Reviews (page 5 of 9)
I’d never heard of The Jam until I started this project, but they’ve been mentioned in some books that I’ve read the last couple of years. Based on what I’ve read about them, I’ve was looking forward to All Mod Cons more than Sound Affects, but when I reviewed Sound Affects earlier this year, I enjoyed it, and gave it four stars. Now, the pressure is on for All Mod Cons! I didn’t enjoy All Mod Cons as much as I enjoyed Sound Affects, but I still thought it was pretty good. The guitar playing and vocals were pretty solid throughout the album, and I thought The Jam did a good job of creating a consistent sound throughout the album. Whether the song was slower and more ‘mod,’ or whether it was faster and relied more on punk influences, it was always well executed. Even though there was a good mix of new wave and punk on this album, a lot of it did sound the same, and I’d be hard pressed to differentiate a lot of these songs from one another, despite listening to this album twice. Plus, for something that falls squarely between new wave and punk, it wasn’t a particularly fun album to listen to; the energy The Jam exuded was okay, but there weren’t really any catchy hooks or melodies to latch on to. Despite that though, this album had a distinctly British feeling to it that I liked that was really well reflected in the lyrics. “Fly” was my favorite song on the album; I really liked the acoustic guitar intro, and how the song kept returning to that guitar riff, even as more instruments were added. It was a really sincere and beautiful song, and it really stood out from the rest of the album. Overall, All Mod Cons was fine, but I don’t think I’d come back to it.
I had not really listened to this before. I really liked it. Great vocals. Great drums. Some good hooks. I thought the production was really clear.
I knew The Jam but I’d never heard this album or any songs from it. With that said, I quite enjoyed All Mod Cons. It felt very British so I’m sure I missed a lot of lyrical references. Doesn't matter though because this was just fun to listen to. As a fan of both The Clash and The Police, I’m a little embarrassed I don’t know more from The Jam due to some of their shared musical styles. I would definitely listen to this again. I’m giving it a 3 rating but only because I’ve only heard this the one time. If I spend more time with All Mod Cons, I could see that number going up. 3/5
Late 70s British new wave punk. Decent, but not especially my cup of tea.
This was a fun listen with lots of variety I dont think it matches up to the clash or the smiths but still a fuuun listen. Low 4
Mildly interesting from a historical perspective but not really my jam.
A great album from a great band that I’ve enjoyed and respect, but maybe have never fully connected with. I can’t fully explain it, but I think it has to do with the same reasons the Jam were huge in the U.K. but had little impact in the U.S.: the sensibilities and ethos in their music are British through and through. This struck me during this listen while English Rose was on. What a beautiful, raw tribute this song is to Pete Weller’s home country (and girlfriend at the time). He’s likened this song and touring in a band to old sailers that left England and their wives for months on end. While there are universal themes in this song and others, Pete’s lyrics and delivery are so very British. I don’t mean this in a bad way at all: quite the contrary. I think it’s a beautiful thing. Anyway, All Mod Cons is a fantastic album, and I won’t argue with anyone giving it five stars that it’s deserving.
I’ve always loved The Jam, but didn’t know quite how much. This is crazy good. So pretty, so cool, so fun. Way, way ahead of their contemporaries.
fine, perfectly acceptable music
Overall a good album, but unfortunately there is something about the Jam I don't like. Maybe it's there sound or paul sellers arrogance.
The Jam's debut album, In the City is a personal favorite, mod-punk with a propulsive catchy 1960s sense of melodic vocal harmonies and an outsider's perspective of the British class structure and subculture. All Mod Cons has the band diversifying their guitar, mod and freakbeat inspired New Wave with a Kinks cover ("David Watts") and a couple of acoustic songs ("English Rose" and the opening of "Fly"). Paul Weller was experiencing writer's block on this third album and evidently cast aside a few songs that were later included on the album, but they mattered so little to him that lyrics were not included on the original liner. The first three songs have the sort of pop culture and social criticism of the UK found in the discography of the Kinks, this influence culminates in David Watts. "In the Crowd" has a similar lyrical sympathy with "Going Underground" and "Away From the Numbers" a sense of isolation in a culture, a subculture, a demographic, a generation, but it eventually evolves into a Freakbeat inspired guitar feedback rave recalling so many British Invasion bands. I don't know if this coheres into a complete and essential album, but there are moments of New Wave sheen that makes me recoil until the punk energy and attitude comes in.
Nice short and sweet album.
Cool album. Early punk rock is always kinda cool to hear because although it doesn’t seem unique with today’s music, it was. I never listened to The Jam but was fun to go back in time and give this a listen. Great bass lines. Some of the songs really stand out because the bass. British new wave singing always makes me smile.
Really fun album. Definitely a bit rough around the edges, and has somewhat generic moments. But overall it was a really solid listen, definitely one I can see growing on me.
Huh [2]
fun album
Wow I really did not like it. This is a perfect example of this particular genre of music that I can't force myself to like. It's always from the UK, the vocalist is bad and sings in a screamy, non-melodic manner, the songs are kind of punky or new wave and there's very few engaging melodies. Instead, it's pretending to be somehow alternative or cutting edge for killing momentum of any interesting melody that might appear in their songs. They all sound the same to me. I really, really do not like it and I feel like if it wasn't from the UK, no one would care about it. There's so much more interesting music outside of this 'genre' - in particular, from non-English speaking countries.
The College Dropout and Good Kid, Madd City are being removed from the next iteration of this list but I assume the policy of including literally every random ass British rock band that had a minor hit song in the 70s or 80s will continue in perpetuity.
1. i know paul weller from his association with oasis. 2. i know the Jam because of "Going Underground" being featured on the London olympics opening ceremony. 3. and i think it's good although i wont put this on repeat! 4/5
They never hit in the US like they did in the UK. Personally, I prefer “The Gift” to this album.
33/1089 - This was very enjoyable. The songs seemed largely on the shorter side but they were compact. I'm gonna learn "English Rose" on piano.
Sure! I like me some late 1970s British rock
British punk vibes in a 70s rock setting -- pretty good!
Cool
I’m not sure how I feel about it but I know I don’t hate it
Would listen again; just a simple, fun and good album that I would have loved when I was heavy into the clash, the specials, etc. in my teenage years. A high three that I’m rounding up to a four. Faves: English rose, all mod cons into to be someone
Not bad, not great. Basslines are dope. Sorta reminded me of Franz Ferdinand and how they may have expanded upon what the Jam did.
I'd never heard this album before and I loved it! I was familiar with the band's name but I hadn't really heard anything by them...I don't think they were very popular around here. I'm amazed though...this is great stuff. I think they're considered punk, but this is not punk. I would say Post-punk. Great melodies and songwriting. I can definitely hear their influence on lots of other later 80s music.
I’d rate this album as slightly above average. It has a punk feel but with a softer, more approachable touch. There’s also an early new wave influence that gives it a bit more melody and polish.
meh
I can see this being a new thing back in 1978. This was okay.
I bet there’s like one good song that I’ve heard somewhere on this album. Can’t wait to wade through 30 mins of garbage to find it. Update: nope just generically meh rock music.
A nice little rock album but nothing that really stuck too much in my brain. Also a few tracks were unfortunately more annoying to me than fun.
The first song on this album made me think it was going to be any other British punk rock album that I had heard before, by the end of the second song I was really in. There were a couple times at the lead singer's vocals I thought could've been a bit cleaner, but overall they had a great variety on this album and I really enjoyed the entire thing. I especially liked the quick breaks to soft acoustic songs.
Proper album. They really nail that new wavey punk rock sound that was popular among British artists in this era. Paul Weller doesn't have an amazing voice, but he doesn't need it since the songwriting is good. I enjoyed the album, but it could have used a bit more change up.
All around solid album. 100% of the songs got my foot tapping and were pretty catchy. Nothing stood out as a definite hit, but this level of consistently good songs in a single album is rare.
Damn! Great fun
All Mod Pros!!
#495. None of this really caught my attention. I kept listening, waiting for the good part, but then it just kinda ended. 3/5: fine, sorta Song added to playlist: In the Crowd I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Don't know the definition of a jam band.. all the songs sound the same? Phish DMB I think this fits. Good stuff, nothing to make me remember anything in particular about it
Fine. Nothing that commands your attention, but if you like music of this ilk then this is more of the same.
It’s fine.
Solid...sounds very of that era. Would listen to more but wasn't blown away. 3.5/5
I didn't actually know this one--Sound Affects is more my jam--but it's excellent, of course.
The most I can say about this album is that it was OK. It’s the definition of an “alright” album. The album has an undeniably 70’s feel but it’s the “smooth radio” kind of 70’s that I’m not really a fan of. The kind of music that no drugs were involved in the making off and it lacks that “cocaine-indused-sound” that I love, like Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd. It felt more like a post-punk 80’s album at times, falling flat on itself. There was nothing remarkable about this album, it was just music. I’m glad I can say I have listened to the Jam now, as it's a band that always caught my eye, but I’m not overly interested in exploring them further at this time. It’s very dad-clicking-fingers music.
++: All Mod Cons, David Watts, English Rose, In the Crowd, Billy Hunt, It's Too Bad, The Place I Love, 'A' Bomb in Wardour Street, Down in the Tube Station at Midnight +: To Be Someone (Didn't We Have a Nice Time) +-: Mr. Clean -: Fly 7,9/10
aye brah no you luvv na kinks n allatt brav les mak ann alm wittda soun ykno
The energy is incredible, this is without doubt The Jam at their very best. I first saw them in 1978 as this album was released, I was 16 and they blew my mind. It start a lifetime of music for me. Thank you for this!
01) All Mod Cons - 6,5 02) To Be Someone (Didn't We Have a Nice Time) - 7,0 03) Mr. Clean - 7,5 04) David Watts - 7,5 05) English Rose - 7,5 06) In the Crowd - 7,0 07) Billy Hunt - 8,0 08) It's Too Bad - 7,0 09) Fly - 7,5 10) The Place I Love - 7,0 11) 'A' Bomb in Wardour Street - 7,0 12) Down in the Tube Station at Midnight - 8,0 TOTAL: 7,29 (73/100) Current ranking: 242/438
In April 2003, a man in a pub threatened me with an ashtray because I called Paul Weller 'shite'. Well I'd like to apologise to that clearly unhinged man, and in fact the Modfather himself, because this was actually dead good. It makes you wonder why all the famous Jam songs are so rubbish really. Also, all of Weller's solo work is risible, so I retract my apology.
New wave really isn’t my…Jam, but can appreciate. Recognize the Clash and The Police influences.
Jeg glemte at skrive noter, og nu har jeg glemt albummet.
Der er noget Television over det. Men mere punket på en eller anden måde. Og noget The Clash. Og elementer af The Police. Og så er der en rigtig fin lille sang i English Rose. Jeg tror ikke de her englændere kunne li’ at blive sat i bås. Troede heller ikke at jeg kendte dem af mere end navn. Men det er da dem med A Town Called Malice.
Another one I would give a 3.5 to
every song on this sounds like it could be on a tony hawk's pro skater game which honestly is pretty good praise from me. well done to the jam, solid one
Great album
3.5
Me han gustado las más tranquilas: Fly, In the crowd y English rose. También Down in the tube station at midnight. ¡Cuánto le deben los grupos de los 2000 a estos Jam!
Still sounds great to my ears.
All Mod Cons is a fine listen. The Jam inject an infectious energy into their songs. That said, it doesn't have any songs that are all that memorable. It does have good tracks throughout, just none that I'll be humming a few hours later. Good album, but probably not essential.
Had a hard time getting into this one.
English Rose was the best song from this album. It's really lovely.
A good album as a whole but the individual songs differ to much for me. Some are great while others I can't get in to at all. Very mod-rock-isch with a very British sound all around.
Some creative songwriting on here for sure.
1.75
Are you a Mod or a Rocker?? I'm a Mocker myself. I've not heard of this band before, but I might listen again. Album was solid 3 for me.
this was sort of awesome (fun and groovy)
Very bri'ish.
Just fine, liked one song but the rest were just fine.
Solid but didn't move me that much.
Тоже четверочку поставлю - он как-то поживее и в другом стиле, чем предыдущий альбом. Потанцевать в баре, дрыгаясь руками и ногами - вот такое настроение )
Pretty good album. I listened to this a few times and could go for more. 4.5/5
Nice album. I don't have anything bad to say about it at all. Some solid tracks and pleasant to listen to. However, I do feel that I probably won't return much to this, but we'll see!
There are some albums that I’m sure were “ahead of their time”, but now that we’re after their time, they sound unimpressive. I think I lack the context for this one because it sounds like forgettable Brit-rock.
I only know one song by The Jam - Town Called Malice which I really like. So I thought maybe this album would be the same sort of vibe First half I enjoyed, second half just didn't click with me. Not a bad album at all. Would be more of a 3.5 Not my jam if you will 🥁 3 ⭐️
Można co najwyżej Digestiva posmarować
Unremarkable, unmemorable, unnecessary.
Never really seen the genius that so many talk about... Still the Jam were a better band than the Style Council
Nice.
Hey, they were on the Billy Elliott soundtrack makes track. And this sounds pretty good. I’d like to hear their later albums.
Okayish pop? Sounded alit like Colin Hay to me, which was nice. 3/5
So, there is obviously a huge amount of history with this album, but given how influential it was, it feels like it just became generic british pop.
Pretty good.
This was new to me and I liked it
Better than expected
Not sure why the strongest songs are near the end of the album, but it seems to pickup steam right before ending. Some good presence of early punk and alternative. Mostly all the same, however.
Good but not the best new order lp
Before starting this project had never listened to a full record by the Jam, knew their big hits but that's it, 78 albums into this project and this is the second record by them that I've gotten and have loved both. Production on this record is great, guitar, drums and bass all brilliant. Weller is a fantastic front man and songwriter. An album strong from start to finish with no filler
bleh
2,5
Sigh - more british rock. This was fine.
this has the early feel of an album that sticks in your head and eventually you come round to realize its brilliance
Quite enjoyable this is somewhere between punk and new wave
An excellent album by one of my favorite bands. I wouldn't call it their best disc but its loaded with classics.
Not bad at all but nothing that made me perk up either. High 3.
I like Paul Weller in all his forms. This may be the most sophisticated sounding punk record ever. Sweet sounding but pretty pissed off.
Nothing wrong with this but not really for me. None of the melodies stuck with me after listening
Clash coat tail klingerz unite to make an album that sounds like every other English soft punk album! 💩😕👎🏻
Never heard of The Jam until now. All Mod Cons is one hell of a bop. Not a lousy track on the album, can’t wait to hear more from them.
Nondescript didn't love it didn't hate it couldn't describe it.
This had stretches where the sound was grating and the police-like but it also had some great tracks that I will extract to playlists for more listening
I feel like I've heard a handful of these tracks before, which would certainly be plausible. A lot of it was fine, some of it was annoying. I think I have reached a reduced tolerance for "random British 60s-70s music" as a result of doing this project for over 400 albums.
J'avais jamais entendu parlé de ce band avant mais semblerait que ce soit un autre très important dans la scène punk. Je peux comprendre pourquoi parce que cet album est définitivement bien fait et parmi les meilleurs similaires que j'ai entendu dans cette liste. Je ne dirais pas que c'était un album parfait, mais ça vaudrait la peine de réécouter. 7.5/10
I really enjoyed jamming to this this afternoon, hehe. I know a couple of songs by The Jam, but this album was all new for me. I love a new wave/power pop moment. The Kinks cover was great as well.
Ja, wat willen jullie nou eigenlijk jongens? Met dun klinkende gitaartjes wordt wat gerommeld op het snijvlak van punk en glamrock, een vrij saai snijvlak om eerlijk te zijn. Met verbazing neem ik er kennis van dat kennelijk Paul Weller ('You do something to me') de zanger is.
Met een paar uitzonderingen, waaronder het enige nummer dat ik kende (English Rose) heeft dit album één tempo. The Jam slaat waarschijnlijk op dit ritme/de drums. Het is de hele tijd alsof je naar een jam van een beginnend bandje luistert. Het ritme is bekend en de anderen proberen daarop wat dingen op uit. Het is niet vervelend om te luisteren. Maar om nou te stellen dat iedereen dit moet horen....
Ik ben ergens wel bekend met de (soort) muziek van The Jam, maar moet toegeven dat ik niet zo snel heel veel nummers op kan noemen. Gelukkig hoeft dat ook niet, want veel nummers zitten wel aardig in dezelfde hoek. Althans op dit album. Ik vraag me af hoeveel ze hebben gevarieerd in hun korte bestaansperiode. Als je 6 albums uitpoept van 77 tot 82, dan zal daar ook weer niet bijster veel ontwikkeling in zitten normaal gesproken. The Jam is blijkbaar Mod Revival muziek, wat volgens wiki omschreven wordt als "The Mod Revival started with disillusionment with the punk scene when commercialism set in.". En het zit qua tijdsperiode een beetje tussen punk en postpunk in. Dan vind ik het wel grappig, dat deze muziek veel toegankelijker, radiovriendelijker en dus commercieler is dan de punk en de postpunk. Beetje rare omschrijving van de stijl dan. Het positieve eraan, is dat ik altijd aangeef bij punk en postpunk dat het zo'n ongeorganiseerde bende is en zo arelaxed om te luisteren, door slechte zang, slechte instrumenten of slechte opnamekwaliteit. En nog vaker: dat allemaal tegelijk. En dat is bij dit album dus niet het geval. Het klinkt goed, Paul Weller kan prima zingen, liedjes zitten lekker in elkaar. Cleane opname. Helemaal prima dus. Muzikaal is het prettig om te luisteren. Het gaat van beatcovers van the Kinks tot aan bijna americana van de eerste platen van REM. Er zitten weinig echt ruwe randjes aan, en dat bedoel ik in dit geval in de positieve zin. Fijn album, fijne 4 sterren waard.
This was good, I think I'd listen to it again.
Jammin’
Admittedly I don't know much about mod culture or its revival, but I know this is a good album. A nice blend of blistering speed, relaxed complexity, and ranging emotional lyrics. I definitely felt like the B side was noticeably weaker, but an all around solid rocking listen. Top tracks: Mr. Clean, English Rose, Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
Minus English Rose this is a banger.
Interesting, English Rose was my favorite. 3.5
норм. без негатива, но ни одна песня не зацепила. не очень похоже на мои любимые британские группы.
This isn't objectionable in any way. In fact, this was a pleasant listen. Really, I did quite enjoy this. However, I do find its placement on this list a bit confusing. There isn't anything here The Clash didn't do better and earlier
fantastic album, hits like in the crowd and all mon cons were some of my favorites, definitely needs another listen!! 4/5 album with potential to be 4.5/5.
England. 2 stars.
Love The Jam! One of the best power trios in rock history IMO. And "All Mod Cons" was a big jump in maturity from their two '77 albums ("Billy Hunt" excepted). Your average angry young disaffected punks wouldn't come up with "Fly" or "English Rose". And it's interesting that they sequenced the most powerful songs, which I think were singles, to the end of the record. To Be Someone, A-Bomb, Tube Station are all revered Jam classics.
Should probably love this more based on what it influenced, what it was influenced by, and who was a part of it (Paul Weller). Didn't really stand out to me though. Everything is there but it didn't really click with me.
My second album of theirs. It's like the early Kinks maybe? Like punk/new wave. Fairly average for the time period. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing to set it apart from the hordes of other bands that sounded exactly the same. Favourite songs: English Rose, 'A' Bomb in Wardour Street, Mr. Clean, The Place I Love, Billy Hunt Least favourite songs: Fly 3/5
A band which has never done much for me. There's some not too bad tracks on this and it's not a bad album, just not for me
Bloody brilliant. The lyrics of Weller were just so clever and visceral. In "Down at the Tube Station..." he describes a group hanging around as smelling "like pubs, and Wormwood Scrubs, and too many right-wing meetings". (Wormwood Scrubs being an infamous London prison). Just incredible! The Jam were very popular in the UK and still get a lot of air play, but their depth and social commentary were so much more than just popular music!
One of my personal favorites. Glad to see it on the list!
Outstanding artistry! A joy to listen to. Why did no one tell me about The Jam? 4.6
2/5
Classic. Love this album, I should listen to it more. All Mod Cons is a great sharpe, short and sweet opener. Quick, in your face, top song To Be Someone is a great song The best is last. DOWN IN THE TUBESTATION AT MIDNIGHT OHHH OH OH OHHHH OH TUNE great album, great song
It was....fine, I guess
Great. The Jam turning from "Punk" to superb pop.
Cool jam.
By the end of the album I had Going Underground in my head and only noticed on the second listen that it’s not on the album 😂… a high 3 but doesn’t quite make it to a 4.
A rollicking fun listen - energetic and competent performances, more than a healthy slice of Englishness, memorable songwriting.
It’s impressive how The Jam sounds. They are unique, like from a different timeline. When you analyze all the great albums they released and WHEN they did it you cannot think about any other word besides UNDERRATED. All Mod Cons has no skips. 4.5/5
I hadn't heard this record before -- just some of the singles -- but it fits very well into the idiom of what was going on in the UK at the time it was released. Fun, energetic, power pop, essentially.
Great album. Like it very much!
David Watts English Rose Down in the Tube Station at Midnight
I've always found The Jam a bit annoying, but I enjoyed this. There are none of the overplayed headline Jam singles, and it reveals a more tender side to the band. Absolutely understand how they inspired Oasis now. Not sure what David Watts or Billy Hunt would make of it though.
**An ok album, kind of tinny but ok
The Jam are a great singles band but this gets a bit workmanlike over a whole album David Watts is great though
1978 britishband, new wave, punk rock, mod revival, power pop
Great bass from Bruce Foxton, and I like the Kinksian social commentary.
It was fine, just not very memorable
Good, head bopping music
Cool one, can totally see their influence in later bands
Another Brit-pop-y sound, with nothing special. Why is this on the list?
Really fun and bouncy album. Wanders sometimes into clash territory, some shades of police, sometimes all their own. Nice record
I have definitely heard of this band. Never listened to their stuff. Eh, so far this is alright. Not my style.
As a greatest hits sort of a band, The Jam are top tier for me. But this album doesn't quite reach that same level. Enjoyable, and it gets 4*, but only just.
It's The Jam
Somehow, don't think i'd heard of them before. The sound hasn't really dated at all, and it's a good listen
One or two bangers
English Rose is a great song. Good mod album.
7/10. Enjoyable. Nothing super unique though.
English Rose // In The Crowd // Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
immaculate bass 6/10
This wasn’t bad, but I don’t think I’ll revisit this group unless they appear on this list again. Seems pretty derivative and unnecessary.
Hyväntuulista ja kova tempoista rokkia. Hyvää energiaa saa tästä kyllä. Vähän punkahtavaa myös. Parhaat: It's Too Bad, English Rose, Fly
Didn’t love it but didn’t hate it either. Okay, fine. A high 2 or low 3.
Must be Jam cos Jelly don’t shake like that… anyways it was alright.
Fun, but nothing jumped out at me
It was ok
After two promising early albums and a support slot for the Clash in 1977, here erupts the storied career of the “Modfather”, Woking’s very own Paul Weller. Together with bassist Bruce Foxton and drummer Rick Buckler, he was much lauded throughout the late 1970’s and early ‘80s with The Jam. Despite the constant praise, the band had mostly evaded me: I’d only heard this album once before it popped up here. “All Mod Cons” is an interesting mid-point between different generations of British music: while I’ve always lumped The Jam in with the punk explosion of 1977-78, on this album they borrow much more liberally from 60’s music than I’d expected. They wear their influences on their sleeves rather than snottily claiming to want nothing to do with them (looking at you, Mr. Lydon). As well as the straight up cover of Kinks classic “David Watts”, which is treated to a sharp-edged uptempo rendition, we hear the Beatles in “To Be Someone” (“Taxman” bassline in the verses) and “It’s Too Bad” (“She Loves You” guitar refrain). The early roots of The Who are here too in Weller’s splashy and slashy guitar tones, and more Ray Davies creeping into the character studies like “Mr. Clean” and the excellent “Billy Hunt”. So as much as The Jam may have been associated with tight and brittle punk, for me it’s the band’s melodic side which allows them to shine the brightest. In addition to the aforementioned tracks, the coda of “Fly” is delightful, and the ballad “English Rose” is a bit hackneyed, but still a nice change of pace and forever legitimising the band to all delicate listeners who don’t understand punk (exhibit A: my mother). Then, of course, there’s “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight”, one of the band’s biggest hits and a punchy, powerful way to end the album (false fade-out included). Overall, “All Mod Cons” is snappy and smart with a winning pace. After a brisk and taut one-minute opener, it takes a couple of songs to get going but then settles into a really good groove after the lovely palate-cleanser of “English Rose”. Even the relatively indulgent “In the Crowd”, with its reversed guitar and washed-out feedback, is a fitting centrepiece and good indication of Weller’s further experimentation to come. It’s no surprise he would later outgrow the Jam and continue a long career, relentlessly looking back through musical history to move forward.
Lekkere vroege punkrock. Veel leuke nummers
The Good: In your face, without getting intrusive! The Bad: needs more cowbell… The Ugly: that cover picture of the album does NOT invite a loving glance… In comparison to confreres of theirs in the musical stratosphere of bands from the ‘70s that start with “The” and adhere to a 1-2-1-2-3-4-bang principle, this was actually very enjoyable experience. I can hear a little Elvis Costello, I hear a little later New-Wave, there’s much appreciate sense of rhythm and musicality that goes past 3 chords… Overall The Jam have won an extra star for making me enjoy a psuedo punk album! Hurray!!! 4*
Good music and songs here. Paul Weller is an excellent songwriter.
Not my favorite. It was ok.
I’ve never heard of this band before. I thought all of the songs were just ok. Not too terrible.
Love The Jam. While this isn’t my favorite Jam album (I really like the next 2), it marks a turning point for them when the songs become less “teenager-y” and start to have more mature themes and real world scenarios. Solid work, but I don’t return to this album much.
Started off a little bit weak/generic imo but got a lot better as it went on. Jumped from a 3 to a 4
Another British album that did things back in the day, I guess. Doesn't do much for me, though.
Album 567 of 1001 The Jam - All Mod Cons (1978) Rating : 4 / 5 Some quintessential British Pop. Sounds like it would have come later than 1978. Good stuff. Brought to mind bands like Supergrass and the Buzzcocks. A pleasant surprise to start the day.
About what I expected based on the album cover to be honest. Fine album, nothing particularly great.
This sounds like the happier side of the post-punk/glam rock/soft rock style. The nonsense lyrics make individual songs less memorable but contribute really well to the atmosphere.
One would seriously think that I would fall in love with a late 70’s new wave album with an early punk rock flavour. I liked this album, but I certainly didn’t love it. Some fun lyrics, some fun simple music, but it’s really nothing more than that. “English Rose” really didn’t seem to fit the album at all, nor did it seem to suit the band playing it. I’ll take the word play and musical complexity of Joe Jackson and Men at Work over The Jam any day. It’s fine, but boy is it forgettable. 3 stars. Yawn.
This is the first album I’ve been assigned from a band I’ve never heard of, which was exciting! The album itself was… ehhhhh. There are several moments throughout the album that I enjoyed but I don’t really think I’d seek this out again. There’s obvious influence from new wave and punk but it feels like this album can’t decide what it wants to be and fails to forge its own voice. Kinda fun though. 6/10
Interesting British rock. It got a bit abstract and experimental, but not bad. 3/5
Nicht meine Richtung
Not their best.
Love The Jam, never listened to one of their albums from front to back so this was a treat. Some pretty tasty British pop punk jams in here and some interesting compositions. I do still like Style Council more but this is still some great music. 8/10
This is better than ok. A snapshot of suburban life (in the UK, in the late 70s), railing against the elite, celebrating working class joy, observing the world from street level. A few songs about the less glamorous aspects of stardom, or the banality of going with the flow thrown in, but none of the tracks are judgy or vicious like yours expect if the Jam leaned into punk more. A lot to enjoy. Easy 5 stars.
forgettable nnn
Liked ever more the second time! 4.5
I liked it
It was okay.
Prepunk
I don't listen to enough of The Jam. Still sounds great
This was not bad but kind of unimpressive, i miss the dexys trumpets..
One of the better brit pop albums that I think we've come across. This one didn't sound like one sound all the way through though, which was nice. It was broken up quite well and I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Pretty good. Sort of typical soft rock sound. The songs don’t really have choruses (or at least they aren’t clearly distinguishable from the rest of the song), which is kind of cool but also makes it more forgettable. I like a lot of the guitar parts. Overall, it’s okay.
I thought it was fine but not memorable. Maybe genre fatigue but I could do without it.
This was the last album I listened to before Helene hit Asheville like a week ago. I honestly don’t remember a thing about it but I do remember that adding a decade to the Brit Pop sound helped. I’ll go middle of the road to be safe.
Not a bad album. I liked "English Rose", but I probably won't ever think about The Jam ever again. The lines "I fumble for change, and pull out the Queen smiling, beguiling I put in the money and pull out a plum" from the song Down In The Tube Station At Midnight is one of the most British things I've ever heard.
# Album Name: All Mod Cons # Artist: The Jam # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Mr Clean is a decent tune that ive never heard from the Jam before. I like it. David Watts. Need i say more? Classic tune. Love the "ba ba ba ba ba ba baaaaaa". The pace and guitar on this is great. The piano really brings the melody out. English rose. Love this tune. Its slow, simple and beautiful. Its just a gem of a track. Down in the tube station at midnight is an absolute banger. Love this tune. Coming in at 38 mins its a good length for the style of music. # Top Tunes: Mr Clean / A' Bomb in Wardour Street / Davie Watts / English rose / Down in the tube station # Would I listen to it again? Yes, i would.
Boring
At first this album just feels like taking all the worst parts of mod and proto-punk and modernizing it in a way that avoids all the great additions brought on by post-punk and new wave, but as the album goes on it develops its personal punk sound more and more until it comes into its own by the end. It still isn't an album I especially favor, it feels comedically British and like many pop punk albums too many of the songs go in one ear and out the other, but I can at least respect this album for what it was trying to do. I don't know if the Jam are especially a band worth admiring in insert current year here, but I suppose I get the appeal enough.
Solid album throughout Standout songs: All Mod cons Mr Clean In The Crowd
poppy and catchy, very enjoyable
18/9/24 It was okay.
interesting Brit album, overall enjoyed.
Decent enough background music although I’m not a massive fan of Weller.
The first and last song are the best, really great. Rest was ok.
Rating: 7.5/10 A fun combination of rock, punk, and pop. Great performances and production, seems to be quite influential for the time but prefer other albums of this genre/era. Favorite song: Mr. Clean. Worst song: Fly.
2/5
One's a Weller fan and so digs this in most unsurprising fashion. Remastering improved the layering and textures and overall sound by more than a shout. There are multiple very strong cuts – "Mr Clean", "In the Crowd," "Fly," "A Bomb in Wardour Street," "Down In the Tube Station," and, to a lesser degree, "English Rose" which works, if a bit cringily. Collectively, this points to the excellent and more varied work Weller would go on to do in the future.
Good stuff. I like it when a band with an established, defined fan base plays with their sound, maybe opening up new genres to their fans…
This definitely helped bring along the early 80s albums
Finally something up bit. Wasn't total shite.
oh this is goooooddd
A nice surprise, I knew a song from the too David Watts is a cool song ahah
I like the upbeat power pop with the treble bass. Reminds me of Joe Jackson or early Police. You can hear a lot of of the sounds from this era. That said, the lyrics are super whiny and a lot of these songs are forgettable.
Probably more of a 3.5 but I’ll round up. Had never even heard of them before this. This is the rare album that I like more in its entirety than I do at the individual song level. Pretty cool sound and I’m a sucker for high energy, fun loving rock. Highlights for me are English Rose and down in the tube at midnight, but a lot of the other songs are pleasant but unmemorable. Reminds me of one my favorite albums ever, my aim is true by Elvis Costello. Though not at the same level musically or lyrically, has the same snarl to it.
Wasnt a tiring listen, but nothing stood out to me 🤷
Pretty unremarkable to me compared to other rock from this era. Some parts sound like the Beatles, some feel like the Clash, all of it is a worse version of that music. Can't see myself coming back to any of this.
Enjoyed the first couple of songs. Tight drums and bass throughout and fun English mod vibe. Album felt very average overall and not something I would seek out later.
Albumi #46, 12.09.2024 The Jamin kolmas studioalbumi on mod revivalia/new wavea parhaimmillaan. Levy on melko tasaisen laadukas. Menee cd-levyhyllyyn hankittavien listalle.
I sort of like the honesty and the bare faced cheek of very faithfully covering David Watts, The Kinks song that The Jam so obviously cop their signature sound from. "We are very good at being The Kinks with the anger nearer the surface.' There is more to them than that on this album. I'm a sucker for backwards guitar as on In The Crowd. A star off for Weller recently being so rude about Robert Smith.
Weller's voice is IMMENSELY annoying, in all of its appearances. "Down in the Tube Station....." is undeniably catchy though.
Why?
Album was alright. Some fun songs on here. Nothing really grabbed my attention though. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again
Loping melodic bass with surf and funk touches, chiming palm muted guitars (what a tone! Rickenbacker + AC30, perfect), high energy drums and warm engaging singing - it's simple stuff performed perfectly and written with a real flair for a catchy hook. A huge power pop sound, bright and optimistic but paired with an ironic lyric. At times a.bit like Elvis Costello in the guitar sound and nerdy punk delivery or Billy Bragg in the voice in more tender moments or occasionally a bit of Johnny rotten snarl. I've listened to this a few times over the years but it never really hit until today, but damn this is so good.
