Britshit, I'd far prefer Stiff Little Fingers.
The Clash had a couple of great albums. This isn’t one of them.
I like this quite a bit. The sound is a tad too unpolished and the vocals seem frayed at times. Otherwise this would go into my regular rotation.
Good album, maybe not my cup of tea but there are undoubtebly some great genre-defining songs in this album
A really good first album and one that they could build upon to make London Calling
3.5
Never been into punk. Wasn’t bad but also wasn’t good.
Fun album, hadn’t listened to their stuff before, but am more likely to listen now.
The clash is one of the most recognisable punk band, one of the best and famous too, with the Pistols. Janie Jones is a good rock n roll track, similar to The Ramones, the backing vocals are good and the riff too. I'm so bored with the U.S.A intro look a bit too much as Pretty vacant, but the rest of the song is fine. Globably the songs have good punk lyrics with a early 60's rock n roll riff and musicality, the songs are expeditive, like the ramones 14 song for 35 minutes. It a classic of punk with all the ingredients. The album is revendicative, violent fill with anger and energy, all what the punk movement need, i would class it a less good as the Sex pistols or the Ramones debut, but
Very tight, well played, well composed songs. Considered revolutionary at the time and still remains as a good example of late 70s - early 80's garage/punk rock, but doesn't hold the same impact today. Best Song(s): Police & Thieves Listen Again: Yes
Punk
Meh
The debut album of the clash sounds precisely that. Ok the whole punk is underproduced and usually underwritten. This album introduces some good song writing in songs such as white riot but a lot of the tracks are filler that would be debut EP fodder. The clash were never a big band for me growing up and this record would not turn many people on to their later and largely better work.
Pretty solid. Some parts are really difficult to understand due to the accents.
glum
Punk. Termina aburriendo.
I didn't feel the connection.
Preferred this to London Calling as it's shorter, more focused and more what I'd expect of Punk music.
3.5
They bore me
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: I did, very classic feel to it Favourite song: Track 4 - White Riot
Punk rock I don't think really is my type :')
Yeah it's OK.
I think the clash are a band that I really want to like but can't quite get there. Between this and london calling I've heard what are widely considered their best albums and they still haven't clicked for me. I appreciate everything from the lyrics to the production (less so the vocals) but I just can't engage with it the way I want to. It might just be punk fatigue from this list but they don't stand head and shoulders above the rest for me. I liked police and thieves but otherwise it thought it was pretty similar to London calling just thankfully shorter.
Ik ken The Clash, maar dit is denk ik hun eerdere werk. Het klinkt een beetje als een jongensachtige rockband die hun (ietwat geforceerde) ongenoegen wil uiten naar de overheid. I like it.
Wel goed, paar nummers echt heel dik. Maar veel van hetzelfde
Classic Clash. It's good but didn't grab me as much as their later stuff. I'm sure the debut was very influential though, but it's just a taste of what is to come IMO.
The Clash’s self titled debut didn’t really hit the spot for me. No doubt about it there’s some great riffs and interesting punk tracks and ideas, and let’s not take away the fact that they were pioneers for the genre; I just feel like the album hasn’t aged very well and lacks the classiness and production that later albums have. As someone who is already not really clued up on his punk, this album was just OK for me. Repetitive drum patterns and the vocal delivery just isn’t for me, even though there is some tracks I genuinely do like. RATING: 6.3/10
Not bad
Ik så meget at sige
I listened to it, for the umpteenth time. I still like it, though it's a bit worn. My musical tastes have also changed, this album has slipped into the nostalgia category.
Classic clash
The Gash more like! I like gash so that's a compliment
Old school British punk. Has some of the classics by the clash.
Not my favorite from them but still pretty good
Cool, Connaissait, mais peu entendu en général. Très similaire aux Ramones. Préféré le début de l'album que la fin, quoique les chansons se ressemblent assez.
It's not London Calling, but the formation of Punk is still there.
Pretty good sound but I can’t for the life of me understand anything they’re singing
Classic Clash
I liked it, but was mostly struck by how much better they got.
Went into this expecting it to be bland British punk. Left thinking this was actually pretty solid and a little less bland than most other punk we have listened to so far. The guitar solos were pretty dang good throughout. Cheat was the best song, loved the effect at the end. Overall I think the last half of the album was a bit better than the first half, but not enough to push it to a 4 star.
Perus....
An okay punk album, but some of the later Clash albums are better in my opinion
3.5
I expected more from this.
I get that they're important for the development of punk/ska and modern Rock, but the clash just aren't my thing. This album is good, but doesn't resonate with me personally.
6/10. Sounds like The Clash, who I generally find a little bland. They have some exciting energy, which works on this shorter, fast-burning album, but it's rare that I really like one of their songs much
Slightly better than London Calling since it’s more punk and less dub and doesn’t last for over an hour. Still has the same fundamental problem of terrible vocals. 5/10
Very much a necessary album for The Clash - they needed to get this album out of the way so that they could move onto their classic sound. Sounds like it was recorded in a teapot though Police & Thieves and White Riot stand out
This is good, but it doesn't quite grab me in the same way London Calling does. A strong 3.
the clash!!!! i know these guys -going back to the OG punk stuff. which i love -its a lot of fun to listen to -favorites: hate & war, garageland -overall this is the type of music i wouldn’t usually listen to but im into it -im going to honest i dont like it as much as i thought i was going to -but its not bad!!!!!
It’s no London Calling
Heard it so many times I can't be objective. Charming that this was considered tough sounding at the time.
Better than expected, but I probably had unfair expectations, can Listen to this again
It's the clash, it's punk. I've never heard anything off this album before, but it has everything you would expect from a classic punk record. Raw instrument, raw vocals, loud. Excellent representation of the genre
Pretty good but not their best.
I am not a big fan of punk so I find it hard to listen to it and find any value in it for me. Average album
Got this one right after the Sex Pistols. Can't help but compare and constrast. The songs on this one are mercifully shorter. The lyrics are smarter, but the instrumentation has less speed and passion. It's more cerebral punk, but that's not what I come to punk music for. Was tempted to give this 2 stars, possibly due to punk fatigue, but the second half is stronger; it has more heart that I initially thought.
Yeah, ok?
Good
Although it's early Clash, they still get the vibe pass of pure british punk rock.
Overall: What is the overall style and genre of the album? Punk, hardcore? I dont really know genres well to assign sub-genres Are there any standout tracks or moments that resonated with you? Hate & War was the best track on the album. Class consciousness came through in the second half of the album which we always stan. Didnt like the mixing, lots of panning and instruments in one ear, Cheat was the worst offender for this. How did the album make you feel? Did it evoke specific emotions? It was good. Energetic is the "emotion" I felt. made me want to get up and do stuff Did you enjoy listening to the album overall? 5/10. It was a fun listen, not un-enjoyable but I think I'm unlikely to ever seek it out again. I know that they have a reputation of being a classic and loved by lots of people so I felt a little guilty while listening that I didnt enjoy the album all that much. Would you recommend this album? Who might particularly enjoy it? No I dont think I'd tell anyone "yo you gotta check out the clashes ST album from 1977." A bit late to put someone on to it. Also I didnt like it enough to recommend it. I do think Danny would love it, hes a big fan of the clash, I think London Calling is one of his top 5. Album Notes: Not sure if this is Seinfeld effect or something. I feel like there are a lot of things that I like about punk and rock in general but I've got the advantage of 50 years of development in the genre. I liked the instrumentals but I found it really hard to get over the unintelligibility of the vocals. Would I listen to this album again?- Not unless it was already on, that is to say that I wouldnt seek it out, but I wouldnt complain if it was on. Track 1 Jaine Jones: Dont love his voice. Bass stands out. Track 2 Remote Control: Lead guitar is fun. Hate the vocals, turbo marbles. chorus-y gang vocals are fun Track 3 I'm So Bored with the USA: Again intro is a bop until the vocals come in and then I cant fucking understand him. "Bored of the USA" - same bro Track 4 White Riot: Its fun, I agree that I want to riot too. Gotta say though, listening in 2023 makes me cringe cause I can only imagine what the right wingers would do with this song if they found it. They think rage against the machine is their music. I can only imagine "White Riot" playing on at least one bluetooth speaker on Jan 6th... Track 5 Hate & War: Best song on the album so far. Track 6 What's my name: Tone change. AYAYAYAAAYAYY AYAYAYAYAAAYAYYYA Track 7 Deny: no notes Track 8 London's Burning: Fuck this track holy shit. Track 9 Career Opportunities: Again 10/10 intro, and then the vocals come in. Overall a bop Track 10 Cheat: Some one found the panning slider on the mix deck holy shit. Track 11 Protex Blue: why is the guitar only on my left side. huh bad audio tech no cookie for you. Track 12 Police & Thieves: The more things change the more they stay the same... Also tho what the fuck. average track length 2 min then this 6 min track comes in, holy hell. Track 13 48 Hours: Track 14 Garageland: "in the garage again with by bullshit detector" great line. I dont want to know what the rich are doing. Also love that.
Not my favorite Clash album, but I enjoyed the 3 listens!
Love the energy on the album, but it is very monotonous for how long it runs. I appreciate that the boys would diversify their sound later.
the chord changes early in 'remote control' made me think i was finally going to get this record - but alas i did not - not the song or the album on paper this is for me. its a punk classic. strummer is so incisive. but most of the tracks i find forgettable.
Fairly average debut.
It's alright, occasionally thought I was listening to Buzzcocks. The vocal impression of an echo chamber at the end of 'Police and Thieves' amused me.
top tracks: im so bored with the usa garageland
It’s IK
Ok. The songs sound a lot alike.
This is punk AF and I ain't about it. This is some of the more palatable punk I've listen to though. 🤷♂️
p378. 1977. 3.5 stars. Shouty garage band with some decent tunes that got lucky - right time, right place. Incredibly influential at the time, but hasn't aged well and there is a lot of filler.
"The Clash" from 1977 is an alright debut studio album from the punk band. It is indeed a Mixed bag since it ranges from some great punk songs to mediocre punk. Songs like "White Riot" and "Career Opportunities" are nonstop headbangers while songs like “What’s My Name" are easily skippable. Not as replayable as the favored "London Calling" but keeps it short and energetic enough to keep you entertained. Good lyrical topics too!
This inclusion feels more like a "best first record" or "rookie of the year" or "new younger poets" or a retroactive lifetime achievement award, because this, while biting and high-energy and tightly played, is a bit monolithic and not throat-grabbingly cool at first listen, though it improves as it goes along and last several cuts, including "Cheat," "Police & Thieves" and "Garageland" confirm it's much more than punk and points the way forward to better records. One would like to weigh the relative merits with the poppier "Combat Rock" of one's youth.
I feel bad I just find this boring
Not my style
Was quite impressed with the variety of riffs and Melodie’s on this album. Thought we were in for a 35 minutes of an album that sounded like one song. Gained a little more respect for old school punk music after this listen. I can’t give this anything higher than a 3 because of the punk vocals that make my ears bleed.
Never really got into The Clash, however there are some fun punk tracks on this album. 48 Hours has some great gang vocals. Janie Jones is a good opener. White Riot is a great track. I don't love the Police and Thieves cover but otherwise fairly solid album.
The recipe for a good song title: “London (insert verb here)” This album is great for writing an email that you know people won’t read but you spend an obscene amount of time on it, just in case. I don’t listen to punk a lot, but there’s no deny-ing this is The Clash. Their brilliance pretty much lies with their frontman Joe Strummer and his aura. With one of the best rock n roll names of all time, he didn’t really need to weigh many career opportunities because he was born to do this. I listen 1.5 times as I didn’t mind it, but there wasn’t anything special for me here. My favourite on the record is I’m so Bored with the USA. The lyric and delivery of the chorus is just the best, one of those catchy punk melodies. And frankly, aren’t we all a little bored with the USA by now? I see a theme appearing in this list: Early albums of more well-known acts that don’t necessarily contain their largest hits. Are they treating us or are they cheat-ing us? Who’s to say. Onto a weekend album, where we have 48 hours+ to listen.
