What makes Anything by The Damned notable?

The album's title track became a notable single that showcased The Damned's ability to blend catchy melodies with darker themes. It received positive reviews for its innovative sound and helped solidify the band's transition from punk to a more diverse musical palette during a time when many of their contemporaries were struggling. Released in 1986, Anything is The Damned's fourth studio album, marking a shift as they experimented with new wave styles following their earlier punk roots. At this point, the band was navigating changes in their lineup and sound, striving to maintain relevance in the evolving music scene of the mid-80s.

How many songs are on Anything?

Anything has 3 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Anything

The Damned · 1986

14 min · 3 tracks · new wave

A fusion of gothic rock and new wave, laced with dark humor and psychedelic undertones.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Anything (Another mix) — This track epitomizes the album's blend of catchy hooks and moody instrumentation, capturing the essence of The Damned's new wave transformation.
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The Year of the Jackal — With its driving beat and ominous lyrics, this song showcases the band's darker lyrical themes while still maintaining an infectious energy.
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Thanks for the Night (Rat mix) — This version highlights the band's playful side while incorporating elements of psychedelia, making it a standout track that balances humor and depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of styles but lacks a strong cohesive identity.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered guitars and a driving beat, establishing an energetic tone.
Several tracks incorporate synthesizers prominently, blending gothic rock elements with new wave textures.
The sequencing alternates between faster-paced songs and slower, more atmospheric pieces, creating dynamic shifts in energy throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry in their catalog but not widely recognized as a standout.
Themes: dark humor· mid-80s new wave· psychedelic undertones
Career context: Released in 1986, Anything is The Damned's fourth studio album, marking a shift as they experimented with new wave styles following their earlier punk roots. At this point, the band was navigating changes in their lineup and sound, striving to maintain relevance in the evolving music scene of the mid-80s.
Stylistic neighbors: Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Cure· Bauhaus