1977

Nice surprise here! Enjoyed the punk-ier songs on the album; didn't resonate with the popier ones as much.

It was ok. Didn't really have any wow moments.

I've never heard it before, but the guitar sounds and overall feel of the album made me think of Blink-182, New Found Glory, etc. I liked it!

I'd never heard of this band nor this album prior. Yet, I've heard all of these songs. Absolutely nothing here that stuck out. The auditory equivalent of oatmeal with raisins. Inoffensive, but bland and uninteresting. Glad it's over.

Not sure exactly why, but I really wasn't impressed by this one. It just seemed... sterile? Generic? Uninspired? Like it was made to be played on radio without much more creativity/thought beyond that. Which, to me, meant that while it was not bad, per se, it was not good either. Just middle-of-the-road in every way. I don't think I'll remember a single song off of this album tomorrow. Overall: 2/5

Only got through half of it, pretty mid

Another one of these middle of the road albums that isn't exceptionally but provides a good listen. I felt like that when it was released and basically still do.

I really enjoy this record. Almost all of it. Bought it after hearing Girl from Mars and Kung Fu.

Big 90s / Britpop feel to it. I'm probably including an extra star out of nostalgia.

I really enjoyed this one. Grungy, britpop, good guitars (though they do tend to get a bit long in their solos) but overall, very good. Will listen to this one again.

A surprisingly good album. There's a lot of good songs here with hooky hooks.

I read this described as "the sweet spot between Nirvana and the Jonas Brothers" and haven't stopped laughing yet. Star Wars isn't good and you shouldn't use it as an album opener, even if you're 17. That being said, I don't know many 17 year olds that could copy better bands so convincingly. Not at all essential listening.

This record is equal parts grungey and preppy - like a depressed cheerleader. Big fan

Not bad, a bit generic and didn't speak to me.

Considering how shit these guys were live when I saw them supporting The Darkness, this album actually isn't that bad

Started off kind of noisy then I didn't pay much attention

Pulled this up in the evening. Not my cup of tea.

Solid album

Irrelevant.

Weezer at home

This one kind of surprised me. Loved Goldfinger and Girl from Mars. Lost interest by the second half but a part of me feels like the project will one day grow on me.

Another one where teenage me takes over! I loved this album first time around. Non threatening garage punk of the britpop era. Lots of cultural references, some banging tunes and lots of energy. Coming back to it reveals its not going to change the world, but the guitars, the drums and the hooks are still top notch.

Some good rock songs

Pretty good album. Had never hear dof the band. They have a nice sonic youth kind of thing going. Impressed because I had no clue what to expect. A bit commercial on some songs but guess thats ok cause others were hardcorish

Once again, a 90s album I tried very much to like, but could not get into due to the overwhelming "90s sound" that I never can quite describe. Some singles here are effective, and even a bit catchy, but I'm certainly not in a hurry to get back to 1977.

Empty-calorie mid-90s schlock rock unbefitting of a far superior music decade's association.

3/5

Kinda noisey. But a good listen

Decent garage rock, high 3

This one has a lot of sentimental value for me, as when I was about 7 or 8 my aunt and uncle gave me a mix CD with a load of their favourite songs to bring back to the US with me. Lose Control was on it, and I thought the Tie Fighter sample at the start was the hight of coolness. It still kinda is tbh, and a lot of these songs still hold up. It kind of loses its way towards the end, but the singles are still great.

ash. flat and a bit noisy sounding.

Some OK tracks but generally a bit too noisy for me!

First- this was a 65 track album. Not no hell no. Especially 65 songs of Ash

Middling garage rock/pop punk. The list must have been sponsored by the BBC. It has the requisite number of UK acts whether they deserve to be there or not. If you are going to include pop punk from the 1990s on this list those bands should unequivocally be Weezer, Blink 182, or Jimmy Eat World. Personally my favorite was The Dragonflies (not the one on most streaming services). I found this album unremarkable in every way.

First listen

Boy, this one sure is from the 90's. It has all the hallmark elements of that period, which aren't really a bad thing- they just maybe haven't aged as well as some other styles. This album is fine, but I found it mostly unremarkable.

Brit pop album that sounds a bit like a twee Nirvana. Unremarkable but solid.

Definitely a fun album that took me back to a youthful me. GFM still pops up on my running playlist now and again and usually at the point I need a pick me up/boost track. But I’d forgotten how much I liked ‘Oh Yeah’ as well. Great album of its time.

Nice rock

Not for me

Holy shit. Never heard of this band and I was a teen in the 90s. This fucking rocks. How did I never hear this? So much fuzz it's like every song is made out of Velcro! God damn this is good.

318/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑

Very easy to listen to the whole thing... but kind of all blended together.

okay i can admit there are some good songs in here. particularly the end of the album. but it’s not my cup of tea personally

Just a lame 90s alt album, surprised it made this list. Not really anything to write home about.

i don’t love this type of music but i was pleasantly surprised throughout!!!

Decent. But idk how many more 90s britpop oasis bands I can listen to.

im trying a modified pomodoro technique where I work for one album and then take a break but the breaks are more like full stops. album was good I enjoyed it.

8/10 - I need to revisit it because the songs sounded the same but, it sounded good the same.

It feels like the list is pandering to me with these 90s british alt/indie albums

4.3

There was a massive buzz around Ash in the UK when this came out, but they never really seemed to properly take off. This is a good album though, but maybe that’s more a memory thing for me, as I was in my early twenties when it came out.

1977 is the perfect example of a scrappy, youthful garage rock album that thrives on energy over technical precision. It’s raw, slightly grungy, and packed with infectious hooks, making it easy to see why it connected so strongly with fans of loud, unpolished rock. The album kicks off with Lose Control, a breakneck opener that throws you straight into the chaos, setting the tone for an album that never really slows down. Ash’s brand of punk-tinged power pop isn’t about complexity—it’s about capturing the reckless excitement of being young, and they absolutely nail it. Girl from Mars is the obvious standout, a perfect mix of melody and grit that lodges itself in your brain immediately. The production is just messy enough to feel authentic but never so much that it buries the anthemic quality of the songwriting. While the album is full of great moments, it’s not flawless. Some tracks, like I’d Give You Anything, feel a bit more like raw noise than structured songs, and while the vocals work within the album’s loose, garage-rock feel, they don’t always carry enough personality to elevate every track. The lyrics aren’t groundbreaking, but they do what they need to—channel the youthful spirit and reckless abandon that make the whole record feel so honest. The Star Wars nods scattered throughout only add to the charm, reinforcing that 1977 isn’t just a title, but a full embrace of the band’s influences and sense of fun. It’s loud, unrefined, and maybe a little rough around the edges, but that’s exactly why it works so well.

Would listen again

Really good!

Liked it

Not for me

Forgettable alternative rock

A great mix of aggression and emotion, with great songwriting, cool vocal melodies and a slew of really enjoyable moments. 4.5/5.0: Excellent

Well, this transported me back to being a teenager in the summer of 1996. I could practically taste the cider. I think it could stand to lose a couple of tracks but I don’t think it’s just the nostalgia talking when I say I enjoyed this.

Calling this Brit Pop really feels wrong and not only because Ash are from Northern Ireland. But the music is so clearly in debt to American bands, past and present. Ok yes, there's a strong Buzzcocks vibe, but it's outweighed by the influence of the Beach Boys, Sonic Youth, Star Wars, and a slew of quirky early 90s indie bands from the states. The band were so young that they had to tour between studying for exams and needed permission from their parents and the school's headmaster. Which is both embarrassing and very cool.

I wonder if these guys have ever heard of Weezer...

Heard

good debut

# Album Name: 1977 # Artist: Ash # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: Couple of good songs on here like girl from mars and goldinger but overall its a very average britpop album. # Top Tunes: Goldfinger / from from mars / kung fu / oh yeah # Would I listen to it again? No

Pretty standard '90s alt rock album. The best way to describe it is 45 minutes of Weezer b-sides

Fun and grungy, but gets old quickly

This was alright. I’m only really familiar with their song Burn Baby Burn, the tunes on this record didn’t quite go as hard, but it was worth a spin

Very 90s, not very notable

Almost positive the opening sound effect on this album is a Star Wars tie fighter. Could that be related to the album title? The year Star Wars came out?? Is there a lot of substance to this album? Not really, honestly. But I need to check myself, because I feel like the me of 8-10 years ago would’ve been more into this one. Lots of angst and raw energy, lots of songs about girls and the highs and lows of being young. My highlight on here is easily “Kung Fu”, as it’s the most pure fun on the record. Still, I am left questioning if this deserves a spot on a list of 1001 albums you need to listen to.

Not familiar with Ash, decent debut. Base line of all songs seemed similar, kinda liked the lead singer’s voice. Best song was Gone The Dream. Kung Fu sounds like some 70s punk rock (maybe that’s why they called the album 1977.) Not sure since it dropped in 1996. Oh well. Oh Yeah (2.6*s)

This album is completely forgettable; the band name, album name, cover art, and music do nothing to distinguish themselves in any way. Super generic with lame attempts at sounding like a a bunch of different bands that do it better. It was like a watered-down version of Weezer meets The Offspring. I emptied the ashtray into the trash(tray). 1.5 for punch sound effects on "Kung Fu" but minus .5 for saying Jackie Chan's name with tacky "uh uh uh uh oh" after it brings 1977 in at 1.45.

Pretty standard 90s indy-pop...not sure why a spot on the list. Maybe cause they are Irish? Started out on fire but quickly lost it's flame and by the end was reduced to ashes. Songs droned on and I got bored. Mediocre with no real lasting impression. This one will be forgotten....1.65.

A 90's irish pop punk rock album with a handful of singles? Seemed like something that I would enjoy so I went into this hoping I might be introduced to a new band. I was surprised how much of a miss this was for me. Maybe there is something more buried in this but I felt like I was hit with a bunch of generic rock songs that had too much reverb and distortion so it kinda drowned out any of the detail. I didn't dig the vocal style in any way and can't tell you anything about the supporting instrumentals. After 30 mins I was mostly tuned out just trying to get through it. I'd never heard of Ash before and there is no reason for me to revisit them after this. On paper I feel like I should have enjoyed this but after a listen this is a skippable album for me. 1.28 stars

Definitely enjoyed. Girl From Mars was a favorite and would come back for that one.

Kinda mid album 3/5

Meh

I started out excited. This seemed like it was gonna be a 90s British, grungy, combination. My excitement faded when I started feeling like the songs got really repetitive. I think it's the same riffs over and over and over and over. Yea, it's pretty cool, but I don't think I'd be excited for another ash album.

Typical Britpop stuff which was all over the place in the mid 90’s. All were mostly Oasis or Blur wannabes. Won’t be unkind to label Ash as that. They are still about and making music but I don’t think this album is remarkable in any way and made no impression on me at all. 2/5 3/3/25

Canny this, heavier than I remembered albeit I reckon the last time I heard this would’ve been 2002. Imagine how class it would have been to be in this band at that time?! Has that exciting sound (for the time) between US grunge rock and Britpop. This is the band I would’ve wanted to be in as a teenager. Can’t say I’d ever really listen to this again, but enjoyed it anyway. Main criticism is it gets old, quite quick. They do have a formula that works and they stick to. Goldfinger / Let it Flow best tracks for me. A solid 3.5

Expect for maybe 'A', Ash were the first band I was properly obsessed with. Don't think I've listened to this album in full for probably a decade but it held up far better than I expected, the album tracks were much stronger than I remember. I'd still say they are primarily a singles band and the singles are so good. Angel interceptor, Kung Fu, they have that Weezer like proper pop melody thing but they also sound so indie and thrown together, I love it. 1978 is the best album probably, though free all angels is also incredible. I'd give a five to everything though.

Didn't like the intro at all, but Goldfinger is solid, as was Lost In You. Kung Fu had lots of boppy, poppy hints, probably my favourite song on the album. Decent enough. Passed me by when I was younger, but I dont think I missed out on too much.

I would've never have called myself a huge Ash fan, but they were everywhere when I was a teenager. I'm surprised how nostalgic this was for me and how much of the album I still knew. One of the few big ish bands I saw locally where I grew up. The first few tracks are great. So are Kung Fu and oh yeah I'm not sure it's quite worthy of a 5, but 4.5 it is

Sounds good. Has elements of grunge, rock, melodic pop, I rather enjoyed this. But it's not ground breaking, and it can get a bit samey. Hence a bit harsh 3 stars.

ágætt popprokk frá unglingsárum mínum. smá fortíðarþrá og minningar um erfið ár. 3,5. gyllti fingurinn er smellur.

Sounds like my youth

Not bad. Not good.

It's fine. I could imagine myself listening to a couple tracks off this maybe in early college thinking I had found an obscure band and convincing people to like it, but in the end...it's just fine.

Great memories of being a late teen in Belfast - thanks!

Enjoyable, admittedly nothing really stood out to me but I think I liked every song on this album just fine. I don't think there are any issues with the production and none of the songs stick around longer than is fun/enjoyable.

It's...fine. 90's alt rock. Some decent hooks and riffs, and I can see why this got some airplay. But it's pretty samey and not overly interesting. I mean, if this is what you're in the mood for, you're better off throwing on some Arctic Monkeys than this.

mais do mesmo 2 estrelas

Didn't know about this and the happy to find out. four stars just for this

This is actually some really great, post-grunge alternative. Sure there are so.e radio friendly hit attempts in there, but a good amount of intricate guitar play and rockn riffs galore

This sounds so 90s with that very distinctive sort of teenage sound but with some almost "Beatle-like" tunes sprinkled in. Very interesting album

Forgot to rate this when I listened to it and now I can't remember what it sounds like. 6?/10 Fave track: Girl from Mars? Only track whose melody I even vaguely recall.

Standard rock album. Didn't sound special

What a fun discovery, and I have once again failed to beat the 90s rock allegations

It came out of the gate swinging and I was like "Finally! A good British Rock band" ... and then just like every thing else British whether empires or dental care, they just couldn't keep up with it

It's good 90s alter rock, at least I know that. Energetic, jangle, just a bit midiocore, given Oasis, given The Smith, very britpop. I generally feel very indifferent towards it. Not outstanding. A mild 3 is probably the best description.

This was really something. Sometimes it was interesting and noisy and sometimes it was very annoying 90s power pop.

Own it, love it, always have, always will! Released in my mid teens as I was making my way through the end of school and finding my way into college, right about when I started learning guitar and was infatuated with video games. “Girl From Mars”, “Oh Yeah”, “Angel Interceptor” and “Kung Fu” are some of favourites. All were perfect for my teenage angst, lust and confusion. Solid 5 for this one.

Some of the songs are fun, but the vocals aren't all there. I wouldn't consider it a "must listen"

Not for me

Solid

Stop putting these shite UK alt rock albums on the list

It’s ok

I'd only heard Girl From Mars before. The rest of the album feels very late 90s/early 2000s alt rock which was fun and nostalgic

This is like the definition of garage rock to me. It is slightly grungy as well, which is a lot of fun. Is the singer especially talented? No. Are the guitar parts especially challenging? No. But the album works. It sounds very raw and I feel like this band would be fun to hear live. I loved this album probably more than I should have. Wow is "Girl from Mars" such a good track. I will be listening to this song on loop for the rest of my life. "Lose Control" is a FANTASTIC heavy and fast opening track. Liked Songs: "Lose Control" , "Goldfinger" , "Girl from Mars" , "Gone the Dream" , "Kung Fu" , "Let It Flow" , "Innocent Smile" , "Darkside Lightside"

liked songs: Lose Control, I'd Give You Anything, Oh Yeah, Lost In You Starting an album with the TIE fighter sound is such a power move. Overall, this was a fun 90s alternative sounding album. 3.5

Can't believe this was 1977. Way ahead of its time!

This shit literally almost killed me, 'innocent smile' my ass

Not for me.

In 1996, the Alternative Rock bubble was just about at its breaking point. Cobain had been dead for a minute, Pearl Jam was busy fighting TicketMaster, and R.E.M. had lost their College Radio religion and gone mainstream. There were, however, many Alt-Rock albums like this one released in 1996 that were better and more notable than Ash's "1977". This includes releases by: Failure, Weezer, Afghan Whigs, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Cracker, The Refreshments, I Mother Earth, Sloan, Guided By Voices, Eels, Screaming Trees, Sleater-Kinney, Cake, Heatmiser, Superdrag, Jawbox, Sebadoh, Luscious Jackson, Cibo Matto, Bob Mould, Imperial Teen, Butter 08, Sponge, Nada Surf, Butthole Surfers, Tracy Bonham, Poe, Stone Temple Pilots, Lemonheads, and The Presidents of the United States of America...just to name a few.

Dude can't really sing. Some of the songs are OK. 2.5 stars.

78% Best: Lose Control; Let It Flow; Innocent Smile; Angel Interceptor; Darkside Lightside Must-Hear? Not quite

Overall: 5/10 It's fine and innoffensive, I didn't get much out of it. Some of the fuzzy guitar work was really cool but this feels like something I'm gonna forget about tomorrow. Fav Song: Lost in You Least Fav Song: Kung Fu

I got excited when I first turned this on and heard the intro of a Star Wars tie fighter leading into some hard shredding. Goldfinger is a little more generic 90s rock, but I enjoyed it. Got some early Blink-182 vibes from that song. Girl From Mars started off cool with the fuzzy-ness of it, but then went back to the generic 90s well. The rest of this didn't really stand out to me. It's kind of disappointing because the start of this was good. Needed some more hard-jamming energy. Low 3.

Gran Turismo! Tie Fighters! 35 years ago Eric Cantona Kung Fu kicked a racist fan and was immortalised on the cover of the single of the same name. Girl From Mars! Goldfinger! Oh Yeah! Oooh ahhh, Angel Interceptor! Ten minutes of silence...and then: Sick Party! I see Spotify have censored Sick Party off most versions of this, but it's available to search for the curious. And yes I was a teenager when this came out, and there are better albums, but you lot don't like The Birthday Party or that German clanking album or anything else that upsets you so I have earned the right to overscore a somewhat generic pop/rock album with muddier production than I remember.

A lovely slice of ‘90s-ness, certainly better on the tracks when they up the volume & energy.

4/5, some good stuff here

This does nothing for me.

Good 90s rock. Listen again

bridging indie and nu-metal that can veer a bit 6th form

The longer this album went on, the lower my estimation of the singer's ability went

Despite Norn Iron being such a small place we have produced some talent. Ash are certainly the most fun, mixing the pop sensibilities of The Undertones with the aggression of Stiff Little Fingers. Eclectic teenagers that they were they threw in metal, Dinosaur Jr and ABBA influences, pop-culture references from Star Wars, X-Men, Jackie Chan, Karate Kid, Captain Scarlet. The album starts with the sound of a TIE fighter and ends, at least on early versions, with a hidden track of them egging each other in a vomiting competition. In between there are so many catchy fun, wall of noise songs - Goldfinger, Girl From Mars, Kung Fu, Angel Interceptor - really not a bad tune and all delivered with the youthful exuberance of kids having the time of their lives. Downpatrick’s best!

Definitely a quite 90s sounding record. When I was younger I listened to music like this quite a lot, but I must say this barely does anything for me now. I wonder if the situation would've been different if I had heard any of their songs before. While the sound of the band appeals to me to some degree, my main problem with this album is the lack of any type of interesting melody. I also felt that most songs were a bitt too busy. They mostly turned into a distorted mess. Weak 3.

I feel like we have had a lot of bland albums lately and this was one of them. The start of "Lose Control" had a really good intro but it fizzled out during the rest of the song. All of it sounded very 90s, like a mix of Neutral Milk Hotel, Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. No songs really stood out to me. 2 stars.

medium rock music. found myself wishing I was listening to msp…..some catchy hooks and melodies and fun tunes, but nothing especially good to me

I'd never heard of Ash, and didn't recognise any of their songs. So I went into this album blind I really really enjoyed it! As soon as that opening guitar started I was thinking oh hell yeah here we go. And it did not disappoint! Honestly such a nice surprise to find on this list. This is my sort of thing 5 ⭐️

Was 14 when this one came out and i first heard Goldfinger. At the moment loved 'em even more than Oasis, which was a sick feeling for a Gallagher fan. Since that time there're a few things in their repertoire i dig more, like Meltdown, still can't even think of rating 1977 less than 5 out of 5.

I didn’t expect to like this based on my first initial listen of the first bit of the opener. Then “Girl From Mars” came on and I had the BIGGEST nostalgia flashback to being a kid in the 90s. Without remembering the song existed but somehow knew half the words? Anyway, I ended up enjoying this a lot more than I expected. It’s fun, the background harmonies are great, the guitar has a groove. Saved this whole album, as well as added some of it to my playlist.

3

Good album, worth another listen. Singing is a little weak but songs are catchy

Lots of fun with this one, I had it when it came out. Firmly an album of the 90s. Some pretty cool tunes, let down by a weak singing voice but for a bunch of scruffy Irish teens it's pretty good.

the songs i already knew were enjoyable but the rest weren’t very interesting. i can understand why people complain about there being too many britpop albums on this list.

I had heard of Ash before, but had only heard one or maybe two of their songs. I like their sound and this album started off good, with a cool sound and groove that I really enjoyed. By about the middle of the album, I was less impressed and by the end I was just sick of the sound. It started sounding very muddy and poorly recorded. Three stars.

I had this album back when it was new. Really solid mid-90s sound. 'Goldfinger' got some radio play here in Seattle and was a favorite of mine back then. Definitely in the Weezer ballpark.

Jäi muiden aikalaistensa varjoon. 2/5

Tylsänpuoleinen poprock-levy.

A pleasant surprise, one of the underestimated great alternative rock albums of the 90s. It doesn't bring anything particularly new to the genre, but it has a great execution.

90er Britrock (aus Nordirland), aber nicht so softrock kacke. Gute ElektroRiffs. Gefällt mir bisher fast am besten. 5/5

Alright. Not the best but can see it

Quite good musicianship. On first listen I didn't hear anything lyrically that made me think we'd get out of the shallow end, and that's why I'm not prone to go back to it. But if I do, maybe I'll reconsider and love it... Not sure. This one was a tough call.

Good solid healthy rock and roll, I dig it.

Très générique comme album, je ne vois pas sa pertinence dans cette liste. La rigolote chanson « Kung Fu » a un peu sauvé la mise, mais ça reste une étoile pour moi sans hésitation.

"Kung fu" gave me nostalgia vibes from watching "Rumble in the Bronx", but the rest of the album is derivative nonsense. Even "Kung fu" is a pretty stupid song, but catchy. 1001 albums generator occasionally poops out one of these UK albums that never went further than the Isles and I gamely suffer through them.

I didn’t think I knew this band but Kung Fu stood out as familiar. It’s kinda fun, but clearly not memorable enough for me to have figured out the band’s name. Some of the rest of this reminds me of Neil Gust’s contributions to Heatmiser. By which I mean underwhelming. And their press photo on Apple Music is cringe. They sound kind of adjacent to the 90s indie music that I’m into on some tracks, while the rest just sounds like generic 90s pop rock. They just don’t do it for me. Another one hit wonder from the UK that somehow managed to get an entire album on the list.

I'm sure I've heard the banks before, but they've got a pretty generic 90's rock sound. I like the album, but I don't think it was particularly good.

Lost in you struck a chord with me, otherwise this was largely boring and middle of the pack for 90s indie rock

Seems fine. Very typical of the genre. Solid middle-of-the-road, trending to pretty good (Girl from Mars).

Not too bad.

song is proper 90s british rock but the melody is a bit weird purest teen energy at it's finest i like those stuff even when it's not made by oasis or blur or pop punk era green day 3.5/5

Bored

90s alt pop. Forgot they existed tbh.

very high 4

Bout ye hi

This album was okay for most of the listening, but I feel really ended on a high note. Not enough to make it a 4, but definitely enough to make it a solid 3 that I may return to.

Liked this one more than other Britpop I've heard so far.

I'm glad I read the wiki on this one. Silly me, I thought 1977 was the release year and I was so impressed at how much this sounded like mid-90s indie pop. I was amazed at how far ahead of their time they were. Nope, released in 1996, right in the middle of their time, if not late to the game. A good album but I was looking for something to set it apart and wasn't able to find anything. Just let down by their lack of time-travel prowess, I suppose.

this finished and I felt like I was still waiting on it to properly get going. some good bits in there that I was hoping they'd push on from but they never did - too radio friendly for me

OK, bit samey. britpop rock, very 90s 3/5

Is it 1977 from 1996 or 1996 from 1977? Either way, it’s crunchy guitar-heavy Britpop goodness that I’ve never heard of before. Will I listen again? I think so - I found some bits especially crunchy.

Schon doll was da Mitte der 90er an lärmenden Schülerbands aus den Garagen in das große Musikbusiness gesprungen sind. Money for nothing and chicks for free... wer wäre nicht gerne dabei gewesen. Mir bleibt jetzt leider nur der Neid und die lahme Gelegenheit dafür nur 1* zu vergeben.

decent enough album but nothing in the realm of greatness. solid rock numbers and some decent, but kind of shaky vocals at times. some of these tracks are really loud and a romp ('i'd give you anything,' 'darkside lightside') and some i felt were a bit unremarkable ('gone the dream,' 'angel interceptor'). at the end of the day, I felt like it could have been so much more and didn't really blow me away. it's not bad, but ultimately a bit unremarkable.

I used to own this. And on re-listening to this after about 20 years I had the same feeling I had when I decided to sell my physical copy back then. This album starts with one or two songs that really kick you. And then the songs get gradually worse and boring and the singer's vocals really annoying and... Dare I say off-key?

High points paired with low points, last song sucks

A bit borin

I did not a private session on Spotify. I knew of Ash from the delightful song "Burn, Baby Burn". There were a couple of songs on this album that had the same rocking intensity which I throughly enjoyed; however I did find some of the tracks really lacking and didn't play well with singer's strengths. Some of these songs might make it on a playlist, but I won't listen to the album again, twice was enough.

This was some solid-to-good indie/alternative punk-rock. Very 90s in tone, but not in a bad way. I'd say I enjoyed more than I didn't here. A lot of it just washed over me, but there were a few standouts. Before the vocals started on I'd Give You Anything, I thought it was an N.I.B cover. The guitar riff is lifted almost verbatim from the original Sabbath song. I also really liked Innocent Smile -- contrast between the distortion and the plucked harmonics is nice. Album closer Darkside Lightside was a fun ripper -- energetic with some nice breakdown in the middle. I'd say this straddles the 3/4 border for me. Erring to the low-end because I don't really expect to listen to this again.

First song absolutely rocked, kinda made me disappointed the rest of the album until the last song. Would have liked more shredding and less singing. Felt very average besides that first song.

Incredibly mid alternative album. I was on the verge of giving this a 1 because of how boring it was

Not terribly offensive but also just power punk pop. Actually really liking Girl From Mars. Reminds me of early Blink 182. Let It Flow sounds like early Weezer too but a bit more fuzzy. This albums kinda all over the place but not mad about it. Lows were certainly low but really loved the highs. Middling 3.

Middle of the road third generation grunge band. There are better contemporaries than this band, and I wouldn't put them on an essential list.

It was really refreshing. And, in some ways, pioneering, because it sounded like a lot of what you hear nowadays... Anyway, good songs to spend some time with A solid 3 <3

Liked it but won't revisit. Has enough Weezer elements to push the 'why is the Blue Album not on this list' button.

So I've just had Frankie goes to Hollywood wttpd. Which the singles are good, but the rest of the album is a bit crap. Girl from mars and oh yeah aren't great singles in my humble opinion. But the rest of this album is much more creative/enjoyable.

I fell in love with this one a little by the end. A really hard working rock album that reminded me a little of Weezer. Pretty good in every respect from guitars to drums to vocals.

If I had to classify this album with one word it'd be upper-mediocre. Who knew a British band could do poppy grunge better than most Seattle bands...? It's a low bar, sure, but this album surprised me. Darkside Lightside sounded like a demure Stone Temple Pilots. Innocent Smile's build and increasing pace was unexpected and Lost in You was sickly sweet and altogether so terrible, that it was good. Overall, this band was pretty much exactly what you'd expect from this generation, but somehow a bit better.

I thought I didn’t know Ash until we got to “Kung Fu.” While the first several songs were kind of forgettable, uninspired Nirvana-lite, “Kung Fu” isn’t much like those, and not in a good way. Bubblegum junk. The rest was decent, but ultimately it's a skippable album that I wouldn’t return to.

Pretty much run of the mill 90s alternative with subpar vocals. Until Innocent Smile where they used some vocal distortion, which helped, and the end of the song devolved into Sonic Youth-ish noisy noise…in a good way. I liked the album about a star better from this point on, but the vocals still weren’t a plus.

yas

Another one of these influential must-hear bands you’ve never heard of and which sound like a compilation of sux other bands. It was listenable but a bit tedious after a while.

ei tartte lyyrikoita kuunnella ja ymmrätää kun voi fiilistellä...

Such a teenage sounding album, but wow did I love this. It definitely sounds like something a bunch of high schoolers wrote while screwing around with instruments, with childish but awesomely fun songs like Kung Fu or Girl from Mars. But at the same time, it's the right level of catchy and campy that makes many of these songs plain fun to listen to. A couple of them surprised me with just how good the songs actually were, with Goldfinger and Oh Yeah being my favorites.

I didnt like this one. it was a bit boring and a bit of a loop

Ash? More like trash.

Not my vibe.

seemingly generic garage rock from the era, probably won't listen again.

Reminds me a bit of Sonic Youth, with a bit of Foo Fighters. Nothing really stands out, but it's good overall.

Ash – 1977 Album Review Ash’s 1977 isn’t just an album—it’s a time capsule of teenage rebellion, romance, and raw exuberance. Released in 1996, it catapulted the Northern Irish trio into the spotlight, blending Britpop melodies with punk urgency. The album feels like a love letter to youthful chaos, capturing the kind of unfiltered energy that only comes from a band barely out of their teens. Opening with “Lose Control,” complete with a cheeky Star Wars TIE fighter scream, the album establishes its playful yet forceful tone. This is not a record that tiptoes around its influences; it embraces them. Tracks like “Goldfinger” and the iconic “Girl From Mars” shine with hook-laden melodies and crunchy guitars, showcasing Ash’s ability to craft earworms that feel both nostalgic and fresh. “Kung Fu” is a frenetic punk anthem that barrels through its runtime with reckless abandon, while “Oh Yeah” slows things down for a wistful, sun-soaked ode to summer love. The diversity in sound is one of 1977’s greatest strengths—it oscillates between raw punk energy and polished pop sensibilities without ever losing its charm. But what makes 1977 truly special is its sincerity. Ash wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here; instead, they made a record that feels intensely personal yet universally relatable. The lyrics are simple but heartfelt, the production is unpretentious, and the energy is infectious. Even in its quieter moments, like “Darkside Lightside,” the album radiates an authenticity that resonates. Nearly three decades later, 1977 still holds up. It’s a snapshot of a band finding their voice and having a blast doing it. For anyone who’s ever felt the electric spark of youth—the reckless joy, the heartbreak, the endless nights—this album is a perfect soundtrack. Ash might have grown up since, but 1977 ensures their teenage spirit will live on forever.

