Is Not of This Earth a good place to start with The Damned?

Yes, Not of This Earth is recommended as a starting point for new The Damned listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of punk energy and gothic atmospheres, echoing the band’s eclectic influences and experimental tendencies. Upon releasing 'Not of This Earth' in 1996, The Damned were navigating a phase of reinvention after a decade-long hiatus. This album marked their first studio release since 1987's 'Anything', showcasing a return to form that combined their punk roots with new wave sensibilities.

Who is Not of This Earth for?

Not of This Earth works well if you're into steady energy for focused listening, introspective moments for reflection and punchy tracks for quick enjoyment.

How many songs are on Not of This Earth?

Not of This Earth has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Not of This Earth

The Damned · 1996

44 min · 12 tracks · new wave

A kaleidoscopic blend of punk energy and gothic atmospheres, echoing the band’s eclectic influences and experimental tendencies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Need a Life Start here — This opening track sets an urgent tone with its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the band's punk roots while hinting at their melodic evolution.
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Testify — With its catchy hooks and energetic pace, this track exemplifies the band's ability to merge punk rock urgency with accessible melodies, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Running Man — The song features a more complex arrangement and lyrical depth, showcasing The Damned's willingness to experiment while still delivering powerful rock anthems.
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Heaven... Can Take Your Lies — This track highlights the band's gothic rock influences with atmospheric instrumentation and haunting vocals, representing a darker side of their sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a mix of punk energy and gothic elements, reflecting The Damned's evolving sound.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, blending punk guitar riffs with atmospheric keyboards and backing vocals.
The lyrics often explore themes of existentialism and personal struggle, adding depth to the energetic sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

steady energy for focused listening
introspective moments for reflection
punchy tracks for quick enjoyment
gothic melodies with emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
want longer, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a shift in sound as the band reinvents itself post-hiatus.
Themes: alienation in suburbia· post-punk introspection· deceptive relationships
Career context: Upon releasing 'Not of This Earth' in 1996, The Damned were navigating a phase of reinvention after a decade-long hiatus. This album marked their first studio release since 1987's 'Anything', showcasing a return to form that combined their punk roots with new wave sensibilities.
Stylistic neighbors: Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Cure· Bauhaus

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

My Desire

The narrative shifts from personal longing to broader existential questions, creating a tension between desire and reality.

This shift in perspective not only enhances the emotional weight of the song but also reflects the album's exploration of human experience in a chaotic world.