What does Is It a Dream? sound like?

An eclectic blend of gothic rock and new wave, infused with psychedelic pop and punk energy. Rooted in new wave and post-punk. Start with "Is It a Dream (Wild West Express mix)".

Is Is It a Dream? a good place to start with The Damned?

Yes, Is It a Dream? is recommended as a starting point for new The Damned listeners. An eclectic blend of gothic rock and new wave, infused with psychedelic pop and punk energy. By 1985, The Damned had transitioned from their punk roots into more experimental sounds. 'Is It a Dream?' was their sixth studio album, released after the commercial success of 'Strawberries' in 1982, marking a further exploration of electronic elements and live recordings.

Who is Is It a Dream? for?

Is It a Dream? works well if you're into theatrical energy for live settings, short bursts of intense emotion and gradual build towards climactic conclusion.

How many songs are on Is It a Dream??

Is It a Dream? has 5 tracks, running approximately 22 minutes.

Is It a Dream?

The Damned · 1985

22 min · 5 tracks · new wave

An eclectic blend of gothic rock and new wave, infused with psychedelic pop and punk energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Is It a Dream (Wild West Express mix) Start here — This title track encapsulates the album's experimental nature with its atmospheric synths and haunting vocals, showcasing The Damned's evolution beyond traditional punk.
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Street of Dreams (live) — As a standout live performance, this track captures the band's raw energy and charisma on stage, making it a testament to their crowd-pleasing abilities.
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Pretty Vacant (live) — This classic track reimagined in a live setting highlights the band's iconic status within the punk genre and their ability to engage audiences, even years after its original release.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

theatrical energy for live settings
short bursts of intense emotion
gradual build towards climactic conclusion
immersive experience with front-loaded intensity

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, drawn-out pieces
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases a blend of genres, marking a departure from their earlier punk sound.
Themes: gothic landscapes· post-punk identity crisis· theatrical nightscapes
Career context: By 1985, The Damned had transitioned from their punk roots into more experimental sounds. 'Is It a Dream?' was their sixth studio album, released after the commercial success of 'Strawberries' in 1982, marking a further exploration of electronic elements and live recordings.
Stylistic neighbors: Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Cure· Bauhaus