What makes Coup d'Etat by Plasmatics notable?

The album's bold themes and aggressive sound helped solidify the Plasmatics' influence on the punk and metal scenes, particularly through its rebellious messages. Coup d'Etat received critical acclaim, with notable recognition from publications like Rolling Stone, which commended its audacity and raw power. Coup d'Etat was the Plasmatics' third studio album, following their breakthrough release, New Hope for the Wretched, and it marked a pivotal moment in their career. By 1982, the band had solidified their reputation as a disruptive force in punk rock, known for their theatrical live performances and confrontational style.

How many songs are on Coup d'Etat?

Coup d'Etat has 10 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Coup d'Etat

Plasmatics · 1982

38 min · 10 tracks · punk rock

Explosive punk anthems are intertwined with provocative lyrics and chaotic energy, pushing the boundaries of rock music in the early '80s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Put Your Love in Me — The album opener sets a frenetic tone with its driving beat and confrontational lyrics about desire, showcasing the band's signature blend of punk energy and provocative themes.
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No Class — This track exemplifies the Plasmatics' anti-establishment ethos, delivering scathing commentary on societal expectations with a relentless punk rhythm that demands attention.
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Mistress of Taboo — Featuring both aggressive instrumentals and daring lyrical content, this song highlights the band's willingness to challenge societal norms while maintaining a catchy hook.
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Just Like on T.V. — This track critiques media culture with sharp wit and an infectious chorus, encapsulating the band's ability to blend social commentary with punk rock aesthetics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

Coup d'Etat combines aggressive punk energy with provocative themes, making it a distinctive entry in the genre.

What we noticed

The first three tracks are high-energy anthems that set a fast pace, while the subsequent tracks vary in tempo but maintain a consistent aggressive tone.
The lyrics often tackle provocative themes, with a focus on rebellion and societal critique, which is evident in the vocal delivery and instrumentation.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Put Your Love in Me 3:56
2 Stop 4:41
3 Rock 'n' Roll 4:21
4 Lightning Breaks 3:57
5 No Class 2:37
6 Mistress of Taboo 3:17
7 Country Fairs 3:35
8 Path of Glory 4:45
9 Just Like on T.V. 3:16
10 The Damned 4:08

What to play next

Listen next

Maggots: The Record

1987

Go back to

Beyond the Valley of 1984

1981

Full Plasmatics discography Artists like Plasmatics

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata