Reviews (page 9 of 15)
I feel like anything I could say about this album would have been written 10,000 times before. It’s a masterpiece, a solid album from start to finish and an experience the first time or the hundredth.
Good band. I like their blending of reggae and rock in some of their tunes. Overall, a good album.
I don't know, I think this lil ditty is a classic.
Classic album by a great band that is outgrowing its punk roots and experimenting quite a bit. Most of it works. I miss the stripped-down garage style sound they started with, but this still maintains that same energy, just focuses it on expanding their horizons. In fact, even more so on this album than previous, the band seems to be writing songs that (intentional or not) are anthems. Very powerful stuff here.
Amazing album. I would probably agree with those who would say this is the best album to come out of the punk scene. Their adventurousness is pretty impressive, and the conviction with which they play is palpable. Must Listen #77
A classic album that I assumed I would be giving 5 stars … but on re-listening, half the album is faultless, the other half has very much a B-side feel. Shame it wasn’t a 10-track masterpiece.
Great
She’s an icon Favs London calling Brand new Cadillac Jimmy Jazz Spanish bombs I’m not down
Minus one star for the cringe ass lyrics and for being Bernard Rhodes' little bitches.
I grew listening to this album and it’s an easy 5 stars. Not every song is a gem but more hits than misses and Spainish Bombs and Lost in the Supermarket alone deserve the top score! A great mix of musical styles and lyrics, an absolute winner all day long!!
This is such a great album -- the Clash is so much deeper and so much more rooted in music history than we ever imagined.
It’s still got it
I was a clash hater my whole life. But this is great, totally polished and prim punk rock. That almost genre blends into alternative and indie/ new wave.
I already loved this before the challenge. So Of course, 5 stars from me.
Great album diverse listing
Great
Liked more than other 3 stars
A good album, didn't realise that 'Lost in the Supermarket' - Over the Hedge, was originally by The Clash. Would definitely go back and listen again, although seemed very typical UK early punk/rock - ish.
I was familiar with the Clash going into this album,and thought I would enjoy it more than I did. It was decent and the hits I knew were satisfying to hear, but it ultimately started to sound a little one note with the simplistic style. It seems like it could have used some editing to make it tighter. Overall- decent rock album
Gema
Vibes
Generally neutral about this album, I really liked London Calling and Lost In The Supermarket though!! I'd probably give it a 3/5 :>
Reggae and rock 'n' roll meets punkish undertones. To quote themselves: Rudie can't fail. Feels awfully much like they are proto-ska.
I think it says something about this album's influence that for a long time, I thought that the black and white photo with the pink and green text like this was a reference to this, and not Elvis. I love the title track, a certified classic. It's obvious why this album is here, and I enjoyed it more than any of the other British post punk that's been on this list so far. I think it's probably because it was more a bridge between punk rock and post punk with experimentation that could sometimes qualify as ska.
I have never been a big Clash fan. I love people who are.
Sweet
Banger after banger, cannot complain. Not a lick of enunciation in sight, but I’m here for every second of it. Mumble-singers unite. Good fun all around to be honest, a real upper sort of album.
Couple of good songs, too long of an album though
Classic punk rock album, classic punk rock frontman voice! With all the modern fight/protest music that's usually characterized by angst and anger, it's easy to forget that rebellious music could also be catchy and nice to listen to. You feel the urge to fight the power and also nod your head along and smile while doing it!
Probably a lot better than I had chance to give it credit for, but also not my bag.
Ерунда конечно, но весёлая и забавная. Выделить нечего, но общее настроение задаёт хорошее.
Still a fun and exciting listen. No longer revolutionary. But so what.
I had one of their albums before but this one was actually really fuckin good
I bought this on CD from the Virgin Superstore in Union Square in the winter of 2000. It blew my mind and was the perfect antidote to the shitty pop-punk that was saturating the airwaves at the time. Fast forward 25 years and it still sounds as fresh as it did in 2000 - hell probably as fresh as it did in 1979. This is a timeless masterpiece.
4.5 - Man this was a huge surprise. I thought it was gonna be a bit meh after the well known stuff, but it had so much musical depth. Some great song writing, the only thing I would say it I wanted a bit more aggression sometimes
Fave Tracks: London Calling, Rudie Can't Fail, Lost in the Supermarket, The Guns of Brixton, Train in Vain 4.2/5
🫡
This is pretty good but not as good as I remember I feel. Train in Vain maybe one my fav songs so that helps a lot. Id say this album solid 4.5 but Train in Vain and a couple others take it to a 5.
Desert Island disc for me. Wall to wall classics and one of the strongest track lists ever assembled, especially for one of this length.
10/10. The greatest album. Tune after tune. What a gang, what a band. Not just one of the best London album ever, it is one of the best albums of all time.
Great album - a classic.
I normally am not a fan of punk rock, but this is one of the better ones I’ve listened to. I appreciate the diverse musical arrangements in each song and good lyrics. Thank goodness no screaming.
The opening title track is a classic, and if the whole album followed suit I wouldn't have minded, but it's a melting pot of punk, reggae, ska and pop. It's constantly changing on a track by track basis, but there's hardly a weak song on here. I really enjoy Joe Strummer's vocals They're not perfect all the time but it fits the music very well. Great guitar work throughout. Catchy little riffs and vocal lines. The tracks don't follow a traditional song structure as you would expect sometimes. 'Lover's Rock' for example just goes into this cool little instrumental, repetitive singalong bit. I did really enjoy this a lot, the quality shone through despite the variety of genres on show. I wasn't bored at any point and would enjoy giving it a spin any time, but I wouldn't say it absolutely blew me away considering how highly regarded it is. It's over an hour long and only had time for one listen so I imagine if I listened more and was more familiar with it, I would like it even more. Very easy five.
Pretty weird combo in some of the tracks. Ultimately, I don't enjoy the vocals and vibes in this long-winded album. This record shows its age. I won't be pulling any tracks out of this one. 3/5 its OK
Bangers all round and such a great variety in styles. Does not feel long at all. Favourite tracks: London Calling, Spanish Bombs, The Guns of Brixton, The Card Cheat, Train in Vain
4.5
I like it a lot, and I love a few songs, but I don't quite love the whole thing.
Perfection!
Great!
Classic British punk!
4.5/5
Not a fan of this genre. Nothing saved to the playlist.
Combines genres and introduces new sounds and rhythms to punk but does get a little repetitious as the album progresses. Highlights are The Right Profile, Rudie Can’t Fail & London Calling.
Great title track, got a bit bored after that.
Best Song: London's Calling. Foreboding, intense, smoky. Way cooler than the rest of the Ramones-esque offerings. Worst Song: Jimmy Jazz. This kind of slow jam really exacerbates all of The Clash's worst features. Overall: I don't get why it's considered iconic. To me, it just reads as a fairly goofy, boppy little bit of (what I would consider by modern standards) pop punk. Also, what a wild disconnect between the album cover and what the music actually sounds like.
Classic!
Quite cool. Only knew a couple of songs but I ended up listening to this record four or five times.
I dont know really. No Bad Songs, but didnt Catch me.
I preferred their first album.
Is this the White Album of punk rock? Insanely creative, plays around with so many different genres and styles and it all works. It flows perfectly and never gets old even with the long runtime. Every song hits hard, and sounds amazing. Loved it.
First time listening to this album and I’m pleas talk surprised with how many genres of music are melded together— punk, rockabilly, reggae, ska, psychedelic rock. Punk usually isn’t my jam but really enjoyed this album and have some new songs to add, particularly “Spanish Bombs” (love the guitar riff), The Guns of Brixton (killer opening bass line) and Wrong ‘Em Boyo.
Really enjoyed this one. Dont think it was quite perfect but a very enjoyable experience nonetheless. 4 songs saved to listen to again + London Calling which was already on my list.
I was holding off on a 5 star for a few specific albums but man this blew me away. What an album, love it. 5/5.
UGH YES WHY HAVE I NEVER LISTENED TO THIS WHOLE ALBUM
Álbum mítico y esencial de la música. Solo por London Calling, Brand New Cadillac, Train in vain y Spanish Bombs ya merece la pena. El disco tiene mucha historia, el homenaje a Elvis, el ser doble a precio sencillo, etc etc. Tras un brillante debut, y un segundo álbum que les colocó como líderes de una generación, publicaron este disco con el punto justo de diversidad y temazos. Si quieres un disco más corto y normal, Combat Rock. Si quieres mayor diversidad, Sandinista. Si quieres el mejor álbum: London Calling. Otros dobles históricos de ese mismo año: Tusk de Fleetwood Mac (al álbum del millón dólares) y The Wall de Pink Floyd.
Gear: Abyss DIANA MR Artwork: 🤍💚🩷 Production (Remastered): 🎧😘🤌 Music: 💯🤗🎶 Rating: 🤍💚🩷🤍💚/5
Chad. Definitely one of the best punk albums ever. It's a little too long though. Ez 4.5
Good for old school punk 3.5
5/5 I was prepared to enjoy this album. I was not prepared to call it a 10/10. London Calling begins with the iconic title track, a hard hitting rocker which bangs. Then Brand New Cadillac is a new take on a classic rock and roll song, which just sounds so good. Jimmy Jazz is such a surreal change-up, but a great track nonetheless. Three very different exceptionally good songs let us know that this album is not going to be one dimensional. Hateful is amazing, then another massive left turn pays off on the reggae-infused Rudie Can't Fail. Spanish Bombs is such an enjoyable listen, and the organ work supports the guitar beautifully. Then The Right Profile is a banger, and it becomes clear that track after track is just brilliant. Lost in the Supermarket is a masterpiece. Lyrically great, sonically timeless and just structured and wrapped perfectly. Suprise, suprise, Clampdown is class as well. The instrumentation is so perfectly chosen, from the muddy opening, to the organ infused second verse. The catchy hook is endlessly appealing. Concluding the incomparable first half (until you hear the second), The Guns of Brixton is as hard-hitting as it is theatrical. I love the bass work. Wrong 'Em Boyo is a ska-like, light-hearted banger, with heavy saxophone playing. Why? I don't know, but I love it. Death or Glory is a classic rock track, but great guitar work and change-ups stop it being boring or repetitive. Koka Kola is a simple, beautiful song about cocaine, before The Card Cheat is just another level, sounding magnificent, with some of the best lyrics on the album. Lover's Rock is a simple, beautiful song about sex, still introducing new, great sounds at this point in the experience, with the layered vocals. Four Horsemen is harder, with a great vocal performance from Joe Strummer on top of exceptional instrumentation. A real statement from the band. So is I'm Not Down, when Mick Jones has his own amazing performance, and the sense of optimism conveyed is quite beautiful really. At this point, it's been nearly an hour, and still not a song that is not exceptional in its own right. Revolution Rock refuses to be that track, with a simple reggae backing all that's needed for Strummer to produce something amazing as he so often does. A laid-back, passionate song. Then we reach the last stop with Train in Vain. A catchy, poppy track which flows brilliantly. In conclusion, this album is just so, so, so amazing. One of the greatest ever. London Calling 5/5 Brand New Cadillac 5/5 Jimmy Jazz 5/5 Hateful 5/5 Rudie Can't Fail 5/5 (LEAST FAV) Spanish Bombs 5/5 The Right Profile 5/5 Lost in the Supermarket 5/5 (FAV) Clampdown 5/5 The Guns of Brixton 5/5 Wrong 'Em Boyo 5/5 Death or Glory 5/5 Koka Kola 5/5 The Card Cheat 5/5 Lover's Rock 5/5 Four Horsemen 5/5 I'm Not Down 5/5 Revolution Rock 5/5 Train in Vain (Stand by Me) 5/5
I kinda can't believe this is what punk was. Not that this isn't punk, but it like is so bizarre. Longer songs, not heavy or grimy by any means. Awesome tho.
straight-ahead punk never really interested me, and it's obvious it didn't interest most of the enduring bands to come out of that after a while.
just not my thing, but i can respect it. 3/5
Already a favorite; this album rules; favorites: train in vain, lost in the supermarket, guns of Brixton, clampdown.
обычная панкуха
What else can I say that hasn't been said by a million others? This album is a goddamn masterpiece and I'm jealous of anyone who gets to hear it for the first time.
Classic, fun album with surprising variety.
There's some awesome stuff here across multiple genres. There's actually barely any punk at all. There's also some shite, and it's 65 minutes. Happily get rid of tracks 2, 3, and a few random tracks of the 7 after The Guns of Brixton and before Revolution Rock. Then you've got a five star record.
banger alert
Legendary band, legendary album. The genre variety is surprisingly huge - almost to the point that it might warrant listening piecemeal as opposed to the whole album front to back, to properly engage with each individual style being thrown at you. Cool stuff.
Think the album is just a bit long, but I also think if you polled people with that opinion, they would never agree on which songs to pull, which just means it’s a solid album overall.
A landmark in punk rock and one of the statement pieces of 70s rock as a whole. The Clash's fusion of numerous genres creates an almost maximalist soundscape without feeling overbearing as well as getting their messages across which still ring true today such as how rampant consumerism is used as a mode of controlling the general population devoid of their own thoughts and personality in 'Lost in the Supermarket' which is a highlight in this album filling to the brim with highlights. Most definitely an album that should be on your must listen list.
Not a Clash guy I'm afraid, and this listen didn't do much to change that (Rudy Can't Fail is a better tho).
A fantastic recording of a great band at their peak. Several of these songs are all time greats.
i adore this album… i cannot understate this…. SO GOOD
Big love Revolution rock Kenne ich schon sehr gut
This is #day155 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... this has to be one of the most diverse punk records in music history. Released in 1979 as a double album, it’s one of the most compelling records of a plethora of genres—new wave, pop, reggae, dub, lounge jazz, rockabilly, ska, hard rock, and more. What could be more punk than going further than just punk? Nineteen tracks fly by before you know it, documenting the spirit of the time. The sound is tight, with the rhythm section of drums, bass, and guitar still feeling as fresh and exciting as it did in the late '70s—absolutely pleasurable to listen to. It’s a 5 out of 5—a must-listen, and indispensable album of the turn of the decade. The title track alone is an anthem for years to come. Looking forward to #day156.
Honestly aside from the couple hits on this album, it didnt really do anything for me. kinda repetitive and im not a fan of the mumble singing. I did want to like it tho
OOF another double album for 'one album a day'. Bookended by some real hits. This is too much of The Clash for me in one sitting though.
DEATH OR GLORY
This is really good, interesting and easy to listen to. I always thought this would’ve been more punk-ish. They got into a lot of other styles.
Contender
Lots of fun stuff on here, a solid album with little filler.
classic of course
This is an incredible album. Combat Rock is my favorite Clash album, but London Calling is an absolute classic
FUCK YES!!!!!!!
A double album that is packed with different sounds and ideas taking the band is tons of directions. I found myself mostly ignoring (or not being able to make out) the lyrics, but that didn’t take away from the enjoyment. There are some stone cold classics on this album, but even the deeper cuts are great. Sound l-wise, it’s way poppier and New Wave-y than I expected. Overall, this album was a blast to listen to start to finish.
Every song is listenable, fun, has merit, and is directly about "something". For me, there are songs that are skippable but that's probably just a matter of taste. I don't like Ska.
Not a big fan of The Clash, but some songs were fun.
Personal top 5 album. Not a clunker on all four sides.
Meilenstein der das Fenster der Punk aufmacht in die Welt der Musik.
I bought this album on a school field trip at a record store in Victoria, BC probably around 1981 or so, without knowing anything about the Clash, but that album cover sure had me curious. Start to finish, this has to be the best "double" album I've ever heard (at the time) with every track solid and good, rare for an album with so many tracks. Special mention of side one which in my opinion one of my favourite side one's of all-time. The Clash are considered punk, but the band explores all kind of music styles and genres with great success and it never tires or drags throughout. You can drop the needle on any song and still feel confident it won't disappoint. Rolling Stone called it the best album of the 80's (it was actually released in December 1979 in the UK and January 1980 in the US) and it's hard to disagree and though there might have been "better" records, London Calling was one of the most important punk or any album for that matter, of the decade. Essential!
London calling Train in vain The piano on card cheat
Alright, so maybe teenage me loved this album, but 40s me can see that it's got some really really solid songs, and a few middling songs on it. London Calling would probably be on my list for top 10 opening songs on an album. The Guns of Brixton would fall in my top 50 list. Death or Glory was in my head while I was falling asleep last night. Still a great listen, but not a perfect listen.
Har den!
First song is best one. All too experimental for my taste. Nice that it sets the tone for all punk bands in the future.
It’s good, probably a bit too long, to me it’s always felt a bit over hyped. But it’s not bad.
Iconic double album of infectious British punk flirting with rockabilly, dub reggae, ska and New Wave, London Calling has been justifiably considered essential and topped critics' lists since 1979 (1980 for the United States). Every single song feels vital and timeless!
10/10 An album with only legendary and strong songs on it. The Clash is more than just a punk band, you can hear influences from different styles on the album such as ska, raggae and rockabilly. Favourite tracks: Clampdown Death or Glory Hateful London Calling Least favourite tracks: Jimmy Jazz
One of the few albums that deserve to be a double album. Very diversified and entertaining with almost no fillers. Worst: "Revolution Rock" 4,5
Great album! Sounds as good today as it did when it was released 45+ years ago!
Like the clash - really enjoyed this
Yes.
Easily a top 50 all time album. Pop-punk before it was popular. No skips, overtly track offers something unique and has its place. A true accomplishment
hi its almost 2026 so im gonna speed run all the albums i didnt listen to in 2025. probably not gonna take notes but shout the clash
To quote someone else on this site: "punk, but they know how to play their instruments" Cool brass, musicality. Punk I've actually enjoyed listening to. Lots of ska here too. Highlights: london calling, train in vain
classic
The only band that matters
Bit long, with a massive dropoff after about 9 or 10 songs.
Not bad. Some fun songs with some dynamic structure to them
Classic!
What a classic
++*: Jimmy Jazz, The Right Profile ++: London Calling, Brand New Cadillac, Hateful, Rudie Can't Fail, Spanish Bombs, Lost in the Supermarket, Clampdown, The Guns of Brixton, Wrong 'Em Boyo, Death or Glory, Koka Kola, The Card Cheat, Lover's Rock, Four Horsemen, I'm Not Down, Revolution Rock, Train in Vain 10/10
Another great album!
Maybe the most consistent punk album of all time. It doesn’t give you ear fatigue either!
I mean, it's London Calling. I already loved The Clash's self-titled debut album and gave it a high 4. I went into this album fully expecting to love it, and I was right to do so. This album is excellent. Everything about it just works. The vocals are engaging in a way that isn't annoying. The instrumental sound is strong. There's still a clear punk core, but the clear influences from genres like reggae, new wave, and even jazz at times makes the album an enjoyable listen that never bores you, which is kind of important for any album that lasts over an hour. The variety in each song is awesome. Comparing the opening title track to the closer "Train in Vain (Stand by Me)" really shows the varied talent of the Clash. The themes pertaining to things like society, drugs, and conflict provoke thought, which is kind of what punk is meant to do. London Calling is one of those albums that absolutely deserves the praise it gets. It's captivating, entertaining, and full of things to appreciate. I love it. 5/5.
yes!
great opener, then full of excellent tracks
Title song is the best
I guess it's been a long time since I've listened to this whole album, but it's better than I remember. I guess I usually think of it as the hours with some filler, but that's not really fair. The whole thing really works, and there's not much I'd lose.
yeah this is really good
Sux
Decent
Fine.
This is a classic example of how one song is not necessarily representative of an album because going into this knowing only London Calling, I felt like I was expecting a similar vibe throughout. But actually this was much more of a varied record, even sounding ska/reggae at times!? It was actually pretty good, and extra point for Lost in the Supermarket
Didn’t expect this one to be so jazzy and ska-heavy! I’ve listened to the title track a million times, but I didn’t realize that The Clash were so much more than that. It’s weird calling The Clash a “find”, but this album really is that for me!
Classic good ol Brit rock
Great catchy energetic punk songs. Great fusion of genres like ska reggae and punk. Thought it would get repetitive with how long it was but I wasn't let down at all! Favourites- spanish bombs, lost in the supermarket
Really enjoyed listening to this album. Several stand out songs which I've heard before and had me singing along (with a clenched power fist!) Love the melodies, passion and, at times, righteous anger that Strummer brings.
I am already familiar with this record and have always felt that this should not be a double album. There are not enough good tracks to justify 4 sides worth. There are around 8 or 9 songs that would make a very good 5 star Clash album e.g. London Calling, Rudie, Spanish Bombs, Lost in Supermarket, clampdown, Guns of Brixton, I'm not down and train in vain. The rest is at best filler. Ask yourself this, and be honest, would you want to see the Clash play Jimmy Jazz live instead of something like white riot or janie jones? The answer is no, of course not. Why would you deny yourself this just to make a cheap point. This is mainly because the likes of jimmy Jazz are not up to scratch; and certainly not punk. Given the songs I have listed above, it is 4 stars despite the weaker songs. If this album was reduced to 2 sides it would be definite 5 star album and arguably up there with the very best. But alas this isn't the case. The album cover is iconic and probably the best of the punk/post punk/new wave era. But you can't judge a book by its cover.
Awesome album. One of my favourite of all time and have loved for years. So many great tunes - do not think there is a weak one amongst them. If had to choose would go Hateful, Rudie Can't Fail, Guns of Brixton and Train in Vain as favourites...
Admission time - I've always had an unwarranted bee-in-my-bonnet about The Clash. Johnny Come Lately who grabbed the sales while more interesting bands languished in obscurity. A fresh listen to London Calling slightly changes that. While not a New Wave as others, the is originality and a particular voice to the whole thing. Obviously, the title track has been overplayed whenever there's a Remember The Seventies feature, but that are some damned good tracks here. Spanish Bombs is one of my preferred songs... but definitely an album that's worth a listen.
Already listened. Good album but too long.
Musically, I think this is supposed to be adventurous (incorporating reggae / experimental elements) but it just doesn't feel like that in 2024. Lyrically, I wasnt a fan -- anti-establishment in the most literal, obvious way, and lacking humanity imo.
It's the most elaborate, imaginative, genre-fluid and tightly-performed rock album one could ever create. It's not a personal favourite of mine, but I respect it immensely, both by its own merits and for its ability to create the biggest critic circlejerks possible in spite of itself.
Very well done! Honestly I liked this more than I thought I would.
8/10
LOOOONDOOOOOON CAALING
Definitely really liked this! Should listen to it again when I’m not five papers deep.
A lot more musicality than I expected
Gut, aber nach ±5 Songs wars mir schon zu viel, bloated
A classic
Well lfg The last Clash was right when I started this list in early 2021, meaning there’s been almost a thousand albums since. I was patient for a while, but like a few classic albums, I just had to see what the hype was about Anyway, I’m hopping on the Clash bandwagon, this is pretty great. Aside from the first and last song, I love the straightforward rock of “Clampdown” and “Hateful”, the reggae tunes “Guns of Brixton” and “Revolution Rock” and the polished gems “The Card Cheat”, “Spanish Bombs” & “Lost in the Supermarket”. December 6, 2024
Like it very much
Usually a 2 record set of any variety is just too much. This is an album that just keeps delivering track after track throughout. A classic from the moment the needle hits the vinyl. All killer, no filler.
Nope. Just can’t do it. I tried. 1
Legendary and with good reason. It's interesting how some of the rawness you get from their punk contemporaries is missing, but they more than make up for it with a genuine ear for excellent music.
Absolute classic punk, this is the quintessential british punk that so many other albums on this list try to copy. Album overstays its welcome a bit for me, but awesome
Could use a little more black Cadillac and a little less lost in the supermarket but tough to critique this album much.
4.8 The only band that matters. I guess the only knock on this is that maybe the production is a bit polished compared to some of the live releases.
Surprised by the variety and depth of this album.
Amazing how they went from their debut to this. There is some genuine songwriting and music going on
6/19 31/100
As one part of iconic punk duo Houmous & Chutney I know a thing or two about taking musical genres and making them appeal to the masses. Got to admire it when other people attempt it. 4.5
I don’t know if I would expressly consider this a punk album at all. The opening track, is obviously a smirky, spiked hair, and patch pants adjacent tune, but the rest of this record is really all over the place. From new wave to britpop to ska, and back again. It’s not bad, per se, and I’ve always had a soft spot for a few tracks, but it’s definitely not in my top ten for punk records of the era. Not amazing, but not bad. 2.5 stars.
I had actually never listened to this album in full because my impression of The Clash was the sort of formulaic early punk that I find pretty boring, plus “Rock the Casbah” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go” which I guess are both pretty fun. I was surprised to find this album is pretty stylistically varied and I liked it more than I expected. “Spanish Bombs” and the delightful “Lost in the Supermarket” were my favorite tracks. The latter is pretty well into the territory of new wave, whereas other tracks are straightforward ska/white guy reggae, and others still sound almost like 90s indie/alt rock. There are several tracks I would believe were released 15 years later if I didn’t know otherwise, which I suppose is a good testament to their influence in popular music. I went into this believing it would probably be 2 ⭐️ and definitely not more than 3 ⭐️, but I wouldn’t mind listening to this again and there are several tracks I quite like which is my criteria for 4 ⭐️. But I like this less than other albums I’ve given 4 ⭐️, so I suppose it’s a very strong 3 ⭐️. 7.5/10
Un álbum muy divertido de escuchar, súper pegadizo, una producción muy coherente, a pesar de salirse a veces del punk rock explorando otros géneros, lo hacen muy notoriamente, pero matienen siempre la cohesión, nada se siente fuera de lugar. Siento que no estoy siendo muy objetivo, pero no me importa jaja
Energetic, fun, creative and just unique enough throughout that you never get bored. Doesn't get 5 stars cause i don't really feel like relistening to it again. Also sick album cover.
classic
Sing a long shit
我眼熟这个乐队了，第一天给我推的就是他们，风格依旧
Stan : That's what they called themselves. Like, "The Clash". The only band that mattered. They called themselves that for a reason. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
I can't listen to this one a third time, just, no. Seminal punk (ish) album? Yes Do I like it? No, I do not like the ska elements or even its more punk elements, its too long and the only song I ever care to listen to again is Lost in the Supermarket because it at least sounds like a post punk song but beyond that it's just totally not my thing Just a no.
I have heard the full album a few times, but I'm mostly only familiar with the title track and Train in Vain. This album is really good. It's so diverse in sound and genre. It's catchy in all the right ways. It is definitely worth repeated listens.
Het beste rock-album ooit geproduceerd? Lijkt me niet eens een overstatement. Hij zit zeker bij een select gezelschap. Het is de uitzonderlijke mastery of de instrumenten, de coole - maar niet over de top rebelse - attitude van Joe en Paul aan de microfoon, de moeiteloze switches van genre naar genre, de catchiness van de songs zonder dat het verhaal of de boodschap verloren gaat, dat deze plaat naar binnen laat glijden - ondanks zijn behoorlijke afspeeltijd. Die lange afspeeltijd komt ook voor een deel op het conto van een aantal heuse fillers ('The Right Profile', 'Kola Kola', 'Four Horsemen'), maar zelfs die zwakke broeders hebben iets aandoenlijks. Toch denk ik dat íéts meer consistentie op een overwegend briljant album de perfecte score waard was, waardoor ik net blijf hangen op die 9,5. Maar desalniettemin moet dit voor eeuwig onthouden worden als een ragfijn, genre-fluïde album dat zichzelf tijdens je luisterbeurt constant opnieuw uitvindt en daardoor elke keer weer een energie-boost krijgt en geeft. 9,5/10 Highlights: London Calling Spanish Bombs (het contrast tussen de vrolijke muziek en de ernst van het thema is simpelweg geniaal) The Guns of Brixton Wrong 'Em Boyo (Beste cover op het album) Train in Vain (Stand By Me)
Iconisch meesterwerkje. Van albumhoes tot het tijdperk waarin het is gemaakt. De blend van genres en het heerlijke Britse gebrul. London Calling van the Clash is in de jaren 20 van deze eeuw de Punk-era ontgroeid. Het was natuurlijk al het album wat een nieuwe tijd inluidde en de punk-muziek behapbaar en muzikaal maakte, hedendaags is het nog meer een iconisch beeld/moment uit een ver vervlogen tijd. Ik vond het dan ook moeilijk om London Calling helemaal op haar eigen merites te beoordelen. Zeker openingstrack London Calling is zo ingeburgerd en hoor je tegenwoordig overal en nergens, dat staat niet meer voor punk en is vrij mainstream. Maar sowieso vind ik deze plaat groter/meer dan een punkplaat. Er zijn super veel genres geblend in de nummers, de tracks zijn allen uniek en zijn gelaagder en muzikaler dan de og-punk van de 3 jaar voor London Calling. Vandaag kon ik extra genieten van de reggae en ska nummers op het album. Zeker ook de covers zoals Revolution Rock, wat heerlijk en uniek gebracht. Punk-spanning en Reggae-ontspanning gecombineerd. Na meer dan een uur brits gebrul op soepele ska beats ben ik er wel uit. Deze plaat is en blijft uniek en een meesterwerk, ook los van de iconische status die het heeft vergaard. Joe Strummer is echt in topvorm en ik kan echt genieten van de de man op de cover, Paul Simonon. Volgens mij is hij verantwoordelijk voor veel creatieve inbreng, niet zijn muzikaal (hij kan niet eens bassen voordat hij bij the Clash kwam). Niet gek dat hij en Damon Albarn later dikke maten werden. Het blijft moeilijk om zo'n album een goede review te geven alsof je deze voor het eerst hoort. Status en vooroordelen zullen daarom altijd meespelen. Desalniettemin maakt London Calling gewoon weer indruk, en dus 5 ballen. 9/10 Highlights Rudie Can't Fail Spanish Bombs The Guns of Brixton Wrong 'Em Boyo Revolution Rock Train in Vain
Interesting hearing the full album, only really knowing the opener and closer. Does go on a bit too long, but interesting for a punk band to effectively wizz through most of rock n rolls sub genres at the time, with a slight American focus. Not one I'd probably repeat in it's entirety, but can see why it makes the list for sure.
Cracking. London Calling, Guns of Brixton, Brand New Cadillac are the standouts - this stands the test of time as not only one of the finest albums of the punk era, but of the 1970s, and - to be honest - of any period and genre since.
London Calling — третий студийный альбом британской панк-рок-группы The Clash. музыка с элементами ска, фанка, соула, джаза, рокабилли, регги оч понравилось, буду слушать еще, вторая часть альбома понравилась даже больше первой, там он как будто полностью раскрывается, заглавная песня очень крутая! еще про магазин понравилось
Absolute love of my youth. Only problem with this album is Train in Vain can’t be listened to eternally.
4,5 sterren maar ik ben gul
Easy 5 from me. It doesn’t fit with my usual tastes and I can’t really articulate why I love it. Maybe nostalgia? I’ve been listening to this since college.
Soft 5. I'm on the fence. I enjoyed a number of tracks. The Clash has some great instrumentals, but the vocals were really hit and miss for me. The energy is hard to deny though! 'Train in Vain' was an easy fave for me.
Good album, holds up well after all this time.
4.5
The Clash despite being such a referenced bad haven't really been in my orbit that much. I know the classics and this was fun to get a more comprehensive insight. Good stuff!
Well it's an absolute belter. I love this album. So many fantastic tracks, Jimmy Jazz, Rudie Can't Fail, Lost in the Supermarket, Death or Glory. I listened to this so much as a kid. I remember my electronics teacher saying the Clash were one hit wonders with Rock the Casbah. Such an idiot.
A classic stomp through a angst ridden youth - you can see (and hear) how it has influenced others
Holy hell what an album. What a completely beautiful body of work.
Great rock album. Didn’t know I’d like the clash that much
must have been one helluva innovative album in the 70ies. can't help but think it fells quite shallow nowadays.
A deserved classic. Favourite songs were: London Calling Spanish Bombs The Card Cheat Train in Vain (Stand by Me) Making Elvis' iconic album cover even more iconic.
4.5 stars. Not just punk rock, so many genres (reggae, new wave, ska, even some jazz) work together to make a great sound that is more mainstream than typical punk. Catchy bookends ("London Calling" and "Train in Vain (Stand by Me)") are the highlights. A few too many total tracks but overall the whole listen is so good.
London Calling is such a good song, and I didn't mind the second one either, very punky. Found myself wondering why I'd never listened to this album before. As it went on I was less impressed. It's got a real reggae/two tone thing going on for half of the songs, which I usually like but didn't fit here. It was generally quite bouncy and poppy, none of other songs have the edge of London calling. It's alright but was expecting way better. 2.5.
Didn't really land for me. London Calling is incredible, but the rest very, very meh.
Another that I've listened to relatively recently and that I heard growing up from my parents. Pretty great album really. Nice mix of kinda messy punk rock, reggae, ska. Right up my street really. A couple of tracks reminded me a bit of the Libertines, particularly Jimmy Jazz, which I'd never noticed before..... But I guess there's countless bands that the clash influenced. Highlights: London calling Rudie can't fail Lost in the supermarket The guns of Brixton Wrong em boyo Death or glory I'm not down Revolution rock Train in vain The only reason I can think to not give this a 5 is that there is a fair bit of filler..... But 5 it is
Good Listen
Really great.
T
This was my most anticipated album on 1001 and it exceeded my expectations
Oh so THAT'S why people love this album. I only knew the title track and Train in Vain (Stand By Me), and maybe one or two others sounded vaguely familiar. I like all the Clash songs I know, but I'd never listened to this classic. I really enjoyed it, and it was a strong listen all the way through, with some of the back half songs being the best. Lost in the Supermarket is my pick for my playlist.
I like the Clash, and this is a good album, but I've just never been able to get into it.
I thought this was going to be a solid 5 stars, then realised it was a double album. I loved it, but it was a bit long and, inevitably perhaps, included a few tracks not quite up to the standard of the others. Ah heck, I'm giving it 5 anyway, because it's basically the perfect blend of many of my favourite things: tunes, energy, fun (but not too much), swag.
Это как бы мега-классика, ага, и вообще ультра-альбом и всё такое, и я слышал его тридцать миллионов раз, но вот никак не ляжет душа оценить его по полной. Большой альбом, но будто бы одинаковый и без вдохновения?.. Лучшая песня - London Calling.
7.5/10 I’d only heard the title single, I think. Totally not what I expected, certainly not a punk record, very interesting Punky, yes, but influenced by a pile of genres including reggae, soul, American rock Much more poppy than I expected Best: The Card Cheat
Pretty boring.
YES!
Yaaaaaaas!
One of the most influential albums of all time. I will never tire of listening to it. RIP Joe.
pretty good
Not my type that much. Solid 3 still.
Very bleh, I dont know if its a time thing but this albums was just very boring to me.
It's a classic for a reason
Not a huge fan of late 70s/early 80s in general and this album didn't seem to have much to offer past that so I listened to the first five or so songs they weren't bad just not my cup of tea it mostly all sounded the same to me
Love this album.
one of the best ever <3 i have so much love for this album.
Iconical. Even my son has instantly recognized London Calling.
Fav songs: London Calling, Jimmy Jazz, Revolution Rock
My generation’s white album (if I was born 25 to 30 years earlier).
Iconic ass cover. Glad I could finally get around to listening to the album that it hails from. At the expense of giving anyone reading this complete whiplash, I don't think the 80s and I will ever get along, especially when it comes to new wave. All of the music is pretty indistinguishable and bog-standard to me, and the vocals are just horrific.
The Clash are undeniably an incredible band that created many an important single, potentially the most essential in the new wave movement, but I never considered them primarily a punk band. Their real strength, surprisingly, is their versatility. They could hit you with tracks inspired by hardcore punk, reggae, rockabilly and funk all on the same disc side. Of course, my favorite aspect of them is their knack for crafting these sugary, melodic, funky, (almost!) soulful pop tunes that stay stuck in your head for years. Rock the Casbah isn't on this record but it's a perfect example of what I mean! *On* this record there's a few songs I can point to: the very last track sums up why I love the Clash. "Train in Vain" is easily the best song Paul Weller never wrote; a short blue-eyed soul ditty about betrayal and heartbreak I've been in love with ever since I first heard it. The bouncy rhythm and driving harmonica riff keeps you hooked and coming back for more. "Spanish Bombs" is a delightfully jangly, ahead of its time piece of pop that wouldn't feel out of place performed by the Smiths or the Pixies. Overall, this album is just as good as I remember it being all those years ago. I think I've even underrated it a bit. It's not my favorite new wave album, but it represents a lot of what I love about music in the 70s and 80s. Carefree, eclectic, optimistic, pessimistic, real, it's all here. Me like. 9/10
Another album I was excited to see on my list!
It's alright. Songs were generally good, but I think they added way too many to this album. Should have shortened it a bit.
I feel extremely apathetic toward this album. I wonder if they intentionally bookended the album with their best songs. Idk how every song felt too long even tho they were only like 3 minutes long each.
not my type of punk typically but the stylistic blend is so far ahead of it's time
fun but whatever
That's a Killer of a record ❤️❤️
On paper they should be terrible. Private school lads cosplaying as working class punks. Hypocrites and money hungry. On record though - the only band that matters. A fantastic truly great album. Dammit.
Always remember to laugh. I enjoy this album more with each listen. But it is too important to take seriously. Not just because it's British and good fun. I like imagining a Monty Mython-esque singer “thinging” Guns of Brixton & London Calling with comedic thick lisp. This Punk is already funky, catchy and so bloody fun. So on top of the nostalgia, why not a bit of pith-taking? Because this is sheriosh stuff. And it is. So much so , here is a <true> funny story to go with it. April 2006, on a Durham FLIGHT about to take off for LONDON, a 24 year old man <who deserves to be left alone so I wont name him here>, happily singing along to "London Calling"' ... was taken off his Heathrow-bound flight + detained by police for 3 hrs under the Terrorism Act. It turns out the lyrics - when mouthed by a man in a turban - freaked out a local - brits were very twitchy about bombs on planes back then). While funny now, I did re-read the first 6 or 7 lines of “London Calling”... I now smirk, but am careful what I mumble along to shops in airports and on planes. The more gleefully you sing that, or “Guns of Brixton” songs, the more likely you will seem nutty and troublesome. So... But I can't help smirk every time. I also blame listening to Nouvelle Vague cover versions too many times. Speaking of which... Their version of Guns of Brixton makes it sound far more sinister, and yet sexy than you'd every imagine. Now that’s on an essential sultry album. And good fun. I’d add them to any 1001 list. This one is far too serious. I'd igve this one a "fiver".
I own a copy of London Calling, but, I confess, I almost never play it. I read somewhere that The Clash's S/T album was generally regarded as their best until a 1989 Rolling Stone article crowned London Calling as the greatest album of the 1980s, having barely qualified for inclusion with a delayed US release in January 1980. And the critical praise piled on from there. I remember reading the Rolling Stone article, and many more that followed in US and UK publications alike, like the single Mojo issue in 1994 with a brace of hagiographic articles about London Calling (favourite photo caption: "Piece of piss. Next one's a triple!"). I was swept away by the tide of critical love, and generally parroted the line that London Calling was, in fact, clearly and obviously, the Clash's meisterwerk. But that Rolling Stone article tells you so much about what is wrong with Rolling Stone. London Calling is not the best album of the 80s. It really isn't an 80s album at all. It's clearly an American-style (or at least strongly influenced) rock album. They aren't a punk band at all by this stage; London Calling owes far more to the Rolling Stones or Springsteen than to the Sex Pistols. Rolling Stone magazine loves that kind of shit, and couldn't resist given them the crown, because (secretly) they didn't like 80s music. The most revealing song on the album is, to my mind, Death or Glory. Is it Strummer's rock star critique or his secret fantasy? Worse than either, it's his accidental prophecy for his own band that started out as British punks and ended up more interested in doing coke and shagging models in the back of the limo in America. There are still remnants of leftist politics, but the political outsider stance has morphed into rock'n'roll outlaw posturing. I was never convinced by Strummer's shaky grasp on politics, which might most generously be described as ham-fisted but well intentioned. But, considered on its own terms as a rock and roll album, it's pretty damn great. The band is super tight and knew how to smash it out in the studio. The production is not overly polished or overdubbed or fussily cleaned up. There's a pleasant amount of grit in the recording, not least in Strummer's howling and occasionally gargling vocals, which are more spit and vinegar than good singing, per se, but pretty rock'n'roll. There are some great tunes, powerfully played. I can't really ever remember hearing a convincing cover of a Clash song, which is a testimony to the strength their performance. Special mention to Topper Headon, whose drumming lifts the excitement in everything he plays. Not everything works (Jimmy Jazz is notably awful), but that is always a problem with double albums. They were at the height of their powers as a live band and songwriting unit, yet to disappear down the rabbit hole of self-indulgent and unedited experimentation ("Next one's a triple!"), then to be followed with egotistical infighting and "musical differences". And I'll bet they were a fucking great live band.
Apex album from the only band that ever mattered. People might have some things to say about Sandinista or Combat Rock, but saying this isn’t the most important album from The Clash is like saying you don’t like The Beatles.
Fun album. Gets you in a good mood. It’s nice to look back to these moments in time when music radically changed. You can hear the liberation and the fun and the pride. And nothing was the same afterwards, which is fascinating
Easiest five stars, and as soon as I saw I got this I knew it would be a five star record. Brilliant in every way
I'm sorry, but musically it's unbearably monotonous for me. I think you had to be there.
ate 70s punk rock mixed with other styles. Iconic title track. Amazing energy. Very varied. Joyful. Poppier than expected.
If only for two iconic tracks, opener "London Calling" and "Guns Of Brixton" (sung by bass player Paul Simonon), this album should be in the list. The first is a marvel, whether because of its evocative and cinematic songwriting, its sheer melodicism, or its timeless production values (Guy Stevens was a genius on par with the one of the band for this one). And the second is a killer composition that transcends its dub template into something both ominous and riotous, in all the senses of those two words Those impressive trees shouldn't hide the terrific forest behind, though. Minus one secondary cut, the string of songs that goes from "Hateful" and "Rudy Can't Fail" at the end of side one, to "Clampdown" and "Guns Of Brixton" at the end of the second is just pitch-perfect ("Spanish Bombs" and "Lost In The Supermarket" are perfect Clash songs in their own right, as much as the ones I've just quotes here, maybe even more). Besides, the third and fourth sides harbour three particularly memorable classic Clash gems as well: "Death Or Glory", and the Mick Jones-sung "I'm Not Down" and "Train In Vain". Going through different punk-adjacent genres (pure punk, reggae, ska, soul, classic rock'n'roll...) the tracklist of this double album is therefore sprawling, and yet feels very cohesive overall (this won't be exactly the case for triple-album *Sandinista*, very infamously, even if you have other very important songs in it). Joe Strummer gives terrific vocal performances throughout. The man is still sorely missed today: not many artists, whether punk or not, have had a knack for describing societal concerns in such a thrilling or poetic way. Admittedly, a patch of songs on the second vinyl is down a notch compared to the rest, but remember that The Clash managed to sell this double-album for the price of one at the time. So it's just nice gravy on an already very tasty cake. Oh, and that iconic artwork. Most people don't even realize today that its font actually references Elvis Presley's debut. When that sort of thing happens, you can bet your Doc Martens that pop culture was hit by a sheer phenomenon here, one that it will still need to be reckoned with for decades and decades to come... Number of albums left to review: 34 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 418 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 243 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 309
Innovative, a great blend of punk and outside influences. I just don’t love those outside influences lol
This makes me think of Mark Ruffalo's character extemporizing on The Clash in Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind. I did not realize this was a double album. This is a punk double album though, 19 songs, just over an hour long. Green Day are Clash rip-offs. It's not even an homage, they could be a London Calling cover band. The distinction between "eclectic" and "experimental" is whether I like an album or not. Is this the first new wave album? Madness bought this album and decided to become a band. Why is there so much Spanish on all their albums? It's hard to hear how this is related to the Sex Pistols or Black Flag. The Guns of Brixton is the music for Cypress Hill's What's Your Number? Good stuff. It's almost literally the music, net of the goofy sound effects, including the bridge, with B-Real rapping over it, a real Frank Ocean vs. the Eagles song. Train In Vain (Stand By Me) is a great song and a great song to close the album on.
Discazo
better and more diverse than only the titel track
Bloody love this. Very enjoyable and totally listenable post punk genre exploration.
Fairly mid for me. Some songs still hold up for me, others get a little repetitive for me
The Clash’s London Calling is regarded as a classic and a must hear by many. I’m a long time Punk fan, but being born in 1996, The Clash wasn’t on my radar for a long time. I found the Misfits at a young age, and never really listened to The Clash based on the overplayed hits I heard all the time. I went a different direction as far as Punk goes. I finally took the time to listen to this super long record, and I’m sorry, but I’m not impressed. I get that it has ska, early punk, early new wave, etc. I get that it’s influential for those reasons, but there’s only a handful of tracks on this record I even kind of like, and it’s over an hour long. When compared with other music that is foundational for Punk, it’s hard to even call this Punk. I feel like this is what that one “Classic Rock bro” you grew up with says he listens to when you say you like Punk. If they only put out the best ten tracks off of this record, I’d probably rate it higher, but as is, it’s just not for me.
Thought this album was a bit boring. Too many songs, and a good chunk of them were too similar. Not much to say besides that. Standouts: Hateful, Lost in the Supermarket, Wrong ‘Em Boyo, and I’m Not Down.
#374. Boring. It's like some kind of pseudo edgy surf rock or something. So this is what the Boomers called punk, huh? 2/5: yawn Song added to playlist: Train in Vain (Stand by Me) 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
Typical sound, I don't hate it, but I'm not a huge fan either.
Easy to see what evolved of this into punk. Seeing what musical styles they draw from is neat. This isn’t far removed from og rock n roll. I love the ska-esque tracks more than anything else. I am a sucker for horns. Mostly unimpressive. Drags on too long and the vocalist is not cut out for this. Until the last two tracks. I know train in vain, but revolution rock is a real standout on this.
It's really good Will I listen to again: 99%
masterpiece. one banger after another
Great album with some weaker tracks. 4/5
Lots of good enegery and interesting songs. This was better than expected and I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
One of the classics.
one of the best albums of all time
Best wel nice
Holy shit I'd forgotten how much fun this album is. I mean, I KNEW it was good, but damn, it's just non-stop.
I have to admit I wasn't ready for the ska sax, but it was very welcome. This is just an amazing album. Punk, but less angry, and played by people who can truly play their instruments.
It's The Clash, I mean come on
Never listened to these guys before today. I know they are iconic. I was expecting something I didn’t like, but this was tolerable. I felt kind of like I was at a circus, which is not bad.
I’ve been on a journey with this album. At first, I knew I’d heard covers of “Train in Vain” as a kid. But more significantly than that, I really discovered this album in college. I loved the first two sides to death. The only “weaker” tracks (read as: the ones I skipped to get to my favorites) were “Spanish Bombs” and “The Guns of Brixton.” I feel like both of those speak to the particular era this album was recorded in, one in which I wasn’t alive (and wouldn’t be for 13 more years). So they’re harder to connect to, and honestly “Guns of Brixton” is just kind of a downer, especially for a side closer. The second two sides of this album were always a mixed bag for me. “Wrong ‘Em Boyo” is an undeniable banger if you ask me, but the rest? I always felt I could do without most of them, and you could’ve made this a single album. And that was my opinion of this album for over ten years, a period in which I rarely if ever gave the full thing a listen. But that’s changed. Now I actually quite like both halves. The first still reigns supreme if you ask me. But side two has some amazing gems. Songs like “Koka Kola,” “The Card Cheat” and “Revolution Rock” all grew on me during this listen. I think I also have a greater appreciation for the themes here. Disillusionment with society and capitalism/consumerism, sex, life in 70’s London, self reflection, and more. Not all of these went over my head in college, but some definitely did. Now I see them, and appreciate them. They demonstrate the range, writing skill, and intellect of those writing them. On the whole, I really don’t know what else to say. It’s a brilliant album that brings together a host of influences and ideas and weaves them almost seamlessly in a package that has aged very well and whose themes still find relevance in today’s modern world. Five stars. Standout Tracks: London Call, Brand New Cadillac, Jimmy Jazz, Hateful, Rudie Can’t Fail, The Right Profile, Lost in the Supermarket, Wrong ‘Em Boyo, Koka Kola, The Card Cheat, Revolution Rock, Train in Vain (Stand by Me)
An album I could put on any time, really. Energetic and passionate, a good variety of styles, doesn't get boring. Bookended with two great tracks. Has to be 5/5.
This is much more musical than most punk albums. Awesome album!
Iconic.
3,5
Timeless classic
An easy top 20 album of all time...
A while ago, someone made the comment on Facebook "punk bands do not make double albums." I countered with The Damned's Black Album (a punk/goth classic imo). But everyone else countered with "London Calling," which I should have thought of first. What an amazing album. A punk band that shows range all over: reggae, jazz, swing. To some it may seem a little all over the place, but punk IS all over the place. It's such a fun album, and really is a classic. Top tracks: (I could say all of them, but my favorites are): "The Right Profile," "London Calling," "Clampdown," "Spanish Bombs," "Lost In The Supermarket," "Train In Vain," "The Guns Of Brixton," "Rudie Can't Fail"
Their debut album hooked me from the opening licks all the way through to the end. Honestly, on my first listen or two to this album, I really only noticed the big singles London Calling and Train in Vain, which open and close the album. It wasn't until my third listen that I really started to appreciate the songs in between. On sides one and two, Brand New Cadillac, Jimmy Jazz, and Lost in the Supermarket aren't bad - kinda fun. Hateful, Rudie Can't Fail, and Spanish Bombs are pretty good. Clampdown I probably should have taken note of right from the first listen - great tune. On sides three and four, Wrong 'Em Boyo is another one I probably should've rated highly right from the get-go. Great little ska-punk diddy. Death or Glory and Revolution Rock are pretty good. The Card Cheat isn't bad. All in all, I still think their debut is superior. It is definitely tighter, but that's what can happen with a double album here. Still, I am probably a fan of 75% of the tracks, and there aren't any I really dislike. Plus this album has so many different styles beyond pure punk. So you have to give them credit for that. I felt myself moving towards a 5 but I think deep down I view it more as a 4.
This is one of those albums that's always in the list of top albums of all time and I admit I never listened to it before. I knew some individual tracks, like London Calling, Spanish Bombs, and Train in Vain. I didn't even realize the last one was by the Clash, let alone on this album. My first reaction to seeing that this was a double album was - ooh, a double album from a punk band? That's going to be a little much. But, man, did it grow on me. This really is a great album, and is definitely more than simple punk. Definitely deserving of all the accolades. Favorite tracks - Pretty much all of them are great, so I'll just list the ones that really stood out when I listened: London Calling, Brand New Cadillac, Rudie Can't Fail, Spanish Bombs, Lost in the Supermarket, The Guns of Brixton, Wrong 'Em Boyo, Revolution Rock, Train in Vain. Yeah, that's pretty much a full album worth of songs. I've been listening to this album over and over for days, and don't want to move on yet. Sounds like a 5 to me.
Incredible album, Kevin wouldn’t recognize good song writing if it slapped him in the face
Okay
A truly iconic album that for whatever reason I’ve never hugely clicked with. The title track is fantastic as are Guns of Brixton and Wrong Em Boyo, and it’s incredibly diverse for a punk record without anything ever sounding too out of place, but it just feels a bit overlong for me and a lot of the second half doesn’t grab me. A beloved album by many for good reason, just not quite perfect for me
Not for me
The clash are so fucking cool.
Not for me. 1/5
It’s a great rebellion album and fascinating to listen to . We are still dealing with issues that they bring up in their songs. Do I love it and want to listen to it again? Probably not. Is it an important album that makes me appreciate when it was made and what it meant? Hell Yes. it’s worth another listen just for the lyrics.
I cannot explain why, but I really enjoyed it. I am going to listen to more of their music.
I went into this thinking that The Clash was "OK." I am an old school punk fan and maybe get a bit snooty about punk bands that reach a more mainstream appeal. But to be honest, I was really way more impressed than I thought I would be. They are still punk, still old school, still edgy, but they have the range to reach a wider audience, they do not sell out to do it. So really, they do something remarkable: they keep it real but still manage to draw in a larger audience. Yes. I came in assuming I knew a few of the mainstream radio songs and would otherwise be disappointed but came out feeling like the radio hits simply suppliment their body of work.
One of my favourite albums of all time. No skips, flawless. Such a blend of genres and styles, sounds just as great as the first time I heard it 20 years ago.
Large, great, amazing... what an album. this is cohesion people. Stone cold classic.
87% Best: London Calling; The Right Profile; Lost in the Supermarket; Clampdown; Wrong 'Em Boyo; I'm Not Down; Train in Vain (Stand by Me) Must-Hear? Sure
Not what I expected - somehow more jolly! the energy of title track doesn't carry through the whole album, but they were fun songs
One of the quickest 5's I can give, a blend of styles brought together effortlessly, back to back tunes.
Excellent
First time listening to the whole album.
Not my fave clash album but train in vain slaps
The whole album sounds the same
nista spec ali mi se vise svidja nego prosli album od deep purple, lepa mesavina zvukova i za svakoga ima ponesto. London calling je jedina pesma koja je meni pala za uvo i da mi se svidja. za sad 3.4/5 ali sigurno album koji cu vrv opet da slusam nekad.
I respect it. I do
Pretty good. I'd award 3.5 stars if I could because I liked it for background listening but wasn't in love with any specific songs.
Only a few catchy melodies, spectacular instrumentals but didn’t love the songs themselves. Couldn’t stand the singer. Would give 2.5 stars but feeling generous
That was another album that I loved I'm starting to think that my preffered genre is alternative rock. Best music of the album IMO: "Death or Glory"
Love the Clash! Funny story - always thought it was so cool and edgy, then my daughter's 3rd grade chorus sang "Train in Vain" as part of an eighties tribute!
Found myself skipping through a lot of this album. I miss my book so I can read why these are so important.
The Clash is fantastic. Lot of good music comes out of London.
For me personally, I might give this 3.5 or 4 stars, depending on the day, because while I do like it, it is not the kind of music I normally want to put on. I was not raised on punk music, and so much of this album does not resonate with me that much, beyond enjoying having it on every once in a while. However, there is no denying how monumental this album is and how much it influenced. It's influence is so great that it can be clearly heard in bands two or three generations removed that may have not have listened to this album directly but listened to bands that were so strongly influenced by this album. So, I'd probably give this 4.5 stars, but I'll round up to 5, because it just feels right to say this is a 5 star album.
could i write poetry to this? y
A quite nearly perfect album. Four and one-half stars. Loses a half-star because the music isn't really "Punk", as people called it. It is Punk in that it was intended to offend the sensibilities of conservative Reagan-Thatcherites, but I don't think it did.
Docked a point for being a double album. *edited to return the star. Perfect album and my automatic double album star docking has not aged well.
Classic punk rock! Great energy
It's a little hard to be objective on an album that I owned on CD in high school and listened to regularly on the bus. Then again, I find myself dancing around the house and singing almost all of the words despite having not listened to it in a few years. The fact that this is still getting me excited after 20 years of listening to it probably says something when there are plenty of albums from my high school years that would make me cringe.
Look, I like punk. But not all punk. This typically means I stick to the bands/albums I know and rarely seek anything new (to me). So while The Clash is one of the well-known punk bands, I actually have never listened to this album*. After listening, this is what I want punk to be - a slurry of genres that packs a punch and makes a sociopolitical statement. Needless to say, this is great album. Favorite song: Hateful Least favorite: Train in Vain (Stand by Me) Knew before? No *except London Calling, Lost in the Supermarket, and Train in Vain.