What makes Damage and Joy by The Jesus and Mary Chain notable?

The album received generally favorable reviews, with critics noting its ability to balance the band's signature sound with contemporary influences. It peaked at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart, demonstrating the band's enduring appeal in the alternative rock scene. Released in 2017, Damage and Joy marks The Jesus and Mary Chain's first studio album in nearly two decades, following their 1998 release, Munki. This comeback came during a period when the band was enjoying renewed interest after a series of successful reunion tours and reissues of their early work.

Who is Damage and Joy for?

Damage and Joy works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, melancholic melodies for introspection and background ambiance for quiet times.

How many songs are on Damage and Joy?

Damage and Joy has 14 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Damage and Joy

The Jesus and Mary Chain · 2017

53 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of shimmering melodies and feedback-laden guitars, evoking nostalgia while confronting themes of loss and longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Amputation — Opening the album, this track captures the band's signature blend of noise and melody, setting a tone of disillusionment that resonates throughout.
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Always Sad — With its stark introspection and haunting melody, this song exemplifies the emotional depth present in the album, revealing vulnerability amidst the feedback.
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Facing Up to the Facts — This track stands out for its biting lyrics and driving rhythm, encapsulating the tension between nostalgia and reality that defines much of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album balances nostalgic elements with contemporary sounds, though it lacks strong cohesion in its latter half.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks utilize layered guitar feedback alongside melodic hooks, creating a contrast between noise and melody.
The lyrics often reflect themes of nostalgia and longing, with a recurring use of imagery related to loss.

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

Influence 3/10

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 mid-tempo reflective moments
melancholic melodies for introspection
background ambiance for quiet times
captivating sonic haze exploration

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant high-energy tracks
prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — A strong comeback album after nearly two decades, showing the band's continued relevance.
Career context: Released in 2017, Damage and Joy marks The Jesus and Mary Chain's first studio album in nearly two decades, following their 1998 release, Munki. This comeback came during a period when the band was enjoying renewed interest after a series of successful reunion tours and reissues of their early work.
Stylistic neighbors: My Bloody Valentine· Slowdive· Spiritualized