Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols

Purely for its influence and how disruptive and outlandish it was for the time. Something something 6Music Lesser Free Trade Hall etc etc.

One of the greatest

Excelentný album, prelom v hudbe. Konečne aj amatéri boli uznaní kritikmi...

This is #day666 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… I didn't know the title of Nirvana's second album, Nevermind, was inspired by the Sex Pistols' album. Otherwise, this is as good as it gets. Tight, loud, and raw. Must be my very first time listening to it front to back, though. "Holidays In The Sun," "Anarchy In The UK," and, of course, "God Save The Queen" are staples. This is a 5 out of 5. Looking forward to #day667.

The foundation of every punk rock collection. Never duplicated. Never improved upon

9/10 I think it's kind of underrated how decent the Pistols were as a band. Sure, they're loud, brash and aggressive, but underneath all that, they're a musically tight unit, and their songwriting is nowhere near as basic as punk has a reputation for. They also often get dismissed as a manufactured act, despite the fact that they began as a band before ever getting involved with Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood, and also wrote all of their own music. Sure, McLaren's management is what shot them to fame, and there were elements of the style that came from the couple's King's Road boutique, but the attitude and fury of the band was very much a result of the band members' personalities and socio-economic situation in the mid 70s. The nature of those personalities and the replacement of Glen Matlock, towards the end of the recording sessions for this album, with Sid Vicious really signalled the beginning of the end for the group. But they burned bright and left one hell of a legacy. The music here is largely very solid pop-rock songwriting, presented with grit and smeared with grease and attitude. They wrote great hooks, but there are also some really clever bits of musical construction in there, too, with interesting musical progression, some great lead guitar parts, nice interplay between bass and guitar and a solid rhythmic base. It's all performed with controlled aggression, despite being relatively mid-tempo in nature, but that all sits it in perfect shape for Johnny Rotten to add his particular flavour of fire as the finishing touch. He spits, he sneers, and he bites in a way that is just the right amount of tonal to provide melodic quality, while also being just the right amount of spoken to convey the required attitude and intensity. The lyrical content was controversial and was obviously an important part of why people were up in arms about the band, but you can really feel the anger and intent in the delivery that makes it all the more believable, and you can really see why disenfranchised kids got hooked into the movement. In some ways, it's pretty perfect that this is the band's sole record, and they basically imploded almost immediately after its release. Despite being the end, it was also the beginning, and this album remains a vastly important, powerful and, frankly, excellent slice of musical history. Holidays In The Sun - It's loud and full of attitude, but it's also pretty hooky. There's musically a lot more to this than they get credit for. Cool little lead guitar licks, well-worked backing vocals and driven, consistent beats. It's solid heavy rock tied up in an aggressive, confrontational package. Great. Bodies - I think it's probably easy to miss how controversial some of this stuff would be in 1977. A song on a mainstream album talking in quite visceral terms about abortion? Bold. It's a good song too. Plenty going on musically, gritty production and plenty of fury, but with that core of approachable structure and chord progressions. You can also hear the genesis of oi punk in here too. No Feelings - This is a bit more straightforward, but there are still some decent instrumental flourishes here and there. There's a bit of a rock and roll swagger to it, particularly during the instrumental break and it's less aggressive than some of the other tracks. It's got a quality chorus too. Liar - This pulses along nicely through the verses and then gives a nice change of emphasis into the chorus. Again, there's decent development of ideas here and they go further than a standard verse/chorus/verse structure. More solid stuff. God Save The Queen - A complete anti-establishment classic. It's structured like a pop song, but it's got pulsing mid-tempo beats, it's noisy and brash, and it's got Johnny Rotten giving it his best sneering, dismissive delivery. Pretty disappointing that we've still got the ultimate in benefit scroungers sitting atop our national, despite Prince Andrew's best efforts. Quality song. Fuck the royal family. Problems - The verse has a cool riff, the chorus builds brilliantly. It's all pretty simple, but effective, driving and well played. It's not the strongest song on the album, but it's still so chock full of pulsing beats and swaggering, attitude-laden guitars that it keeps the momentum going with ease. Seventeen - Nice bit of commentary on how people saw the underground teenage movement at the time. Not the strongest track on the record, but it's still got a good chorus and it doesn't outstay it's welcome. Anarchy In The UK - Another classic single. The entire vocal is brilliant, superbly delivered and despite Rotten's semi-sung vocal style, melodically well written too. The chugging riffs are great through the verses and that chorus is iconic. There are some quality bits of instrumental work in there too, and it's all delivered with such a compelling and insistent beat. Lovely stuff. Submission - Nice change of pace now. It's rumbling and simmering rather than being quite as front-foot as some of the other tracks. This is a bit more musically straightforward and less varied, but it's another chugging punky number with swagger and a bit of bite. Pretty Vacant - The last of the album's big singles, but it's another that absolutely slaps. The rumbling drums under the sharp guitar riff are a great buildup, and then there are some really cool lead guitar moments in the verse build-up. More biting swagger from Rotten too. And then the chorus is brilliant punk writing. It's got pop sensibility to the melody, but sneering, attitude-laden delivery from the band, with the backing vocals adding some extra quality. New York - There are some nice riffs in here, but it's not very hooky. It's one of the more basic tracks on the record and doesn't necessarily have as much bite from the vocal as other tracks either. It's not bad, it just doesn't quite have as much punch or memorable moments as the best the band has to offer. E.M.I. - Quite a nice way to round out the album, with a track slagging off EMI for dropping the band after their controversial appearance on the Today show. There's some quality punk lead guitar playing in here, it's got a great bouncing groove to it, and the chorus is a super simple but effective hook between the vocal and guitar riff.

Fantastic album. It was so much fun walking around and listening to this. I’d heard the songs but never the album in full.

One of the best punk rock albums ever! This album and group really helped define the punk rock genre! Excellent album! Highly recommend!

Now I know who every other punk band I'd listened to is imitating! It's not perfect but that makes it even more endearing. I had a lot of fun with these very angry lads. im excited to listen to more of their albums! (googles) oh damn. oh no

Snarling, iconic, culture defining, raw. And the songs are really good! Weird trend in the comments for refering to the band as a 'manufactured boy band' - these were Rotten, Jones and Matlock songs. The record was just marketed by an evil genius, which only adds to it's legacy. And poor, stupid Sid. He never stood a chance.

own

Une energie incroyable… 50 ans après

Nasty, brutish and short (complimentary)

Regardless of the whole “manufactured band” stuff, this had such an impact and was influential and above all that it is still a great album. It has stood the test of time, and is an absolute 5.

Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols was an album that was so good, i didn't even care that every song sounded identical to each other. This is my first album in quite a while that is not electronic and while as much as i like the genre, this album really did feel like a breath of fresh air. So many of the songs on offer remind me so much about what i love about The Saints album Eternally Yours as they both have very similar vibes. The guitar riffs by Steve Jones were always very cool and felt so fun to listen to and Johnny Rotten's vocals were great as well. There isn't really too much i can criticize so all I'll say is its a fantastic album. Best Song: Anarchy in the U.K. Worst Song: Pretty Vacant

I definitely have a soft spot for this one but it's genuinely a perfect punk record

One of the all time classics. Proof that music is visceral rather than mathematic.

Yo creo que los Sex Pistols fueron mi primer contacto con el punk (y diría de muchos españoles). Los informativos se hacían eco de la “nueva” moda que se había instalado en Londres entre los más jóvenes de ir con el pelo de punta e imperdibles en las orejas. Vamos, la viva estampa de Johnny Rotten. Lo vendían como un fenómeno anti-establishment y poco menos que hablaban de los Sex Pistols como unos mataos resultado de las políticas conservadoras en UK. De su música, sus influencias y su repercusión ni palabra. Para ese mainstream, solo hacían ruido. Y resulta que sí tuvieron repercusión, y mucha.

Groundbreaking, brilliant. Flawed in several places... bodies is very difficult to listen to... but that voice and the simple tunes and the pure pop explosion and all that anger. Just superb. And the production is crisp. Pretty Vacant is outstanding. Holidays in the sun... incredible album opener.

No idea what this bloke is on about but my god he sounds pissed! Maybe it's more pop than punk but you can't argue with the passion in those vocals

Vile. I love it

Un disparo....

it's weird thinking a punk rock album is perfect but here we are. As I work my way through this exercise Johnny Rotten continues to blow me away. Frankly I don't listen to this album enough...

Thumbs up

HARD! SEX!

The bollocks

Pure rebellious energy. I love it.

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes maybe don't say faggot do

All good music owes its existence to this album, including the good music that came before it.

I started out rolling my eyes but after every song I liked it more and more. You know what? Good on you, Sexual Firearms. Good on you.

Caballeros hacen lo suyo y se retiran

really the start of punk. i can hear where Green Day even took some of the sound.

yep yep yep

Holidays in the Sun - 5/5 Bodies - 4/5 No Feelings - 4/5 Liar - 4/5 God Save the Queen - 5/5 Problems - 4.5/5 Seventeen - 3.5/5 Anarchy in the UK - 5/5 Submission - 4/5 Pretty Vacant - 4/5 New York - 4/5 E.M.I - 4/5 For an album that was labeled "controversial", it both started and essentially ended the punk movement with how influential the album was and the chaos and tragedy behind the scenes. It seems like a parody of itself at times because of how many other bands played on tropes here. An essential listen to the punk genre. Overall: 5/5 Favorites: Holidays in the Sun, God Save the Queen, Anarchy in the UK

Super! A tiny piece till a masterpiece! I like it! A real mood booster!

The Birth of pure, proper punk... simply perfection. Top track has to be Pretty Vacant but they're all so solid and pure punk energy

I shit you not...I'm a music nerd that's never listened to this album. Now, I wasn't born under a rock, here. I've heard the hits plenty. And I 'knew' the general aesthetic of these guys: sneering, barely talented kids who played a bunch of unorganized slop and caused mayhem. I had these guys figured out; I didn't need to know more. Plus, I had the Ramones, who were obviously superior. I'll give it a listen, give it an eye roll and remark at how cute it is that they're trying, rate it a 1 or a 2, and move on. Or maybe not. This is a great album, with well constructed songs. EVERY track is good. The hit songs of "God Save The Queen" and "Anarchy In The U.K." are actually my least favorite tracks on here; that's how good the rest is. It's still sneer-y, and has that attitude of poking the wasps nest firmly entrenched in the songs. But it's far more listenable then I was assuming it was going to be. But it's still no Ramones. 4.5/5

I listened to this like 3 times today, couldn’t have come at a better moment.

This is some Cool Shit™️

Sex Pistols might be fake and created by someone else and might have had little to no musical talent but I don’t even believe that first statement and it doesn’t matter because this album is phenomenal. Prog rock largely sucks and is awful and these guys were a big part of coming in and making the world realise how shit it is!

Seguimos con la línea punkie de ayer pero yendo directamente a las bases inglesas. Así como se dijo de los Ramones que eran la primera banda propiamente punk, lo mismo fue para con los Sex Pistols. Sí hay que reconocer todo lo protopunk de antes (inclusive a Los Saicos y a "Demolición") pero los Sex Pistols fueron quienes definieron una estética. Ahí siento que está su mayor valor: en saber leer una época y hacerse cargo. Muchas gracias y hasta mañana.

the album that started England's punk boom. Classics like "Anarchy in the UK", "God Save the Queen", and "Pretty Vacant" are always on other punk band's "that song got me into punk" lists. There's not a bad song on the album. i always liked "Bodies", "No Feelings", and my personal favorite (other than "God Saves the Queen" is "Holiday in the Sun". i play this album a lot (but not as much as the Clash's "London Calling", the Descendent's "Milo Goes to College" or "Inflammable Material" by Stiff Little Fingers). 5 stars all day, every day.

The route to me owning this album runs through my love of The Prodigy in the 90s. 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘠𝘰𝘳𝘬 featured on Liam Howlett's brilliant mixtape, The Dirtchamber Sessions Volume 1 (still patiently waiting for Vol 2...) and while they had stylised themselves as 'Electronic Punk', I'd never really dug into the latter element of that descriptor. So I went digging, and Never Mind... blew 17-year-old me away. I was aware of God Save The Queen and Anarchy In The UK, but I'd never heard such an exciting song about abortion, or The Berlin Wall, or a record label. I haven't really listened to this for years and all I tend to see in terms of discourse online is that as well as John Lydon being quite the bellend these days, the Pistols were actually a pretty fake boy band and that there are far more 'punk' albums by the likes of The Clash and The Damned, or US acts such as Fugazi and Minor Threat. But I've listened to all of those on this challenge and as cool as they all are, I found myself wanting to enjoy the actual music more than I did. So I guess I'm not that hardcore, but I know I really like pretty much all of Never Mind The Bollocks. It's a lot of fun and full of great riffs and attitude.

It’s a bit patchy but it’s an all time classic.

the enemy is everywhere

Probably the most influential rock album of the 70s. Impactful to say the least. I have a UK OG pressing and a late 70s Canadian pressing, both with different track sequences. The Canadian pressing goes HARD because Bodies is track 2. In British culture, this album is like a monolith. It’s not often that an album release changes a nation’s culture overnight.

Still hits! Haven’t listened to it in ages but it was a fave when I was in 9th grade in 1990. I only liked British punk. I think they were my favorite band. Until I heard Bauhaus. Nevertheless the album is great, it still stands up. Remember when people said they couldn’t play and they were just a punk boy band Malcom cobbled together. Wankers! I didn’t care then and I don’t care now. I’m pretty vacant and I’m still pogoing in my adolescent delight. I’m going to shove a safety pin in my ear for old times sake.

There's no way someone of my generation can give this anything but five stars. The sheer power of its attack! Listen to Holidays in the Sun - the great guitar riff coming at you like a tank division while Lydon howls over the top. The Sneering "We mean it man" in God Save the Queen. The opening of Pretty Vacant (or Vaaaaa- Cunt! as Lydon insists on singing) inspired, according to Glen Matlock, by the beginning of ABBA's SOS. The "No Future" chant in Anarchy in the UK You can't help but admire the way no-one said, "What we need is a ballad." It's a furious, uncompromising, relentless wall of raw sound. Some people will find it too angy and too much, but in Thatcher's England "too angry" was the only response. But (and let's say it softly) other punk bands are probably better. Chris Bailey of The Saints referred to the Pistols sneeringly as "The Monkees of Punk" and suggested that the Monkees had better songwriters. Of course he has a point. They were in many ways, the invention of Malcolm McLaren. He read the mood of the times and put together a band to play to it. The songs are built to shock. The Holocaust references, the abortion song, the effrontery of God Save the Queen were all there to cause Pearls to be Clutched. Nothing sells like Scandal. McLaren referred to the Pistols as "my Artful Dodgers" and the suggestion of them playing a part is significant. "Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" was the last thing Lydon said at their final concert, as the gig, the tour, the band and the music collapsed around him. Some of the songs are pretty weak. Submission (about a submarine mission) is probably the least of them, but at this distance a lot of them read like the confused shouting of an angry young man who's had a few jars. Look, it's vital record and about as influential as records get. But listen to The Clash or X-Ray Specs or Wire or The Ramones or Dead Kennedys or The Buzzcocks to hear what the hype was about.

Like Ramones but slower, and made for sissies. Nah, the album is energetic and chaotic. 5/5

Like I was back in high school again!! Just love that album!

Simplemente brutal. Me parece increíble que una banda efectivamente manufacturada pudiera crear el disco que definió a un género

The Clash>>>Sex Pistols. Dicho esto, es innegable que este disco es la piedra fundacional del punk. No hay Clash (y un sinfín de bandas) sin los Pistols. Además trae unas rolotas. Respect where it's due.

Well, if you're gonna be a "one-album-and-done" group, I suppose this is the way to go! Do something that pretty much completely changes the way the world looks at music!! When I first heard this in high school, what spoke to me was the raw power of the sound and the often humorously angry lyrics. All of that is still here, of course, but an older me can recognize that the raw power exists in service of carefully structured (if musically simple) songwriting. The anger in the lyrics is built around real feeling and emotion. That this still sounds relevant nearly fifty years after its release speaks to the craft that went into its creation. It's not simply punk kids screaming and raucously making noise on their instruments.

Un clásico. Una joya de la música.

Excepcional y sigue sonando transgresor 50 años después

I think this album deserves all its hype and even more. Personally I would say that it's a solid 4 for me, but I put 5 because there would be zero of my favourite groups without this album

Luister ik nu en dan 😊

Love it!!

greatness

Bardzo dobrze siadło. Wokal niedbały, ale melodyczny. Muzyka z energią no i wbija się w mózg.

awesome choice! added to my fav ones!

Despite everything it's still wonderful. 9/10

This album IS punk rock. You cannot get more punk rock than this. Heavy, very aggressive, colorful characters, sarcastic, hypercritical of the government and "the system", a ton of controversy because they hurt the feelings of "normies". I love it. There are some legitimate criticisms that are called out, which was taboo back in the day. God Save the Queen was abhorrent and shocking. Coupled with the bands behind the scene antics of drugs, bar fights, Sid Vicious allegedly murdering his girlfriend, swearing on tv (the horror!), messing with Freddie Mercury, it's no wonder the 80's film industry portrayed punk rockers all as violent and dangerous. It's kind of funny actually. But let's not confuse calling out "the system" with actually being intelligent or knowing what you're talking about. Today, Johnny Rotten is pro-Brexit, a Trump supporter, and supports Israel's genocide on the Palestinians.....so let's not pretend these guys actually know what the fuck they're talking about....because they're morons. That said, you can't take away the greatness away from this album because it really does reflect the "punk rock attitude": with the good and the bad.

Pft this was awesome. Didn’t think I’d want to bother but after listening to the whole thing I get it. I get it. I’ve read the Rakines are actually the fathers of punk but this defines the sound. Perfect album.

El que hizo explotar todo hacia el mainstream. Para bien y para mal. Imposible no subirse a este álbum si te gusta el género. Y si te gusta el género, le debés todo a este álbum también. 10/10

There is so much later punk rock I love more. Later groups, later singers, later sounds, later ideas. There are times when this is so obvious and dumb and I feel like I ought to be embarrassed to listen to it. But I’m not, I’m fucking not, because this record holds up no matter what anyone has to say about it. And it ain’t just its influence — I’d rather hear this right now than most records that exist. Nooooooo future Nooooooo future Nooooooo future for youuuuu

Iconic

This is the stuff. Give me more. Fuck the Queen (and the King) Best Song: God Save the Queen Rating: 9/10 Stars: 5/5

Accept no (more expensive) imitations. Landmark stuff.

An iconic album. A MASTERPIECE. It IS truly important... they didn't INVENT punk rock. They certainly ignited it and this record defines the genre for many. Is there a bad song on here? no. Mostly cause I've been listening to it my entire life and oh so many bands in both Punk and Metal have been influenced by it. I just can't find fault in it.

It's always great when a super influential album is also amazing in its own right. Easy five stars. 5.0/5.0: Iconic

What a breath of fresh air to have an album so great

(90/100)

9/10 Wow, ok. I was wrong about this then.