The first song has a progression that sounds like it’s ripped straight from “Polly.” This sounds like if you asked AI for a song that meshes Nirvana with, I don’t know, Bush, you’d get this dreck.

Started off strong with a few good tracks but got boring by the end. There's some elements of punk, grunge and pop rock, which are all genres that I like, but it just didn't quite click.

it was okay?? very average??? a bit boring Girl from Mars was the highlight

Some absolute bangers on here, a few of the album tracks are middling but still a worthy listen

There were some really good moments but ultimately, it’s not my jam. 2

Takie do posłuchania, ale niczym na plus się nie wybija. Na minus też nie.

Pleasant enough.

D-tier 90s alt rock. Distorted hard rock guitars with wah-wah solos, pseudo-Oasis vocals heavy churning mid-tempo rhythm section pounding along. Not bad exactly, but at best a passable imitation of better bands from the era. Hard to imagine much less essential listening really. Favorite: Innocent Smile

Started out sounding a bit like Green Day, then the rest of the album headed towards some originality. Obviously never heard of this band before. I’m a sucker for anything Irish, still…

Kyllähän minulle ysäri-alt-indie maistuu. Mutta kivasti rokimpia biisejä myös! Ja pidän lauluäänestä, jonka on ihan vähän epävireessä. Kaipaisin vain vähän mieleenpainuvampia kappaleita. Death Cab For Cutie tekee tän ehkä vähän paremmin hetken päästä (tai oon vaan ehtinyt syventyä siihen enemmän).

Vähän liian "kekseliästä", mutta Lost in You voitti minut lopullisesti bändin puolelle. Antaa tulla uudestaan!

Recorded by a giddy group of teenagers, right as the post-“Morning Glory” bubble was about to burst, “1977” is a solid if bloated addition to the Britpop canon. It’s mostly heavy, thrashy and maximised, with often speak-sung, slack, lacklustre vocals (think Stephen Malkmus without the wit). We kick things off with an emphatic but arguably non-descript opening, with the sound-and-fury-signifying-nothing of “Lose Control” and then fairly unpromising single “Goldfinger”, which gets caught up somewhere between its indeterminate melody and cloying guitar figure. However, some of the other songs clicked into place when I read that Ash admitted to being indebted to Teenage Fanclub, which can’t be a problem in my book. “Girl From Mars”, “Angel Interceptor” and the Ramones-style “Kung Fu” are the most winning examples of this, going relentlessly uptempo and adding impeccable choruses to the walls of guitars and thrashing drums. These songs are Ash embracing their off-kilter, scrappy and hearty side: they come across much more youthful, earnest and likeable as a result. What holds “1977” back, though, is a nagging po-faced approach to many of the other songs here. Unlike Teenage Fanclub, and other youthful Britpoppers like Supergrass, Ash don’t seem to be so concerned with catchy hooks or playful songwriting… or perhaps they used all their energy on the songs listed above. Other cuts here, like “Lose Control”, “I’d Give You Anything” or “Innocent Smile”, feel more like exercises in trying to chase a heavy, riffed out sound than craft any songs with real heart or emotion to them. I can appreciate the band prove they can rock out song after song, but it’s such a limited scope of sound and ends collapsing under its own weight in the second half of the album. There are some diversions: “Gone the Dream” and “Oh Yeah” crowbar a string orchestra into the mix, and “Lost In You” has a nice clean opening guitar figure and solo, but ultimately, “1977” winds up feeling stuck in a storm of noise.

A mix of lots of other bands I more prefer, one and done

Not too shabby.

Starts great and really holds on to that noisy, destructive edge that is desperately needed in most other British rock albums from the time, and for that I have to give it tons of credit, because I was really having a good time up until the midpoint, in which the excitement started to fade away. Songs were still good, being just ferocious enough to be extremely accessible, and while I've heard far better noise rock, it didn't stop it from being enjoyable. I think the pop-ier moments were just a bit silly, especially when you could make out the lyrics, and it really lost stream by the end of the hour. Not helping things is having to listen to people throwing up for five minutes. Terrible end to an otherwise pretty decent album.

An alright album.

7/10

I'd say 3.5!

Album started off strong and was right up my alley, but ended up sounding very samey as the album went on. 3/5

Very good. 3.5.

I enjoyed this. Nothing groundbreaking, but it was good for a spin on a rainy Thursday. 3/5

Impossible to separate this from the nostalgia I feel for this album. "1977" was the second CD I owned (Dodgy's "Free Peace Sweet" was the first) and it provided the soundtrack to summer of '96, when my 16-year-old self was discovering new levels of freedom in the most inept way possible. Ash were Oasis for sci-fi nerds like me. It's still great, to me, perfectly paced, and Owen Morris' wall-of-sound production makes it a lot rockier than their Britpop peers' albums. Tim Wheeler doesn't always hit the right note, but the boyish charm of his singing means it doesn't matter. The only thing missing is the bonus puke track, which is here (if you dare listen!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYivCDJN9PQ

I was impressed by the aggressive start to the album and then that started to fade away as the album went on. Doesn't differentiate itself too much from other 90s rock. It's fine when it's on. 2.5/5 if I could give half stars.

Surprised by how many sounds I knew and liked but never knew the band or album. Great surprise

Not bad

Loved it, solid 4.

Surprisingly great 90's rock record. Never heard of this band before this list, but this album was full of catchy songs, with great riffs and hooks. Could quite possibly become a regular listen 👍

Biased because this is one of my seminal rock records/bands but this is a 5 star from track 1.

Didn’t come together for me.

"Kung Fu" has always been an endearing pop punk highlight à la Buzzcocks for me. I even bought a special edition of Ash's first EP just because the latter had it as a bonus track. But by the time the band's first album came out, I had gone out to other things. "Kung Fu" was in the album, but drawing from the other new singles, there were also a lot of more "romantic" songs that didn't interest me that much. In retrospect, I know I was unfair to Ash. "Lose Control" is a killer opener taking a page out of Sonic Youth, "Goldfinger", "Girl from Mars" and "Oh Yeah" -- the poppier "romantic" tunes -- I've just referred to, are actually very well written songs, "Kung Fu" still slaps decades after, and "Innocent Smile"'s guitar riffs make the latter a great moment. The rest goes from instantly forgettable to decent. Among the decent cuts, "I'd Give You Anything" conveys the impression that frail teenagers are trying to act like the Stooges circa-"1969" (very much what happens, actually). A little ridiculous or quite fun and charming, take your pick. Not going to elaborate on the forgettable tracks, because they're forgettable for a reason. It's just a little annoying several of them clutter the last leg of the record. So not a bad LP overall, in spite of the filler. But there were so many better album released in 1996. Not to mention the ones released in... 1977, of course. 😉 3.5 for the purposes of this list, rounded up to 4. 8.5 for more general purposes (5+3.5) Number of albums left to review: 31 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 419 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 245 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 310

O jee, jeugdsentiment. Hoewel ik destijds de naam van de band nauwelijks geregistreerd heb, klinkt dit direct vertrouwd, door de hits maar ook door het geluid in het algemeen. Op een bepaalde manier een ruwe doorontwikkeling van wat Oasis aan het doen was, hoewel ik ook Amerikaanse bandjes dit soort muziek heb horen maken. De gitaren vlammen, maar de zang is verstaanbaar en het tempo ligt niet al te hoog. Een aangename herontdekking dit.

Al ken ik maar één nummer van de radio, dit album biedt vaak echte radio-muziek. Waarom dan toch niet grijs gedraaid door de DJ's? Ik denk omdat het veelal uitmondt in een muur van geluid. Het wordt een soort trucje. Op een gegeven moment ken je het wel. Na een paar nummers lukt het dan ook niet meer om echt te luisteren. Dit is zo'n album dat je in een grotere playlist moet zetten. Komt er af en toe een nummer voorbij, hartstikke leuk. Maar als geheel geen groot succes.

Wat geinig, een relatief onbekend bandje uit de 90s. Al komen ze wel regelmatig voorbij op kink, wat ik de rest vd dag draai als ik mijn huiswerk gedaan heb. Ik ken het album dus verder niet, maar ik ken een aantal nummers van dit album wel. Ik vergeet alleen vaak de naam van de band. Het is een aanstekelijke mix van punkrock, britpop en noiserock a la Sonic Youth en Dinosaur Jr. I'd give you anything heeft vervolgens weer een riff die me doet denken aan Black Sabbath. De gitaren staan in ieder geval lekker op standje heavy distortion. De zang zit op een prettige manier net naast de juiste toonhoogte. Ik vind dit fijn om te luisteren. Ik moet ze toch maar eens gaan onthouden ipv vergeten.

I'm surprised I've never heard of these guys, because this is right up my alley. The singer reminds me so much of someone else. Maybe Weezer, sebadoh, or hum or a combination of them. A bunch of very enjoyable tunes. Some great melodies, and great guitar tone. This will definitely go into my rotation. Mid 5.

Such a good album, very 90's tracks that just hit different, takes me back to better times!

Albumi #84, 20.10.2024 Tää oli kova levy ilmestyessään vuonna 1996. Intistä pääsyn vapaus iski päälle tosi lujaa ja tämä säesti fiilistä tosi hienosti. Sittemmin fiilis on laantunut rajusti mutta tämän albumin hienoksia on säilynyt paljon. En jaksanut seurata Ashin edesottamuksia tämän jälkeen, mutta tämä jätti jäljen sydämeen. Mainittakoon tässä myös EP nimeltä Trailer joka oli myös tärkeä. Ehkä jopa tärkeämpi. 🤷‍♂️

Thought I hated it at first but it definitely got better as it went!

Not bad but all of the highlights were because they kind of sounded similar to something else that was out around this time. First song comes in hot though, I liked that.

Is Tim Wheeler a good singer? Not really. Is he a brilliant guitar player? Not especially. But I love this album. It’s a fucking 90’s classic, riddled with great tunes and it was done by lads from just up the road. What’s not to like?

Surprisingly approachable rock songs. Great riffing on opener Lose Control. Combination of noisy, crispy guitar and catchy hooks on Girl from Mars. I liked the instrumental bridge in Oh Yeah. Innocent Smile is another good one. They pull a lot from punk, but there's different influences in here. Goldfinger sounds britpop and Angel Interceptor could almost be new wave with its 80s sounding drums. My favourite song is still the first one but there's some pretty good moments here.

On the fence for this one; starts off strong but possibly meanders and could be trimmed by a couple of songs. A generous / low four; you're welcome.

I listened to it while playing some PS1 Need for Speed. 10/10 experience, would recommend. The album itself is a 8/10.

Blah

There were like two good songs. They mostly all sounded the same and the vocal mixing is awful.

It sounds like Elliot Smith goes electric.

Ash Ketchum’s debut, not bad

British garage rock, sounds more modern than it is. Stand-out: Lost in You

I kind of liked it.

A great great album and another one I heard at a young & important age (still remember staying up late to tape their 1996 concert at the Point off the radio). 5 stars for me for sure. Slightly doubting whether it should be on this list (question how influential it's been) but it is a way better and more polished piece of work than probably half the stuff on this list. And they were *so* young. This album is teenage potential and teenage possibilities in a bottle. Favourite songs: Goldfinger, Angel Interceptor, Darkside Lightside.

When a bunch of kids out of Northern Ireland made records (but they did it in the seventies and they were older than you) - like The Undertones - it felt proper. When this other lot born in 1977 came along and did it in the nineties then I couldn't take it seriosly. There are a couple of ok singles but nothing special.

Some great songs on this album and an extra star for nostalgia.

Hade blivit bottenbetyg om inte Oh Yeah varit med på plattan.

I liked this piece of trash somehow

I’ve heard so many bad albums come through lately, so I’m feeling a bit generous with this one.

Very good. Super talented rock band

Ah, the "Girl From Mars' group! Outside of that, a pretty typical power pop/garage rock album from the mid 90's. It's fun and a lil goofy ("I can't live without my Kung Fu movies!") and I don't think it's trying to be more than that. After having a good listen, Ash honestly sounds like an Irish version of Weezer to me. Go figure that they toured with Weezer for a bit around this album's release.

### In-Depth Review of *1977* by Ash *1977*, released in May 1996, is the debut full-length studio album by Northern Irish rock band Ash. Combining youthful energy, punk-infused power pop, and emotive lyricism, the album catapulted Ash into the limelight of the Britpop era. The title, a reference to the year that both *Star Wars* was released and the year of lead singer Tim Wheeler’s birth, reflects the band’s youthful exuberance and sense of nostalgia, perfectly encapsulating a moment of 90s guitar-driven rock. #### Lyrical Themes and Analysis The lyrics of *1977* primarily focus on youth, alienation, relationships, and nostalgia. Tim Wheeler’s songwriting reflects the turbulence of adolescence, exploring themes of first love, heartbreak, and the search for identity. - **"Girl from Mars"** is one of the standout tracks, capturing the essence of a fleeting summer romance. Wheeler’s lyrics evoke a sense of longing, but it is tinged with fantasy and escapism, referencing a girl who feels otherworldly, unreachable, as if she belongs to another planet. The chorus, with its catchy hook, highlights the band’s ability to blend wistfulness with pop sensibility. - **"Goldfinger"** shifts the focus toward unrequited love and the passage of time. Wheeler expresses emotional vulnerability and an almost cinematic sense of melancholy, singing about memories of lost love. The lyrics are simple but effective, conveying universal emotions that resonate with the listener, making it a quintessential 90s alt-rock anthem. - **"Angel Interceptor"** and **"Kung Fu"** balance moments of angst with youthful exuberance. While "Angel Interceptor" touches on themes of freedom and rebellion, *Kung Fu* leans into a more playful side, referencing Bruce Lee and pop culture in a way that captures the irreverent spirit of the album. - Tracks like **"Oh Yeah"** and **"Lose Control"** highlight the album’s focus on the excitement and chaos of youth. "Oh Yeah" in particular is a nostalgic ode to summer and teenage love, with its straightforward, sentimental lyrics evoking the thrill and innocence of youthful romance. In terms of lyrical depth, *1977* is not overly complex. Rather, it thrives on its raw emotion and simplicity. Wheeler’s lyrics express a universal sense of longing, rebellion, and excitement that captures the essence of adolescence. There are moments where the lyrics can feel slightly repetitive or superficial, but this contributes to the carefree nature of the album. #### Musicality and Composition Musically, *1977* is a high-octane blend of punk, pop, and alternative rock, borrowing influences from the likes of the Buzzcocks, Nirvana, and Teenage Fanclub. The album’s core strength lies in its fusion of melodic hooks with aggressive guitar riffs and punchy percussion. - **"Girl from Mars"** exemplifies the band’s ability to combine a punchy, upbeat tempo with infectious melodies. The guitars shimmer with a jangly quality, while the rhythm section keeps the momentum driving forward, making it one of the most instantly recognizable tracks from the Britpop era. - **"Kung Fu"** leans into punk sensibilities, with its short runtime and frenetic pace. It’s a sharp, fast, and fun track, driven by crunchy guitars and a chaotic, almost slapdash energy that feels raw and spontaneous. The guitar riffs are tight and gritty, giving the song an aggressive edge without losing its playful charm. - **"Goldfinger"** offers a change of pace with a slower, more reflective tone. The track’s shimmering guitar intro builds into a powerful, emotionally charged chorus. The dynamics between the soft verses and loud, anthemic chorus demonstrate Ash’s mastery of tension and release, a key element of their sound. - **"Oh Yeah"** is another example of the band’s gift for crafting pop-infused rock songs. The guitar melodies are bright and nostalgic, evoking the warmth of summer afternoons, while the rhythm section remains solid and driving. The song's structure is straightforward, but the production and execution make it an enduring anthem of teenage love. The album’s overall sound is characterized by its energetic and anthemic guitar work, with layers of distortion and feedback that create a gritty texture. The bass lines are prominent, giving the tracks a solid foundation, while the drumming by Rick McMurray provides an aggressive, yet controlled pulse throughout. Musically, *1977* walks the line between punk’s raw energy and the polished, melodic appeal of Britpop, resulting in a unique sound that stands out from its contemporaries. #### Production Quality The production on *1977*, helmed by producer Owen Morris (best known for his work with Oasis), strikes a balance between rawness and clarity. Morris brings out the best in Ash’s live energy while maintaining a polished, radio-friendly sound. The guitars are loud and distorted, yet the melodies remain clear and accessible. This balance is crucial in defining the album's appeal. - The use of feedback and distortion adds a sense of urgency and rawness to the songs, especially on tracks like **"Lose Control"** and **"I'd Give You Anything"**. The production enhances the band's youthful energy, giving the album a spontaneous, almost chaotic feel without sacrificing sonic quality. - Morris’s experience with Oasis is evident in the album’s wall-of-sound approach, where layers of guitars create a dense, full-bodied sound. This is particularly noticeable on tracks like **"Goldfinger"** and **"Let It Flow"**, where the guitars take center stage, yet the vocals remain clear and emotive. - The mix ensures that Tim Wheeler’s vocals are always at the forefront, which is essential given the emotional weight of the lyrics. The balance between the instruments and vocals is expertly handled, allowing the music to feel both raw and polished at the same time. While the production is largely a strength of the album, there are moments where it feels too polished, losing some of the rawness that makes Ash’s sound so appealing. The slick production may detract from the gritty energy of tracks like **"Kung Fu"**, where a rougher, more unpolished sound might have suited the punk ethos better. However, this is a minor criticism in the context of the album’s overall sonic cohesion. #### Themes and Atmosphere The central themes of *1977*—youth, rebellion, love, and nostalgia—are reinforced by its sonic and lyrical elements. The album embodies a sense of freedom and recklessness that mirrors the experiences of adolescence. From the carefree exuberance of **"Kung Fu"** to the reflective melancholy of **"Goldfinger"**, the songs cover a broad emotional spectrum, yet they remain unified by a common sense of youthful abandon. The album is also steeped in 90s pop culture, with references to *Star Wars*, kung fu movies, and comic books. This creates an atmosphere of nostalgia that appeals to both the band’s generation and older listeners who can appreciate the cultural references. The title itself, *1977*, evokes a sense of looking back, though the music feels immediate and fresh. Moreover, the band’s Irish roots subtly inform the album’s identity. While the music itself is largely influenced by British and American punk and pop, the sense of alienation and rebellion can be seen as a reflection of the band's outsider status in the Britpop scene. Ash wasn’t a London band, and this gave their music a slightly different perspective, setting them apart from their contemporaries. #### Influence and Legacy *1977* arrived at a time when Britpop was at its peak, and while Ash were often grouped with the likes of Blur, Oasis, and Pulp, their sound was more punk-influenced and aggressive. Their mixture of high-energy punk and melodic pop helped them carve out a niche that allowed them to stand alongside their more established peers. - The album’s influence can be seen in later pop-punk and emo bands of the late 90s and early 2000s. Bands like Blink-182, Jimmy Eat World, and even early Foo Fighters share Ash’s ability to blend catchy pop hooks with driving, distorted guitars. - Ash also helped pave the way for other Irish rock bands, showing that you didn’t have to be based in the UK or the US to achieve mainstream success. Their success proved that the Northern Irish music scene had something valuable to offer to the wider world of alternative rock. In terms of commercial success, *1977* reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, and its singles, particularly **"Girl from Mars"** and **"Goldfinger"**, became radio staples. The album's energetic and accessible sound ensured that it resonated with a wide audience, from punk enthusiasts to pop fans. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** 1. **Catchy Melodies and Hooks:** *1977* is full of memorable melodies and infectious hooks, making it an album that sticks with the listener. 2. **Raw Energy:** The album captures the raw energy of youth, with driving guitars and frenetic rhythms that create an exhilarating listening experience. 3. **Emotional Resonance:** Despite its punk attitude, the album also has moments of emotional depth, particularly in songs like **"Goldfinger"** and **"Oh Yeah"**. 4. **Nostalgic and Fun:** The pop culture references and sense of nostalgia add an extra layer of charm to the album. **Cons:** 1. **Lack of Lyrical Depth:** While the lyrics are effective in conveying emotion, they can sometimes feel simplistic or repetitive. 2. **Overly Polished Production:** At times, the production feels too slick, detracting from the raw, punk energy that drives many of the songs. 3. **Lack of Variety:** Some tracks blend together due to similar structures and tempos, making the second half of the album feel less distinctive than the first. #### Conclusion *1977* is a landmark debut album that captures the essence of youthful rebellion and the thrill of adolescence. Ash’s blend of punk energy, pop melodies, and emotional lyricism made them a standout act in the Britpop era, and the album has aged remarkably well. While it may lack some lyrical depth and suffer from overly polished production in places, *1977* remains a testament to the power of raw, energetic guitar music in capturing the highs and lows of youth.

This was a terrific album by a previously unknown band for me. Very much tread the line between pop-ier sounding like Oasis to dirty/grungy sounding like Smashing Pumpkins at times. Good mix of tempos and feels of songs throughout kept me intrigued, and some seriously kick-ass hooks and solos included as well. Definitely recommend and I'd definitely listen again Notable Tracks: - I'd Give You Anything - Kung Fu - Oh Yeah - Let It Flow - Innocent Smile - Darkside Lightside 7.5/10

Never heard of them before. Some indie/brit pop band. There've been worse on this list, but they're not bad, just a bit boring over time. + for the Tie-Fighter sound at the beginning.

Shines when it's more distorted guitar solos and less britpop nonsense. Still a good album, though.

This album is not a big deal up front, but somehow it should be. First playthrough is a lot of the usual sounds coming out of the 90s, with Star Wars sounds throughout being the outstanding addition as well as tracking with the album's 1977 title. Second playthrough, the listener may start to realize that the album is not making them mad. Casual catches of the ear with interjected Star Wars noises start to become a game of how many can be noticed during a listen. Third playthrough, the listener might start needing to think of something clever to review this album with, but they better listen to the album one more time. Fourth play, it is time to move on from this, but this is a great listening album. Rhythms and melodies are catchy, and the lyrics and overall sound are definitely an appeal to every listener, whether fully invested or just needing something cool to listen to.

Better than I remember. Faded in the second half. Seeing a lot of comparisons to Weezer’s Blue Album. This is far inferior.

Super fun pop punk, with a surprising amount of range (at times sounds like weeper at times sounds like GBV).

p795. 1996. 3 stars. Lightweight Northern Irish Oasis wannabees with some decent tunes, let down by excessive guitar wankage, filler and limp vocals.

I like the music, but this is not an album I needed to hear

okish sound aber boring

Listened to it while I was working. Couldn't remember much about it when it was over.

Another Britpop band I’ve never heard of. The first track sounds like Weezer crossed with the Buffy theme song. Cool guitar solo, though. Second track sounds like if Rivers Cuomo became the lead singer of Lit (to be fair, I loved Lit back in the day). Another fun guitar solo. The more this album went on the more I kept thinking about how much they sounded like Weezer, sometimes crossed with a bit of other bands (Oasis, the Beatles, Lit, Travis, Ramones, etc.). Then I got to “Kung Fu,” which I guess is their racist version of “Buddy Holly”? Reading that they in fact opened for Weezer was the least surprising thing I’ve learned all week. Look, this was a catchy album, even if it is repetitive. The lyrics are decently written but trite. Every song is about the same thing — a guy obsessed with a girl who’s not there. The musicianship is pretty good, and there are cool guitar solos on almost every song. The lead singer is good, but he sounds like a carbon copy of Rivers Cuomo. Actually, he’s a little less annoying than Rivers. Is there anything special about this album that I needed to hear before I die? If there is, I must be missing it. To me it sounds like any number of Weezer soundalike bands from the mid to late 90s. There’s nothing memorable about it that would make me want to listen again. 3/5

Not a bad album. Girl From Mars is a great song as it Let It Flow. Great 90's album.

fairly nice poppy noise rock that gets repetitive and indistinct too quickly . 2.7

Started great, dropped of real fast. Why is this on this list?

This album takes me back in time. Great on the first listen. Will be added to my library for sure.

есть драйв, нет меры

When I was 15 I remember hearing the cool kids talking about a band called Ash. I was not a cool kid so I dismissed them as something I wouldn’t like And yet, slowly but surely those songs became ubiquitous ear worms. Goldfinger and Girl From Mars in particular. Does it still hold up all these years later? You bet it does. Maybe those cool kids were right after all

This was not bad at all. Just really solid Brit pop with some punk to it.

very long…. very long. but good ! absolutely gnarly guitar work highlights: lose control, goldfinger, girl from mars (sep 16 2024)

Goldfinger // Girl From Mars //

There are some decent tunes on here. I can still remember all the words to Girl From Mars. Which is kind of what I thought about them back in the day. Tim has done well for himself though

Hitherto unknown to me, this album has a lot of good tracks on it. Don't know how to characterize the sound but it does have elements of garage punk grunge that I enjoyed. And the lads are Irish, so plus 1.

Начал слушать, не пошло

A little Weezer vibes. Gotta love the tie fighter intro

Noget af det lød meget godt men det meste lød bare som Oasis

Ret catchy og jeg er glad for at produktionen var til den støjende side, men jeg synes det blev ret ensformigt i længden

Fede støjende guitarer på den her plade! 3+!

I loved this album, though never having heard of it or the band. I wish there was a little more to distinguish the songs from each other, although, all in all, a great start to my morning. 4/5

It’s fine to good, Girl From Mars is really nice but the sound is pretty flat throughout and it’s not super worth listening to it as an album vs select singles.

Starts off with the sound of a TIE Fighter, which is perhaps a fitting metaphor for this album: starts off fast, strong and sounds cool. Finishes off by crashing and burning in a big fucking mess.

An album I loved at the time, and a band I have seen live a bunch of times - most memorably at T in the Park 2001 when I was taken to the medical tent after bouncing about too much! Hard to believe this was a debut - it sounds so fully realised and confident.

This might be one of the most 90s records out there but I hadn't heard of it before and enjoyed it more than expected

3.75

first track: can you imagine hearing Nirvana and Sonic Youth in the 90s and thinking 'what this needs is some wah solos in the big choruses' the rest: Some that's got more in common with the shitty Coldplay era than its own alternative rock era, some that's grinding through uninspired alt rock. Sounds like it doesn't believe in itself and needs to lean on pop hit tropes. Sounds like it would be a lot less fun to make than something with less desire for success, and then it doesn't even get there, and that's very sad. ★ ★ alternate album review in place of mush: Red Red Meat - Bunny Gets Paid (1995) Turns out it's real cool to slow power chords way down and use acoustic guitar just for more thunk. Solid enough formula to make satisfying music again and again, a couple bands worth for Tim Rutili at least. An album might be more than you need to hear at any one time, but it's nice to have that many variations - listen to shuffled playlists, like the good lord intended. Gauze might be the least Calfone-like in instrumentation and the highlight for me. ★ ★ ★ ★

Nowhere near the worst thing I’ve listened to on here, but maybe the least essential. Not unpleasant, but bland. And when I get to the end of this thing, I’m going to think of all the 90s rock bands I like that aren’t on the list, and then I will remember this one.

I always had somerhing against Ash and all these year later I couldn't tell you why, maybe the singer was just too good looking. Musically it has some grit which I like but the vocals are a bit light. Stand out tracks: - Lose Control - Goldfinger - Girl from Mars - I'd give you anything - Innocent smile

I vaguely remember listening to some of this a long time ago back in middle school. It's pretty standard mid 90s alt, but I dig it. I don't think it's world-changing at all but it's a solid album. A little generic sounding perhaps, but that may just be listening to it 30 year later. I liked a lot of the songs but there was nothing that was really memorable or that made me want to listen to other albums of theirs. Nothing else to say about this one. 3/5

even as a known enjoyer of mediocre british guitar bands from the 1990s, i can wholeheartedly say that this sucked. you do NOT need to listen to this album before you die.

this was pretty boring to me. it wasn't technically bad I guess...it just felt like a pastiche of other bands that do it better and this didn't really bring anything interesting or new to it.

Very mixed feelings here. I was never especially into Ash - they were just another one of that whole Britpop crowd, and I preferred others - but listening to this again, I realised there were a ton of songs I knew and liked. On the other hand, it doesn't hugely stand out for me from a bunch of other things of that era. So - 3/5 for some nostalgia-boosted banging tunes, hampered by Tim Wheeler's terrible singing.

The instrumentals were fine - great, even! - but the lead vocalist cannot sing on-key, which didn't make this fun to listen to.

Lose control, Goldfinger and girl from Mars is such a strong start to an album and is the sound of my youth. This is a great album with catchy songs covering punk, indie and grunge. the Album has variety and substance. They were 19 when they wrote this album which is incredible. Favourite song: Goldfinger and girl from Mars Least favourite: All good Album artwork: Great cover

Yeah it's fine, 2.5?

Not awful

Never really listened to Ash before despite being aware of them. Started as a very good album, but it's overly long and a lot of the songs sound very similar. I also have no idea how this counts as Britpop, sounds much more similar to bands like Weezer and Pavement to me. Fav tracks: Goldfinger, Girl from Mars, Innocent Smile

1996

Rocks relatively effectively, crisply and intensely, but not especially memorably (as is the case with too much '90s alt rock). It's definitely polished and assured for a debut (especially one by teenagers), with some nice variation and a few solid+ cuts one could imagine enjoying on further listens. In the end, this is neither terrible nor terrific. But, yes, one prefers it to Blur, and yes of course the record goes on too long just like every other record from the '90s.

I thought it was awful: too loud, too discordant, too much noise. Tim liked it.

I've never heard of Ash or this album before, but I've enjoyed a lot of the albums from Europe that came out in the nineties, so I expect to enjoy this album. Overall, I found this album pretty bland and forgettable. The guitar playing is good, but for me, it wasn't enough to really garner my interest. The songwriting wasn't particularly interesting to me either. I felt that the album worked more as it branched out later on, from "Innocent Smile" to the final track. But by that time, I'd already listened to eight other songs that were fairly run of the mill as far as rock songs go. I felt like those last four songs worked because they kept the punk influences, but added some other sounds that added a lot of depth and uniqueness to things. This album wasn't bad, but I don't think it's necessarily worthy of being one of the 1001 albums I needed to listen to before I died. Also, I made it about two minutes into the hidden track "Sick Party" before I had to shut it off. I feel like I deserve a medal for that.

Nope.

I think it’s a first for me a couple of hundred albums in…I hated this! The singer’s voice was grating and whiny, and the music and arrangements just irritated me consistently across multiple tracks. Just not for me.

I'm digging this and surprised I'm not already familiar. 90's TV show / movie background music but with a bit of substance to it as well. Perfectly serviceable alt rock.