Hypnotised

fun pop-punk

Was really surprised by this one. I would definitely listen to this again and I'm excited to hear more from the Undertones! Favorite track: Under The Boardwalk 3.5/5

Formulaic. Sterile. Forgettable. 1.5 stars

Fun as hell

?? naja Nord-irische band pre-pop-punk. c

Boys music for boys. Not in the mood. Terrible lyrics. They're lucky I'm not giving it 1 star. - 90s beach boys? - Clearly the authors of this list love casual whimsical white boy music. bet Weezer is their favorite band. There's a big reward for 'witty' 'satire' lyrics over real emotional music. What a waste (clearly I'm cranky)

Not my favorite for sure, and I really disliked their version of "Under the Boardwalk" but a 2 star album for me.

Opening track is better than the entirety of their first album. It goes downhill from there. 1 star

Great, fun punky new wave. I feel like it doesn’t take itself too seriously and just focuses on being energetic and kind of goofy which works really well. There were some variations in styles with some songs being quite pop-rocky and focusing on the generic themes of love and stuff, others being a bit more slow and booming (with the drums). The best though, in my opinion is where it is more punky and fast paced which is more in the first side, this will probably be reflected in my favourites. Favourites: There goes Norman, Hypnotised, see that girl, Tearproof and What’s with Terry. Overall, only just a 7/10.

Solid album

I don't want to like it, but I sort of did. It felt like I was watching an old 90s comedy movie. Ultimately, there's a reason we haven't heard of them. Just eh.

Solid album Too short songs for me Good first listen but little replay ability

Good album with lots of very short songs. Sounds like the ramones and the beatles combined with the smiths. 3/5

'twas good. I like the white boy music that swung between excited and sad.

Quite goofy and weird. Short and snappy songs. Some of the lyrics are creepy…

Nice-sounding garage-y rock, well-performed and perfectly recorded. The songs didn't really get under my skin, but it's a fun listen, if a bit repetitive by the end.

This album did very little for me. First few songs sort of ok, but went downhill quickly!

This doesn't really stand out to me. By this point there was the Clash, Buzzcocks, The Jam etc. This didn't tread on any real new ground. The songs arent abysmal but I probably won't put these songs in any playlists

simpatici ma sta voce tremolante porco il dio

carino, piacevole da ascoltare ma forse un po’ monotono? la mia preferita è stata wednesday week

Vabbè solito album punk. Ci sta. Traccia preferita boys will be boys

simpatico, mi è piaciuta molto la copertina dell’album. continuo ad arrotondare per eccesso con 4, ma non è un 4 pieno.

During the time when Feargal Sharkey was their singer, The Undertones put out a stellar string of singles, from their beloved debut track "Teenage Kicks" all the way through their 1986 swan song "Save Me". Their albums, however, are much spottier affairs, and *Hypnotised* is no exception. It's fifteen tracks worth of competent pop-inflected punk that's just a little on the ordinary side, with only a few tracks like "Tearproof" and "Wednesday Week" standing out from the pack (and pointing the way towards the more "pure pop" direction the band would pursue after this album).

perfect album cover

The subject matter is bog standard 80s teen fare, but the melody and lyrics are suprisingly good.

idk dude

3/5. I loved their first album and although the lyrics are arguably better here, that sense of youthful naivety from their debut was part of the charm within their musical style. This one feels a little too commercial even with the punchy guitar and similar vocal style. I guess I just wasn't really feeling this one as much but I still enjoyed it for what it was. Best Song: Wednesday Week, Hypnotised, Hard Luck

This was a fun post punk album. Nothing special but enjoyable enough

Fun 60’s pop

Solid, dependable rock and roll with just the right amount of both punk and pop sensibilities. 4/5

This is good punk (good singing voice, melodic songs, understandable lyrics), but I don't like punk, so this still gets a 3 from me.

Surprisingly complex songs for only two and a half minutes long. I kinda liked it, except for the overly vibrating vocals. Reminded me of the Dead Kennedys, which was always my issue with them, too.

A pleasant enough punk, but I'm not sure it merits all time listening status. Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike it, and I was extremely happy that they did not make a protest album. I just fail to see why this album was more important than Devo's FREEDOM OF CHOICE that came out the same year and was far more influential to the punk/new wave scene in 1980 and onward it would seem to me than The Undertones. The Norman Bates from the film Pyscho theme song "There Goes Norman" was my favorite. "Under the Boardwalk" was competent, if uninspiring. The album artwork is terrible. I wanted to like this album but the songs kind of ran together in an unremarkable way. Like their cover song, the album was tight and competent, but rather forgettable.

Jittery fun for a Friday afternoon .

Never heard of that band or album before this and I love it.

OK

Hell of a time hanging with Norman, Terry, girls, that guy’s cousin and the whole lot!

If I was a young English boy in the 1990s, I would probably enjoy this more. Maybe I listen to too much grunge, but this just really isn’t doing it too much for me, but I can respect a good artist when I see one.

always thought my perfect cousin is a weird song

2- Stars (4/15)

Best Song: My Perfect Cousin. How lovely, a song about me. Worst Song: See That Girl. What an obnoxious rhythm. Overall: Yet another mediocre (at best) album that's inexplicably included on a list of only 1001 albums to hear before I die. It is incredible to imagine the mountain of creative works that were left off this list to make way for another forgettable UK band.

Ah, The Undertones, with "Hypnotised". The album kicks off smartly with with "Chocolate and Girls", a song that is a direct nod to their critics, referring back to their first album and singles such as "Teenage Kicks", "Jimmy Jimmy", and "Mars Bars". The first side of the album, tracks one to eight, are all good to very good, although the cover of "Under the Boardwalk" is unnecessary. Indeed this is my main critique of the album, I feel that side one would have benefited from a little more quality control, improving its impact and flow. There are none of these problems with Side two, it is perfect. There are a number of excellent tracks, but if I had to highlight a few it would be the wonderful and funny single "My Perfect Cousin", "Hard Luck" and "The Way Girls Talk". "Hypnotised" is a five-star album for me and brings back memories of my teenage years. Would I listen to this album again? Yes Would I buy this album? Yes Side one 1- "More Songs About Chocolate and Girls"- 5/5 2- "There Goes Norman"- 4/5 3- "Hypnotised"- 5/5 4- "See That Girl"- 4/5 5- "Whizz Kids"- 3/5 6- "Under the Boardwalk"- 3/5 7- "The Way Girls Talk"- 5/5 8- "Hard Luck"- 5/5 Side two 1- "My Perfect Cousin"- 5/5 2- "Boys Will Be Boys"- 5/5 3- "Tearproof"- 5/5 4- "Wednesday Week"- 5/5 5- "Nine Times Out of Ten"- 5/5 6- "Girls That Don't Talk"- 5/5 7- "What's With Terry?"- 5/5 Total - 69 Average - 4.60 93/1001

Another one that has no business being on the list. Best thing about it is that it's short.

"Soft" Punk is the best term I can use. Not bad, not good... best things the cover art.

Just doesn't grab me, tried a few times

This was a really good album. It has a punk/post punk/new wave sound that I really like. Somewhat reminiscent of a mix between the Cars and the Sex Pistols. Good stuff.

Pretty unnecessary at this point in the list. Not bad but we’ve heard this before. The Way Girls Talk was my fave.

Soft punk or punk adjacent music. It's pretty good but doesn't have a real message like The Clash. It is very listenable though.

Fun poppy new wave/punk. I like this album but it wasn't mindblowing or anything so a 4 seems appropriate. Funny that we heard two covers of "under the boardwalk" so close together.

Fun band. Consistent album. But, I was never really wowed by any tracks.

Dette var et helt fantastisk album. Jeg elsket attityden og tekstene.

**Album Context**: Background and release details of "Hypnotised." - **Lyrics**: Examination of lyrical themes and evolution. - **Music**: Analysis of musical style and track highlights. - **Production**: Insights into recording and production quality. - **Themes**: Discussion of overarching themes and maturity. - **Influence**: Legacy and impact on later artists. - **Pros and Cons**: Balanced evaluation of strengths and weaknesses. ------- # In-Depth Review of The Undertones' "Hypnotised": A Punk-Pop Masterpiece ## 1 Album Context and Background **Hypnotised**, released on April 21, 1980, was **The Undertones'** second studio album, following their successful self-titled debut. Recorded at **Wisseloord Studios** in the Netherlands and **Eden Studios** in London between December 1979 and January 1980, the album was produced by **Roger Bechirian**, who had previously worked with Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe. The album marked a significant evolution for the Northern Irish band, blending their trademark punk energy with more sophisticated songwriting and production. It reached number 6 on the UK Albums Chart, becoming the **highest-charting album** of their career, and spawned two hit singles: "My Perfect Cousin" (UK #9) and "Wednesday Week" (UK #11) . The cover photograph, taken by guitarist **Damian O'Neill**, features bassist Michael Bradley and drummer Billy Doherty wearing lobster bibs at a seafood restaurant in New York's Bowery. This image captures the band's humorous and self-deprecating attitude, which permeates much of their music . Despite being rooted in punk, *Hypnotised* showcased the band's growing maturity, both lyrically and musically, while retaining the infectious energy that had defined their earlier work. ## 2 Lyrics and Songwriting ### 2.1 Lyrical Themes and Evolution - **Adolescent Concerns**: The lyrics on *Hypnotised* continue to explore themes of **teenage angst**, heartbreak, and boisterousness, much like the band's debut. Songs like "My Perfect Cousin" and "Girls That Don't Talk" reflect a preoccupation with youthful experiences and social dynamics. However, this album also introduces a layer of **self-awareness** and irony, particularly in the opening track, "More Songs About Chocolate and Girls," which cleverly nods to Talking Heads' *More Songs About Buildings and Food* while poking fun at the band's own repetitive themes . - **Darker and More Nuanced Topics**: While the album maintains a lighthearted tone in places, it also delves into **darker subject matter**. "There Goes Norman" is a catchy yet disturbing track that hints at themes of voyeurism or even serial killers, showcasing the band's ability to blend unsettling narratives with infectious melodies . Similarly, "See That Girl" introduces a sense of unease with lyrics like "I wake up screaming in the middle of something wrong," suggesting deeper emotional conflicts beneath the surface . - **Vulnerability and Maturity**: Tracks like "The Way Girls Talk" and "Wednesday Week" display a more vulnerable side to the band's songwriting. The former explores insecurity and communication, while the latter is a poignant reflection on unrequited love and longing, described as having a "'60s pining" quality . These songs demonstrate that The Undertones were evolving beyond simple punk tropes into more nuanced storytellers. ### 2.2 Standout Tracks - **"My Perfect Cousin"**: This satirical take on familial rivalry and academic pressure features witty lyrics and remains one of the band's most iconic songs. - **"Wednesday Week"**: A melancholic yet melodic track that highlights Feargal Sharkey's distinctive vocal delivery and the band's growing sophistication. - **"There Goes Norman"**: A disturbing but catchy song that stands out for its unconventional subject matter . ## 3 Musical Composition and Style ### 3.1 Musical Evolution *Hypnotised* retains the **punk rock** and **pop-punk** energy of the band's debut but introduces greater musical diversity and complexity. The album blends fast-paced, riff-driven tracks with moments of introspection and experimentation. The O'Neill brothers' songwriting incorporates influences from **60s pop**, **glam rock**, and even **post-punk**, resulting in a sound that is both familiar and fresh . ### 3.2 Track Highlights - **"Hypnotised"**: The title track features a darker, post-punk vibe, with a tense guitar riff and automaton-like backing vocals that create a hypnotic effect . - **"Under the Boardwalk"**: The band's cover of the Drifters classic is initially surprising but ultimately successful, thanks to Sharkey's passionate delivery and the arrangement's faithfulness to the original while adding a punk twist . - **"The Way Girls Talk"**: This track features a jangly guitar riff and a vulnerable vocal performance, reminiscent of Morrissey's later work with The Smiths . - **"Hard Luck"**: A glam-influenced stomper with a driving rhythm and energetic delivery . ### 3.3 Instrumentation and Performance The band's performances are tight and energetic, with **Damian and John O'Neill**'s guitar work providing both melody and crunch. **Michael Bradley**'s bass lines are melodic and propulsive, while **Billy Doherty**'s drumming is crisp and powerful. **Feargal Sharkey**'s vocals are as distinctive as ever, with his exaggerated vibrato adding character and emotion to each track. While some critics find his voice annoying, others see it as integral to the band's charm . *Table: Musical Style and Highlights of Key Tracks* | **Track Name** | **Musical Style** | **Key Features** | |----------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | "More Songs About..."| Pop-punk with self-aware irony | Catchy riff, humorous lyrics | | "There Goes Norman" | Punk with dark narrative | Disturbing主题, infectious melody | | "Hypnotised" | Post-punk influences | Hypnotic guitar, robotic backing vocals | | "Under the Boardwalk"| Punk-inspired cover | Sharkey's vocal performance, faithful yet original | | "Wednesday Week" | Jangle-pop with melancholic tone | '60s-inspired melody, heartfelt lyrics | ## 4 Production and Sound Quality ### 4.1 Production Style Produced by **Roger Bechirian**, *Hypnotised* features a cleaner and more polished sound compared to the band's raw debut. Bechirian successfully balances the band's energetic performance with **studio refinement**, allowing the melodies and lyrics to shine without sacrificing the punk edge. The production highlights the **dynamic range** of the band, from the frantic energy of "Boys Will Be Boys" to the melancholy warmth of "Wednesday Week" . ### 4.2 Sound Engineering The album was engineered by **Neill King** and **Peter Bobr**, with mixing handled by **Aldo Bocca** and Bechirian on "What's With Terry?" The sound is crisp and clear, with each instrument given space in the mix. The reverb on Sharkey's vocals adds depth without overwhelming the tracks, while the guitars are sharp and punchy. The rhythm section is particularly well-captured, with the bass and drums driving the songs forward . ### 4.3 Criticisms of Production Some critics argue that the production occasionally leans too heavily into **pop sensibility**, potentially diluting the band's raw energy. However, most agree that Bechirian's approach effectively captures the band's evolution and enhances the listening experience . ## 5 Themes and Maturity ### 5.1 Primary Themes - **Teenage Experiences**: The album revolves around themes of **adolescent angst**, love, and social dynamics, much like the band's debut. Tracks like "My Perfect Cousin" and "Girls That Don't Talk" exemplify this focus . - **Self-Awareness and Irony**: The opening track, "More Songs About Chocolate and Girls," serves as a meta-commentary on the band's own repetitive themes, showcasing their ability to laugh at themselves while acknowledging the pressures of sophomore creativity . - **Darker Undertones**: Songs like "There Goes Norman" and "See That Girl" introduce darker, more complex themes, suggesting a growing lyrical depth . ### 5.2 Emotional Range The album covers a wide emotional spectrum, from the playful ("My Perfect Cousin") to the vulnerable ("The Way Girls Talk") and the melancholic ("Wednesday Week"). This range demonstrates the band's growing maturity and ability to tackle more nuanced topics without losing their infectious energy . ## 6 Influence and Legacy ### 6.1 Impact on Music *Hypnotised* is often cited as a **foundational album** in the pop-punk genre, influencing bands like **The Libertines**, **Green Day**, and **Franz Ferdinand** . Its blend of punk energy with melodic hooks and witty lyrics set a template for future artists. The album was included in the book *1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die*, cementing its status as a classic . ### 6.2 Cultural Significance The Undertones' ability to write about universal teenage experiences while evolving musically and lyrically made them stand out in the post-punk era. Their refusal to engage directly with the political turmoil of Northern Ireland (unlike contemporaries such as Stiff Little Fingers) provided a form of **escapism** for listeners, emphasizing joy and resilience over conflict . ## 7 Pros and Cons of the Album ### 7.1 Strengths - 🎸 **Catchy Melodies and Hooks**: The album is filled with infectious tunes that blend punk energy with pop sensibilities. - 📝 **Lyrical Growth**: The band explores darker and more nuanced themes while retaining their humor and self-awareness. - 🎙️ **Vocal Performance**: Feargal Sharkey's distinctive voice adds character and emotion to the tracks. - 🎹 **Musical Diversity**: The incorporation of influences from pop, glam, and post-punk keeps the album fresh and engaging. - 💿 **Production Quality**: Roger Bechirian's production balances raw energy with polished clarity. ### 7.2 Weaknesses - 🎤 **Vocal Style Polarizing**: Sharkey's vibrato may be annoying to some listeners . - 🔁 **Repetitive Themes**: Some critics argue that the focus on "chocolate and girls" becomes monotonous . - ⏱️ **Filler Tracks**: A few songs, like "Luxury" and "Untouchable," are less memorable and can drag the album down . - 🎵 **Cover Song Divisiveness**: The rendition of "Under the Boardwalk" may not appeal to all listeners . ## 8 Conclusion The Undertones' *Hypnotised* is a landmark album that successfully balances the band's punk roots with growing musical and lyrical sophistication. Its infectious energy, catchy melodies, and witty lyrics make it a timeless listen, while its influence on the pop-punk genre is undeniable. Despite some minor flaws, such as occasional filler tracks and a polarizing vocal style, the album remains a classic that deserves its place in the canon of essential rock records. For both longtime fans and new listeners, *Hypnotised* offers a captivating snapshot of a band at the peak of their creativity.

Blando non lo ricordo nemmeno

Good surprise

Not my style. I like heavier music. It's really fun (I usually listen to darker/more depressed songs) and upbeat. I liked lesser known songs, like Whizz Kids, more than the popular ones, like Hypnotised.

Relatively uneventful, but it’s kinda hilarious, that every british band seems to have at least one song, that is so very clearly inspired by the Beatles. This time it’s "Wednesday Week". Probably the best song on the record, for that matter.

7/10

I really enjoyed the Undertones first album and it was a nice surprise to find out about the band. I did not enjoy this one quite as much as their debut album, yet I still really enjoyed it. I am not sure about the album cover though. It's a lot of the same from their first album and definitely not in the bad way. I am not sure if More Songs about Chocolate and Girls is a reference to the Talking Heads second album or not, but if so, it's fairly clever. I do not think the album is as strong all the way through and that's probably a part of the "put an album out every year" business plan in the music industry back in 1980. I may have mentioned this in my prior review but I can see modern bands (again, especially Public Access TV) reflected in this music. More Songs about Chocolate and Girls Hypnotised See That Girl Under the Boardwalk The Way Girls Talk My Perfect Cousin Tearproof Wednesday Week Nine Times out of Ten

wtf why does it sounds like the beatles with the television wtf? sounds like mom jeans with something else idk it sounds annoying quickly ngl why is it so fucking repetitive i hate the vocals tf i fucking hate it

The Undertones are another fun discovery from this project. I’ve never heard of them, but I’m a fan now. Many of the tracks felt like songs I would hear in beloved 80s movies. Feargal Sharkey’s vocals are interesting, but his goatish vibrato toes a thin line between lovably quirky and utterly annoying. Sonically, I greatly enjoyed this album. I never knew I was such a fan of Irish punk!

This is an OK album. punk/pop-punk. NOT a must listen to album. Pitchfork: n/a Rolling Stone: n/a Best Songs More Songs About Chocolate And Girls There Goes Norman Boys Will Be Boys

This is something I never knew I needed, cool punk

Not bad.

Solid pop tunes. At it's best when unsophisticated rather than when Sharkey's aspirations of being a little more serious come through

Lots of punk records from the UK in the 70s and 80s have the snappiest and most anxious playing style. Like the Buzzcocks but a little looser, or Gang of Four if they didn't take themselves as seriously

Absolutely not my jam

Another band I've not heard of before. They're fun and quirky, with some really catchy melodies. Kind of new-wave/punk mix, on the very light end of punk. Pleasant listen. I liked The Way Girls Talk a lot, and a few others caught my ear.

love the Undertones

The singer's vibrato is excessive and incredibly annoying. The album started off really bad in my opinion, but improved as it went along.

Hey, I dig this. I know that these guys only really do one specific sound well, but it's a damn good sound - I ain't complaining. Highlights would be "There Goes Norman" and "Wednesday Week", just really captivating.

Uggh

Maybe I’m missing the point, but I think it’s weird that the entire album is trying to get at some teenage nostalgia.+1 for some tight instrumentals, but I thought the vocals were annoying and i was happy when this one was done.

It was fine - not my style but still enjoyable.

5 out of 5. Surprise banger with fun and catchy songs.

This is classic post-punk. At first I was like "it is OK." I grew up clubbing in New London Connecticut at the L&G Club watching post-punk bands. Lots of them are pretty good, some memorable, some Meh... But about half way through this album I realized that the Undertones are actually a cut above and are actually a REALLY GREAT post-punk band! Yesterday I lamented about how great musicians can fail by being redundant and eventually (sadly) become boring. Here I was "meh" at first, then "this is pretty good" and suddenly the album started coming together and I realized these guys are in the front room regarding post-punk old school goes. Damn, I wish they had played the L&G!

favs: - more songs about chocolate and girls - under the boardwalk

I was really surprised to hear Feargal Sharkey on here. The famous Feargal Sharkey, known for his 1980's hit song ''A Good Heart''. Amazing to hear Feargal Sharkey in unexpected places like this. Hearing Feargal Sharkey on a late 70's / earl 80's new wave / pop-oriented record makes Feargal Sharkey even more of a typical 80's star. This album was a pretty fun albeit generic listen, it's the typical fun new wave but with Feargal Sharkey singing over the songs. The instruments are pretty fun and aid Feargal Sharkey well. Goddamn Feargal Sharkey.

Day 10, first album I've never heard of before. Don't expect more than a dozen of those by the end of this. Album cover and its backstory are killer. It's like a document of how the Big Wigs in the American music industry used to work. I'd rather be listening to XTC. They do all this, only much better. More of a 2.5 for me but I'll give em a 3 because the last song was maybe a highlight.

Second song in I went hey, is that Feargal Sharkey singing? I forgot he was in this band. The album is okay, pretty straightforward stuff. Not a lot of surprises.

Started out really fun, but became a bit stale during the second half.

It was a really fun New Wave album. It reminded me a lot of The Knack's debut, same vibe. 4 stars.

I enjoyed this but it didn’t really stand out

Nice apparently not a single?! Hidden Gem!

Had heard a couple of songs from this. Its great short hooky poppy rock. 3.5 rounded down Heard before? No Owned: No. 4/1001, 4/16 (25%) Will I get? No Recommend: Maybe

I wish pop punk ended up sounding like this later down the road, but Americans ruin everything. Clean and catchy and undeniably very good.

Ok alters and. No recognizable music.

This was pretty fun! I dont think I'll save stuff from this album, but it's definitely a fun time. Glad I listened. Strooong 3

3/5

Oldschool rock, dance party, light

I've never heard of the Undertones. Excited to hear what they are all about. Let's GO! This is pure pop punk perfection. Short little bursts of goodness. Plus a surprise Under The Boardwalk cover! I am loving this album so far. 4/5

Interesting pop, punk, rock record that feels younger than it is. Simple songs about growing up. A lot of them are catchy. I liked the way girls talk and i told you so the most. However, only decent album since this style is not entirely my cup of tea.

It's pretty good, nothing to write home about. Nothing strikes out as game changing.

My perfect cousin is cool shoutout Kevin lol !!! Ive always been luke warm on the undertones and this album didn’t do much to change my opinion…

Beach rock!! I feel like this album could teach me to surf. I like it.

Fun, but underwhelming. Too much of the same sort of thing; nothing really stands out from the rest. Boardwalk

Playful angst, tight musicianship a great album.

Best song: under the boardwalk

Good songs, good hooks, good vocal, good lyrics, good album. If John Peel loved them, then that's good enough for me. 3½

Come on. This stuff is NOT something anyone needs to listen to

It is hard not to enjoy the upbeat, garage playfulness of The Undertones' Hypnotizsed album. I was really enjoying it and then wondered if I had been actually hypnotized by this band. I hadn't. The music is solid with quick hooky tracks that remind you of a more innocent time.

Fun album! Four stars.

YEAH

Nine Times out of Ten is a song where the drummer does not touch a single cymbal. Feargal Sharkey's voice is as odd as his name. HIGH PRAISE for this throwback. Never heard it, and outside of Sabbath this is the album of the week. Another awesome UK punk album.

Listened through twice, still haven't decided if I like the guy's voice or not... But this is a fun listen, very zany and quirky without being weird, and none of the songs over stay their welcome. Terrible album cover though.

Pues son originales y tienen su sonido propio. Pero esa virtud también es su defecto, porque escuchada una canción, escuchadas todas. Musicalmente no tienen gran cosa más allá del estilo y el sonido. Grupo de culto, sobrevalorado como casi todos.

Youtube's autoplay followed this seamlessly with early Beastie Boys, and the transition worked perfectly. Nothing groundbreaking here, but a decent album to get the blood pumping.

Fun merger of 60s/70s pop with a little more punk/rock. Born 20 years earlier I could see myself listening to this on heavy rotation. 3.5/5

This is a pretty good punk album. Nothing revolutionary but it's good. I like their cover of Under the Boardwalk, and their songs in general are a lot of fun.

Fun little album, was very catchy and I listened to it several rimes. I can see how they influenced certain sections of the early 80s punk/new wave set.

Is The Undertones the missing link in the evolution from punk to pop?

Good pop-punk, lifted by Feargal Sharkey's voice. Not sure if this is their best album, I didn't know these songs but did know a few of their bigger hits.

Old school 70s UK rock and rollish type thing. Not my jam and his constant trilling when he sings is meh. Some bops but a one time listen mostly.

Fun, but disposable punk rock with some new wave leanings. The singer’s distinct warble can be a bit grating.

3 – War okay / Interessant 👌 Solides Album, einige gute Momente oder Ideen. Vielleicht nichts, was ich nochmal hören würde, aber spannend zu kennen.

And here we go again. Never was into punk at the time, but can appreciate it much more now. And although I liked this more than the others we've had recently I feel it has less potential for improvement with me. Still got to be worth a 3 though.

Fantastic pop-punk album. The band are so tight, and you can appreciate each and every instrument on here, as the production seems to give them equal billing. Can’t for the life of me understand why a cover of ‘Under the Boardwalk’ is on here. It just doesn’t go! It doesn’t appear on my download of the album anyway.

Thr Undertones are a band I will happily listen to on the radio when they come on, but i wouldn't chose to listen to a full album. After doing so, I haven't changed my mind.

I’m not from the uk and had never heard of these guys. But this is the kind of youthful exuberance that makes me smile and gets me moving. Very fun.

Zzzzzzz Nota: 2.0

I wasn’t a big fan of this

Doesn’t have the bite I’m looking for.

Hypnotised is the sound of being 17, underwhelmed, and dangerously close to falling in love with someone who doesn’t know you exist. It’s fast, jangly, a little bratty, and powered entirely by emotional confusion and sugar. The Undertones aren’t trying to change your life. They’re just trying to yell their feelings in key. Every song is a 2-minute sprint through desire, rejection, and “we should probably go to the arcade and never talk about this again.” ⸻ Rating: 4.1/5 Short Review: It’s punk rock with a milk mustache. Catchy, chaotic, and exactly what heartbreak sounded like before everyone got sad and slow in the ’90s. Favorite Track: “My Perfect Cousin” – because it’s pure insecurity with a beat, and it slaps. Consistency With Me: 5.9/10 Why: I get the sarcasm, I get the angst—but they’re too puppy-eyed. I’m more “dark spiral in a velvet robe” than “teenage whining with a Stratocaster.” But I admire the energy. They were emotionally spiraling before it was cool.

Great example of the early years of post punk. Has the same driving energy of punk and its directness but with less anger and more humour. I knew the singles but not the album and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great album to listen to whenever you need to lift your spirits

maybe a shortage of big classics (actual or Deserved), but on the whole rly difficult not to smile all the way through. hyper-melodic, good-natured (even if occasionally lyrically macabre), and extremely irish...just about no ambitions whatsoever beyond momentary amusement and bounces and its hard not to respect something so wholly adequate on its own terms! mostly im just thanking my lucky stars whenever an band on this list that i dont recognize isn't br*tish

Yet another album of its time. There’s plenty of energy and attitude, but once again I feel like time isn’t on my side. I probably should have more of a connection to the 80s to fully appreciate this. That said, the spirit and drive are undeniable. 3/5

Funky og ligner 50-60-talls rock, men for repetitivt av og til for min smak.

Imagine finding this one in a record shop with no knowledge of who The Undertones were. You're taken aback by just how ridiculous the album cover is. Who are they kidding, you think. But curiosity gets the better of you and you decide to try it out, just for a laugh, to see what kind of people would make something that looks like this. Within moments, you're convinced: The awful album cover was absolutely intentional and these guys know how to have fun. "Hyponotised" is a serious improvement on The Undertones self-titled debut, marrying punk with some effortless pop hooks. Like much of the pop punk genre that would emerge later, the songs are all short and sweet. They're rough enough to appeal to teenage angst while being radio friendly enough to get some airplay (on college radio, if no where else). Before the template for this style was firmyl established (and copied to death), it was probably a tough balance to get. Despite the countless imitations of this style, this album holds up pretty well and is full of fast, catchy songs.

Second album from The Undertones on this list. Similar to the last one, it's succinct, energetic, and catchy. Better than I expected.

80s British power-pop is boring. Fight me.

This was pretty good. Some very catchy riffs. A lot better than the other album of theirs that popped up on this list

3/5

Cool and new! I liked this... Pete Link kinda vibes!

Extremely not into this. The songs are structured well but I do not see much value in actually listening to this. The intro riff sounded like the Backyard Baseball OST.

There's Feargal Sharkey with his unique voice, and there's this Northern Ireland proto-garage-new-pop-punk sound. Some tracks sound similar, others are more unique, but nothing new.

The sort of thing I like, a bit non distinct though.

This was a blast. Northern Irish proto-PopPunk. Way more interesting to listen to a band coming from the original punk era than the shit pop punk millennials suffered through.

Very very samey

God, variert og litt poppy punk.

It's not bad, but I think I got the point across by listening to one Undertones records. We didn't really need this second one.

I liked this one from the Undertones, pleasant punky stuff

Not good. Not that bad either, but definitely not good. 1001 ways to say you like girls

I am so surprised I've never heard of these guys. Right up my alley. Feels like a Beach Boys/Ramones fusion and I'm into it. Nothing insanely groundbreaking but good early punkish stuff a couple years behind. The warbling does get a little grating at times though

Breezy enough pop punk

this is exactly what i imagine my brother and cousins band thought they sounded like

Haven't heard of this band. The album was fine, but didn't push me to discover more about their catalog.

Some songs are ok

Normally I would love this but something is missing, not sure what. Maybe they're playing too fast. Anyhow I still like it. 3.3

Un descubrimiento musical muy chulo, pop punk del Norte de Irlanda con unas líneas de bajo bastante divertidas que dan ganas de aprenderse. Punk un poco más desenfadado.

This didn’t do much for me. There are better examples of punk from this time period. I was underwhelmed by the Undertones. 2⭐️

Nothing special just really fun to listen to

Boring. Repetitive. Way too long. 2/5

not my thing

Really pedestrian 80s sound with dumb lyrics and indistinguishable tracks.

Pretty nice but can be a bit samey.

Short and to the point. Classic track in my perfect cousin.

Loved this. Never heard of this group before, but you can draw a straight line from their sound and style to bands like Less Than Jake and other pop/punk/ska of the 90s.

Ok

Thoughts before listening: Punk band I think? Isn't this the band that did "Teenage Kicks"? I don't recognize this cover and 1980 seems late for "Teenage Kicks" so maybe this is a later album. I'm not entirely sure. Review: So this is pop punk which is certainly a sound I enjoy. I think to fully understand the appeal for this album its probably important to remember that not a ton of bands sounded like this in 1980. Still though, its just okay to me. Feels like if you're going to put an Undertones album on this list, it should probably be the one with the well known single...and if that album is also on here then I feel safe with my belief that the Undertones probably only need one album on the list. There are some catchy songs that I'm adding to my playlist, but this is a 3-star album.

80s rock with some 90s hints.

This is a fun album by a band I’m not familiar with. It could have been a song or two shorter because it does get slightly long near the end.

Gotta be one the best albums with two guys eating lobster on the cover?

This 1001 endeavor is funny because one day you’re listening to To Pimp a Butterfly and the next day you’re listening to some random, nondescript British band where I can only assume some of the band members are relatives of the original list author.

Another album of Godfathers of Punk from Northern Ireland.

Some good. Some same same

It’s perfectly average. 2.5

About time punk (three years since the Bollocks) went for the understated comic potentialities! Punchy, power punk, precise, in tune, satiric, self-aware. These guys are having fun and you should be having fun too. Fun can get tiring, right?

Never have there been so many hooks since the annual trout fishing convention. This is my kind of jam. It’s fun and upbeat although I never liked my perfect cousin. After a while, I will concede it is kind of wearing. But if you don’t like a tune, don’t worry, another one will be along in 2 1/2 minutes. I feel it’s a 3.5 in reality, but I’m not sure I’m ever gonna play this again.

The compositions put a lot of onus on the lyrics, which generally were fine, but didn’t elevate to anything extraordinary. I enjoyed the album, I think it’s really more of a 3.5, but I wouldn’t rate it good enough to make it to a 4. I liked the vibe, the songs were simple but interesting, it just never reached the heights I think they were going for.

This was a nice listen. I'd only ever heard a compilation from these guys, so it was cool to hear some album tracks. I'm not sure what it is about them. They're fun, they're tight, they're catchy. All good things. But their music, as energetic as it is, lacks excitement. These guys are great for having a song or two in a soundtrack or mix tape. But a whole album... it's nice, it's just... well, it's just nice.

Fun!

The beginning of the album gave me hope that I would really enjoy this. Pop punky with some late 70s/early 80s influence. But following "Under the Boardwalk" (which was an incredible surprise cover and worked really well), the rest of the album ended up feeling too same-y, and I started tuning out. I think this album would have benefited greatly from some more variety. Put a super slow tempo in there somewhere in the middle. Get a different singer to feature or take the lead of a song or two. It needed something different, or just less songs. It works, and it's a fine album. But I wanted it to be better than it actually was. Favorite Song(s): See That Girl, Under the Boardwalk

Fine effort. Listenable. Never rose above background for me. 2 stars just because I’m becoming a harder grader with 1001 classic albums. Below average for those, not for all albums ever.

Early 80s new wave punk. Good fun. Bouncy, joyful and young.

These guys slipped under my radar back in 1980, and it's kind of easy to see why. Nothing wrong with the tracks here, but nothing all that notable either. I'd say they're comparable to The Tubes and Gary Myrick and the Figures, both groups I enjoyed back in the day.

Fun proto-pop punk from 1980. Hard to see how you could hate this. Just a bunch of dorks having a good time and making not unpleasant music. The only negatives for me are that it’s not exactly revelatory, the “Under the Boardwalk” cover, and that I listened to the extended cut by accident and that was way too much Undertones. Other than that, this is fine by me.

Some catchy tracks. Solid, but wasn’t really for me.

Perfect punk

bellino 7/10

I hated Feargal's voice when I was young. I guess I've got used to it after 45 years though because I enjoyed this. It doesn't take itself seriously, and has all that great youthful punk energy. Lots to like.

Never heard of them, which is insane, cause this is up my alley. Not serious, even though they're from Derry in the middle of the Troubles. Post punk, happy dumb shit. Loved it.

Decent punk album. I see influences of The Clash and Dead Kennedy's. You could certainly do worse.

Good singles, a lot of the other songs hold up surprisingly well too. Just falls short of being an all out classic but well worth a listen.

A fun punk/new wave album that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Dan ganas de romper ventanas en Inglaterra o de dónde sea que sean los vatos de The Undertones. 8/10

Took me until the last song to figure out the lads were from Derry. Very 80s, not my cup of tea, but some humourous and interesting lyrics. Low 3*

Not bad, but it didn’t really speak to me. I can never really get into new wave.

Adolescent 1980s pop-punk. Beat for beat what I expected from an album of that description. It's fine.

the voice is a. bit annoying at times but i think it’s a good album, some good tunes on it

Decent.

Fun, energetic, catchy, and silly on the boarder of punk and new wave. The more they lean into this, the better - The faster and sillier songs stand out. It starts off pretty strong, but my excitement doesn’t stay for the full length of the album. Surprised I hadn’t heard this before…it’s a good time, but may not have enough diversity to sustain me.

besser als erwartet aber nicht meins

I liked it except the singer’s warble got to be too much

Wow this was bad

This has a fun sound!! New album for me 3/5 #musicsky #albumsky #musicchallenge

3.5/5

Godt lyt. Vender sikkert aldrig tilbage.. Coveret fik mig til at tænke på Beavis and Butthead.

Quick and to the pointless Lidt ligegyldigt (pop)punk i bedste Sex Pistols skabelon. Ubderholdende, men der stopper det også. Højdepunkt: Hard Luck

Yes! Original punk!

Really good, authentic punk album. The Undertones seemed to never really get the credit they deserved.

Love the punk submissions, even if they are a little more poppy than others.

Sick album cover, not much else.

I dug this.

eh

Not sure if I like those vocals. Some songs are okay, though

solidly alright indie rock

Love it!

Sounds like the friendly little cousin of The Ramones and that's not a bad thing.

Great album. New to me

never heard of them before but it;'s fine

I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would given that it’s New Wave.

Avg

Fun poopy punk. Singer’s voice is great. Great hooks and songs, possibly better than the debut. Will spend more time with.

Listened Before? N Did we really need MULTIPLE Undertones records on this list? I think not. This one is basically the same as their first one. Stuttery post-punk with goofy lyrics. Meh. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: My Perfect Cousin

Fun but not ground breaking, up tempo, almost a little surf rocky in sound

Tykkäsin! Poppipunkin varhaista vaihetta. Jatkoon. 3/5

Varsin geneeriseksi jäävä kasarirock-platta. Ihan mukava mutta kakkosen ja kolmosen välissä keikkuu.

3,5/5

This came out the year I left the nest. I acquired it via cassette recording from my buddies sweet stereo. I probably had over 200 albums off his turntable-to-cassette recording setup, and we’d spending countless hours getting high and putting groves to tape. A waste really, as the cassette era lasted only slightly longer than 8-track. I still have the cassettes, collecting dust in the bottom of my closet. They’d probably snap within moments of hitting play. Damn near useless, but the cases make pretty effective windshield ice scrapers. Yeah, this album is a gem.

This sounds 20 years ahead of Its time, almost like Franz Ferdinand. It's some great alternative with great bass lines. There Goes Norman is the first standout track and had me stick around for some if the anniversary content (which I often will skip if it's not included on the original album), and I'm glad I did because I think The Positive Touch is my favorite here. The lyrics can be pretty juvenile, by my count 5 of the songs have Boy or Girl in the song title and I'm sure way more have hooks that include it. Still, really impressed with this.

New to me. I appreciate the energy and range.

My only real knowledge of The Undertones is that 'Teenage Kicks' was famously the late, great John Peel's favourite song. I'm always wary when it comes to bands that I know from their one great song. Is the rest of the album going to hold up? Highly unlikely, which is why they are known for the one great song. Thankfully this was not the case here. I thought this album was great. The bass is terrific, the tunes are regularly catchy and nod-along and it's got the right blend of humour without being overly wacky or not to be taken seriously. Kept it on my rotation for a number of days and I can see why Peel was so endeared to them.

I was not loving the start, but the album had a really solid finish.

A couple of songs may be a 3, but overall a 2.

It is a repetitive pop-punk fun with whiny vocals, catchy melodies and riffs while being far from a unique sound.

Clase maestra en pop-punk. Un álbum divertido, rápido, pegadizo, y que no se toma en serio a sí mismo. A pesar de ser música bastante simple, demuestra una evolución en el sonido de The Undertones y tiene algo que lo hace seguir sonando actual 45 años más tarde. No es el álbum más complejo del mundo, pero es muy bueno y entretenido, además de influyente.

I was excited for this and it delivered. Upbeat pop/rock with tunes of teenagerdom and small world living. Love Feargal Sharkey and wanted to like this more, but felt it was quite small scope and his voice doesnt really hold up over s lot of listening.

2 sterne

Liked it a lot more than I thought I would.

Absolutely loved this one. Simplistic. Clean. Sounds like two guys having a blast. Reminds me of ramones or ween in that aspect. Will listen again and have already listened to more by them.

If I stumbled into a bar in northern Ireland in the early 80's and these guys were playing I probably would have loved them. Today, this album feels like it's made up of 20 tv commercial jingles. The guitar sounds like it's played through a tiny amplifier and the goofy, quirky lyrics can only go so far. Don't doubt their sound was an influence on bands I love now, but this album didn't do it for me.

This was a really fun listen! Favourite Tracks: There Goes Norman, See That Girl

I like the raw feel of this album. It really captures that early punk feel without being in your face all the time. Solid listen, overall.

Fun late 70s early 80s pop punk. Nothing wrong with this but nothing overwhelming either.

Sounds influential. Also old.

It's a decent fun album. Love the sound of the vocals and distinctive style. Great lyrical themes, particularly love hard luck, my perfect cousin, boys will be boys and There goes norman.

Truly Just Jams

I liked The Undertones at the time but not enough to buy any of their albums but most of this album was familiar to me before today. It captured the times the album was released but listening today I realised just what a thin sound was produced. Also a bit repetitive but nevertheless quite jaunty. Feargal Sharkey has been visiting frequently in my area, Ilkley, campaigning admirably to stop sewage polluting the lovely River Wharfe. So another star added because he’s a great fellow. 3/5 2/5/25

At least they're having fun eating. ⭐⭐1/2

I have never heard of them, but it's pretty good. Not too aggressive, easy to listen to. Seems like nice lyrics and music. Kind of popish rock. It's not something that I regret listening to but I probably won't listen again even though it's not bad. There is just so much in this genre.

I dug this one. Seems a little ahead of its time. I bet a lot of bands that became popular in the decades that followed listed to the Undertones. Well done.

Not for me

Nothing really that good.

A fun, easy listen, which is refreshing coming straight after Trout Mask Replica. 3.5 rounding up to 4 to make up for all the ill-informed Americans whingeing about him ripping off Jello Biafra and them being one hit wonders 🙄

Loved it

This album fits somewhere between people taking this list too seriously and are setting their standards too high, and conversely the creators of this list need to raise their standards and expand beyond just the UK. This is a perfect middle of the road punk/pop album that doesn't take itself too seriously (I mean, they covered Under The Boardwalk?!) and it's all the better for it. However, there's nothing truly standout-ish on this record. Fairly reminiscent of Buzzcocks, but not quite as good IMO. Is it good enough that people should give it a listen? Sure, but it won't make their life any different if they miss it, so I'm not sure it deserves placement on this list. It was new to me though and I enjoyed it enough to save it to my library.

The last time my group got an album from The Undertones, I wrote exactly 37 words about it and gave 'em a 4. After listening to this, the group's second album, I am **very** tempted to do that again. Like a lot of albums my group has gotten recently, this isn't very complicated music. It's simply just very, **very** good 80's pop punk. I won't tell you it blew my mind, but I can very much imagine how for someone else this (or their last album) might be one of the best records of all time. Certainly, in the lane of bands like The Clash and Buzzcocks, they're up there. I will say, between these two albums, I think I've found myself preferring the first one. It's a bit faster and the guitars are a bit louder, and it's a bit more power pop, and of course that appeals to me, but in the end... Eh, it's honestly comparing apples and apples, I feel like. They're both excellent, with some great tunes and performances. And really, like I've been saying lately, you really hafta appreciate these simpler albums. I mean, heck, a good 4 outta 5 at that. Completely unpretentious music where you don't hafta think too hard about why you like it. It's just... Really good stuff. What more d'y'want me to say about it? Y'want me to comment on the cover that was taken at a Red Lobster? Nah. Just go give it a listen. That's really all y'need.

Classic pop punk, what else can I say? 4.5 bumped down to 4.

I’m at a 4. Not much to say on this one, really; it’s just a straight improvement from their debut album. Perhaps it’s me being more attentive in the 377 days since we got the last Undertones album, but I just thought this clicked better. There’s improved songwriting, a more balanced showcase of all the instruments as opposed to just the guitar (which is still excellent by the way, but the percussion REALLY gets its shine here), some smoother vocal performances, & the variety of each track sticks out nicely because the album flows better. It’s weird to praise an album for being longer, but I think the extra time here gives each track more room to breathe, in a really fruitful way that makes the album experience feel more memorable. Are there still a few unnecessary tracks? Yeah, probably, and it’s partially why I’m at a 4. That said, there’s never a bad soundscape here, & this is a pretty breezy 35 minutes regardless. I liked it, what can I say? Just an easy listen, with some occasional standout melodic moments, and a good chunk of tracks that really clicked for me this time around. Hence, the 4.

I mean it's okay, but got boring and repetitive very quickly.

Would have liked to seen them live

This just wasn’t it for me. Not a terrible album but I have no desire to listen again.

This is a fun new wave album. (I don't view this as punk.) I know some of Feargal Sharkey's solo work, but I didn't know this. He has such a distinct voice.

This was a lot of fun!!

When I reviewed The Undertones' self-titled album, I had no idea that they had another album on the list. Granted, that was over 500 albums ago, so it's been a minute since I've listened to these guys. I gave that first Undertones album four stars, so I've got decently high hopes that I'll enjoy this one as well. I have to say, this is quite the album cover... I didn't enjoy this album as much as I enjoyed the first Undertones album, but I still thought this was pretty good. The guitar playing and vocals were really good across the album, and there was some pretty fun songwriting too. The leadoff track, "More Songs About Chocolate and Girls," really hooked me in with its unique guitar sounds, and "There Goes Norman" was really fun and weird. From there, the album lost me a little bit, but I really loved the cover of "Under the Boardwalk." The Undertones' version had a really fun energy that still kept some of the original sixties pop sound. I thought the second side of the album was stronger, although not by much. "My Perfect Cousin" had some fantastic rhythms, and the vocals and lyrics were really fun. "Wednesday Week" had some really unique guitar playing that I enjoyed, and the same goes for "Girls That Don't Talk" and "What's With Terry?" Overall though, the album felt a bit uneven, and there was something about these songs that felt like the band was holding back a bit. Still, this was an enjoyable album, and I'm glad I had an excuse to check out The Undertones again.

Not a fan of this one. Felt boring and the voices were grating at times.

Decades before he waged war on water pollution, and before he reinvented himself as a long-haired, chart-topping, 80s pop prince, Feargal Sharkey was in the punk also rans who penned John Peel's favourite tune, Teenage Kicks, and... that other single. That other single, My Perfect Cousin, is on this album, the remainder of which I have never listened to previously, me being a little bit wary of "punk" albums that didn't come out in the 70s. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by Hypnotised. It's a simple but smart collection full of straight-to-the-point riffs and melodic hooks, with a few subtle production touches along the way - acoustic guitar solo on a punk track? Of course, the thing is, this is not really punk, it is pop with loud guitars, and rather silly, juvenile lyrics - the phrase "boys will be boys" crops up twice before it gets used as a song title in its own right. Despite being lyrically dated and a tad lightweight, in all other departments this is a pretty enjoyable listen.

there's a certain charm to power poppy new wave bands before the synthpop explosion: it's punk-not-punk, despite the Undertones inarguably having been punk-is-punk at some point. there's glimpses of that old band that could play like Johnny Rotten, but the Undertones aren't beloved for those qualities; they're beloved for their deviation. the only Undertones song you've heard, "Teenage Kicks", is good not because it's a thrash of a song, but because it's a lovely little hard candy of a song. i'd say a lot of the best parts of the album function on that logic, deviating from what you'd expect from a punk band and just writing songs about, well, "Chocolate and Girls". i don't think it's a very CONSISTENT listen, but i appreciate it as a feel-good album; probably good to put on after a rough day at work. even if the lyrics sometimes go against the tone, the tone is impenetrable, bright, and visible at nighttime. songs about sex killers and your shitty new wave cousin have never been so chipper. god, i want some Red Lobster.

Hey this is a great album

Another good discovery!

Pretty good

It might as well have been one 38 minute song to me.

Somehow this sounds like The Sex Pistols, played slowly and with a ska vibe. And somehow, I like it?

Surprisingly fun, catchy songs. Technically punk, but sounds more like britpop/beachy 70s pop (a couple songs would fit in the movie Grease, or at a water park).

It was ok I guess

Soundtrack parfaite pour le party des « mauvais garçons du lycée » dans une comédie pour adolescent prépubère américain des années 90.

When this came up I went back and relistened to the other Undertones album I was generated. This band is just really fun. They aren’t too serious, but I don’t think they are trying to be. This album is basically another batch of the same stuff, but who’s going to complain about a second cake. Favorite songs were There Goes Norman, Whizz Kids, Tearproof, and Wednesday Week.

When I was in my early 20s, I got really interested in learning about my Northern Irish background. I was born in Canada, but my mom's side of the family is from Carnduff, County Antrim. I read a bunch about Belfast, and ended up getting involved with folks Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland, which led to me visiting the place and spending time in Randalstown (also in County Antrim). People kept telling me how "northern" I was - I'd never really felt connected to any particular culture or background, so it was pleasant, though a little bit disconcerting. More recently, I've been thinking about this whole Northern Irish identity that I apparently have, so this record coming up is also disconcerting. I feel like someone is listening. I'd never heard of The Undertones, and even though I'd heard of Feargal Sharkey, I thought that was a band and not a single person. Anyhow, I think I need to listen to this record more and maybe think more about being Irish.

The warbly voice is a bit much. Don't mind the new wave 80's sound but the vocals are a no for me

I'd like Madness please. Sure, do you want Gang of Four in it? Uhhh, OK, a little?

Some wittiness to the music and lyrics. Mostly just pretty simple.

I was a bit concerned when I pressed play on this but it grew on me pretty quickly. Hypnotised is a great track, as is The Girls Talk and Hard Luck. Sort of tapers off after that. I can hear how this might have been influential to some more modern pop punk artists, not a genre I'm really a fan of...but this gets 3 stars (just) 5.5/10

I really liked the engergy of this album. I liked the slight punk influences and the quirkyness. 4 stars.

So much 80s!

Second album by them this month. Still just can’t stand this guy’s voice!

Good punk album. Very fun

Fun punk album.

I don't recall much chocolate but certainly plenty of teenage angst and girls. A good fun album and I still have the self-titled album in my todo list so it'll be interesting to see what that's like. Fave: More Songs About Chocolate And Girls and any one of the others could easily take the crown.

Huh - I reviewed The Undertones self titled album in Jul 2021 and acknowledged that it was well done pop punk, but pop punk didn't do much for me. I have changed in the intervening years! Quite like a bit of pop punk nowadays, and have added a "pop punk" tag to my personal library. I'd go 4.5 on this one if I could. I need to give their self titled a listen again, too, to see how it strikes me now! "Hypnotised" is great fun - I dig Feargal Sharkey's voice here - it's like 0.5 Jello Biafras with a norn iron accent, good stuff! All the teenage stuff in their lyrics - looking it up, they were in their very early 20s when this came out, and now that I'm middle aged that makes them basically teenagers, so whatever. Fave tracks - "More Songs About Chocolate and Girls", "Under the Boardwalk" (it's a fun cover!), "My Perfect Cousin"

I liked this one. No incredible songs but overall fun vibe and nice tracks. 3.5/4

Very fun album, very catchy songs and grooves. First song kinda lies, lots of songs about girls, not enough chocolate, overall pretty good.

Listening to this reminds me why I listened exclusively to The Undertones for about a year when I was 14. All time teenage classics, with My Perfect Cousin as the stand out track.

It's a bit Clash-like, and the vocals are a watered down Dead Kennedys. I kinda liked it though. The lyrics are interesting stories. I don't know if there is a deeper meaning with them or not. I liked the cover of Under the Boardwalk.

Bubbly fun and easy on the ear but ultimately ephemeral.

decent enough fun , wouldn’t listen again

Kinda sounds like dead Kennedys with no bite, not enough anger and vitriol. Or talent 5/10 Forgettable

Good '80s style... would that be considered stripped down now? Back then it was all they could afford and wanted to feel the analog.

pretty unremarkable and occasionally annoying

I've listened to this before and didn't get much out of it but now I have no idea how that was possible. So many fun catchy songs. I will definitely be coming back to this one for some good harmless fun. Rating: 4.8

314/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

i like the vibe this album brings to the table, tongue-in-cheek and angsty punk songs make me very entertained. songs of girls, songs of simple desires and pleasures... it's my first time hearing these guys and it's a very promising sample of what they're going for. out of all the punk music i've heard, especially those recorded in the late 70s, this one takes the cake when it comes to being ahead of its time; really sounds like the kind of music that would come out a decade later. i love an earnest, no-nonsense and very animated punk rock album. makes me wanna just thrash my body around my room and do whatever moves my instincts make me do.

not impressed at all.

À la fois new wave et punk; j’ai été surprise que ça date de 1980, j’aurais cru que ça datait de plus tard dans la décennie

I do like University Challenge though.

I've never heard of this band. It's a nice combo of punk and new wave. I like the more frenetic songs. Listened through a few times and enjoyed it more each play. The shortness of the tracks gives it an early rock and roll feel. Solid album and really enjoyable listen.

A little pop punk 80’s garage band-y

80s made me nervous, but this was fun

I've listened to a few Undertones songs before, but never a full album. This was exactly what I expected, a tight collection of fun pop-punk jams.

Favorite Track: My Favorite Cousin

Good, simple.

I know I’ve heard a few Undertones albums at this point. I think I’ve generally enjoyed the ones I’ve heard, but today’s seemed a cut above the others. I really enjoyed this from front to back, with the main highlights being There Goes Norman and My Perfect Cousin. I like how they write good catchy songs, but also don’t mind getting a bit silly with things at times (who’d have thought that, with them having such a serious album cover?). I’m glad to have expanded my Undertones palette today.