This definitely feels like the come-down from punk. There’s clearly punk elements in there, especially with A Bomb in Wardour Street, but it came across more like a power pop album. They look like mod revivalists and clearly like the who which definitely isn’t very punk. The tender moments are really sweet, English rose almost brought a tear to my eye, and then down in the tube station is an unexpectedly heart breaking note to end on. The energetic 3 piece approach is really appealing to me, and the rhythm section really drives the songs. It’s pretty mind blowing that the lads were only 19 when they produced this, although the album has a naivety in the way it wears its influences on its sleeve. Maybe an older band would start to doubt themselves if they sounded too much like other bands. It was a very pure album and I liked it a lot!
I love The Jam, there’s just something so perfectly wry yet cheeky about them. The music is the exact right style for my ears, and the lyricism always intriguing. I think what I love most though are the vocals. They are so unmistakably Bri-ISH I just love it. I don’t care for this one as much as Sound Effects, but it’s still a great listen.
My go to cut and paste comment also goes to The Jam, at least in this album. Yup, they are talented and energetic and yeah... They are OK. And now my : But so were lots of similar bands at the same time so they end up somewhere in the middle of a talented and not uninteresting pack. The hardest thing I do as a critic is realize much of popular music is actually pretty good, regardless of genre, era, or where it comes from. But it also doesn't mean that because of any or even all those things that I have to suddenly elevate them to some special status. (Contrarily, I try not to let politics influence my favoring or not of MOST musicians). Anyway, there is none of that here, The Jam are fine. and yeah, somewhere fair to middling.
I enjoyed this quite a bit and listened to it twice. Favorite tracks were David Watts, English Rose, In the Crowd, and Fly.
Have always liked this group and then Paul Weller’s project/group after that, Style Council. Catchy songs, good energy — this works for me.
I like this style of music, so this album will get a 3 on the strength of a collective. But really you could have picked virtually any album that sounds like this, and I contend there are *many*, and I’d give it a 3.
Decent pop-rock, though nothing I’d care to revisit based the first impression (or lack thereof) tbh, and that includes the individual songs. (So maybe it should be 2 stars instead.)
So, this is what the revival of rock in the 2000s should sound like. Now I got it. 🙃 In my heart, I'm still a teenage rock fan, so it's almost impossible to me not to like it
Decent enough album from The Jam, though probably not their best. Only songs I recognised were Down in the tube station and David Watts 3/5
Didn’t listen this time but it’s always great
It all kinda sounds the same
what a classic jam album. “english rose” is one of my all time favourite songs, with its tranquil, shy persona outstanding from the rest of the jam’s back catalogue. some other notable tracks to mention are “mr clean”, “david watts” and “down in the tube station at midnight”, 3 examples of classic jam and prime weller. not much else to say, except that i will be coming back to this album again and again.
Not their best
cool early punk
I love this record. Great power/punk pop with drive and urgence and clever lyrics.
3/5
Brilliant album, one of the Jams best have to give it full marks.
I liked this one, should listen again though
A bit muddy at times, too dissonant for me to enjoy
i was so ready to like this. guess i'm a rocker
Fine, but repetitive and boring.
4.2 Post-Mod. I have have listened to this like 5 or 6 time but forgot to write revies in the past. This was to be some early pop punk I would think
60s sound, not nearly as good as the 60s. Not bad - kind of 'meh.
Never really got into the Jam. Couple of good tracks, but nothing special.
a very snappy album , some of a lyrics are quite "adolescent". Buxler has gone nuts on the drums. In the Crowd , Fly and Mr Clean favorites
Not that memorable for me but it was pretty good
Honestly, this just felt like any mess of British sound at the time. I still like it. 'English Rose' was nice. Also, 'Down In The Tube Station At Midnight' was nice. Quite depressing. They know how to pick singles, I guess.
Loved this. Can’t believe I’ve never heard them before, especially since I love the Futureheads
Interesting drum lines, sounds like some stuff I hear a lot on modern indie rock Cool harmonies and vocal lines I like the energy on David watts, Fly
This was decent. I didn't find myself looking to see how much time was left because I was hating it, so that's a plus.
Was ok i guess
Amazingly average album. There's not much to write about this, just a bit of new wave pop/rock, it sounds pretty modern for the 70s, but in general it's just boring.
ok, 3 our of 5 stars
Paul Weller is somehow the midpoint between Alex Chilton (the man) and Alex Chilton (the song). I can't explain it either, but it's correct, and it's good.
reminded me of the clash, 3.5 rounded up
The Jam are OK. I think there are a lot of songs here that are just that: OK. Good/fine/nothing special. 2-3 were above average. This feels like a 3.5/5 for me, but since we can't do half points, I'm going to go 3/5.
How did a small country like the UK make so much synth rock that it all became awesome and wound up on this list? Just 80s romcom montage music with awkward lyrics. I hope we're leaving the UK soon given the rest of the world also makes music.
netter rock, aber keine tollenhighlights
In my top 5 albums EVER!!!
All Mod Cons is the third studio album by The Jam, originally released in 1978. I just got another Jam album from 1980, and I said how I wanted to hear an earlier album of theirs, so I guess my wish was granted! This record is more of a straightforward UK punk sound, but not exactly what I expected it to be. You can totally hear the influence these guys would have on the upcoming 80s post punk and new wave sound. They also simultaneously incorporate elements from groups that influenced them, like The Kinks. So these guys are not UK punk in the traditional sense like the Sex Pistols, but they incorporate more of an indie sound way before indie was a thing. Their influence would be very evident in bands who would come later such as REM.
frisch, frech, punkig trotz pop! ziemlich gefällig finde ich, aber ohne packenden hit.
Erfrischend und British, das gefällt
Pretty good. Takes me back to when I listened to stuff like this almost exclusively in high school. It never really stuck with me but whenever I hear it again, it makes me feel young, in love, and heartbroken. Good stuff.
Easy 5 stars. The music is universal. i'm a brazilian guy and i was totally catch by it. Paul Weller was talking about the english society of late 70's and this is still sense to me being in another country and with another culture. The music speaks for itself.
This was The Jam's third album and their first truly great one. There's not a duff track here, and all originals bar one. I think my favourite track is 'Down in the Tube Station at Midnight'.
Love this with the 1001. This is not something I have listened to, and would never look up myself. Lovely! What's up with the ping pong noises on David Watts?
# 268 : I don't love it, I don't hate it. I think Its OK, a good collection of songs, but I probably wouldn't go back to it. Favourite track : Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
Fav: Down In The Tube Station At Midnight Least Fav: All Mod Cons
This was an enjoyable punk album that didn’t waste any of my time. I listened on YouTube where the tracks are in the wrong order, but it was a fun listen nonetheless.
i wish i had more to say about this album, but it just kind of comes and goes. it’s just solid early punk
May have influenced greats, but it feels pretty middling and samey. I am not convinced that this album is a necessary evolution to get to the greatest marriages of pop, punk, and new wave, so probably not something that I will revisit. I don't think it belongs on the list. Doesn't feel like essential music. Nice music, but not particularly noteworthy. The kind of music you could put on a period late 70s British film that will give a vibe but not distract from the scenes in progress. I hear a lot of comparisons to The Clash, The Kinks, The Who, but frankly they remind me most of a lesser quality Men at Work (even though Men at Work wouldn't form until 1978 when this album was released). I think I prefer Style Council instead.
A 3.5 for me
Perfect 10/10.
enjoyed this a lot more than “sound affects”. would definitely pick this up on vinyl
fun little album, enjoyed it but not as much as some of the other stuff I've heard as of far
First time hearing about the "mod revival" subculture: I haven't got much to say about the album except it's very 'safe', which prevents it from being slander-able but also from receiving a five star. I'd recommend a spin if you're a mellow gold enthusiast, or if you're drinking a beer and watching the sunset.
Sharp social commentary and catchy pop melodies like in “Mr Clean”. Tracks like "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight" are a treat. Has a punk energy in the guitar and drums and new wave lyrics. Guess mod is now school. It's a standout album.
Enjoyable but unremarkable… Except for the Billy Fitz um I mean Hunt, Billy Hunt song, that ‘s fabulous !!!!
As for The Jam’s “All Mod Cons” album, I have to say that I was a bit disappointed… There are several songs by them that I enjoy – and had never heard this album before, so I had a good vibe, so perhaps my expectations were too high… There is nothing wrong with the album, as the recording quality is good, there is decent diversity among the tracks, and most are fairly well-written and performed – it’s just that nothing really grabbed me… “Mr. Clean” was one of the better tracks, and “The Place I Love” was solid – though the part I liked the most was the little throwback musical section that reminded me of the same sequence in “So You Want To Be A Rock & Roll Star” – so points for that, but if that was the best part of the song, well… Best I can do here is a 2, as it was fairly well-done for what it was…
That’s entertainment
Nice
- british punk. entertained by the ‘they could never have a hit in America, as they were thoroughly and defiantly British’ in the spotify bio - quite liked it as an album. I find sometimes I’m too much of a baby for punk, but this is very poppy punk and i quite enjoyed that. - superb ending to it - we’re down in the tube station at midnight! - 4/5, liked and am adding to library.
It was quite ok, and I like the mod references. Not bad.
Raw Brit Punk. It's not too hard, punk. Enjoyable.
Kick out the jams
Legendary album from a great band
British people making good punk rock. <br/> <b>worst tracks:</b> David Watts, English Rose
This was pretty clearly a good album. Good production, fittingly meaningful lyrics for the genre, and good musicianship (especially the bass). But it just didn’t click with me
im so sick of the guitar im going insane!
It's pretty decent, but it sounded like a lighter version of bands like The Kinks, The Clash, or The Stooges.
3 I like it
Enjoyed. Obviously a beginning seed for modern alternative rock.
This was surprisingly pretty solid - never heard of these guys before. Decent songs and good sound. 7/10.
In the history of rock music, The Jam are criminally underplayed and underrated, particularly in the US. Maybe I’d feel differently if they got any airplay on US classic rock stations, but I can’t say I ever heard The Jam until I was well into college, and when I discovered them I fell in love almost immediately. They’re the perfect blend of rock, punk, ska, and new wave that defined the transition from 70s to 80s rock and even set the stage for late 80s into 90s rock. They drew from 60s mod which later got bigger again with Britpop. This is my favorite album by The Jam, although all of them are close. “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight” and “David Watts” are where they’re at their punkiest, but they can get softer on tracks like “English Rose”. Not a bad track in the bunch.
Not bad.
Good
nondescript, but I could maybe see how somebody like 30 years older than me could feel about these guys the way that I do about a band like franz ferdinand
One thing is for sure, Paul Weller is a huge Paul McCartney fan.
Had never heard of The Jam before. I ended up loving them! A sort of punk band with good lyrics and melodies. I became a fan. 4.5/5
First time listening to these guys. Brit rock/pop , catchy songs, pretty good
Heard some Jam songs but never a full album, and it's exactly up my alley. Enjoyed every single song on here, the vocals, the basslines, the sharp guitars, it's all exactly what i like in my music. Also ends on the best song, couldn't ask for more here. Will be listening to all of their stuff in the very near future.
Not my favourite Jam album.