What makes Kings of Punk by Poison Idea notable?

Kings of Punk is regarded as a seminal work in hardcore punk, influencing countless bands that followed. Its raw energy and confrontational themes resonated deeply within the punk community, leading to critical acclaim and establishing Poison Idea as key figures in the genre. The album is noted for its cultural commentary on American society during the mid-1980s. Released in 1986, Kings of Punk was Poison Idea's second studio album, following their debut, Pick Your King. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the hardcore punk scene, known for their intense sound and provocative lyrics. This album marked a step forward in their musical evolution, showcasing tighter arrangements and a more focused attack.

How many songs are on Kings of Punk?

Kings of Punk has 12 tracks, running approximately 26 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Kings of Punk

Poison Idea · 1986

26 min · 12 tracks · hardcore punk

Raw, aggressive riffs collide with unfiltered vocals, embodying the chaotic spirit of 80s hardcore punk.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Lifestyles — This opening track sets the tone with its driving rhythm and caustic lyrics that critique societal norms. Its frenetic energy encapsulates the band's ethos.
→
Cop an Attitude — A standout track that exemplifies the band's defiance and individuality, it features catchy hooks layered over punk aggression, making it memorable.
→
Ugly American — This track delivers a scathing critique of American culture through its blistering pace and sharp lyrical content, showcasing Poison Idea's signature style.
→
Death Wish Kids — With its fast tempo and biting commentary on youth disillusionment, this track reflects the raw emotion and urgency that defines the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's raw energy and aggressive style define its place in hardcore punk, showcasing strong songwriting and cohesion.

What we noticed

The album features short, aggressive tracks averaging around two minutes each, maintaining a relentless pace throughout.
Vocals are delivered with raw intensity, often overlapping with the instrumentation rather than following traditional melodic lines.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, creating a jarring effect that enhances the chaotic energy of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Lifestyles 3:14
2 Short Fuse 1:59
3 God Not God 0:51
4 Ugly American 2:58
5 Subtract 1:40
6 Cop an Attitude 2:25
7 Death Wish Kids 2:15
8 Made to be Broken 2:53
9 Tormented Imp 2:13
10 One by One 2:17
11 Out of the Picture 2:16
12 [unknown] 0:59

What to play next

Listen next

War All the Time

1987

Go back to

Dutch Courage

Full Poison Idea discography Artists like Poison Idea

hardcore punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata