What makes Böse Menschen – Böse Lieder by Böhse Onkelz notable?

This album is significant for its controversial lyrics and themes that tapped into the socio-political climate of Germany during the mid-1980s. Despite facing criticism and accusations of promoting violence, it achieved commercial success and solidified Böhse Onkelz's status within the hard rock and punk genres in Germany. Released in 1985, Böse Menschen – Böse Lieder was Böhse Onkelz's second studio album, coming just a year after their debut. At this point in their career, they were establishing themselves as prominent figures in the German punk rock scene, having transitioned from a blues band to a more aggressive sound that resonated with youth disillusionment.

Who is Böse Menschen – Böse Lieder for?

Böse Menschen – Böse Lieder works well if you're into steady anthems of rebellion, raw energy for sing-alongs and social critique with urgency.

How many songs are on Böse Menschen – Böse Lieder?

Böse Menschen – Böse Lieder has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Böse Menschen – Böse Lieder

Böhse Onkelz · 1985

37 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

Aggressive punk-infused hard rock charges forth with raw energy, dark themes, and an unapologetic attitude that defines the band's rebellious spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Heute trinken wir richtig — The opening track sets a defiant tone for the album, blending celebratory drinking imagery with an underlying sense of rebellion against societal norms.
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Hässlich, brutal und gewalttätig — This track captures the raw aggression of the album, addressing themes of brutality and societal decay while showcasing the band's unabashed lyrical style.
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Hass — The closing track encapsulates the album's darker undertones, offering a powerful commentary on hatred and personal struggle, leaving listeners with a haunting impression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases raw energy and confrontational themes, characteristic of its punk rock roots.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high-energy tone, maintaining aggressive tempos throughout the first half.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Hässlich, brutal und gewalttätig', which slows down significantly before building back up.
Lyrically, the songs often employ direct and confrontational language, reflecting the socio-political themes of the era.

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: 7/10
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

steady anthems of rebellion
raw energy for sing-alongs
social critique with urgency
party ignition with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer subtle, delicate sounds
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1985, Böse Menschen – Böse Lieder was Böhse Onkelz's second studio album, coming just a year after their debut. At this point in their career, they were establishing themselves as prominent figures in the German punk rock scene, having transitioned from a blues band to a more aggressive sound that resonated with youth disillusionment.
Stylistic neighbors: Die Toten Hosen· Hämatom· Wizo