Love The Clash but this was the first time I'd listened to this album which, in my opinion, is a step bellow their later offerings. Still a fun listen, much more straightforward punk than their later sound. I'm a big fan of Joe Strummer, as comical as his voice may be. White Riot stands out as a favourite and I like the history behind the song! Would listen to this while working or running.
This album is pretty ok. The pure punk sound is just a bit much for me over an entire album. I really like the songwriting from these guys overall and the instrumentation is decent. The singing is great if only because I love the hilarious classic Clash singing style. I never listen to this album despite enjoying the Clash a lot, just due to how it's fairly monotonous and I get tired of it. Mostly, listening to this album just made me excited that we would eventually certainly see London Calling pop up on this list.
The Clash is the debut album by English punk rock band the Clash. It performed well critically & commercially and has been ranked as one of the greatest punk rock albums of all time. Critics described it at release as one of the best "rock and roll" album - punk rock wasn't a genre at the time. I enjoyed listening to this album, although I didn't find many of the tracks to stick out to me as amazing. Obviously it's an early iteration of punk rock, so it's different than today's, but the music is good quality and was exciting. This is a good album for rock - specifically punk rock - fans.
Decent but never got the big deal
3.5
Early punk is always good!! I would say they stuck to one sound the whole album. Favorites were I’m so bored in the USA and Police and Thieves
Hard to review in a vacuum. 1) knowing that outside of the Ramones and Sex Pistols this is one of the first punk acts to breakthrough, so I’m sure it was very new and interesting. 2) I know the absolute genius they put on with London Calling. The album didn’t wow me, but I found myself enjoying it and I love the snarl of Joe Strummer’s voice.
Swag
It's the clash.
It was fine. Idk, are these album supposed to be life changing? They are mostly just okay?
The sound/style was very consistent all throughout. I wonder if this is to be expected with older albums due to the limitations of technology. Not stylistically, but recording-wise. But I'm probably underestimating what can be done. The style didn't mesh too well with me; that combined with the consistency of that sound throughout left me thinking "Eh. Was fine, won't listen again." If it were playing at a party, I wouldn't complain. Good album for that. Lol.
Decent. Far better than contemporary punk albums at the time. Can see the influence on almost every punk band after them. Wouldn’t re-listen to it often enough but appreciate its pioneering sound
I was already familiar with a handful of songs, but hadn't heard the whole album before. Fairly enjoyable as a whole, however it all blurs together, and apart from a few exceptions, most of the individual songs don't stick with me after I've finished listening. Solid 3/5. Highlights: I'm so Bored with the U.S.A., Police & Thieves
When is Rock Lobster going to play? These songs would make it on the soundtrack of Tony Hawks Pro Skater games. Any of them would because they all sound the same. Police & Thieves had me tapping my foot and reminded me of a song David Bowie would sing in the Labyrinth. The remaining two songs are forgettable.
3.5/5 (it didn’t let me do half stars) I did enjoy the album and felt that many of the themes presented back in 1977 still remain somewhat relevant today e.g. worker dissatisfaction, police brutality and criticism of US military involvement (Vietnam) The album was mostly made up of many very short songs with most of them no longer than 2 minutes. I did feel this may have help contribute to me finding that many songs blending into one which did cause the Album to become a bit same-ish at points. Never the less the album did have some songs that stood out to me. Favourite songs: I’m so bored with the USA White Riot Career Opportunities Police & Thieves Overall, it’s not my favourite Clash album but it was still good
Very weak 3 star, stronger two star.
not my type of punk but i like it
listened to again the origins of punk
3/5 I liked this album, but I don't know if it's cause I'm learning about English Punk Rock or my values are changing or if they were good. I feel confused. Lmao.
I ummed and ahhed over the score on this one and have settled for right down the middle. One song irritated me but other than that the album was okay. I don't think I'll revist but I didn't hate every second so... Progress? Or a bar that's been lowered? Tune in next time to find out!
overall a solid punk record. However I have trouble listening to their vocals because of the frequent screaming and all, so I have to pull up the lyrics for this album.
I am not a fan of punk rock, but The Clash hits different
mid
Not my usual style but most songs didn’t phase me and i liked the raunchy sounding vocals
British as fuck 3.5
I always did like White Riot pretty good. The energy here is pretty great. But yeah, not much keeping me listening.
It speaks volumes that the best track here, 'Police and Thieves', is a cover - and one that doesn't touch the original. There are other good tracks here - 'White Riot', 'London's Burning' - and the songwriting is a cut above the norm, but this isn't the finished article. Energy aside, the Clash had some evolving to do. Here they take their musical cues from the Stooges and the New York Dolls, but they're don't possess the danger or sleaze. There's a peculiar restraint at play here. Strummer tries to sound like he means it, man, but his mush-mouthed delivery verges on the ridiculous at times. I don't like him as a singer. Pretty good for all that, though.
Inspirational to almost all the punk I listen to, but does little for me
All the clashes music sounds the same
I feel like this would have been the best music for me had I been a teen at the time. As it is now, it's rather dated. Still good. But hasn't really held up.
2.75 Very garage sounds, a little unrefined. In a vacuum it’s fine as an album, but in context is 5/5 for its importance
Garageiest of garage rock, very raw and unpolished but high energy fun
Solid debut from the great-uncles of punk. But I feel they're holding back somewhat on the record. Live versions of the songs sound more convincing, more alive, more exciting. I award them 3 safety pins to be used as piercings, for attaching patches to a leather jacket, or pinning a necktie to a shirt when interviewing for the next career opportunity. 🧷🧷🧷
It's all right, not my fav
I like the rockability nature of these punk songs.
This album is straight punk. All attitude, aggressive guitars, yelling. Good way to start the week!
Interesting glimpse into their early sound but not as good as their later stuff.
Pretty good little punk record. The first full album from the band I've heard, but I assume the others that came afterwards are a little more refined. 3.5/5
Good album, but I prefer London Calling.
Good, but nothing on London's Calling
Litt bråkete, men funker greit som bakgrunnsstøy siden alle sangene høres ganske like ut.
ikkje da besta av the clash
Personality : ++ Songs: -+ Overal vibes +-
Back to back punk albums. I think I may have liked this one slightly better. Felt more put together, less crazy. This album's energy pumped me up but I could not understand a word they sung lol
A good debut album. This was more in line with a lot of punk rock of the era(fast, simple songs, pure energy, reckless abandon).They would go on to really differentiate themselves with their latter work, what became their classic stuff, but this is still an enjoyable listen of "The Only Band that Matters".
Top 3 Songs: 1 - White Riot (4) 2 - Deny (7) 3 - Protex Blue (11)
Janie Jones - seems like a bit of a dick Remote control- fine tune👍 I'm so bored with the USA- facts still. Nice fake out👍 White riot- idk this seems to me to be co-opting riots for own personal gain. Maybe unintentionally white nationalist Hate+ war- doesn't do anything for me What's my name- not fan of chorus, some verses quite clever Deny- meh Londons burning- nice verses👍 Career opportunities- this is very catchy, solid song all around👍 Cheat- rhyming quite lame protex blue - low effort condom song Police & thieves - refreshingly different from rest of album, doesn't justify its length for me 48 hours - this is filler Garageland - is snobbery punk? Fave track: career opportunities Least fave - white riots Lots of tracks short and don't have much impact. Some good songs and I'm not really a fan of punk so I'll give this 3/5
DNF but I liked better than expected