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Direction Reaction Creation

The Jam · 1997

352 min · 117 tracks · new wave

A dynamic compilation of punk-infused mod anthems that pulsate with youthful energy and sharp social commentary.

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Top tracks — play these first

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In the City Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Town Called Malice — This track stands out for its upbeat tempo juxtaposed with lyrics that critique economic hardship, encapsulating the band's blend of catchy melodies with socially conscious themes.
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That's Entertainment — The song's vivid storytelling about the mundanity of everyday life resonates deeply, making it a timeless reflection on working-class existence in Britain.
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Going Underground — With its driving beat and political undertones, this track became an anthem for disillusioned youth, signaling The Jam's peak in combining punk energy with poignant lyrics.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

youthful energy and spontaneity
short bursts of excitement
sharp social commentary insights
wave-like pacing for engagement
dynamic collection for varied moods

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, cohesive albums
seek slow, introspective tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A compilation that showcases their legacy but isn't a primary entry point.
Themes: working-class struggle· economic hardship· everyday monotony
Career context: By the time 'Direction Reaction Creation' was released in 1997, The Jam had disbanded a decade earlier, leaving behind a powerful legacy. This album compiles their iconic tracks, showcasing their evolution from a local band into one of the principal architects of the mod revival and post-punk movements in the UK.
Stylistic neighbors: The Clash· The Specials· Buzzcocks

New to The Jam? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

1 In the City Start here 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 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 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 Start here 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

What to play next

The Gift

The Gift

1982

Continues the energetic sound with fresh themes and melodies.

Collection

Collection

1996

Sets the stage with a broad selection of their work leading to this compilation.

Full The Jam discography Where to start with The Jam Artists like The Jam

mod revival new wave

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

London Calling

London Calling

The Clash

Shares sharp social commentary and punk energy, with a focus on working-class struggles.

Cool for Cats

Cool for Cats

Squeeze

Combines witty lyrics about everyday life with catchy melodies, reflecting similar themes of monotony.

Different Class

Different Class

Pulp

Explores class struggle and societal observations with a blend of wit and infectious rhythms.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata