Direction Reaction Creation
The Jam · 1997
352 min · 117 tracks · new wave · punk · mod revival
A vibrant collection of mod-infused punk anthems bursting with youthful energy and sharp social commentary.
Why this album works
The album was well-received, highlighting The Jam's influence on the Britpop movement that emerged in the 1990s. It peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart, illustrating the band's enduring popularity years after their breakup. Additionally, it has been praised for encapsulating the social issues of its time, resonating strongly with fans old and new.
- Best for
- youthful energy and spontaneity short bursts of excitement sharp social commentary insights
- Context
- Released in 1997, 'Direction Reaction Creation' is a comprehensive box set celebrating The Jam’s legacy as the band had disbanded a decade earlier. This retrospective captures their evolution from raw punk roots to sophisticated pop sensibilities, showcasing their most impactful tracks alongside rarities and live performances. It serves as both a tribute to their influence on British music and an exploration of their artistic journey.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Stranglers· The Damned· Billy Idol
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 In the City 2:20
- 2 Takin’ My Love 2:15
- 3 Art School 2:01
- 4 I’ve Changed My Address 3:31
- 5 Slow Down 2:39
- 6 I Got By in Time 2:07
- 7 Away From the Numbers 4:03
- 8 Batman Theme 1:31
- 9 Sounds From the Street 3:14
- 10 Non‐Stop Dancing 2:28
- 11 Time for Truth 3:10
- 12 Bricks and Mortar 2:37
- 13 All Around the World 2:24
- 14 Carnaby Street 2:23
- 15 The Modern World 2:31
- 16 London Traffic 1:50
- 17 Standards 2:30
- 18 Life From a Window 2:54
- 19 The Combine 2:21
- 20 Don’t Tell Them You’re Sane 3:42
- 21 In the Street Today 1:32
- 22 London Girl 2:42
- 23 I Need You (For Someone) 2:42
- 24 Here Comes the Weekend 3:31
- 25 Tonight at Noon 3:02
- 26 In the Midnight Hour 1:53
Disc 2
- 1 News of the World 3:29
- 2 Aunties and Uncles (Impulsive Youths) 2:33
- 3 Innocent Man 4:18
- 4 David Watts 2:56
- 5 ‘A’ Bomb in Wardour Street 2:38
- 6 Down in the Tube Station at Midnight 4:44
- 7 So Sad About Us 2:38
- 8 The Night 1:47
- 9 All Mod Cons 1:19
- 10 To Be Someone (Didn’t We Have a Nice Time) 2:30
- 11 Mr. Clean 3:29
- 12 English Rose 2:51
- 13 In the Crowd 5:40
- 14 Billy Hunt 3:01
- 15 It’s Too Bad 2:37
- 16 Fly 3:20
- 17 The Place I Love 2:54
- 18 Strange Town 3:48
- 19 The Butterfly Collector 3:09
- 20 When You’re Young 3:14
- 21 Smithers‐Jones 3:01
- 22 The Eton Rifles 3:59
- 23 See‐Saw 2:35
Disc 3
- 1 Girl on the Phone 2:57
- 2 Thick as Thieves 3:40
- 3 Private Hell 3:51
- 4 Little Boy Soldiers 3:33
- 5 Wasteland 2:52
- 6 Burning Sky 3:32
- 7 Smithers‐Jones 3:00
- 8 Saturday’s Kids 2:53
- 9 Heat Wave 2:23
- 10 Going Underground Standout 2:56
- 11 The Dreams of Children 3:08
- 12 Start! 2:31
- 13 Liza Radley 2:32
- 14 Pretty Green 2:37
- 15 Monday 2:59
- 16 But I’m Different Now 1:51
- 17 Set the House Ablaze 5:01
- 18 That’s Entertainment 3:33
- 19 Dream Time 3:54
- 20 Man in the Corner Shop 3:13
- 21 Music for the Last Couple 3:43
- 22 Boy About Town 1:59
- 23 Scrape Away 4:00
Disc 4
- 1 Funeral Pyre 3:30
- 2 Disguises 3:17
- 3 Absolute Beginners 2:50
- 4 Tales From the Riverbank 3:34
- 5 Town Called Malice Standout 2:55
- 6 Precious (12″ version) 5:54
- 7 Happy Together 2:50
- 8 Ghosts 2:11
- 9 Just Who Is the 5 O’Clock Hero? 2:15
- 10 Trans‐Global Express 3:59
- 11 Running on the Spot 3:06
- 12 Circus 2:11
- 13 The Planner’s Dream Goes Wrong 2:19
- 14 Carnation 3:28
- 15 The Gift 3:07
- 16 The Great Depression 2:51
- 17 The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had to Swallow) 3:34
- 18 Pity Poor Alfie / Fever 4:40
- 19 Beat Surrender 3:26
- 20 Shopping 3:22
- 21 Move On Up 3:53
- 22 Stoned out of My Mind 3:20
- 23 War 2:43
Disc 5
- 1 In the City 2:23
- 2 Time for Truth 3:17
- 3 Sounds From the Street 3:19
- 4 So Sad About Us 2:41
- 5 Worlds Apart 1:55
- 6 Billy Hunt (alternate version) 2:59
- 7 It’s Too Bad 2:27
- 8 To Be Someone 2:26
- 9 David Watts 2:45
- 10 Best of Both Worlds 2:03
- 11 That’s Entertainment 3:23
- 12 Rain 2:57
- 13 Dream Time 1:51
- 14 Dead End Street 3:15
- 15 Stand by Me 3:03
- 16 Every Little Bit Hurts 3:17
- 17 Tales From the Riverbank (alternate version) 3:26
- 18 Walking in Heaven’s Sunshine 2:04
- 19 Precious 2:31
- 20 Pity Poor Alfie (Swing version) 4:13
- 21 The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had to Swallow) (first version) 3:17
- 22 A Solid Bond in Your Heart 3:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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