Shot Away
Vice Squad · 1984
56 min · 17 tracks · punk rock
Raucous punk energy collides with sharp, socially-conscious lyrics, encapsulating the fervor of 1980s UK rock culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Take It or Leave It — This track stands out with its anthemic chorus and rebellious spirit, capturing the essence of punk defiance while showcasing the band's signature sound.
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Nowhere to Hide — With its urgent rhythm and poignant lyrics about feeling trapped, this song reflects the socio-political anxieties of the era, making it a vital inclusion.
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Black Sheep — This track combines catchy melodies with incisive commentary on societal exclusion, representing a hallmark of Vice Squad's lyrical strengths.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic punk with socially conscious lyrics, showcasing strong writing but uneven execution.
What we noticed
- The first four tracks maintain a fast tempo, while the fifth introduces a slower, more reflective pace that contrasts sharply with the preceding energy.
- The lyrics consistently address social issues, with each song presenting a distinct narrative or perspective, enhancing thematic cohesion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- raw energy for rebellious spirits
- short bursts of defiant anthems
- for energetic gatherings
- punchy tracks with urgency
- cathartic release through loudness
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of slow, melodic sounds
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Shot Away was Vice Squad's second studio album, following their debut, No Cause for Concern, released in 1982. The band was solidifying their presence in the UK punk scene, having gained attention through extensive touring and a reputation for their politically charged music. This release marked a critical moment as they sought to build on their initial success and establish their identity amidst the evolving punk landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Adverts· X-Ray Spex· Buzzcocks
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 New Blood 3:43
- 2 Take It or Leave It 4:07
- 3 Out in the Cold 3:10
- 4 Nowhere to Hide 4:10
- 5 You'll Never Know 3:32
- 6 Rebels and Kings 2:52
- 7 Playground 1:52
- 8 The Rest of Your Life 3:33
- 9 What's Going On? 3:44
- 10 Killing Time 3:13
- 11 Teenage Rampage 3:37
- 12 Black Sheep 2:39
- 13 The Times They Are a Changin' 2:13
- 14 High Spirits 2:23
- 15 New Blood (version) 5:40
- 16 The Pledge 3:44
- 17 Nothing 1:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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