What makes Greatest Hits Vol. II by Cockney Rejects notable?

This compilation not only showcases the band's most potent tracks but also highlights their influence on the oi! punk genre, shaping the sound of working-class rebellion. The album received significant attention and is often credited with helping to popularize the oi! subculture, which would continue to evolve throughout the 1980s. Released in January 1980, Greatest Hits Vol. II marked a pivotal moment for the Cockney Rejects as they transitioned from underground icons to mainstream recognition within the punk scene. Following their debut album, the band solidified their role as leading figures in the oi! movement, appealing to a burgeoning audience while still remaining rooted in their gritty origins.

Who is Greatest Hits Vol. II for?

Greatest Hits Vol. II works well if you're into short bursts of defiance, group sing-alongs with friends and high-energy party atmosphere.

How many songs are on Greatest Hits Vol. II?

Greatest Hits Vol. II has 23 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Greatest Hits Vol. II

Cockney Rejects · 1980

63 min · 23 tracks · punk rock

Raw, anthemic punk energy collides with streetwise lyrics, encapsulating the spirit of London's working-class youth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Oi Oi Oi — This track serves as a rallying cry for the working class, embodying the raw ethos of the oi! scene with its infectious chant and driving beat.
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We Are the Firm — A quintessential anthem that captures the band's defiant spirit, this song's lyrics reflect camaraderie and pride among fans and followers of their movement.
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Hate of the City — In this track, the Cockney Rejects articulate frustrations with urban life, combining gritty imagery with an aggressive musical backdrop that resonates deeply with listeners.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short bursts of defiance
group sing-alongs with friends
high-energy party atmosphere
raw emotion and urgency
nostalgic working-class anthems

Maybe skip if you

slow, introspective listening sessions
prefer polished, refined sound

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1980, Greatest Hits Vol. II marked a pivotal moment for the Cockney Rejects as they transitioned from underground icons to mainstream recognition within the punk scene. Following their debut album, the band solidified their role as leading figures in the oi! movement, appealing to a burgeoning audience while still remaining rooted in their gritty origins.
Stylistic neighbors: Sham 69· The Business· GBH

Tracklist

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

1 War on the Terraces 2:36
2 In the Underworld 2:45
3 Oi Oi Oi 3:23
4 Hate of the City 3:03
5 With the Boys (On Tour) 2:18
6 Urban Guerilla 2:11
7 The Rocker 2:29
8 The Greatest Cockney Rip-Off 2:08
9 Sitting in a Cell (with You) 2:47
10 On the Waterfront 3:53
11 We Can Do Anything 2:32
12 It's Alright 2:20
13 Subculture 1:24
14 Blockbuster 4:48
15 I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles 3:25
16 West Side Boys 1:41
17 15 Nights 2:21
18 We Are the Firm 3:41
19 Here We Go Again 3:47
20 The Greatest Cockney Rip-Off (BBC session) 2:01
21 15 Nights (BBC session] 2:33
22 I Wanna Be a Star (BBC session) 2:19
23 Blockbuster (BBC session) 3:26

What to play next

Listen next

Greatest Hits Volume 1

1980

Full Cockney Rejects discography Artists like Cockney Rejects

oi!

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata