What makes Setting Sons by The Jam notable?

'Setting Sons' is significant for its critical reception, often regarded as one of The Jam's best works. It features the classic single 'The Eton Rifles,' which reached No. 3 on the UK charts, reflecting the band's cultural impact and resonating themes of class struggle during the late 1970s. Released on November 17, 1979, 'Setting Sons' was The Jam's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough success with 'All Mod Cons.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as a leading force in the UK punk and new wave scenes, showcasing their evolution in sound and lyrical depth.

Who is Setting Sons for?

Setting Sons works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove throughout, sharp social commentary themes and catchy melodies for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Setting Sons?

Setting Sons has 19 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Setting Sons

The Jam · 1979

57 min · 19 tracks · new wave · punk · mod revival

A vibrant blend of punk energy and mod revival, infused with sharp social commentary and catchy melodies.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove throughout
sharp social commentary themes
catchy melodies for sing-alongs
for group listening sessions
reflective moments during commutes

Maybe skip if you want

prefer instant gratification tracks
avoid lyrical depth and nuance

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on November 17, 1979, 'Setting Sons' was The Jam's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough success with 'All Mod Cons.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as a leading force in the UK punk and new wave scenes, showcasing their evolution in sound and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: The Clash· The Specials· Buzzcocks

Tracklist

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

1 Girl on the Phone 2:55
2 Thick as Thieves 3:39
3 Private Hell 3:50
4 Little Boy Soldiers 3:24
5 Wasteland 2:51
6 Burning Sky 3:30
7 Smithers-Jones 3:00
8 Saturday’s Kids 2:52
9 The Eton Rifles 3:58
10 Heat Wave 2:23
11 Strange Town 3:48
12 When You’re Young 3:12
13 Smithers‐Jones (single version) 2:59
14 See‐Saw 2:33
15 Going Underground 2:54
16 The Dreams of Children 3:07
17 So Sad About Us 2:37
18 Hey Mister 1:51
19 Start 2:29

What to play next

Listen next

Sound Affects

1980

Go back to

All Mod Cons

1978

Full The Jam discography Artists like The Jam

mod revival new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata