Is Machine Gun Etiquette a good place to start with The Damned?

Yes, Machine Gun Etiquette is recommended as a starting point for new The Damned listeners. A frenetic blend of punk energy and theatrical flair that challenges norms with its raw, confrontational spirit. Released in January 1977, Machine Gun Etiquette was The Damned's second studio album, following their influential debut. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a blend of punk rock with new wave and psychedelic influences. At this point, the band was solidifying its status in the UK punk scene and exploring more complex themes and musical arrangements.

Who is Machine Gun Etiquette for?

Machine Gun Etiquette works well if you're into frenetic bursts of energy, sardonic wit and humor and dynamic peaks and valleys.

How many songs are on Machine Gun Etiquette?

Machine Gun Etiquette has 16 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Machine Gun Etiquette

The Damned · 1977

52 min · 16 tracks · new wave

A frenetic blend of punk energy and theatrical flair that challenges norms with its raw, confrontational spirit.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Love Song Start here — This track captures the essence of youthful rebellion with its catchy melody and sharp lyrics, serving as an anthem for disillusioned youth.
→
Machine Gun Etiquette — The title track exemplifies the band's aggressive yet melodic style, featuring rapid-fire rhythms that encapsulate the chaotic spirit of punk.
→
Smash It Up, Part 1 — This energetic anthem's call to action encapsulates the defiance central to punk culture, making it a rallying cry for listeners seeking liberation.
→
Noise, Noise, Noise — The track blends frantic instrumentation with biting social commentary, showcasing The Damned's knack for marrying chaos with thought-provoking lyrics.
→
Anti-Pope — With its irreverent title and satirical lyrics, this song critiques authority while demonstrating the band's willingness to provoke controversy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting with energetic performances, though its cohesion is affected by varied tempos and styles.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Love Song', and maintains a fast tempo through the first half, before slowing down slightly in the second half.
Tracks like 'Smash It Up' are divided into two parts, creating a dynamic shift in energy and allowing for both frenetic and melodic moments.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

frenetic bursts of energy
sardonic wit and humor
dynamic peaks and valleys
short tracks for quick engagement
for upbeat gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, reflective music
dislike chaotic listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Significant evolution in sound, often cited as a standout punk era album.
Themes: punk rebellion· late '70s chaos· anti-establishment humor
Career context: Released in January 1977, Machine Gun Etiquette was The Damned's second studio album, following their influential debut. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a blend of punk rock with new wave and psychedelic influences. At this point, the band was solidifying its status in the UK punk scene and exploring more complex themes and musical arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors: Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Cure· Bauhaus