An absolutely essential album for music, it showed that even without superb technique and concept, you can become a legend. All the songs sound like they don't give a damn, but the energy in them is incredible. The way the band chose their vocalist, not for skill but simply as a "freaky character," is remarkable. Overall, it's a great album, I even have it on CD. Rate 9/10

the first and only studio release from the sex pistols, very successful despite its obvious controversies. between all the other punk albums i've heard on this list, these guys do it right. half-lecturing half-singing vocals with rebellious lyrics and music that makes you want to jump around and break stuff. this is REAL punk.

So much fun. Solid from beginning to end. This is a great listen.

This was my first time listening to this album in it's entirety. I understand now why it had such a cultural impact. Plus, it's all bangers start-to-finish.

There comes a time in every punk that they have to admit to themselves that this album, perhaps the most important and influential in all of punk, sound like shit. And then they immediately shrug it off, because that't not what this is about. Shame John Lydon is a twat. 9/10. It might not be the best punk album of all time but it's the most punk in a way, and that's what matters.

Excellent

Okay, I get it now!

Grandios rotzig.

Listened to walking around Graz in -6degC 🥶 Favourite song: submission

Punk on the map Liar God save the queen Anarchy in the UK

Great album, classic riffs and tunes. Still not a huge Johnny rotten fan but it works with the music

5/5 turned me onto punk turned everyone on

This album, the soundtrack to my youth, spoke to a whole generation of disillusioned young people. It transformed the musical and political landscape of the UK. Outstanding from beginning to end, it was hugely influential to countless bands emerging at the time. Just a note to some of our American friends: if you’re going to label bands like Green Day and Sum 41 as punk then you have no place criticising this album.

-12 songs, 38 mins -Released: October 27, 1977 -Fav Song: Lair or Anarchy in the U.K. -Least Fav Song: It’s hard to choose but probably Holidays in the Sun Thoughts: Throughout the album I enjoyed the lyrical delivery and the instruments, which might be due to the fact I love punk music. -Holidays in the Sun: The band went to Berlin to escape from what they were experiencing in the London. It focuses paranoia and hysteria while also on the Berlin Wall. -Bodies: It’s about this woman got an abortions and how shes label an animal. It’s not pro or against abortion Lydon, the singer, said "That song was hated and loathed. It's not anti-abortion, it's not pro-abortion. It's: 'Think about it. Don't be callous about a human being, but don't be limited about a thing as 'morals' either. Because it's immoral to bring a kid in this world and not give a toss about it.'" -No Feelings: It’s about how this person doesn’t have feelings for anybody else other than himself. He’s very self absorbed and narcissistic. -Lair: It’s about how someone is a liar for their own ego, but the singer is aware of this and just wants answers. Primarily about their first manager, Malcom McClaren, but also about anyone on the outside trying to manipulate the bad. -Problems: Its about this person who thought they had it all figured out, but they became the problem because life isn’t about settling down it’s about openness to respond and take in new information is what life is all about -God Save the Queen: Iconic song by them about the U.K. citizens and how their no future do the actions of the queen and their recession. Inflation and unemployment were high, and the government seemed to show no compassion for the working class. The meaning behind “God Save the Queen’s” lyrics is solidarity with the working class rather than purely shock and protest. -Seventeen: It’s seems to be about the hippie movement and how they’re against it. -Anarchy in the U.K.: Another iconic song of theirs. It’s about It has been considered part of the cultural movement, and caused controversy in the nation due to the nature of its lyrics where it wields an anti-authoritarian perspective. Their band manager once stated, "It's a call to arms to the kids who believe that rock and roll was taken away from them. It's a statement of self rule, of ultimate independence." -Sub-Mission: Sex Pistols manager asked the band to write a song about bondage and sadomasochism, and lead singer John Lydon (a.k.a. Johnny Rotten), having already grown tired of McLaren, wrote the lyrics not about a sexual submissive, but about an underwater vessel. -Pretty Vacant: To me it’s about them being vacant because they don’t care and they are always out for lunch. -New York: This song is a rant about bands from New York in general but especially the New York Dolls, who Malcolm McLaren briefly managed prior to the Pistols. -EMI: It about EMI, the label they were singed to from October 1976 until January 1977 but was let go due to their controversial behavior, and this is their “fuck you” song to the label. -Would I listen again: 1000% i love punk music so why not

Yep

Classic!

Sex Pistols are one of the most notable Brit punk bands ever. Their sound is raw and brash and filled with angst, and yet there's a lot of musicality and catchiness. It's a great formula for good music. I've never been a huge fan but this album definitely deserves to be on the list. Checking now and it looks like this is THE iconic album of theirs. For that reason it's gotta be a 5/5 for me. When I think of punk, I think of people like Johnny Rotten.

Fuckin' love it. Johnny Rotten is one of my all-time heroes (note that's specifically Rotten and not Lydon, who unfortunately has fallen the fuck off). Rotten is one of the 20th century's most beautiful creatures. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND looking up "Tony Wilson: So It Goes featuring The Sex Pistols" on YouTube and find the full episode, then watch the whole thing. The show is full of typical 70s easy-listening music and attitude, then Pistols come on at the end and it's absolutely explosive with energy and color and vibrancy, radically different from everything before it. You can see the revolution happening right then and there, just world-shifting stuff. And in the front of it all is Johnny Rotten brilliantly tearing a hole in the fabric of reality, ripping right through the screen into the eyes, ears, hearts and minds of a whole generation. Reading the comments is also great, as so many attest to never being the same after watching (apparently it showed largely in the Manchester region of England, 1976, so everyone who did anything in punk/post-punk from that region was definitely altered dramatically by the broadcast). Growing up, I myself was always fascinated and enamored by the Sex Pistols and Rotten specifically. Any interview footage or reading material I could get my hands on I relished. A book that I read many times and always had open was Jon Savage's "England's Dreaming" (which I stole), which served as a bible of sorts in terms of characters and story. Rotten is always cutting through, often with sharp, cunning wit, infinitely quotable. An interesting aspect of these songs is the pervasive message of self-empowerment. There's nihilism of course, as it's so much through the smashing of idols that one's self is found. But it's not just idols but oppressive culture at large, oppressive economic conditions that shape one's ever-shrinking world view, all taken on here, challenged, thrown out, mocked into irrelevance. There may be another way possible if one can get outside the syndrome of dominant culture. Take "Problems" lyrics: "Are you lonely, you got no one? You got your body in suspension That's no problem...the problem is you" with following lines: "I'm using my feet for my human machine You won't find me living for the screen Are you lonely, are your needs catered? You got your brains dehydrated" The problem is you're locked into your 9-to-5 and not moving your body enough, then you get depressed and feel lonely even though your needs are taken care of all because you literally don't move your body or put forth effort in any meaningful, healthy or joyous way. Hence the problem is the system, and also how you choose to be used by the system and what that ultimately gets you. By giving into the system, you contribute to the problem, the problem is you. It's a loop that takes a break in consciousness to get free from, which is what Johnny Rotten exemplifies. A true gem. It's just perfect.

Rarely has a band articulated its whole worldview so completely into a single, volatile statement And yet, for all its force, the album resists a thesis. Nothing here is sacred. Government, society, love, authority, the future, even the band: everything is placed under suspicion. The album opens with “Holidays in the Sun,” whose first lines are as incisive as punk ever got. When the Pistols mock the Queen, they do it not just for shock, but because they could and because the act of doing so exposed the fragility of the symbols themselves. The resulting bans and the now-iconic defaced royal imagery only cemented the point. Lead singer Johnny Rotten sounds perpetually nauseated by authority, by their audience, by himself. His disillusionment knows no bounds, and that contempt is crucial. This is nihilism with teeth, laughing at the edge of collapse. “Never Mind the Bollocks” is the most consequential punk record ever made, and it grins at nuclear annihilation, turning apocalypse into punchline without ever draining it of terror. What’s most unsettling is how serious it is even as it reduces everything to a joke, staring straight into an absurd universe and daring it to blink first.

Pretty much the perfect punk album: loud and aggressive, but with a performance quality and sound of a band that wasn't all bluster. This album owes a lot to Steve Jones, who played guitar as well as bass on every song except for "Anarchy in the U.K." and crackles on both instruments, and drummer Paul Cook. Contrary to punk's reputation as a sloppy genre of music, both musicians are incredibly tight, delivering a muscular and addictively rhythmic sound, and Johnny Rotten straddles the line of conveyed anger without doing anything to overshadow or detract from the music. In closing, read the Wikipedia article on this album, especially the bit where Sid Vicious and Johnny Rotten decide to go and bother Queen in the recording studio.

Fun listen that had a few more sounds than expected & great tones. Generationally unique talents, bangers and influence! Johnny Rotten's voice is the voice of Punk to me. This ranks up there with one of the top handful of protest albums as well and trashed the country, Queen, fascist regime, and record label EMI. The influence is the big one here. Paired with the Ramones a year earlier, they set the stage for Punk for years & the music still holds up. Rrrrrright?!?

Maybe the most important and influential album ever.

One of the most important and influential albums in history.

It's still just as good as when I first heard it.

Can’t play, can’t sing - still hugely influential and changed music in the 70’s

Stats don't lie, they say. Well, according to the stats of my favourite genres on this list, I can't say that's true. According to the stats, punk and grunge are my least favourite genres, which is absolutely not true - (they'd rather be country and folk or avant-garde) - but when you present punk albums like this on this list, or you label "The Replacements" as punk, well, there you have it. Of course, this album has its significance, and I surely understand the impact that this album had on punk music in Britain and even across the Atlantic. The problem I have with it is that it's just not that damn good. In my opinion, the first albums by "The Damned" or "The Clash" were way better, not to mention bands that aren't even included on this list, like the "UK Subs", "Buzzcocks", "Crass", or "Exploited" - and the list goes on. So, how to rate this album? Musically, I would give it two stars. For the importance of expanding the punk scene and the bands that came from it, OK, another two. And one more for secretly enjoying listening to this album after all those years. Heck, there you've got your 5 stars! F*ck the stats! 5/5

peak

I was introduced to this album at 13 (nearer 50 now) and it blew my mind, in particular Anarchy in the UK. I ended up buying the album and must have almost worn out the CD. I am an Antichrist!

Musically this album is not fantastic but it is absolutely ground break8ng in breaking into the punk genre and setting the standard for all the British punk to follow , in my top 10 albums ever

yeah that's a good album!

Boy bands have been around for ages, creations who sometimes transcended their intended money grab roots. The Sex Pistols were created after The Ramones swept through town, creating a frenzy for harder music and they became the centerpiece of the UK punk rock revolution and we got some great music out of it and it resonates in world music today. Love this album. Great Punk.

It makes me want to shout “I wanna see some historrrrrya!” Just hearing the scratchy guitar in the intro to “Holidays in the Sun” gets me excited. Even though this album came out before I was born, it doesn’t feel dated at all.

Always weird to see the yellow cover as opposed to the US one which is... green and orange? This kinda changed my life when I first heard it in 1987. Pretty sure I bought it with my lunch money, brought it home on the tarc bus and played it loud on my folks' Fisher console. In the years since, almost every music that connected with me had at least some punk influence... and this is unquestionably the quintessential punk album. Happy to add it to my queue.

Absolute classic. Love how raw and full of energy it sounds. It is more interesting sounding than I thought it would be. Great snarky lyrics.

Culture changing

Either it got better as I got older and my taste in music changed or the contemporary music scene has gotten worse since I would not have given this more than a 3 star in 1978 when I first heard it compared to 5 stars today.

This was released in the UK the same week that I turned 14. Loved it then, love it now.

The epitome of cool. And heroin. What else could it be than five stars.

Strip away all the contextual nonsense and cultural legacy, and what you have here is a no-holds-barred romp through big riffs and catchy tunes. Never mind the bollocks, here's some rock and fucking roll! Favourite tracks: Holiday In The Sun, Bodies, God Save The Queen, Anarchy, Pretty Vacant

With songs about anarchy, hating on the monarchy, abortion, nihilism and flipping the bird at a record label who dropped them, the Sex Pistols were the perfect anti-parent band that Britain needed at a time where popular music was playing it too safe. Yes, they were as manufactured as the boy-bands of the 90s/00s, but you cannot deny the impact the Sex Pistols and their sole studio album, 'Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols', had on not only music, but Britain's alternative cultural awakening in the late 70s. 'Never Mind the Bollocks' is easily one of the most important albums in music history, and that's saying something for an album that isn't exactly musically proficient. All it needs is John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) and his provocative attitude, Steve Jones's razor-sharp riffs and Paul Cook's raucous drumming to make a noise that would influence countless scenes to come. Throw in Sid Vicious' iconic punk look (and absence of musical talent) and you have an album that screams rebellion and revolution, just as their mastermind manager Malcolm McLaren intended. Every song on this record is ammunition against the blandness of British society, taking the challenging, provocative route that had been started by David Bowie and making it nastier, noisier and more non-conformist. Not that it came as much surprise to the British public, who'd already seen the band swear on prime-time television, fob off journalists for asking "stupid" questions and attract plenty of attention from law enforcement. Punk rock would not be the same without the Sex Pistols. Did they invent the genre? No. Were they the best band of the genre? Also no. But what they did do is change the course of popular music overnight, acting against the frivolous, overproduced rock of the time in favor of a sound that anyone could replicate, regardless of ability. The Sex Pistols proved talent wasn't always a necessity when it came to success. You just needed an iconic image and persona, as well as a lot of self-belief. 'Never Mind the Bollocks' was their sole shot at making a classic, and they didn't waste it. Best songs: The entire record

God save angry, anarchy-fuelled, world changing music

Never mind the bollocks, here's an album I bought on release. The Pistols only released one album - but what an album, so important to subsequent music in the UK, inspiring a generation.

Love this record! There have been better punk bands since the Sex Pistols, but to me, almost 50 years later, no band has embodied the punk ethos like they did. God Save the Queen is an absolutely perfect punk song.

Deeeees-tro-YA!

"I'm using my feet for my human machine You won't find me living for the screen Are you lonely? All needs catered You got your brains dehydrated" 1977, folks.

What else is there to say other than this album changed the world. It was the first of many to give voice to a feeling that many couldn’t place. Rage, cynicism, poverty, and in-your-face honesty that still resonates to this day. While the band itself was manufactured as a sort of pop art project, but in spite of that fact it took on legs of its own. Along with the Stooges and The Ramones, the Sex Pistols gave birth to a new, decrepit back alley of Rock n Roll. Its bleary eyed, black sheep cousin: Punk. 21 years later, the band KISS would attempt to undermine and unravel everything this album started and stood for, with the unfortunate release of their 1998 pro-authoritarian compact disc “Psycho Circus”. It is rumored that Johnny Rotten was tricked into attending an early album listening party for this particular album by his former “handler” Malcom McLaren, and that this is the tool that was used to brainwash Mr. Lyndon and turn him conservative. In order to combat further destruction, “Nevermind the Bollocks…” must be played 10 times for every single play of “Psycho Circus”. Don’t let YOUR child run away and join the… “Psycho Circus” …🤫 Get them into punk rock instead.

When I was 9 years old I found this CD in my dads collection. I wanted to listen to it because it said Sex on the front. Jokes on me, it changed my life and 25 years later I still know all the words.

All time great album. From the first time I heard it. Also, Johnny went on to become a roll model for humanity. He loved Nora, married her at 23 and cared for her until her death more than forty years later. There is only one real song about a submarine and it's not the yellow one.

Very fun, very influential and also very good

Solid!

Well, here it is. You all know it. Not the first punk album, but THE punk album. A culture shifter. Violent, sneering, methodic. Admittedly limited, but served its purpose tenfold.

Classic

Never Mind The Bollocks captures the filth and the fury of early punk and still holds up today.

RIP Sid Vicious you would've loved pissing on Margaret Thatcher's grave

Amazing top 10

Is it as scary as it was back in the 70’s? No. Can you feel the venom that was being thrown at contemporary society? Most definitely. So full of punk rock energy that it’s bursting at the seams. It’s not often that you can say you listened to history changing. You can with this record. And that’s what makes it essential.

3 minute "pop" songs played with energy and attitude. Cutting edge at the time, classic now. RIP Soo Catwoman

This one holds up for me. Kind of the punk anthem standard. Amazing energy, fantastic raw sound, expertly mixed.

I was never a huge fan of the Sex Pistols growing up. I didn’t like Johnny Rotten's voice, or whatever you call it. I was more into actual singing, plus I’d been conditioned to believe they weren’t very good because they really didn’t know how to play their instruments. I was just a poor, square nerd. But then I got into listening to Steve Jones’s radio show, Jonesy’s Jukebox, and he won me over, so I gave them another try. Turns out I love the Sex Pistols. The Pistols actually could play their instruments, a little bit, at least enough to crank out some tasty riffs. Johnny Rotten, while he couldn’t, or wouldn’t sing, could write lyrics that horrified you, but also made you think…If you could get past the initial shock and all the curse words. Each time I listen to Never Mind the Bollocks, I find a new favorite song. Perhaps my favorite song is Submission. The band’s manager had a shop called SEX that sold fetish items. He asked Rotten to write a song about S&M. At this point, Rotten had grown to dislike the manager and instead of writing a song about sexual submission, he wrote a song about a sub mission. As in, “I'm on a submarine mission for you, baby.” The groove, the riff and the inanity of Rotten singing about being on a submarine mission for a girl’s love is incredible. While the Pistols didn't start punk, they helped amplify it. I’d recommend this album to those who love rock and roll, whatever the genre. But be ready to clutch those pearls if you have delicate sensibilities. Even today, the lyrics paint a very crude, but descriptive picture.

Absolutely love it. Fantastic album

Sex pistols define classic punk and put their full aggression and social commentary on display on this record. It's punchy and defines the sounds for punk and to a larger extent rock that have dominated the last half-century

First introduced to this album through the truly excellent playlist on Tony Hawks Pro Skater 4 (also my intro to AC/DC, Iron Maiden and System of a Down!). This was a groundbreaking album and it is funny to look back at this as one of the last major ‘moral panic’ moments with popular music. Johnny Rotten and co cracked on despite being de-platformed from entire areas of the country and shown as blank on charts. The actual music is quality punk, even if they did have issues with their bassist (think including their main guitarist they had 3 different ones on the album?) Anarchy in the UK and God Save The Queen rightly get a lot of plaudits but the rest of it is consistently decent too. I’m probably giving this a 5 for cultural significance where maybe the music is 4/4.5 but no shame in that.

Absolutely slams still even after 48 years. Really enjoyed listening to this quintessential angry British punk. I can't say that my centrist politics perfectly align me with the sentiments of every song, but every now and then its good put pragmatism to one side and just enjoy the irreverence and anti-establishment escapism. It's genre defining and I can't listen to this album without a massive grin.

I love it - the energy is incredible, the anger is real and the music is great. Can't fault it

Ya know, I liked this album somewhat in high school although I felt it was overrated even then. Maybe I just don’t get it because I wasn’t there for this like I was for say my previous album, “Hot Fuss” so I just don’t understand it. I do like “Anarchy In The UK” though. Teheheheheehehe. Alright I’ve saved four songs… 1). “God Save The Queen”, 2). “Anarchy In The UK”, 3). “Submission”, and 4). “New York” and I also did like 5). “EMI”. Fine. Five stars. 5/5.

This is pure 5 fodder for me. Brings me back to my teen years and has aged pretty well. Honestly, I thought I'd have outgrown it and didn't think I'd be enjoying it as much as I just am. Typing this to the dulcet tones of Pretty Vacant wrapping up and New York queued up next. Why are the good ones only 38 minutes and the crap is 2 hours?!?! Closing with the perfect EMI, leaves you humming, tapping your feet and smashing your head against a wall.

A perfect punk album.

Perfect punk!

Yes!!!

Everyone (well, everyone for whom punk music turned a little key in their souls) has a story about the first time they heard the sex pistols. For me, it was Pretty Vacant and I was...ten? Eleven? Thank you my weirdo theater teacher. When I sought out the other stuff, I thought it was too loud, too aggressive. Oh, how times change. And that's really it, isn't it? In a lot of ways, I've changed. Music has changed. What can be done, musically, has changed. And this has, in some ways, been left behind. That said, this is as much a musical expression (a decent one, which I'll get to, but not exactly expert) as it is a corporate one (make a good album instead of a bunch of singles and filler! Malcolm Mclaren is selling some bullshit!) and a cultural one that's mostly separate from the music. It's Important in all three categories, which is pretty insane. The energy starts high, stays high, never lets up. The lyrics are singable and also excoriating (for the 70s, at least). The musicianship is...where it needs to be. As is the production. At just under 40 minutes, it's both the right length and maybe even a little too long, given the samey-ness happening for a lot of these tunes, but that's punk music, baby! Later bands learned to cut their shit off at 23 minutes. Speaking of which, you can hear better bands here, because so many bands have basically ripped this off and run with it. This is a hard one. Everything that would be dinged about this album should it have come from another band are actually positives on this one, and it's such a giant cultural impact that actually kind of holds up. Is it great? Not really. Right place, right time. But is it good? Yeah, it is, actually. That energy really carries this whole thing, and John Lydon may have gotten his head stuck up his ass, re: music and PIL and selling out, but he did seem to have a nose for what's what. I don't feel the need to ever listen to it, but for what it is, it's pretty close to perfect. If this were released in 1984, it would be a 3. But it wasn't, so it's a 5. Unfair? Irregular? Capricious? Why not.

Classic album and one that kicked off punk for most people. Everybody knows at least one track.

Imagine being old enough to experience this being released and how it changed the music of the time, along with how bands interacted with the media. I am old enough and this is an album that must be listened to along with an idea of what was happening in the UK at the time - the definitive punk album for me. Always a delight to listen to it again.

Not quite the first punk album but definitely the one that had a large part of the world talking. Talking about how the world was going to hell because of the music and punk style. Something to be proud about actually!!

This album helped shape my musical palate. 5/5

An original, regardless of what the critics say, this is a groundbreaking album that has influenced tons of bands across the board! Not a terrible song on here!

Seminal punk album, which honestly seems pretty tame and organized by today's standards. It's still raw but there are real chord progressions here!

The best rock is the stuff that folks try to prevent others from listening to.

Fuck this was a great album. I enjoyed it all the way through. I also learned some new things from the wiki article. Good shit mang! 5 stars!

The Sex Pistols don't give a fuck about what I think about their album. It was great anyway.

Saw the first reunion show at Red Rocks 20 plus years ago. Loved this lp since my first listen in 82.

As a young punk from NYC I hated this album with a passion. I was a Ramones fan, and the Pistols were trash. Later, in my 30s I discovered my love for them - first through the singles and then through this album. As it stands now, I have a much greater appreciation for this than I ever did as a kid.

Perfect album! Energy from start to the very fun EMI

i was always a little too cool for the sex pistols for some reason. putting that aside and actually listening to it. well...i was dumb. not surprising.

Femma olyssnat bara för dess betydelse. Men sen lyssna jag och upptäckte mycket mer musikalisk kompetens och poetisk brillians än jag trodde fanns där. Lydons texter och indignerade, hetsiga leverans är stor konst. Steve Jones gitarrmatta oerhört tight. Fan vad bra!

Excellent

Easiest 5 ever

As a punk guy its a classic among classics. Like its kinda a fraud but the songs are undeniable. Like sure they were brought together by some bullshit executive and that kinda isn't the punk mindset but doing herioin till u die and just being a nuisance does fit the ideals lmao. Every song is good and 90% of them are amazing. I loved it when I was a kid and I still love it now. Listen to it and break something or some shit. I dont care.

this shows you don't have to be formally trained in music, but the overall energy and message can produce a 5/5 record. the edginess and questioning of norms from one of punk's most high profile groups have influenced generations, though (i know i sound like a boomer here) - are there any new voices in today's music punching up and defiling authority? can we get them to be as famous as the sex pistols?

Not much more to say...perfection

Someone said in their review that Lydon is a bell end. Ha! Aren't we all.

This is the 188th album I’m rating. Usually I hate punk so I think I’ll hate this. Adding to my Playlist - Liar, No Feelings, God Save the Queen, Seventeen, Anarchy in the U.K., Pretty Vacant, New York, and E.M.I.. Not Adding to my Playlist - Holidays in the Sun, Problems, and Bodies. All in all I liked 8/11 songs. Not the greatest punk album of all time but I can see why it got popular.

Fantastic album that means so much to me and the music industry. It's maybe not the best or most versatile album ever, but it's so special and innovative. I love the series 'Pistol', maybe a good watch if you're into the early punk movement.

Cool album, belangrijk album, iconisch album. Een must have in elke platencollectie. 5.0

I had to listen to this a couple of times to really feel it click. I’m not sure why but the choppy vocals really kept me from loving this record. But this last listen it clicked. What an incredible piece of history that caused all the drama and controversy it should have. The songs are punchy and grungy. 4.5/5

I’ve always liked this record. I don’t remember a time when it wasn’t in my life, and I was born in ‘75. It’s there among the other music of the time in my very earliest memories. It’s hard for me to be unbiased, or separate it out from other popular music. I guess it’s punk, but I don’t really care. The performances are great and the record sounds great. Also it rocks really hard.

claro que syd

This was absolutely great, I didn't realize all the dram of sid vicious and the band intermixing with siouxise

a cheap holiday in other people's misery

very energetic, really enjoyed it and essential if you wanna get into punk

Love it or hate it, it’s one of - if not the - most important punk albums of all time. Maybe Stooges first album could compete (before punk music had a name). Dirty, scroungy, raw garage punk album. Politically aggressive, solid riffs and hooks throughout.

Feliz aniversário, Paul Cook!

I’ve never listened to the Pistols like intentionally. Now that has changed and I liked it

classic! while i do think each sex pistols song sounds more or less the same, I also think they're really good. I don't quite know if it's... politically correct? to like them considering the Sid Vicious murder situation, but I don't believe he's even the real vocalist on this album anyways so whatever. But it definitely channels a certain unbridled, childish rage that I enjoy listening to while also being pretty catchy. Holidays in the Sun: OVah the Buhlin wall it's so silly great iconic opener Bodies: Just had an abooOOrshun! No Feelings: What can I even say. These first three songs could all be the same song. I do appreciate the sort of hedonistic stupidity in this song, which I guess I sort of identify with as a teenager. Liar: This was one of my favorite songs for quite a while, I think it has some really good wacky vocals. SusPEEEEENshuuuun... yer a LIAUHHHHH. Problems: Pretty similar to liar with the drawn out proooooblummmmm ... the problem is YOU! its fun. its spunky God Save the Queen: One of their biggest hits but weirdly I think it's a little more boring than the other songs. We mean it, man! I like. Seventeen: I AM a lazy sod, so I do love this song. the little guitar + drum bit in the middle is very good. prob liked this a little better before i turned 18, but still really good. LazuuuuuuuuyeugHHHH.... beep beep beep beep! Anarchy in the U.K.: According to apple music, this is their most popular song, and for good reason! Keeps that charming ... not petulant.. I'll call it a youthful attitude, while also having something to say about politics, something to cement the philosophy of the band. And of course, their methodology is not precise and it doesn't seem to be thought out (I dont know what I want but i know how to get it!)... but it's really good. Love how he rolls his R's. Submission: I think this is a more classic rock feel, which I do appreciate. Pretty Vacant: His voice sort of annoys me in this one because he's somehow more british and nasally than in the other ones. The riff here's good. New York: Arguably my favorite song by them, but also they're all pretty good. I haven't listened to the New York Dolls very seriously, but I know they were apparently beefing for one reason or another. Anyway, I think hopping on the mic to call them a bunch of cigs and then reference their song is pretty funny. "Seal it with a ki-usssss," the stupid American accent kills me. "And kiss this... playboyyy!" is always funny too. They're so immature and so stupid it's so good. Guitar's good here too. EMI: the Sex Pistols r hateful af because here they are with the SECOND diss track on this album (not counting diss tracks against .. humanity and the united kingdom), against EMI! It's really catchy really good. Ends the album with a raspberry. good. Overall, very fun album and I'd give it a 4.5 for music but I'll round it because I just like em.

What original thought can anyone have about one of the most widely heralded and discussed albums of the last 50 years? This album will receive one of my highly coveted and rarely bestowed 5 Star ratings! Not bad for four lads from sleepy London town.

Sure

Aside from the singles, how does this all hang together? Very solid, and more than just an outburst against the establishment, there's a lot of depth here, plenty for the listener to interpret and discuss. Lots of targets: New York Dolls, punk, England and Englishness, capitalism, middle-class values, abortion, women, men, the upper classes. Lydon would probably say of this - what the fuck, don't get all wordy and pretentious, you twat!

이건 음악이 아닌 사회운동이다.

I loved it. I don't know what it is about punk that I love. I can't really explain why although I've tried to figure it out.

Genuine enjoyment to listen end-to-end. From the profound influence, the aesthetic, the hits, to the less known gems. A very important album for me personally. No Feelings is fantastic, and Bodies is one of the best songs of the decade put on record.

The original anarchists! Old skul punk rock! Every song is a gem! Sid Vicious and Johnny Rotten were legendary! God Save the Queen….

A classic punk rock album.

Is this the Greatest debut of all time? Was Jack the Ripper a sixty foot sea serpent from Scotland? Did I take this job for a quick buck? We may never know the answer to these questions. 5

Ultimate punk!

straight fire, revolutionary. no matter if they ain’t the best at singing or playing music cuz what matters is the feelings behind it.

This album sucks. Mean, grimy little English shits singing about how much they want to screw the world. This is an album by dudes who literally dropped out of special school. Every song sounds like the one that came before it. But then, it's also a masterpiece. The songs deal with things nobody had thought of singing about before. They're songs about the real world, the rough streets outside. You hate yourself, but are happy you're still there to say that. The lyrics hit you like the wind whipping during a snowstorm, and the vocals, which at first sound like a self-parody, snarl like the mind of the disgusting human being that sings them. This is a real, raw record. It spawned hundreds of records of complete trash, but now I get why people like John Spencer or the other 80's and 90's rippofs of the Sex Pistols wanted to sound like this.

The definitive and best punk album. The energy and raw power as fresh today as was the day it was released. It's a pity that Jonny Rotten is now a parody of himself; the very worst of the boomer/wanker brigade. But still, great album.

This is a legendary album from an incredibly storied band. Notorious as it is famous, but every song on here is a punk classic. The blueprint for thousands of bands whether they are playing in stadiums or garages.

Definitely a 5 for the historical value of the work. But honestly I really vibe with the nihilistic rage, and it’s quite catchy too.

Fuck yeah! One of the best debuts and important albums of all time. It's better to burn out than fade away and that's best represented by this album. The thing that always surprised me is that the production is so good, and the playing fantastic. Snotty, gobby, leary and full of piss and vinegar. Amazing. Best Tracks: Holidays In The Sun; Bodies; God Save The Queen

The only reason this album isnt the greatest punk album ever recorded is because johnny rotten sounds like he has a can of beans stuck in his windpipe

Noise noise noise! I love this album. Such a classic. An easy 10/10 for me.

## In-Depth Review: *Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols* by Sex Pistols **Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols**, released in October 1977, stands as one of the most iconic and controversial albums in rock history. It is the only studio album by the Sex Pistols, yet its influence, intensity, and cultural impact are immense. Below is a comprehensive review focusing on lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## Lyrics **Raw, Confrontational, and Provocative** The lyrics on *Never Mind The Bollocks* are a direct assault on the establishment, societal norms, and even the music industry itself. John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) delivers his lines with a sneering, sardonic edge, embodying the voice of disaffected youth and the underclass. The words are intentionally abrasive, often laced with sarcasm and dark humor. - **“Anarchy in the U.K.”** is a manifesto of chaos, not as a political ideology but as a rejection of all imposed structures: “Don’t know what I want, but I know how to get it.” This line encapsulates the aimless frustration and rebellion of the era[1]. - **“God Save The Queen”** is a scathing attack on British institutions, monarchy, and the myth of national unity, famously declaring, “There is no future in England’s dreaming.” The song’s release during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee was both calculated and incendiary[2][1]. - **“Bodies”** tackles abortion with graphic, disturbing imagery, refusing to take a clear moral stance and instead exposing the raw pain and confusion surrounding the issue[2]. - **“No Feelings”** and **“Problems”** are exercises in nihilism and self-assertion, delivered through first-person monologues that allow listeners to draw their own conclusions about the characters’ emptiness and rage[2]. Lydon’s genius lies in his ability to articulate inarticulacy—the sound of alienation, anger, and confusion, delivered with a mixture of pitiful vulnerability and pitiless scorn[3]. --- ## Music **Relentless Energy, Controlled Chaos** Musically, the album is a relentless barrage of distorted guitars, pounding drums, and sneering vocals. Steve Jones’s guitar work is thick, aggressive, and multi-layered, providing a wall of sound that is both simple and powerful. Paul Cook’s drumming is tight and propulsive, driving the songs forward with unyielding momentum. - The music is intentionally “filthy” and “messy,” reflecting the anarchic spirit of the band and the movement they spearheaded[4]. - Despite the chaos, there is a surprising amount of structure and discipline in the arrangements. Producer Chris Thomas and engineer Bill Price used multitrack editing and innovative mic techniques to achieve a punchy, immediate sound[5]. - The bass, mostly played by Jones due to Sid Vicious’s inability to perform in the studio, is functional but never flashy, anchoring the songs without drawing attention to itself[4][5]. - The album’s production, while raw, is not as lo-fi as many assume. There are layers of overdubs, particularly on the guitars, and careful attention to the balance between instruments and vocals[5]. The result is an album that sounds both spontaneous and meticulously crafted—a sonic blitzkrieg that remains exhilarating decades later. --- ## Production **Raw Power with Unexpected Sophistication** The production of *Never Mind The Bollocks* is often misunderstood as crude, but it is, in fact, a triumph of studio technique for its time. - Chris Thomas and Bill Price approached the sessions with a focus on clarity and impact. Drums were recorded centrally in a large room with staggered microphones, then gated together for maximum attack and presence[5]. - Guitar tracks were layered for thickness, with specific overdubs to emphasize certain riffs or harmonic elements. This technique gave the album its signature “wall of sound” without sacrificing the immediacy of punk[5]. - The vocals were treated as the centerpiece, with Lydon’s delivery cutting through the mix, ensuring that the lyrics’ venom and wit were never lost[5]. - The album’s production values set it apart from many contemporaneous punk records, which often favored a more lo-fi, DIY aesthetic. Despite the band’s chaotic reputation, the studio work was painstaking, with numerous edits and overdubs to achieve the desired effect—proof of the band’s and producers’ commitment to making a lasting statement. --- ## Themes **Alienation, Nihilism, and Defiance** Thematically, *Never Mind The Bollocks* is a document of late-1970s Britain: a country beset by economic decline, class division, and political unrest. The album’s central themes include: - **Alienation and Disenfranchisement:** Songs like “Pretty Vacant” and “Seventeen” express the sense of being cut off from mainstream society, with no future or prospects[3][1]. - **Nihilism and Self-Destruction:** The album’s characters often embrace meaninglessness, finding power in their refusal to care or conform (“No Feelings,” “Problems”)[2][3]. - **Anti-Establishment Rage:** The band’s targets are broad—government, monarchy, the media, the music industry (as in “E.M.I.”), and even their own fans[2][1]. - **Shock and Outrage:** The album’s graphic content and profanity were designed to provoke, challenge, and offend, forcing listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and hypocrisies[2][1]. Yet, beneath the surface anger, there is a sense of tragic awareness—a recognition that the world is broken, and that rebellion, however futile, is a necessary response. --- ## Influence **A Cultural Earthquake** *Never Mind The Bollocks* did not invent punk, but it crystallized its ethos and set the benchmark for the genre’s sound, attitude, and impact. - The album influenced countless artists across genres, from Kurt Cobain and Nirvana to Noel Gallagher and Oasis, and beyond[4]. - Its success (reaching number one in the UK despite bans and boycotts) demonstrated the commercial viability of music that rejected mainstream values[1]. - The Sex Pistols’ notoriety and the album’s confrontational stance inspired a generation of musicians to embrace DIY ethics, political engagement, and sonic aggression[3][4]. - The album’s legacy extends beyond music, shaping fashion, art, and youth culture for decades[3]. Few records have acted so swiftly and purely as a lightning rod for social change and artistic rebellion[3]. --- ## Pros and Cons **Pros** - **Unmatched Energy and Urgency:** The album’s relentless pace and aggression remain electrifying. - **Iconic Lyrics and Vocal Delivery:** Lydon’s performance is singular—intelligent, scathing, and unforgettable[3]. - **Innovative Production:** The sound is raw yet powerful, with surprising sophistication in arrangement and mixing[5]. - **Cultural and Musical Impact:** The album’s influence is vast, shaping punk and alternative music for generations[4][1]. - **Cohesive Thematic Vision:** Every track contributes to a unified statement of rebellion and alienation[2][3]. **Cons** - **Lack of Musical Variety:** The relentless tempo and similar song structures can feel repetitive to some listeners. - **Limited Musicianship:** The technical proficiency of the band, especially Sid Vicious, is often questioned (Jones played most bass parts)[4][5]. - **Shock Value Over Substance:** Some critics argue that the album relies too heavily on provocation and outrage, with less depth than its reputation suggests[2]. - **Polarizing Content:** The graphic lyrics and aggressive stance may alienate some audiences, and accusations of racism, sexism, or insensitivity have followed the band[2]. - **Short Lifespan:** As the band imploded soon after, the album stands alone, with no follow-up to develop or refine their ideas[2][4]. --- ## Conclusion *Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols* is a singular achievement—a furious, uncompromising statement that captured the spirit of its time and changed the course of popular music. Its lyrics are sharp, its music is explosive, and its production is both raw and meticulously crafted. The album’s themes of alienation, nihilism, and rebellion remain relevant, and its influence is undeniable. While it is not without flaws—repetition, limited musicianship, and a reliance on shock—it is precisely these qualities that give the album its enduring power and authenticity. Whether loved or loathed, *Never Mind The Bollocks* is a record that demands to be heard, discussed, and remembered.

Listened to this album recently as part of my 2025 resolution to listen to at least one new album per week. Wrote the following note for it on my spreadsheet: "I'm always whinging about how the Sex Pistols and Ramones aren't really 'punk' because of how mainstream they are, but man, at least w the Pistols there's just this undeniable edge" Previously listened to 5 songs (Holidays in the Sun; Bodies; God Save the Queen; Anarchy in the U.K.; Pretty Vacant) Favorite Song: Anarchy in the U.K.

From the opening snarl of Holidays in the Sun to the closing shriek of EMI (an attack on their own label) the Sex Pistols redefined the nascent Punk genre with Don't Mind the Bollock Here's the Sex Piston. Their only full length album, it is angry, disrespectful, and as caustic as you'd want any Punk album to be. Stripped of the social conscience of The Clash and lacking the humor of the Ramones, The Sex Pistols are just angry and bitter - in other words pure Punk rock. Add to that Johnny Rotten's snarling, off key vocals, and the Pistol's paint peeling guitar noise, and you see the transition of Punk from a movement to reclaim the 3-minute song into an expression of pure Id. The Sex Pistols never had time to make another album; Member Sid Vicious hung himself in his cell awaiting trial for murder and the band just fell apart. For a moment there, just a moment, the Sex Pistols frightened adults across the globe and gave voice to the inner anger of youth.

Greatest punk rock album of all time. Boom.

Debut Album / Only Album. This album was seismic when it came out. It's a huge punch in the face not only to the music establishment but the UK establishment and society as a whole. It sent out shockwaves ! The entire album so punchy, so busy. Johnny Rotten is ranting at you with a glare. He's young and pissed off with all the bollocks. A seminal album that spawned countless bands and artists in it's wake. One of my top five albums ever !

The irony of Malcolm McLaren's Great Rock and Roll Swindle, for all the faux righteous anger and vitriol the Sex Pistols engendered in the British establishment, which seems quaint now, for all the supposed rebellion against everything and the "I Hate Pink Floyd" condemnation of popular music, is that it produced one of the greatest albums of all time. The ultimate manufactured boyband (perhaps their only real competition was The Monkees, whose "Stepping Stone" the Pistols covered) delivered a tight collection which transcends its time and reputation. Ironic too that in firing Glen Matlock for being too musical, there is so much 'pop' here. Matlock's absence meant that Steve Jones played bass, his basslines essentially in close unison with his own guitar, and along with Paul Cook's excellent drumming, the Pistols are a great rock and roll band. Jones's guitar sounds are not far away from the glam rock sounds of The Sweet and his guitar solos are Chuck Berry by the way of Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. A further irony that they hired Chris Thomas, who had worked with the Beatles, Badfinger, Roxy Music, Procol Harum, and Lydon's hated Pink Floyd, to produce the album. Thomas delivers production values that would not shame a prog rock band. Almost 50 years later it still sparkles.

This album changed my life, biggest influence on my life; musically and mentally!

One of the most pivotal albums in punk rock history.

The album is synonymous with punk—full of attitude and questionable musicianship—but that’s exactly what makes it great.

This record is a key part of my high school soundtrack. Actually life since high school, too. Every track is a punk rock classic that still have edge.

Just a classic for me. I listened to this a ton in high school after finding it at a used cd store.

It's hard to imagine a list of albums you must listen to that doesn't include this one. One of the most influential albums in the punk scene. I could listen to Johnny Rotten snarl through the phone book and be happy.

Birth of punk.

For context, on British TV at the time were the likes of Dad's Army, Fawlty Towers and Porridge, so imagine the impact (disgust) this had on the Great British public over the age of 21, in the year of the Queen's Silver Jubilee. Sure bands like Slade had a similar sound and energy, but this took it to another level and Punk Rock into the mainstream. I love the spunk of it all, from the gritty guitar sounds to the insistent driving beat and the yob-like vocals and general no-nonsense approach. Almost 50 years on and it still sounds fresh, being a consistently superb album and it well deserves it's iconic status.

I picked up at copy of this in my teens (in the mid 90s) and listened to it relentlessly for a year or so. It was great! Then hardly listened to it since. With the 1001 list, after disliking a couple of Public Image albums, I started to doubt if I'd still enjoy Sex Pistols... turns out I do, a lot!

Intent to shock and does but still great tunes.

ROIT NOW HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

It took them 38 minutes to change the world. You don’t need to love it to know that it’s one of the most influential records on this list.

'Never mind the bollocks..." is of the most influential rock albums of all time. The boys could barely play their instruments but it's a genius album, with full of raw energy, catchy songs that are the most uncompromising rock songs ever recorded. It's a very well made record, so what is here not to like, really? They were giving the middle fingers to everything and everyone (marketed so cleverly by Malcom McLaren). There are other punk bands who were more talented and could play better, but none of them made a more influential and important rock album that this one. 5 stars no doubt.

My favorite album of all time

Well what can I say about this album. The best album in the world ever. Changed my life completely. My mum went and bought it for me when it was released and they brought it out from under the counter as it was considered too rude a word to be displayed. Love it.

Beautiful.

This album is my yardstick for punk. I love all of it, great songs, pure energy, and daring (esp. for 1977) lyrics. It is also a true cultural icon. I'd say a top 10 album not just top 1001.

headbanging while cycling to work.

This is a really enjoyable punk album.

If there is something I learned by being on this musical journey, it's that my appreciation for punk music is broad, but it does have its limits. There is definitely a limit of too poppy for me on one end and too raw on the other. The Sex Pistols are pretty close to the limit on the raw side, but far enough away that I really love this album.

What makes this album great? It’s a question still worth asking nearly half a century after its release, because it’s claim to greatness is by no means undisputed. It’s not the hype, not the brilliant guerrilla marketing by Malcolm McClaren, not the attempts by numerous broadcasters and record shops to kill it off with bans and by refusing to name it. It is a great sound. The sledgehammer impact of Steve Jones’ solid slabs of guitar John Lydon’s unique snarky snarling delivery. The way it captured the mood in a Britain which felt almost irredeemably smug and settled at the same time as it was declining and crumbling. It was like nothing else, before or since, though it’s subsequent influence has been profound. It won’t make you comfortable - it’s not intended to. But the raw power of it, as an artefact, as a musical event and as a statement of intent, are undeniable. An essential listen.

A true pioneer of the Punk genre. It's raw, pushes boundaries and has some key songs from the era. A must listen.

One of the great sacred cows, which I arrived at very tempted to kill. However, it does exactly what they set out to do. It's muscular, snarling, funny, stupid, inspiring and great fun. It's easy to see why this was such a phenomenon when it came out, and why it outraged and scared people so much. Also, No Feelings is a really underrated song I think - it doesn't get the press of some of the more obviously controversial numbers on here, but the nihilism in it is much more gritty than some of the posturing elsewhere.

It's crazy that they only have one album. But what an album omg. I really wish it was recorded better but hey that's punk for you. The Who don't come close to this at all. None of the other UK punk bands for that matter

Punk rock that legitimately sounds good and talented is rare, but that's what you get when you listen to this. Sure, they scream a little, but there's so much more to it. It resembles real music, it IS real music, which seems to be impossible for most punk rockers. The guitar especially is killer. Lots of fun with this one 👍

Such a classic. My best friend bought this album when we were in middle school and we'd sit in her basement and listen to this one over and over. We thought we were being such anarchists listening to punk rock. But listening to it now, it seems almost tame compared to some of the metal bands. And even though at times the whole thing seems like a big mess, Johnny Rotton's phrasing is very intentional. Top tracks: Holidays In The Sun, God Save The Queen, Anarchy in the U.K., Pretty Vacant.

Today was a good day (5)

Finally hearing the Sex Pistols is a blast! Dang dude they really were super controversial! I always assumed their reputation was overblown against old more puritan standards, but damn! Really fun album I want to f some s up now

Iconic!

Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhmnnnnnnnnaaarchyyyyy xx uwu xxx ;)

The Good: it is more than clear who the band is! The Bad: misinterpretation of the band’s name… The Ugly: realizing that, adding balls to it, is the total package… What a total joy of an album this has been. I’m no fan of punk really, kind of find it annoying most of the time… but this record… I don’t know, maybe it was the moment I was in while listening to it? I was expecting me to want to skip through every song after a minute, but not here… Having said that, I am a little conflicted about which score to give this album… technically speaking it would not be on a list of albums I could listen to a couple of times a year. I should give it 4* … yet, let’s analyze: most people have heard of the band, and certainly most people have seen the art work of the album cover, and considering this is the only album The Sex Pistols every released… 5*

Pretty friggin sick

Awesome

Much like Neverland, this resets what a pop song could be. Love it.

The shot heard around the world

The teenage angst in me will always love songs like these

Damn, I love this album in all its raw, naive bombast. Still sounds great nearly 50 years after release.

It might sound a little tame now, but you have to give five stars to the album that launched a thousand bands.

Actually really good. Weird, I told someone I thought the Sex Pistols were boring as recently as a few months ago. And I wasn't even talking out of my ass I listened to this same record in full. And now for some reason I think it's great. I literally think it's because I started doing this, lol. I think so far I've listened to a good amount of '70s New York punk and proto-punk from this project (Ramones, Television) and also a lot of '60s British Invasion bands (The Who, The Kinks etc) and I hear how this sounds like both now and can be like oh I get this it's like those two things fused. And also I got a PiL album last month and I can hear now how something like this would eventually become PiL This is another record where it's not possible to have any kind of contrarian opinion on it because it's all been said and done. I guess this is one you're supposed to like at 14 and not come around on at almost 30 but here we are!

5 estrelas. O que dizer ? Esse álbum foi o pontapé inicial do punk rock

Classic punk aggression. Despite their rag tag background - 4 guys with little to no musical experience - the songs are actually good. Steve Jones' guitar playing is really good, especially considering he hadn't been playing that long. Liked Songs Added: G-d Save The Queen Anarchy In The UK Pretty Vacant

These kids are going somewhere.

In the history of music Jenga set, you cannot remove this one without collapsing the whole. Therefore: 5/5 Note: that Jenga set has fewer than 1001 pieces, as we are all learning the hard way. Still, this is top 25 as far as pivotal music moments go. Note Too: Compare “Bodies” with Public Image Ltd’s “The Body.” Within Johnny Rotten Lydon’s Ltd. worldview, abortion was shocking, dehumanizing, and dystopian. Interesting.

It is like listening to the DNA of so many great bands that follow. This is infectious rebellion that doesn't have to make sense to work. Everything about the Sex Pistols was unsustainable but holds together on the album that defines the genre. It is not perfect, but it makes its stamp perfectly. I never felt so happy about anarchy! Nevermind the Bollocks!

Бешеная энергия ассоциируется с этим альбомом.

Sadly, this is a 5. I know it, and so do you. Now, breathe .... Breathe... in through your nose, and out through your mouth.... I'm going to count backwards from five. At then end we'll click that star on the right and hit blue 'yes' button to confirm. five ... four ... three ... two ... one ... Here we go.... [submit]

Still loud !

Obviously a banger

Such an energy from this album. Nothing else quite like it.

Love it!

This is the epitome of punk music. It's raw but has a great rebellious energy and message, as well as solid melodies. It's not for everyone, but if you're into punk music then this is a great one to put on.

Loved the energy, very fun listen!

Punk lives.

On drugs, pretty revolutionary

Ein Meilenstein und immer noch hörenswert

Yes. Might be in my top ten albums of all time. Best punk album ever. Yes it is. Big chunky guitars, incredible songs and that voice.

No i to jest punk, który szanuję. Energia, radość, bunt. Miasto, masa, maszyna. Deszc, para, szybkość. Kop energetyczny jakich mało. 9/10

Solid all the way through

First punk album I ever heard growing up. Loved it then, and still do now. Influenced the majority of modern punk bands. Just mad, angry yelling and pissed off lyrics about a bunch of society things. Pure energy and raw power. Good stuff. 5/5

A great rock band with the best punk singer. Of course McLaren doesn’t understand this and instead botches what should have been a greater band than they were. And they were a great band. And Johnny rotten that anarchic libertarian intellectual dickhead - he’s smarter than you and will argue you to exhaustion - was the cherry on top. Steve jones is rightly considered one of the great punk guitarists though see above. It’s still fresh and right - god save the queen/the fascist regime - is still potent even if we’re two generations at least from another queen. Pretty vacant. Fuck. What a song. 25 stars minus twenty for that sack of shit McLaren.

Absolutely loved it. One of my favorite bands is The Police. Their first album Outlandos d’Amour is really punchy and raw, and very punk influenced, a far cry from their later albums, and it reminded me a bit of that.

Such a raw amd impressive/unpredictable record. Still, i have to say that this is definitely one of the most wrathful records of the 70s, John Lydon delivers hits such as God Save The Queen, which pave the true beauty of rock from the 20th century. Speaking another way, producing an anti-monarchy album in UK and yet debuting at the top is not for everyone, and i love how they write lyrics like these instead of the generic and delusional love songs from that same period of time. By the way, the guitar riff from the majority of these songs are incredibly iconic, along with the bass riffs and such that make up every fragment of this punk album.

An absolute classic

This still bangs. I was worried it wouldn’t hold up (and I still like Clash better), but it was still raw and great.

Can't give it anything but 5 stars - a genuinely essential album, even if you don't like it. Also has at least five (depending on your taste) fantastic songs.

"God Save The Queen" I love this album. If you don't like punk...this isn't going to be for you. Do the songs start to sound the same? Sure. But does that mean it's bad? Absolutely not. I absolutely love Johnny Rotten's vocal style and the guitar tones on this album are amazing. There wasn't a single song I disliked. Actual rating is a 4.75. Liked Songs: I added every song except "Liar" , "Seventeen" , "Submission" , and "New York"

I wish more bands would follow the Pistols example and just do one banger album and call it quits. Sometimes that's all you need.

A must-have.

Is it a 30-minute album with the same-ish song? Yes! Will I give it 5 stars? Yes!

Great

John Lydon is a legend, ya cunts.

They didn’t invent punk rock; they perfected it. It’s the second-most important British record of the 21st century behind Sgt Pepper’s. The Johnny Rotten snarl alone warrants a full 5 stars.

This record changed the UK. At least, it helped to confirm the change already in progress. The music here is much better than advertised, the lyrics deliberately provocative. It's a shame it all fell apart; was designed to fall apart, really.

When the Sex Pistols arrived it is fair to say I hated them. I also hated all they represented as well as the entire punk scene. I was after all in a profession which the Pistols and all their sort would hate as much as I hated them. Let alone my main musical tastes, Prog Rock, which was the complete opposite and often cited why punk rock was established. When this album was released the UK Fire Brigade were on strike with the Army deputising for them. The Army had no idea where they were going so needed to be escorted which is what I was doing. The Sex Pistols were booked into a Keighley nightclub Nikkers for a gig and as a goodwill gesture the Army lads were invited free. A mate and I were able to go on the back of not many of the Army lads were up for going. To say I was transformed is an understatement as I would put it in the top 3 gigs I have ever attended. Not because of the music which to be honest was not very good but more for the chemistry the presence of the Pistols made in that very small club. The acoustics were awful and I now shudder to think what would have happened if there was a fire (ironic given how I was there)as the place was overcrowded but that made for an atmosphere I have only experienced that once. I cannot now remember if I had bought the album before the gig in anticipation or afterwards now that I was then a convert. I continually played the album over the next year or so. I knew it was very raw and basic but it served as a reminder of that great night. But eventually as the punk movement burnt itself out and became a cash cow for the record companies who would promote anything they thought would replicate this album, my enthusiasm also waned and I once again returned to my preferred more sophisticated music. I don't often play the album now other than to rekindle memories. Anarchy, GSTQ and Pretty Vacant are to me the best tracks which I never tire of. The album as a whole is not really very good but that is not the point. It will always be a statement of that point in time and probably the best one. It is iconic and has one of the best and most recognisable album covers ever. A work of art which pictorially tells you all you need to know about the music and generally what was relevant in 1977. 5/5 6/12/24

Nasty and amateurish at times. This is what punk rock should be like. Also, makes me want to play Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.

Nostalgia vote. Do I listen to it anymore? Until today it’s been nearly 3 decades. I still dig it though.

Very good will always have a special place in my heart, love the art and design of the album, still love almost all these songs! But AC/DC rocks harder...

"Anger is an energy" - John Lydon, Rise

GOAT album name. First time I've heard this all the way through and it surprised me how great it was. Loved it - true punk rock where the music is actually good instead of experimental nonsense. 9/10.

An imperfect band that made a perfect album

Recalled early teens, still makes me angry and euphoric Have to keep in mind, what punk must feel like

One of the most important albums in popular music since 1950. That is all.

Peculiarly British and contains a couple of the best tracks of their type. Instantly recognisable and the start of a movement. Difficult to rate but as no one had heard such a compilation before, I’ll give it a five.

I always thought the meaning of the song "Bodies" was troublingly anti-abortion, and was surprised to hear the F word. But I suppose punk was not about being politically correct. I tried to explain it to my Dad once (who was around in the sixties and had some cool rock records but who really liked jazz big band music) that I appreciated it as an expression of the raw anger felt by youth in the late 70s and early 80s. Listening to it now, it amazing how much Steve Jones wrung out of those 50s rock riffs. It still sounds great, and if anything I appreciated some of the album tracks even more this time. Classic!

Fantastic!

This is absolutely perfect. Instant mood changer, anarchist, inspiring, amazing.

A classic, the genesis of punk music. Even if I'm not the biggest fan of the genre I have to say that in this album you feel all the energy and the sound of these rebel kids. I also appreciated the brief guitar solos and what can I say... It's history!

The Monkees of punk rock, insofar as a complete construction by a label, but like far better than they should have been!

Nothing sounds like this. Nothing.

Classic: rebellious, loud and raw. The very definition of punk and still sounds pretty fresh today. Ignoring what came after and Johnny Rotten becoming a bit of a tosser, Never Mind The Bollocks is both a riot and incredibly important album

Whatever anyone may say this was a gamechanger. Iconic in every way- the cover, the band and the music. What an amazing time it was.

Classic

Amazing album.

First time hearing this album and I’m very impressed. Pure punk this. Anarchy in the UK giving me crazy nostalgia from a Tony Hawk game. Didn’t want to skip a single song on this and kept it short and sweet. Only small complaint is some of the lyrics are cringe but that’s expected from a 70s band. 4.90/5

Men herrejävlar. Den här skivan platsar definitivt på den här listan. Älskar den. Vill egentligen inte lyssna för tänk om den inte åldrats med värdighet. Men det har den. Gillar energin, sången och musiken. En solklar 5a.

This one’s not about lyrics, which aren’t great. It’s not about musical talent either, which isn’t anything special (but if Sid Vicious wasn’t good enough to play on this, it really says something about his [lack of] talent). It’s all about a vibe, which is captured perfectly. There’s a reason this was so influential. Deserves to be played as loud as possible.

Great album with some iconic songs

All solid. There is nothing shabby about this record.

Fuck yeah