Damaged
Black Flag · 1981
35 min · 15 tracks · hardcore punk
Raw aggression and unfiltered angst collide in a blistering critique of societal norms and personal despair.
Top tracks — play these first
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Rise Above Start here — The album opener establishes the defiant tone of Damaged with its anthemic call to reject societal pressures and embrace individuality.
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Police Story — This track encapsulates the anger and disillusionment with authority, portraying a visceral narrative that resonates with the frustrations of youth.
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TV Party — Combining humor with critique, this song addresses the emptiness of consumer culture, making it both relatable and incisively satirical.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Damaged delivers raw energy and confrontational themes, solidifying its place in hardcore punk history.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a relentless tempo, maintaining high energy through the first half.
- Many songs feature abrupt transitions and short durations, often under two minutes, contributing to a sense of urgency.
- The lyrics frequently address themes of alienation and societal critique, delivered with aggressive vocal styles and minimal melodic variation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Defined its genre or moment. 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
- short, intense listening bursts
- dynamic emotional fluctuations
- raw, energetic expression
- chaotic yet cathartic experience
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Black Flag's reputation and defined hardcore punk sound.
- Themes
- California punk scene· disillusionment with authority· consumer culture critique
- Career context
- Released in 1981, Damaged was Black Flag's first full-length album, following their 1980 EP, Jealous Again. This record marked a pivotal moment in the band's evolution, showcasing their transition from local California punk to national underground icons amid a burgeoning hardcore scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Minor Threat· Dead Kennedys· Circle Jerks
Tracklist
- 1 Rise Above Start here 2:28
- 2 Spray Paint 0:35
- 3 Six Pack 2:22
- 4 What I See 1:57
- 5 TV Party 3:33
- 6 Thirsty and Miserable 2:07
- 7 Police Story 1:34
- 8 Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie 1:49
- 9 Depression 2:30
- 10 Room 13 2:06
- 11 Damaged II 3:25
- 12 No More 2:28
- 13 Padded Cell 1:49
- 14 Life of Pain 2:52
- 15 Damaged I 3:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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