What does Anything sound like?

A vibrant fusion of gothic rock and new wave, blending haunting melodies with punk's raw energy. Rooted in new wave and post-punk. Start with "Anything".

Is Anything a good place to start with The Damned?

Yes, Anything is recommended as a starting point for new The Damned listeners. A vibrant fusion of gothic rock and new wave, blending haunting melodies with punk's raw energy. Released on December 1, 1986, 'Anything' marked The Damned's sixth studio album, showcasing their evolution from punk origins to a more eclectic sound. Following the experimental phase of their previous album, 'Phantasmagoria,' this record reflects the band's attempt to meld commercial appeal with their signature edge during a time of lineup changes.

Anything works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, immersive listening experiences and contemplative late-night moods.

How many songs are on Anything?

Anything has 9 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Anything

The Damned · 1986

41 min · 9 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of gothic rock and new wave, blending haunting melodies with punk's raw energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Anything Start here — The title track serves as an anthem for personal freedom and expression, encapsulating the album's theme with its infectious melody and introspective lyrics.
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In Dulce Decorum — This track stands out for its haunting arrangement and poignant commentary on the futility of war, showcasing the band's depth beyond typical punk themes.
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Gigolo — With its seductive grooves and clever wordplay, 'Gigolo' combines playful lyrics with a darker undertone, highlighting the band's knack for balancing irony and sincerity.

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
immersive listening experiences
contemplative late-night moods
haunting melodic reflections

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Shows a deliberate shift in sound blending gothic rock and new wave.
Themes: gothic romance· societal critique· mid-80s introspection
Moods: Dark· Romantic
Career context: Released on December 1, 1986, 'Anything' marked The Damned's sixth studio album, showcasing their evolution from punk origins to a more eclectic sound. Following the experimental phase of their previous album, 'Phantasmagoria,' this record reflects the band's attempt to meld commercial appeal with their signature edge during a time of lineup changes.
Stylistic neighbors: Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Cure· Bauhaus